Halifax: Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu From Some of the
Best in the World
Jake Mackenzie School of Jiu Jitsu is bringing an authentic and world class training experience to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Experience an open and positive learning environment where you can reach your maximum potential.
Get the Chance to Learn From 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.
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 (single sex or co-ed available), while teaching you the right techniques to improve your game.
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.
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.
Meet Your Instructors
Jake MacKenzie and Melissa Britez Costa
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 Costa
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.
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Programs
Come join our world class instructors and learn from Canada’s most decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi) competitor ever.
Beginner
Pre-Registration Open Now
Our pre-registration for beginner classes is now open. We look forward to starting you off on your Jiu Jitsu journey with the best quality training in a safe, fun, and very beginner friendly atmosphere.
Intermediate
Pre-Registration Open Now
Our pre-registration for our intermediate classes is now open. Take your Jiu Jitsu to the next level with instructors that have coached and competed at the highest level.
Kids
Registration Open Now
Our kids program is launching on May 1st with only 20 spots available. Registration is now open. Group ages 6 – 9 y/o and 10 – 14 y/o. Benefits of BJJ for kids include increase of confidence, focus and self-esteem.
“Jake MacKenzie has one of the best half guards in the world.”
Ryan HallUFC Competitor, BJJ Instructor
“Jake is known for having a world-class half-guard game. He has the most in-depth system of them all.”
Keenan CorneliusBJJ World Champion, Instructor
“Jake is something rare in Jiu Jitsu. He is a top level, successful competitor, a very good teacher, and an all around amazing person.“
Gabriel RainhoGFteam European Coordinator
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Schedule & Classes
Check our schedule to book a class today.
Where We Are Located
You can find us at 6430 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax, B3K 2S3
Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
- Call Us at (902) 580-9594
- Email Us at [email protected]
- (902) 580-9594
- [email protected]
Fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Gym Rules & Etiquette
- Leave your ego at the door and be respectful to others.
- Be on time for class. Arrive 10 minutes before class to be in your gi and ready to bow in on time.
- If you are late for class, please wait outside the mat until the instructor waves you in to join the class.
- No shoes on the mats.
- Make sure to use sandals or flip flops when off the mats.
- Please avoid talking while instructor is teaching or demonstrating.
- Keep finger and toenails cut short at all times, hands and feet must be clean (We have nail clipper available if required).
- Rash guards or t shirt under gi tops for men and women.
- Remove all jewelery and piercings before class. No metal objects are to be worn on the mats.
- Be gracious in victory and defeat – Don’t talk about submitting someone and don’t make excuses when submitted.
- Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe environment when training.
- Show courtesy before and after each sparring session.
- Respect those you train with and your instructors. Rank is a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Respect the training facility, instructors and the time devoted to the art.
- No patches or logos of other gyms on uniforms. With exception to Gfteam affiliate schools.
- Absolutely no flying guard pulls or flying submission in any training sessions on any level. ****
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to wear for my first class?
Wear shorts and a t-shirt or any comfortable workout clothes, if you do not have a uniform (gi) yet. For your free trial it is not mandatory to wear a gi. We will have uniforms (gis) on site, available for purchase.
What can I expect at my first class
After booking your free trial, you will meet with one of the instructors 15 minutes prior to your first class. He/she will give you a tour of the gym and explain how the classes run.
What is next after I book my free trial?
Once you sign up for your free trial, you will have access to one week of free instruction. During the free trial you can attend any of our classes that are suitable for your experience level.
How many times a week should I train?
For beginners 2- 3 times per week is optimal. Many practitioners often choose to train 3-4 times per week after the first couple of months.
I am a woman. Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for me?
Absolutely! Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective forms of self-defense. It was designed for a smaller person to be able to defend against a much larger opponent. It is a great tool for women to have to be able to defend themselves in any type of situation.