ELEMENT ACADEMY

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu • Muay Thai Kickboxing

Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu is a Martial Arts Academy located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Our team is led by former UFC Fighter and 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Mackens Semerzier. We are proud members of the 'Luiz Palhares Jiu-Jitsu Association' lead by 8th Degree White and Red Belt, Master Luiz Palhares. Master Luiz was promoted to Black Belt in 1984 by Master Rickson Gracie and Grand Master Helio Gracie.


We have a professional and experienced staff with over 30 years of Martial Arts competition and instructor experience.


Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are not only amazingly effective Martial Arts, which gives the smaller and sometimes weaker person a fighting chance against a larger, stronger, and possibly more athletic opponent, it is great for stress relief, fitness, and socialization. Many new students have never tried a physical activity like this and are keen on trying something new. Some are missing the team sports atmosphere of group training and the camaraderie that it builds. Others would like to learn how to defend themselves better against a dangerous attacker situation. We have all of those needs covered at our Martial Arts Academy. 


From beginner enthusiast wanting to get into better physical conditioning and learn self-defense all the way to the experienced Martial Artist on their path to Black Belt; our team has you covered.


ELEMENT ACADEMY OF JIU-JITSU

INSTRUCTOR

Mackens Semerzier

UFC Veteran | BJJ Black Belt

Martial Arts Instructor 

Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu is lead by UFC Veteran Mackens Semerzier.

Professor Mackens is originally from Miami, Florida and is a lifelong Martial Artist. He has taught, competed, and coached at the highest levels of Martial Arts. He has extensive experience in wrestling, boxing, muay thai kickboxing, mixed martial arts, military defensive tactics, and personal self-defense to complement his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. Mackens has been teaching formal classes since 2002, starting with security courses while enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Mackens served for 8 years and reached the rank of Sergeant. While on active duty he spent time as a FAST Company Squad Leader, Forward Observer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and taught Security Courses to young Marines before being Honorably Discharged. After completion of his military service he continued to pursue his Martial Arts passion which allowed him to train, teach, and compete across the world. 

Notable Achievements:

Professor Mackens was awarded his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2013 after only 7 years of dedicated training. In 2022 8th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White and Red Belt, Master Luiz Palhares promoted Mackens to 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. 

Mackens is known for his light hearted personality, sharp technique, and passionate commitment to teaching students of all skill levels.

IT ONLY TAKES A FEW CLICKS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER 

WELCOME TO ELEMENT ACADEMY IN VIRGINIA BEACH

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAMS

Youth

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Adult 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Thai Boxing

(Muay Thai Kickboxing)

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Thai Boxing 

(Muay Thai Kickboxing)

OUR COMMUNITY

LOCATION

ELEMENT ACADEMY

434 Newtown Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE GREAT TO START BUT YOU DO NEED TO START TO BE GREAT

WELCOME TO ELEMENT ACADEMY IN VIRGINIA BEACH

CONTACT US

Hours

Monday - Friday 

5:00PM - 9:00PM

Saturday

12:00PM - 1:00PM

 Sunday 

Closed 

Reach Us

Email

info@elementbjj.com

Phone 

757-515-0231