# Estilo Jiu-Jitsu > Washington, United States ## Overview **Name:** Estilo Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** Estilo Jiu Jitsu is Washington DC's premier boutique Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, offering world-class instruction in an ego-free, welcoming environment. Founded by third-degree black belt Luis Pantoja, Estilo represents the evolution of DC's very first BJJ program, which Luis established nearly 20 years ago under the Yamasaki Academy. The academy's training philosophy emphasizes active problem-solving and decision-making over traditional rote memorization. Through positional sparring and specific training scenarios, students develop critical thinking skills alongside technical proficiency. Luis brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience and over two decades of high-level competition experience, with multiple IBJJF Pan-American and World Championship medals. His instruction is rooted in battle-tested techniques and concepts that have proven effective at the highest levels of competition. Located in the Park View neighborhood, Estilo opened its current 900-square-foot facility in late 2021, featuring premium amenities including showers, changing rooms, bike storage, and a members lounge with arcade. The academy maintains intentionally smaller class sizes to provide personalized attention and cultivate a focused training environment. The team is committed to remembering every student's name, offering hands-on guidance, and creating a supportive community where practitioners of all levels can progress safely and effectively. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 770 Park Rd NW #T01 Washington, SC, United States **Phone:** (202) 499-8541 **Website:** https://www.estilojiujitsu.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estilo_jiujitsu - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estilojiujitsu - TikTok: http://twitter.com/estilojiujitsu ## Hours of Operation - Monday: Contact for schedule - Tuesday: Contact for schedule - Wednesday: Contact for schedule - Thursday: Contact for schedule - Friday: Contact for schedule - Saturday: Contact for schedule - Sunday: Contact for schedule ## Pricing ## Instructors ### Luis Pantoja - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Founder and head instructor at Estilo Jiu Jitsu with nearly 20 years of teaching experience and over two decades of high-level competition. Received black belt in 2009 under Mario and Fernando Yamasaki and Francisco Neto of Yamasaki Academy. Started Washington DC's very first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program. Born in Caracas, Venezuela. Degree in Sociology from George Mason University. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. ### Alex D. **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Kids program coach with 3 years BJJ experience. Focuses on incorporating Jiu Jitsu principles in fun, safe environment. ### John G. **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Wrestling coach with background in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling from age 4. Competed at Illinois junior and cadet state tournaments. Teaches offensive takedowns, defensive techniques, and wrestling concepts for Jiu Jitsu. ### Josh Hernandez - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** First-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Judo Black Belt. Originally from Montana, trained extensively around the country. Received black belt from Luiz Palhares. Known for technical and fluid style. ### Sara F. - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Co-founder of Estilo Jiu Jitsu. Focuses on women's and kids classes with collaborative, experimental approach to problem-solving. Documentary film editor. ### Sebastian P. - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Known for being technical while bringing pressure. Leads Striking Fundamentals classes. ### Tracy H. - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Purple belt with background in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Muay Thai. Enjoys analytical and artistic approach to Jiu Jitsu. ## Programs ### Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ program focusing on core techniques and problem-solving through positional sparring. ### Advanced **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Advanced training for experienced practitioners with focus on competition-level techniques. ### Women's Class **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Women-only training focusing on collaborative learning and adaptive techniques. ### Competition Training **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Competition-focused training for athletes preparing for tournaments. ### Wrestling Class **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Wrestling-focused training covering takedowns, defensive techniques, and integration with BJJ. ### Striking Class **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Striking fundamentals for MMA and self-defense applications. ### Kids BJJ (Mighty Mites & Juniors) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Interactive, motivational BJJ classes for ages 4-13. Game-based instruction building discipline, respect, and problem-solving skills. --- **Last Updated:** February 03, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/south-carolina/washington/estilo-jiu-jitsu)