OUR ORGANIZATION
New Orleans Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the oldest and largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in New Orleans. With over 12 black belts at four locations throughout the metro area, we are home to over 300 students locally and host to innumerable visitors from around the world.
The School had its humble beginnings during the late 90’s as a small group of Jiu Jitsu enthusiasts who gathered in a friend’s garage to exchange “rolls” and grappling knowledge. Following the flooding, as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Professors Matthias Meister moved the school to its flagship location on Magazine Street. They adopted the “X”, marked by search and rescue crews on hurricane-ravaged properties, as the school’s logo: emblematic not only of survival, but the community’s resilience and power to persevere amidst the circumstances.
Much like the city in which we reside, our school has weathered many storms and iterations, still evolving and growing into our own unique culture and style. Just as our city has adopted cultural practices via a rich international history, so too our Jiu-Jitsu is a unique blend of styles and practices that distinctly creates New Orleans Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
HEAD INSTRUCTORS
We have an incredible team at Nola BJJ. Our instructors are dedicated to making you feel safe and providing the best learning experience possible, no matter if you’re a newcomer to this sport or an accomplished Jiu Jitsu Practitioner . Come train with us and see why we are the premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu organization in New Orleans.
MAtthias Meister
Owner and head Instructor at NOLA BJJ, has been training in Jiu Jitsu since the mid 90’s. He is a NAGA champion, Pan American BJJ champion and IBJJF Masters World Champion at the Black Belt level. Originally trained as a Judoka, growing up in Switzerland, Matthias received his Black Belt in BJJ from Carlos Gracie Jr in 2009, receiving his 4th degree in 2023.
Jon Butts
Jon has been training and coaching BJJ for over ten years, receiving his black belt in 2020. In addition to being the head No-Gi instructor, Jon is the program director for the kids classes Uptown. He believes in helping kids be the best version of them selves right now, while also giving them the foundational tools to continue being the best version of themselves as they grow. You can also find him teaching or performing with Two Friends Improv Theatre, of which he is a co-owner.
“DOC” EDDIE
“Doc” Eddie has competed both nationally and internationally, bringing gold to New Orleans from Rio in 2007. A native of NOLA, Eddie saves lives as an ER doctor by day, but is also known for administering poison on the mat. Doc Eddie also received his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. and received his 4th degree in 2023.
ROGERIO DA SILVA
Better known as “Mestre Cocada”, Rogerio is the owner of our Mid-City location and a practicing Capoeirista, his first love is training and teaching the Brazilian Martial Art of Capoeira. Mestrando began his BJJ journey after arriving in NOLA, receiving his black belt in 2016.
juan Cardona
Bio coming soon…
CHARLES HAYMON
Owner of NOLA BJJ Metairie, Charles is an IBJJF champion at the brown and black belt levels. He has competed nationally and internationally in BJJ, Judo and Sambo. Charles received his black belt in BJJ in 2015.
RAY LOPEZ
Co-Owner of NOLA MMA, Ray Lopez is a current, high level competitor, coach and instructor in the sports of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA (current BNO Flyweight Champion). Ray is a Muay Thai striker, wrestler, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt.
stephen link
Bio coming soon…
gavin murray
Gavin began BJJ while in his teens under Professor Matthias Meister. An accomplished wrestler and MMA fighter, Gavin brings much of the sport to his practice of BJJ. Gavin received his black belt in 2015 and continues to teach private and group classes Uptown when not saving lives for the NOLA Fire Dept.
Caroline Vanek
Caroline Vanek, a New Orleans native and Louisiana’s first female black belt, began her BJJ journey in 1998. NOLA BJJ is her home, and her training partners are family. After Katrina, she and her teammates trained in someone’s garage while New Orleans slowly recovered and NOLA BJJ searched for a new home. On June 15, 2013, she earned her black belt. She has not only witnessed the evolution of the sport, she’s been an integral part of it. When she started training, she was the only female for years and toughed it out with the guys in the gym and in competition. She is a Girls in Gis ambassador and is passionate about fostering the growth of the female BJJ community.
ANDRE FOLSE
Andre is a native New Orleanian who has been training martial arts since he was 19. He started with Muay Thai in 2006 and BJJ in 2010, and has been teaching since 2012. Along the way he has dabbled and competed in Muay Thai, BJJ, and other martial arts including eskrima, Filipino boxing, Jeet Kune Do, Kung Fu, Kajukenbo, Taekwondo, Boxing, Judo, and Sambo. His true passion remains in teaching and being part of the gym. Andre received his BJJ black belt in 2022 from professor Matthias Meister and will continue to learn and teach as long as he is able.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Trying any martial arts class for the first time can be very scary.
WE UNDERSTAND!
It’s probably a lot more intimidating if you’ve ever seen an MMA/UFC fight, been attacked before or if you are new to this type of training or exercise.
The only thing scarier however, is being in a situation where you may need these skills and don’t have them...
Let’s address a few frequently asked questions that many people have:
Do I need to be in shape?
If you are already in shape, we are going to push you to the limit and beyond. If you’re not - don’t worry! The majority of us aren’t on our first day of class or after a long layoff. Our instructors will tailor every movement to complement your skill level and before you know it, the improvements will be noticeable! The best way to get in shape for this... IS TO DO THIS!
Will I get hurt?
Like any physical activity, there is always risk of injury whether it's yoga, spinning, jogging, or boxing. We pride ourselves on conducting classes in a safe manner, never expecting students to do anything they aren't ready for, and keeping a low injury rate.
What do I wear?
For your first class or any No Gi/kickboxing classes, a t-shirt/rash guard (no tank tops during grappling classes), board shorts/athletic shorts/vale tudo shorts, spats and gi/sweat pants are all acceptable.
Do NOT wear anything with extra pockets, belt loops or baggy fabric. These are dangerous since fingers and toes can get caught in them. Baggy cargo shorts are a common example of what not to wear.
For all Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, a BJJ Gi is required with the corresponding belt. These are available for sale at the academy.
PLEASE NOTE: Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance! Make sure your finger and toe nails are well-groomed. If you have long hair, you’ll want to put it up in a ponytail or bun during class. You should also remove any piercings to prevent injuries. Please wash your training attire before using it again.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves or another against a bigger, stronger, heavier assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground, and then applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent.
Equipment needed. Attire from above, mouthpiece is optional.
What is Wrestling?
Wrestling is a combat sport involving grappling techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is an intensely physical and mental competition, between two competitors who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. There are a wide range of styles with varying rules with both traditionally historic and modern styles. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into MMA and is considered a foremost pillar of the sport.
Equipment needed. Attire from above. Wrestling shoes, mouthpiece and ear guards/wrestling headgear are optional.
Contact Us
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help with any information you may not have already found on our site!
NoLA BJJ
4521 Magazine st.
NEW ORLEANS, LA, 70115
P. 504-250-1760
E. NolaJiuJitsu@gmail.com
START YOUR BJJ
JOURNEY WITH
US TODAY!
If you are ready to join the Nola BJJ Family, our membership plans are as follows:
Nola BJJ Basic Membership (Jiu Jitsu)- $145/month
Nola BJJ Plus Membership (Jiu Jitsu/Judo/Thai-Boxing) - $175/month
Nola BJJ Kids Membership - $120/Month (2 Kids $180/month)
Nolabjj Class Pass, take 10 of our classes of your choice for $170
Private classes available on request ( 1 hour $120)
CLICK BELOW TO SIGN UP FOR ANY OF THESE MEMBERSHIP PLANS!
We also offer a 3 month Intro Membership for $380 (and for all other membership options) CLICK HERE!
Payment for 3 month intro and all other memberships can also be made thru PayPal to nolajiujitsu@gmail.com
Our memberships give you full access to all our locations!