A school to change lives - Gracie Barra Chantilly

Gracie Barra Chantilly carries the story of the legacy of Grand Master Carlos Gracie and also the story of many other lives. The newest GB school in the east side of America also carries stories of people who became fighters as they faced battles in their lives that led them to the blue mats – where they found not only a mission to fight for, but a mission to live for.

“Each person who wears a gi and believes in the Jiu-Jitsu taught by me and my family represents the accomplishment of my life’s work.”
(Grand Master Carlos Gracie)

That’s how our Coach Jesus Hernandez, who is 43 years old found his way to Gracie Barra San Clemente in 2005 with professor Flavio Almeida. This was the right place to start his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The path to the mats for our Veteran U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant was marked by many departures and arrivals to fight for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Early 2008 MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) training on board the USS PELELIU

After retiring and facing the struggles the war left on his body and mind, through jiu-jitsu (and proper treatment off the mat) he found a new mission to fight for. This time, he would be fighting so that other people could change their life for the better through the gentle art.

Back in 2007 with his oldest son Jesus and his business parter Angelena “Angy”

“After years off the mats and trying to self medicate to combat my personal struggles from multiple combat deployments, my family and I moved to Northern Virgina in 2018 where I was able to get back to Jiu-Jitsu with the help of Professor Charles Gomes (GB Ashburn).

After 2 years of training under professor Charles, I decided to ask my long time friend and Jiu-Jitsu 1st Degree Black Belt, professor Angy Ormonde, if she would be interested in opening up a new Gracie Barra School with me. We both felt it would be great to bring Jiu-Jitsu to a new community. The rest is history!”

A change that started from within, Jesus decided to return to training steadily, adopting new habits and taking care of his physical and mental health so that he could become a better person not only for himself but for his children and all those around him.

Professor Flavio Almeida, Jesus “Jesse” Hernandez and Peter (his youngest son)

A man can quit Jiu-Jitsu, but Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t leave the man.
(Grand Master Helio Gracie)

In the beginning it was not easy, specially when he felt that his body wasn’t the same after 16 years in the Marine Corps. As time went by, he realized that his injuries were not an excuse to stop, but to keep going.

Since his return, there have been 3 years of consistent training. The time to lead others towards a better future has arrived and that is why today he is one of the owners of GB Chantilly. And it is with great pride, love and honor that he follows the mission given by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. to bring Jiu-Jitsu to our community.