Yamasaki Potomac Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Yamasaki Potomac Brazilian Jiu Jitsu traces its roots to a family legacy that began in São Paulo with the Yamasaki brothers, Shigueto and Shigueru, who learned the art under their father and later trained with Master Ryuzo Ogawa. The family opened their first school in the early 1950s, maintaining the use of Judo terminology before the widespread adoption of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu nomenclature. Today, the Potomac academy carries forward this tradition under the guidance of Head Instructor Morgann Paraskevas, a 5th-degree black belt with a competitive pedigree that includes multiple Pan American and European championships as well as World Championship medals. The instruction at Yamasaki Potomac focuses on detailed technique, discipline, and student safety, blending traditional fundamentals with modern competitive strategies. Classes are structured to accommodate a range of abilities, from beginner to advanced, and include both kids and adult programs. The curriculum integrates live sparring and competition preparation alongside strength and conditioning exercises designed to develop the whole athlete. Individual goals are emphasized, with instructors tailoring guidance to each student’s progression and aspirations. Students at Yamasaki Potomac train primarily in gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a schedule that supports drop-in participation and welcomes practitioners of all ages. The facility is wheelchair accessible, reflecting the academy’s attention to inclusivity. Whether developing foundational skills in the kids’ program or refining advanced techniques for competition, the academy maintains a steady focus on cultivating technical proficiency and mental resilience within a structured training environment.

Amenities