Danilo Cherman

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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. 

Retired MMA Fighter (10-4)

3x CBJJO World Champion (2000, 2001, 2003) 

IBJJF Pan American Bronze Medalist

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 

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.

Jess assists in teaching BJJ classes, and created the biggest Women's BJJ team in CT before moving to South Carolina.

1x 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 

2x IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion

2x IBJJF Atlanta Open Absolute Champion

2x IBJJF Charleston Open Champion

1x IBJJF Charleston Open Absolute Champion

2x IBJJF Charlotte Open Champion

2x IBJJF Charlotte Open Absolute Champion  

Jessica Cherman, wife of Danilo, has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA since 2010. She is currently a first degree black belt under Danilo, and has become an avid competitor throughout her Jiu Jitsu career. Jess is an IBJJF Pan Champion, 3x World Master Silver Medalist, World Master Absolute Medalist, and has won multiple IBJJF gold medals in her division and the absolute divisions as well. 

 
Jess 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. She has since started and grown 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 works as an RN in Columbia, SC.