JAKE MACKENZIE SCHOOL OF JIU JITSU
Halifax: Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu From Some of the Best in the World
Experience an open and positive learning environment where you can reach your maximum potential.
Halifax: Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu From Some of the Best in the World
Feedback From Those Who’ve Trained With Us
Here’s what students and families have to say about their experience at Jake MacKenzie School of Jiu Jitsu:
First Name, Last Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.
First Name, Last Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.
First Name, Last Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.
First Name, Last Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.
First Name, Last Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.
WORLD-CLASS INSTRUCTORS
Get the Chance to Learn From Some of the World’s Best in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Jake MacKenzie and his wife, Melissa Britez Costa, have had a tremendous amount of success on the international stage. Both have competed all over the world and medaled at many major competitions. With their combined experience, they’re here to make you better and help you reach your goals.
PROGRAMS FOR ALL LEVELS
Advance Your Skill Level No Matter Your Background or Experience
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced BJJ practitioner, our friendly welcoming atmosphere ensures that you feel comfortable while advancing your skill levels. We do this by keeping classes fun and dynamic, and matching you with the same skill-level partners, while teaching you the right techniques to improve your game.
GET STARTED TODAY
Our Jiu Jitsu Programs
Come join our world class instructors and learn from Canada’s most decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi) competitor ever.
Adult Program
Looking for a BJJ gym that truly supports your journey? Our adult programs are designed for all experience levels—from total beginners to advanced . We focus on solid fundamentals, effective techniques, and structured drills that help you build real skill. You’ll train in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, with world-class coaches who are committed to helping you grow. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or competition, you’ll find your place here.
Kids
Our Kids BJJ Program is built for ages 7 to 14, helping young students grow in confidence, discipline, and athletic ability through the practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With a strong focus on fundamentals, our classes blend technical instruction, movement drills, and sparring to keep kids engaged while they learn real skills. Taught in a safe and supportive environment by experienced coaches, this program encourages focus, respect, and resilience—qualities that benefit your child both on and off the mats.
SCHEDULE
Weekly Class Schedule
Whether you’re brand new or a regular visitor, our weekly schedule has something for everyone.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
World-Class Instructors With Deep Roots in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Jake MacKenzie and Melissa Britez Costa bring decades of elite training, international competition, and authentic experience straight from the birthplace of BJJ to Halifax. Now, they’re here to help you learn, grow, and succeed on and off the mats.
Jake MacKenzie
Head instructor, Jake Mackenzie, is a third-degree black belt under Julio Cesar Pereira. He trained in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 25 years, 10 of those years he lived, trained and competed in the mecca of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Rio de Janeiro.
Jake has competed all over the world and won over 100 gold medals in Brazil alone. Along with his extensive competition career, he was also one of the longtime assistant coaches at the GFTeam headquarters in Rio and has worked coaching and training multiple world champions.
He is the most accomplished Canadian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor ever in the Gi, and has won more tournaments in Brazil than any other foreigner in the history of the sport. He is the only Canadian to ever make the World Professional Championship finals at the adult black belt level.
Jake has taught seminars in over 20 different countries and traveled the world sharing his knowledge and expertise. He has dedicated decades of his life training at some of the best gyms in the world, to acquire the most high-level training possible. He is excited to be returning to his home province of Nova Scotia to share his knowledge and experience with the HRM community..
Melissa Britez
Instructor, Melissa Britez Costa is a black belt under Jake MacKenzie and Julio Cesar Pereira. Melissa has been training for 10 years and has trained the majority of her career at the GFTeam Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
She started competing a couple of years after she began training Jiu Jitsu and was a natural from the start. She has had tremendous success on the international stage, medaling at the World Championships (IBJJF), the World Pro (AJP tour), winning multiple medals at the Pan American Championships and winning Grand Slam titles in Brazil and England. She won almost every major title at the adult level in Brazil throughout her storied color belt career.
Melissa was recently awarded her black belt in 2022 after medaling at every Grand Slam event that she competed in that year. She is also excited to be working in the HRM community to share her expertise with her students.
PHOTO GALLERY
Real Training, Real Community
Take a look inside our gym and you’ll see more than just technique—you’ll see teammates who push each other, friendships being built, and a welcoming space where everyone feels at home.
GET STARTED TODAY
Start Your Free Trial Today and Take the First Step
Whether you’re new to Jiu Jitsu or aiming to compete, we’re here to help you grow with world-class coaching and a welcoming atmosphere.