Loyal LegionJiu-Jitsu
A Disciple MMA Affiliate

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
in Sterling, VA

Serving all of Loudoun County

Gi and No-Gi jiu-jitsu for first-timers, hobbyists, and competitors — coached in a welcoming, no-ego room where the training is serious and the people are easy to be around.

Minutes from Ashburn, Leesburg, Dulles, Herndon & across Loudoun County.

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Sterling, VA◆ Gi & No-Gi◆ All Levels Welcome◆ Free Trial
What We Train

Gi & No-Gi, every level

We train two ways — in the gi and without it. We make sure the fundamentals get covered, so a first-timer and a seasoned competitor can share the same mat. From there, everyone builds their own game.

Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the kimono — grips, control, and the deep technical game that defines the art. Start with the fundamentals and build from there.

No-Gi Grappling

Trained without the kimono — a grip-free style that's become the standard in modern competition. Same step-by-step progression, from your first class through competition prep.

Fundamentals covered · All levels welcome · Competition track for those who want it

Our Story

Real jiu-jitsu in a welcoming room

Loyal Legion Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Sterling, Virginia, in the heart of Loudoun County. We started Loyal Legion with one simple idea: build a jiu-jitsu room that's genuinely worth showing up to — where you leave each session a little sharper than you walked in.

Loyal Legion wasn't built around a logo — it was built around a lineage. The jiu-jitsu taught here is passed down through a black belt whose rank traces directly back to the Gracie family, who gave the art to the world. That pedigree shapes everything on the mats: real technique, a high standard, and coaching where the small details actually get fixed.

We teach Gi and No-Gi to adults, from first-timers on a free trial to competitors chasing the podium. Whether you're driving in from Ashburn, Leesburg, the Dulles corridor, or right here in Sterling, you'll find structured, patient coaching and training partners who actually want to see you improve.

There's meaning in the name, too. Loyal is the bond between training partners and the commitment to the team; Legion is the disciplined, unified group they form together. It fits the Rottweiler in our crest — fiercely loyal guardians by nature.

Why Train Here

What it's like to train here

  • ◆No egos on the mat. Everyone trains to make each other better — white belt to black belt.
  • ◆Welcoming, not intimidating. New people get shown the ropes and brought along at their own pace.
  • ◆Real coaching. Structured, safe, and built so you actually learn — not just survive the round.
Our Lineage

A direct line to the Gracie family

Our Professor's black belt traces straight back to the family that gave the art to the world — the foundation everything taught here is built on.

Hélio Gracie
Co-founder of BJJ
Relson Gracie
Gracie family
Toney Waldecker
6th-degree black belt
Kevin Breeden
Professor · Loyal Legion
Coaching

Meet your coaches

Kevin Breeden

Black Belt · Professor

Kevin began training in 2005 and has competed in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. He's a 1st-degree black belt under Toney Waldecker, himself a 6th-degree black belt under Relson Gracie — putting Kevin's lineage in a direct line to one of the founding families of the art. Competing across disciplines taught him that success lives in the details. He coaches every level, from first-timers to seasoned competitors. Put in the work, and he'll make sure no detail gets left behind.

Neil Johnson

Brown Belt · Coach

Neil brings more than two decades on the mats with an elite wrestling background to match. A former Virginia State Champion and Division I national qualifier at George Mason University, he carried those skills into the cage, competing professionally on national stages including Bellator. He now focuses on developing the next generation, specializing in adapting high-level wrestling for MMA — takedowns, cage work, and top control. Whether you're an aspiring competitor or a beginner building a foundation, Neil's detail-driven coaching is where he makes the difference.

Mike Pendlebury

Purple Belt · Coach

Mike began training in 2020 and has competed in Muay Thai, MMA, and Jiu-Jitsu. He has spent his entire training and competition career under Disciple MMA. Mike earned his purple belt from Professor Adam Levy and continues to train under Professor Kevin Breeden. He's the captain of the Disciple MMA competition team and has coached and cornered in every discipline. Mike learned who he is through martial arts, and believes that if you work hard and trust the process, you can find what you're looking for.

Weekly Schedule

When we train

Gi, No-Gi, and open mat through the week. Come try any class on a free trial.

Tuesday

  • 7:00 – 8:00 PMJiu-Jitsu (Gi)
  • 8:00 – 9:00 PMOpen Mat

Thursday

  • 7:00 – 8:00 PMJiu-Jitsu (No-Gi)
  • 8:00 – 9:00 PMOpen Mat

Saturday

  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMOpen Mat
Getting Started

Starting is easy

Three steps from curious to training — no experience needed, and no pressure.

1

Reach out

Call, email, or send the form to set up your free trial. Tell us a bit about your experience — none required.

2

Come train

Show up in comfortable athletic clothes — no gi needed for your first class. We'll walk you through everything and pair you with the right partners.

3

Keep going

Hooked? Roll into a 30-day trial membership or one of our other membership options, and train with the team.

What Members Say

Don't take our word for it

★★★★★

"I had zero experience in BJJ and was nervous to start, but the coaches are patient and always take the time to answer questions thoroughly without making you feel embarrassed. The environment is very welcoming and feels very safe — a great place to start your BJJ journey!"

— Julia
★★★★★

"Great gym, coaches, environment and a great place to learn. All experience levels are welcome and coach Kevin is great to work with. Whether you're at the start of your jiu-jitsu journey or have more experience, this is a great place to train both gi and no gi. Super welcoming, and everyone there is willing to help you learn and get better."

— Kyra
★★★★★

"Top tier training. When you come here, expect to be challenged constantly — the effort the coaches put into training students is second to none. 10/10, would recommend."

— Rome
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Your First Round Is On Us

Step on the mat this week

No commitment, no pressure. Come try a class, meet the team, and see if it's the right fit for you.

Start your free trial
Visit Us

Train in Sterling, VA

Centrally located in Loudoun County, easy to reach from Ashburn, Leesburg, and the Dulles corridor.

Location & Contact

Loyal Legion Jiu-Jitsu
located within Disciple MMA Academy
21240 Ridgetop Cir, Ste 110
Sterling, VA 20166

Phone: (571) 295-4544
Email: loyallegionbjj@gmail.com
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FAQ

Common questions

Do I need any experience to start?
None at all. Most people walk in with zero background. Our adult classes cover the fundamentals, and you can come try us out on a free trial — just show up ready to learn.
Is jiu-jitsu training safe?
Safety is our top priority. All rolling is controlled and supervised, and beginners are never put into live situations before they're ready.
How does the free trial work?
Reach out through our website, email, or phone and try any classes during the trial period — no commitment, no pressure. Just show up and train with us.
What should I wear and bring to my first class?
For a No-Gi class or a trial, wear athletic clothing without zippers — a rashguard and shorts are ideal — and bring water. For the Gi class you'll need a gi; if you don't have one yet, get in touch and we'll help you sort it out for your first session.
Do I need to buy a gi before I start?
No. You can take your first class without one. If you decide to keep training in the Gi, we'll point you toward what you need.
How much does membership cost?
Reach out by phone or email for current membership options — and remember, we offer a free trial so you can try us out first — no commitment. Call (571) 295-4544 or email loyallegionbjj@gmail.com.
Where are you located?
We train at 21240 Ridgetop Cir, Ste 110, Sterling, VA 20166, inside Disciple MMA Academy — easy to reach from Ashburn, Leesburg, and the Dulles area.
Get Started

Start your free trial

Pick a class from the schedule and reach out — we'll get you set up. No commitment, no pressure.

Call (571) 295-4544 Email us

We'll get back to you to set up your free trial.

Your First Visit

What to expect when you come in

  • ◆Arrive about 10 minutes early. Introduce yourself to a coach — they'll be expecting you and get you squared away.
  • ◆Wear comfortable athletic clothes and bring water. You don't need a gi for your first class.
  • ◆You'll be walked through the basics. A coach guides you and pairs you with the right partners — no experience needed.
  • ◆You'll train at a controlled pace. Nobody gets thrown into hard sparring on day one.
  • ◆Just come with an open mind. Everyone in the room started exactly where you are.