# Boa BJJ Academy

> Mechanicsville, United States

## Overview

**Name:** Boa BJJ Academy

**Description:** bOa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an affiliate school of Abmar Barbosa Jiu Jitsu Academy Association, located in Mechanicsville, Virginia. The name 'Boa' comes from Portuguese meaning 'Good,' a philosophy instilled throughout the academy's culture. With official registration with the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), bOa provides certified instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai Kickboxing.

The academy is led by Head Instructor Dan Staats, a 3rd degree black belt under Abmar Barbosa and IBJJF certified black belt. Dan began his training in 2003 and earned his black belt in 2014, continuing to compete actively at the highest levels. His impressive competition record includes multiple IBJJF gold medals at the Charlotte Open, Virginia Open, Atlanta Open, Nashville Open, and bronze medals at the American National Championships. The instruction team also includes black belts Ari Christopoulos, Grayson Mullins (who also holds a purple belt in Judo), Josh Tyler, and multiple accomplished instructors across all disciplines.

With over 30 years of combined experience, the instructors at bOa are dedicated to providing quality instruction in a safe and fun environment for both adults and children. The training philosophy focuses on active drilling, sparring, and endurance conditioning. Programs are offered for all ages and skill levels, from kids' programs starting at age 4 through advanced adult training, including fundamentals classes, competition training, no-gi grappling, and open mat sessions.

**Status:** Active

## Contact Information

**Address:**
8324 Bell Creek Rd St 200
Mechanicsville, VA 23116, United States

**Phone:** +1 804-774-9466

**Email:** boabjjacademy@gmail.com

**Website:** https://boabjj.com/

**Social Media:**
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boabjjacademy/?hl=en

## Instructors


### Dan Staats - Black

**Role:** Head Instructor

**Bio:** Dan began his Jiu Jitsu training in September 2003 receiving his Black Belt in January 2014. He has continued his training and instruction with passion and dedication which he instills in his students' training and mindset. Dan continues to be active in the competition scene. He is a 3rd degree black belt under Abmar Barbosa and a certified black belt with the IBJJF.


### Ari Christopoulos - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Black belt instructor specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing.


### Brian Warabak - Blue

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Blue belt with 1 stripe in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.


### Cameron Landis

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Brown belt in Judo.


### Grayson Mullins - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and purple belt in Judo. Instructor for Muay Thai Kickboxing.


### Joao Lima - Purple

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and black belt in Judo.


### Josh Tyler - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Black belt instructor specializing in wrestling and no-gi grappling. Also teaches Muay Thai Kickboxing.


### Matt Medina - Blue

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Blue belt with 2 stripes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.


## Programs

### Kids BJJ (Ages 4-8)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Fun and educational Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for young children ages 4-8.

**Classes:**

### Kids BJJ (Ages 9-13)

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for pre-teens and teens ages 9-13.

**Classes:**

### BJJ Fundamentals

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ program focusing on core techniques and fundamental movements.

**Classes:**

### BJJ Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training with the gi.

**Classes:**

### No-Gi Grappling

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Grappling without the gi, similar to MMA training and submission wrestling.

**Classes:**

### Muay Thai Kickboxing

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Traditional Muay Thai striking techniques including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

**Classes:**

### Judo

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Japanese martial art focusing on throws, takedowns, and grappling techniques.

**Classes:**

### Wrestling & No-Gi Rolling

**Skill Level:** Intermediate

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Wrestling techniques and situational no-gi rolling for advanced practitioners.

**Classes:**

### Open Mat

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Open mat sessions for members to practice and roll freely.

**Classes:**



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**Last Updated:** March 10, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/virginia/mechanicsville/boa-bjj-academy)