Meet the Instructors

Biography

Danilo Cherman is a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under André “Dede” Pederneiras of Nova União and a pioneer of the team’s MMA program. Born and raised in Brazil, Danilo began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts at the age of 14 under Pederneiras. He progressed through the ranks at Nova União and was promoted to black belt by Pederneiras in August 2003. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, Danilo established himself as one of Nova União’s standout athletes. He is a three-time CBJJO World Champion, winning the World Cup at the purple, brown, and black belt levels, and has earned numerous titles throughout his career, including Brazilian Nationals, Rio de Janeiro State Championships, and multiple IBJJF Open titles. He has also earned two IBJJF Pan American bronze medals. Danilo was also an accomplished professional MMA fighter and one of Nova União’s early representatives in the sport. Competing professionally from 2001 through 2010, he amassed a 10-4 record, earning six of his victories by submission. His career took him to respected promotions including Shooto in Japan and Brazil, Cage Rage in the United Kingdom, Fury FC, and Ring of Combat. His MMA career helped shape the well-rounded approach to martial arts that continues to influence his coaching today. In 2009, Danilo moved to the United States with the goal of eventually building an academy of his own. From 2009 to 2017, he continued to train, teach, and coach, sharing his knowledge and experience with students while laying the foundation for his own academy. In 2017, he and his wife, Jessica, opened the first Jitsu Academy in Wallingford, Connecticut. In 2022, they moved their family to South Carolina and opened Jitsu Academy SC in Columbia. While Danilo has dedicated much of his career to teaching and coaching, he remains an active competitor today, continuing to test himself on the mats and lead by example. His commitment to competition reflects the same drive and discipline that have defined his life in martial arts since he first began training as a teenager.  Today, Danilo is passionate about teaching anyone who is willing to learn, whether they aspire to compete at the highest level, train as a hobby, or are just beginning their journey as a child. He believes Jiu-Jitsu has something to offer everyone, teaching discipline, confidence, resilience, humility, and perseverance both on and off the mats. His vision for Jitsu Academy is rooted in creating a team that functions like a family—where students of all ages and experience levels can learn, grow, challenge themselves, and support one another.

Titles & Achievements

• Retired MMA Fighter (10-4)
• 3x CBJJO World Champion (2000, 2001, 2003)
• 2x IBJJF Pan American Bronze Medalist
• IBJJF American Nationals Bronze Medalist
• IBJJF Boston Open Champion
• IBJJF Boston Open Champion
• IBJJF NY Open Champion
• IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion
• IBJJF Charleston Open Champion
• IBJJF Charleston Open Absolute Champion
• IBJJF New Haven Open Champion
• IBJJF New Haven Open Absolute Champion
• IBJJF Charlotte Open Champion
• IBJJF Charlotte Absolute Champion

Biography

Jessica Cherman has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA since 2010. A second-degree black belt under Danilo, Jessica has built an impressive competitive career of her own, becoming a highly accomplished IBJJF competitor at the black belt level. She is an IBJJF World Master Champion and a three-time IBJJF Pan American Champion, along with numerous additional titles and medals throughout her career. She continues to compete at the highest level, testing herself regularly against some of the best athletes in the sport. Alongside her own competition, Jessica has spent her Jiu-Jitsu career teaching and coaching alongside Danilo. She successfully built the largest women’s team in Connecticut before moving to South Carolina, where she has since created and grown a thriving women’s program. Her heart is in empowering women both in life and in Jiu-Jitsu, helping them become stronger, more confident, and comfortable challenging themselves while working toward their fitness and personal goals. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine from Southern Connecticut State University and graduated from Goodwin College’s Nursing Program as a Registered Nurse (RN). She and Danilo have two children, and Jessica recently stepped away from her nursing career to homeschool their children while continuing to work full-time at the gym. Today, Jessica is passionate about sharing her love of Jiu-Jitsu with others and helping students of all ages and experience levels find a community where they can grow. Whether coaching adults, teaching kids, welcoming a new student, or working with the women’s program, Jessica brings the same dedication and encouragement that have defined her own journey on the mats.

Titles & Achievements

• 1x IBJJF World Master Champion
• 3x IBJJF Pan American Champion
• 3x IBJJF World Master Silver Medalist
• 1x World Master Absolute Medalist
• 1x IBJJF Pan American Silver Medalist
• 1x IBJJF Pan American Absolute Silver Medalist
• 5x IBJJF NY Open Champion
• 2x IBJJF NY Open Absolute Champion
• 3x IBJJF Boston Open Champion
• 1x IBJJF New Haven Open Champion
• 3x IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion
• 2x IBJJF Atlanta Open Absolute Champion
• 2x IBJJF Charleston Open Champion
• 1x IBJJF Charleston Open Champion
• 2x IBJJF Charlotte Open Champion
• 2x IBJJF Charlotte Open Absolute Champion