Two Brothers.
One Academy.
One Mission.
Professors Matt and JM founded Van Isle BJJ with a simple mission: bring world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Victoria and build a community worth training in. No shortcuts. No egos. Just authentic technique, genuine care for every student, and a mat culture that keeps people coming back for years.
- Co-founded by brothers — still coaching side-by-side today
- Competition-tested instruction at the highest international levels
- Welcoming to all — beginner to black belt, age 5 to 75
- Victoria’s most reviewed BJJ school — 5× Best in the City Award
- Kids, Women’s Only, Judo, and No-Gi & Self-Defense under one roof
Proudly serving: Esquimalt, Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Fairfield, James Bay, Fernwood, View Royal, Colwood and Langford — the home of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on Vancouver Island's south end. Searching “BJJ near me” in Greater Victoria or the West Shore? You're minutes from our mats.
Meet Matt & JM.
19 years of Jiu Jitsu. Black belt under Filip Matos & Bibiano Fernandes. Five-time IBJJF Worlds competitor. 2nd place Masters 1 Black Belt — IBJJF Worlds 2022, losing only to João Miyao. Trained at ATOS (San Diego), Cobrinha’s (LA), and Lovato’s (OKC).
Co-founder of Van Isle BJJ. Matt has spent over a decade helping hundreds of Victoria students build real skill, real confidence, and lasting community on the mats. His teaching is patient, precise, and deeply encouraging — a coach who meets every student exactly where they are.











