Competition Team Jiu-Jitsu in Takoma Park
For students who want to test their jiu-jitsu for real. Competition training inside our advanced program, led by champions, at a family-owned GFTeam academy.
Train like it counts
Some students train for fitness. Some for self-defense. And some need to know — honestly, under pressure, against someone trying just as hard — whether their jiu-jitsu works. The WDC BJJ competition team exists for them. Competitors train inside our advanced program at 720 Erie Ave in Takoma Park, and test themselves at IBJJF Opens and local events across the region.
Advanced Sessions
Mixed sessions Monday and Wednesday, advanced sessions Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 PM — Thursday runs No-Gi Drills. This is the competition team's home room.
Advanced Program →Kids Competition Team
An invitational group for young competitors inside our kids program — Friday at 5:00 PM, for kids whose coaches see they're ready.
Kids Program →Open Mat Rounds
No-Gi Open Mat every Saturday at 10:00 AM — live rounds at your pace, the weekly test lab for competition preparation.
See the Schedule →Coached by people who have been there
Professor Deivid Dias
GFTeam black belt, IBJJF Pan American Champion, IBJJF American National Champion, Master Worlds medalist, and GFTeam Hall of Fame member. Deivid built this academy as a competitor first — he knows what a first tournament feels like, what a hard bracket does to your head, and how to prepare a student for both. Our students have stood on podiums at IBJJF Opens and local events, including double gold at NAGA — and every one of them started as a nervous first-timer in this room.
How students grow into competing
There is no tryout and no separate sign-up. You start in the regular program, build your fundamentals, and move into the advanced sessions as your technique grows. When you and your coach agree you're ready, you pick a first event together — the right division, the right level, with a room full of teammates preparing beside you.
How Students Grow Into CompetingCompetition is optional — always
Most WDC BJJ students never compete, and the academy is built for them too. The comp team simply keeps the ceiling high for everyone who trains here.
See All ProgramsYour first class is free.
No experience needed, and no contracts or long-term commitment — just come train. Enrollment includes a free uniform for kids, youth, and adults.
1. Send the free-trial request or call us.
2. We confirm the right class for your age and schedule.
3. Arrive 15 minutes early in athletic clothes.
4. Train in a real group class — then decide with zero pressure.
What our community says
I have been with GFTeam DC for 8 years now, and I am a purple belt. Deivid Dias has been a wonderful instructor and has helped me climb over many obstacles to get to where I am now. It’s because of this school that I have increased my endurance levels, met new people, and have become part of a huge Jiujitsu community where everyone wants each other to succeed.
The atmosphere and community are unlike anywhere else! The coaches and programs are incredible and everyone is welcome! I highly recommend for youth and adults alike!
This gym provides an incredibly welcoming environment for all ages, experience and fitness levels. The lead instructor, Deivid Dias, is an excellent teacher who truly cares about the BJJ competency levels of his students as well as their well-being. He works everyday to maintain a safe and professional atmosphere in the gym. I would highly recommend this gym anyone interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Everything you're wondering
No. Most of our students never compete — they train for fitness, self-defense, and the love of the art. The competition team is there for the students who want to test themselves, and it raises the level of the whole room.
There's no tryout day. Students grow into competing through the regular program: train consistently, move into the advanced sessions, and talk to a coach when you feel ready. Your first tournament is chosen together, at the right level.
Competitors train inside the advanced schedule: mixed sessions Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 PM, advanced sessions Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 PM (Thursday is No-Gi Drills), Friday Adults Gi at 6:00 PM, and No-Gi Open Mat Saturday at 10:00 AM. The Kids Competition Team trains Fridays at 5:00 PM.
Kids Competition Team is an invitational group that trains Fridays at 5:00 PM, inside our kids program. Children are invited when their coaches see the technique, focus, and attitude are ready — competition is earned, never pushed.
Our students test themselves at IBJJF Opens and local events, in both gi and no-gi divisions, from kids through adult and master divisions.
Yes — adult beginners compete for the first time here every season. White-belt divisions exist precisely for that. Train consistently, and when you and your coach agree you're ready, you'll pick a first event together.