Team Junqueira Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy for Adults and Children

Team Junqueira Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy for Adults and Children is led by Professor Rodrigo Junqueira, a third-degree black belt who originally hails from São Paulo, Brazil. Rodrigo relocated to the Pittsburgh area in 2004 and earned his black belt under Paulão Rezende in 2009. Over nearly two decades, he has established a strong local presence, coaching students who have competed at the World Championships and Pan American Championships. His instruction emphasizes a blend of solid fundamentals and advanced techniques, reflecting his commitment to bringing authentic Brazilian training methods to western Pennsylvania. Training at Team Junqueira follows a structured progression that serves adults and children alike, with classes designed to develop practical and effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. The academy offers gi and no-gi competition training, incorporating wrestling-based takedown strategies taught by Mike Linza, a black belt with a wrestling background and MMA experience. Open mat sessions are regularly available, allowing students to drill and spar beyond scheduled classes. The academy’s wheelchair-accessible facility spans over 1,000 square feet of mat space and includes amenities such as showers and a waiting area for families. Located in Wexford, just north of Pittsburgh, Team Junqueira operates seven days a week to accommodate a variety of schedules. The school’s connection to the Marcelo Garcia Association informs its technical approach, focusing on efficiency and control rather than flashy moves. This lineage influences the curriculum and the academy’s emphasis on continuous skill development, preparing students both for competition and self-defense scenarios.

Amenities