Meet the Instructors
Danilo Cherman
Jessica Cherman
Jessica Cherman
Owner and Founder / Lead Instructor
Jessica Cherman
Jessica Cherman
Jessica Cherman
Co-Owner / BJJ Instructor / Women's BJJ Coach
Danilo Cherman
Black Belt (5th Degree)
It has always been Danilo's dream to open up his own academy, and he finally did it! JITSU Academy was established on September 30, 2017 in Wallingford, CT. Our newest location, Jitsu Academy SC, opened January 8th, 2022 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Titles
Retired MMA Fighter (10-4)
3x CBJJO World Champion (2000, 2001, 2003)
IBJJF Boston Open Champion
IBJJF NY Open Champion
IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion
IBJJF Charleston Open Champion
FULL BIO
Danilo Cherman is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under André Pederneiras of Nova União, and a pioneer for their team in the field of mixed martial arts, having fought in historic promotions such as Shooto (Japan), Fury FC (Brazil) and Cage Rage (UK).
In the competitive sport of Jiu Jitsu, Danilo has conquered titles in many tournaments such as the CBJJO World Cup, CBJJ’s Brasileiro (Brazilian Nationals) and FJJ-Rio’s State Championships, among many others. Danilo has been training in MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the age of 14. Going through the belt system under Pederneiras’ guidance, Danilo was promoted to black belt by the famous Nova União leader in August 2003, shortly after his victory at the World Cup. He moved to the US in 2009 to pursue his dream of having his own Jiu Jitsu school, and has successfully created a team of loyal warriors. After accomplishing his goal in CT, he is now excited to move his wife, Jess, and their two young children, down South to expand his team and continue his dream. Danilo prides himself on his team functioning like a family, helping each other through class and through life. The family like atmosphere Danilo has created, is where people of all walks of life come together to train, learn, and grow.
Jessica Cherman
Black Belt
Jess assists in teaching BJJ classes, and created the biggest Women's BJJ team in CT.
Titles
3x IBJJF World Master Silver Medalist
1x IBJJF Pan American Champion
5X IBJJF NY Open Champion
2X IBJJF NY Open Absolute Champion
3X IBJJF Boston Open Champion
1x IBJJF Charleston Open Champion
FULL BIO
Jessica Cherman, wife of Danilo, has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA since 2010. She is currently a black belt under Danilo, and has become an avid competitor throughout her Jiu Jitsu career. Jess is an IBJJF World’s medalist, 3x Master World’s silver medalist, and has won multiple IBJJF gold medals in her division and the absolute divisions as well.
Jess has successfully created the largest women’s team in Connecticut, where female Jiu Jitsu practitioners are provided with the opportunity to learn and train in a female friendly atmosphere, all while thriving within the sport. And now, she is excited to have this opportunity to start a women's team here in South Carolina! Jess’s heart is for empowering other women, in life and in Jiu Jitsu, helping them achieve their fitness goals, and to discover their inner and outer strength. Jessica has a bachelor’s of science degree in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine from Southern Connecticut State University, and is also a graduate of Goodwin College's Nursing Program. In addition to helping run the academy, Jess currently works as an RN in Columbia, SC.