Pagano BJJ

Pagano BJJ is led by Professor Mike Pagano, a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under John Veloso Ouano and a Charles County deputy sheriff with a background as an Army veteran and retired professional MMA fighter. Alongside co-owner Tara Pagano, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and accomplished competitor, the school reflects their combined experience in law enforcement, military service, and mixed martial arts. The instructors bring a practical, combative perspective to training, emphasizing fundamentals rooted in effective self-defense and competition readiness. Classes at Pagano BJJ include gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for both adults and children, with dedicated sessions for beginners to advanced practitioners. The schedule also incorporates MMA and no-gi grappling with strikes, reflecting the founders’ MMA backgrounds. Open mat sessions are available regularly to supplement structured classes, providing students additional time to drill techniques and spar. The academy operates two locations in southern Maryland, one in Bryans Road and another in La Plata, with programs designed to accommodate a range of training needs, including foundational no-gi classes and youth instruction starting around age five. The gym’s approach is shaped by its leadership’s practical experience in combatives and competition, supporting students who want to develop technical skill alongside physical conditioning. There is no contract requirement for tuition, which is offered on a month-to-month basis with options for one, two, or unlimited classes per week. The facility is wheelchair accessible and welcomes drop-ins, maintaining an environment where training is accessible to a broad spectrum of practitioners.

Amenities