W E L C O M E T O M E R A K I
Meraki [meh-ra-kee]
Doing something with soul, creativity, or love – and putting “something of yourself” into what you do.
Meraki is a creative expression of the art of Jiu Jitsu. We strive to teach our members to think conceptually and develop their own individual style within a highly supportive and inclusive environment. We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of training in a state of the art facility that reflects our passion for the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu. Meraki was built to maximize the technical, physical, and mental benefits of Jiu Jitsu for every single member.
Adult Gi
Our Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals class is the cornerstone of our program and focuses on the core positions and movements of Jiu Jitsu. We emphasize understanding and mastering these basics, building a strong foundation for growth. Our fundamentals class offers a welcoming environment for all, whether you are a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills. It is the optimal starting point to develop your abilities and deepen your connection to Jiu Jitsu.
No-Gi
Our No-Gi class blends fundamental techniques with a fast-paced, dynamic approach, emphasizing agility and quick decision-making. Students explore advanced submissions while focusing on their effective execution and understanding in live situations.
Kids
Our younger kids' Jiu Jitsu classes are specially designed for children aged 5 to 9, focusing on introducing kids to the basic moves and concepts of Jiu Jitsu.
For our older kids, aged 10 to 15, the classes go beyond basic techniques, teaching advanced Jiu-Jitsu strategies, competition rules, point-scoring systems, and more.
The Academy
Meraki was co-founded in 2017 by Jason, who was the principal driver of the vision for what Meraki would become.
Jason's journey started with training Judo as a youth in Texas, obtaining a black belt in 1999. That led him to discover Jiu Jitsu, which he started in the late 90s under Carlos Machado in Texas.
Parallel to Jiu Jitsu, Jason started a career at Vidal Sassoon that ultimately took him to become the creative director for the iconic global luxury hairdresser out of Los Angeles. At the same time, Jason continued to evolve his Jiu Jitsu through training with Jean Jacques Machado, Romulo Barral, Lucas Leite, and others in the area through 2007.
That year, Jason decided to dedicate himself fully to Jiu Jitsu, quit his role at Vidal Sassoon, and moved to Brazil to train as the only American in a small team under Ramon Lemos, one of the most renowned coaches in the sport. That team comprised an unparalleled group of world champions, whose innovative approach would usher in a new era of modern Jiu Jitsu, including Rafa and Gui Mendes, Andre Galvao, and Gilbert Burns. Jason ultimately received his black belt from Ramon Lemos and remains the only American to have done so to date.
After returning to the US in 2011, Jason emerged as one of the leading coaches at the academy of Romulo Barral, a multiple world champion and one of the most dominant competitors of his time. As a coach, Jason helped guide elite competitors like Gabriel Arges and Edwin Najimi to world championships and other titles. During this period, Jason developed the vision for a new type of Jiu Jitsu brand: a state of the art academy with a sophisticated aesthetic and training culture that would unlock each member's creativity and cultivate a unique community. And thus, Meraki was born in 2017 with a geometric Bauhaus-inspired design and art display that brought Jason's vision to life.
In 2021, Meraki moved to its new and more spacious location, which advances the brand vision through a deeper articulation of its Bauhaus roots, combining symmetric shapes and select materials for a cohesive aesthetic that elevates the experience for each member.
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