Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy opens, elevating Kenya’s martial arts scene
The launch event was attended by Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy members and practitioners (young and adults) was also graced by the Ambassador of Brazil to Kenya Silvio Albuquerque, and Brazilian Jiu-JItsu Head Instructor at Kings MMA (Los Angeles, USA) Professor Ricardo Testai
The Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy (NJA) has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s martial arts scene.
The launch event was attended by Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy members and practitioners (young and adults) was also graced by the Ambassador of Brazil to Kenya Silvio Albuquerque, and Brazilian Jiu-JItsu Head Instructor at Kings MMA (Los Angeles, USA) Professor Ricardo Testai.
The guests shared their support for the academy’s mission. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an increasingly important Brazilian cultural export that allows the whole world to see a part of our beautiful country.
It also helps build strong and healthy communities such as the one I am seeing in Nairobi and here today at the Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy,” the ambassador highlighted.
Professor Ricardo Testai, who has been coach of some of the world’s top mixed martial stars and former UFC champions, further emphasised the life-changing impact of the sport, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fosters resilience and focus in everyday life and helps build deep friendship between people from that may otherwise have very little in common. Such bridges are particularly important in our increasingly polarized world today.”
NJA founder Julio DeSouza concluded by stating the gym’s aim to offer top-tier BJJ training and foster a strong local community of athletes in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
With state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors, NJA provides programmes for all ages and skill levels, creating an inclusive environment for both fitness and competition.
NJA’s Kids Programme has currently enrolled over 40 young students from age 4-13 years.
This programme is designed to develop the next generation of champions by instilling essential values while providing specialised classes tailored to different age groups.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was a belt promotion that recognised the hard work and dedication of both young and adult practitioners at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy. This special event celebrated the accomplishments of students who demonstrated perseverance and skill in their training.
The academy also ran a successful Women’s Self-Defense workshops (February 15, 2025) facilitated by Professor Testai and two of Nairobi’s most accomplished female BJJ practitioners: Shiggy Pakter and Salma Abdi (She Defense). The Women’s Self-Defense workshops empowered the women attendees with skills to respond to some of the common physical threats to their well being.
Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, jointly with One Tribe BJJ are sending a team of 14 athletes to represent Kenya at the AJP Continental Championship in Cairo scheduled for February 21-22, 2025 at the iconic Cairo International Stadium.
