Manchester Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Bushido BJJ

Manchester Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Bushido BJJ has served Connecticut since 1999, led by founder and head instructor Rob Magao. Magao is a third-degree black belt with over 25 years in law enforcement and SWAT instruction, grounding the academy in both technical jiu-jitsu and practical self-defense. He developed the Officer Survival Series, a specialized program that reflects the academy’s commitment to training law enforcement and first responders alongside civilians. Bushido BJJ’s coaching staff is unusually deep and diverse. Gerry Navara, a third-degree BJJ black belt and judo black belt, brings decades of grappling experience and leads wrestling at Manchester High School. Alex Magao, also a black belt, manages the Manchester location and instructs in knife control concepts. Rich McKeegan, black belt and owner of the Hebron branch, is known for his work with BJJ and autism through Blackbelts for Butterflies. The team also includes instructors with backgrounds in MMA, military service, and traditional jujutsu, such as Jerry Lashway, who holds black belts in five martial arts and has served in both the Army and Air Force. Bushido BJJ is a Pedro Sauer BJJ Certified Academy, reinforcing its technical lineage. The academy offers structured classes for adults in both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a complete MMA program, and dedicated youth classes divided by age (5–7 and 8–13). Law enforcement and first responders can train through the Officer Survival Series, which draws from real-world scenarios. Classes are held at both the Manchester and Hebron locations. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and the wide range of instructors means students benefit from varied perspectives, whether their focus is competition, self-defense, or foundational skills.

Amenities