# Danville Jiu-Jitsu > Danville, United States ## Overview **Name:** Danville Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** Danville Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, & Kickboxing is a premier martial arts academy in the San Francisco East Bay area, offering comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and self-defense programs. Founded in 2012 by Coach Mitch, a black belt under renowned 10x world champion Caio Terra, the gym provides a family-friendly environment where students of all ages and skill levels can develop both physically and mentally. The academy's training philosophy emphasizes building confidence, self-awareness, and resilience through martial arts. With leveled classes designed to support and challenge students at every stage, Danville Jiu Jitsu offers programs for little tykes (ages 4-6), kids and teens (ages 7-15), and adults. The gym also features specialized programs including Executive Jiu Jitsu for busy professionals, Women's Self Defense, and open mat sessions for advanced training. The coaching staff brings over a century of combined experience to the mat. Head instructor Coach Mitch has over 30 years of Jiu Jitsu experience and was awarded his black belt in 2010. The team includes Coach Marty Armendarez, a 3rd degree black belt under Cesar Gracie with 25 years of Muay Thai training and SWAT/law enforcement background; Coach Daniel Ripper, with over 15 years of training experience; Coach Nick Vasallo, a CMAT-certified head instructor for the Muay Thai program; Dennis Nguyen, a black belt and law enforcement defensive tactics instructor; and numerous other skilled instructors including Rick Liu (brown belt), Carl Nastro (black belt), Mike Seto (brown belt in BJJ, black belt in Wing Chun), and several purple belt coaches specializing in kids and women's programs. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 542 San Ramon Valley Boulevard Danville, VA, United States **Phone:** (925) 200-9413 **Email:** danvillejiujitsu@gmail.com **Website:** https://danvillejiujitsu.com/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danvillejiujitsu/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Danvillejiujitsu/ - TikTok: https://twitter.com/danvillejiu ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Tuesday: 3:15 PM - 7:00 PM - Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Thursday: 3:15 PM - 7:00 PM - Friday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ## Pricing ### Drop-in - Adult: $40/class ## Instructors ### Mitch Mitchell - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Over 30 years of Jiu Jitsu experience. Black belt under 10x world champion Caio Terra (awarded 2010). Founded Danville Jiu Jitsu in 2012. Competed at Masters World Championships and multiple professional jiujitsu matches. ### Carl Nastro - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Black belt at Danville Jiu Jitsu. Over 15 years of training. Also coaches his own kids in soccer and baseball. ### Daniel Ripper - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Over 15 years of training experience. Philosophy: Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. Believes in building resilience, respect, and personal growth through martial arts. ### Dennis Nguyen - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 17 years martial arts training. Black belt under Danville Jiu-Jitsu. Competed at national level. Law enforcement officer and defensive tactics instructor for one of the largest Bay Area agencies. ### Faisal Barakat **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Competitor and practitioner since 2010, coach since 2017. Developed discipline, perseverance, and white belt mentality through Jiu Jitsu. Passionate about passing down important lessons while ensuring students enjoy training. ### Geoff Hayden **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Born into wrestling family in Colorado. On mats since age 5. Wrestled two years in college and one year abroad. Trained by Olympic Team runner-up and U.S. Olympic Greco Coach. Head coach at San Ramon Valley since 2007. ### Hannah Ripper - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Purple belt under her black belt father Daniel Ripper. Started at age 5. Trained at national level in wrestling. Creates safe and fun environment to build confidence and skill. ### Marty Armendarez - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 3rd Degree Black Belt under Cesar Gracie. 27 years law enforcement (SWAT, Felony Apprehension). Over 25 years Muay Thai training. Golden Glove Boxer. Placed 5th in International World Competition in Freestyle Wrestling. Held IFC Belt in MMA. ### Mike Seto - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, black belt in Wing Chun with national and international titles. Over 12 years of BJJ training and 26 years in Wing Chun. Adapted techniques for older practitioners. Extensive martial arts background guiding students toward excellence. ### Nick Vasallo **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** CMAT (Certified Martial Arts Teacher) and creator of Muay Thai program at Global Martial Arts University. Tenured professor of music, married with two kids. Composes/sings/plays guitar in bands Antagony and Oblivion. Owns WeNeedMerch.com. ### Reese Hobby - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Purple belt training since age 5. Passionate about teaching private lessons with women & children, and self defense classes. Studying Nutrition at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. ### Rick Liu - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Brown belt under Danville Jiu Jitsu. Main coach for teens and adult gi/nogi. Competed at national and local level (IBJJF, BJJ Tour, Jiu Jitsu World League). Placed second at US Open and NorCal Championship. Meticulous mindset for technique. ### Sami Barakat **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Competitor and practitioner since 2010, coach since 2017. Developed discipline, perseverance through Jiu Jitsu. Background in wrestling. Passionate about teaching important life lessons. ## Programs ### Little Tykes Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Fun and educational BJJ program for children ages 4-6 **Classes:** ### Kids Gi Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for children ages 7-15 in the gi **Classes:** ### Kids No-Gi Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling program for children ages 7-15 **Classes:** ### Teens Gi Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Gi-based Jiu Jitsu program for teenagers **Classes:** ### Adult Gi Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in the gi for adults **Classes:** ### Adult Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Comprehensive Jiu Jitsu program for adults (gi and no-gi) **Classes:** ### Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly program focusing on core BJJ techniques ### Executive Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Flexible program designed for busy professionals ### Muay Thai Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Traditional Muay Thai kickboxing program for adults and teens **Classes:** ### Women's Self Defense **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Self-defense program specifically designed for women ### Wrestling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Wrestling program led by experienced coaches ### Open Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Open mat sessions for all levels to practice techniques **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** February 02, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/virginia/danville/danville-jiu-jitsu)