Meet our team of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts
All individuals qualified to teach at a Gracie Barra School are considered instructors, including Masters, Professors, Head Instructors, Chief Instructors, and Coaches. Gracie Barra instructors uphold high standards of etiquette, instruction, and philosophy as set by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and the Gracie Barra Association. To ensure integrity and prioritize safety in our schools, all our instructors are certified, hold CPR/Basic First Aid certification, and must pass an annual criminal background check.
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
Professor Charles Gomes
BJJ Rank: Black Belt 3rd Degree | Gracie Barra Leesburg and Ashburn
Born in the state of Ceará, Brazil, Professor Charles Gomes grew up in the small beach city of Iguape, near Fortaleza. At the age of 7, he moved with his family to Southern California. A pivotal moment in his life was 9/11, which inspired him to give back to the country that had provided so much for his family and himself. He joined the United States Navy, serving from 2002 to 2006 as a Damage Controlman (shipboard firefighter) on the USS John C. Stennis. He holds immense respect for those who serve this great nation, believing that their selflessness is what ensures freedom.
Professor Charles began his Jiu-Jitsu training at Gracie Barra Oceanside, CA. After earning his Blue Belt, he moved to San Clemente and trained under Professor Flavio “Cachorrinho” Almeida at Gracie Barra San Clemente. On December 6th, 2014, he was awarded his Gracie Barra Black Belt. As Professor Flavio always says, “It is not the destination but the journey that will be the sweetest part.” Professor Charles is deeply honored and proud to have been part of the Gracie Barra family from his white belt to his black belt.
Join Professor Charles and the Gracie Barra Ashburn team and the Gracie Barra team Leesburg as they continue to transform lives through Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu. #jiujitsuforeveryone
"In this individual sport, your team is the most important."
Professor Dana Bridger
BJJ Rank: Black Belt
Professor Dana began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the summer of 2011 and instantly fell in love with the art. Having participated in contact sports her whole life, she found Jiu-Jitsu to present a unique mental challenge unlike any other. After dedicated training, Dana realized she wanted to pursue her passion for coaching and teaching and started the process of opening a school.
In June 2019, she and Professor Charles Gomes established Gracie Barra Ashburn, dedicating their time to teaching Jiu-Jitsu to the local community. Through the combination of dedication and community support, the team grew to over 400 students, even through a global pandemic. Expanding her impact, Professor Dana and Professor Charles opened a second location, Gracie Barra Leesburg, in June 2023. That same month, Professor Dana also earned her Black Belt from Professor Charles.
Today, professor Dana leads one of the largest women’s Jiu-Jitsu programs in the Northeast United States. Empowering women of all ages to learn how to defend themselves, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and find connection with other ladies in the community is always a top priority for her and the Gracie Barra Ashburn team.
"Jiu-jitsu is the therapy for when you tire your body and the rest of yout soul. "
PROFESSOR
DEBORAH COSTA
BJJ Rank: Black Belt 2nd degree
Deborah is from Aracaju, Sergipe in Brazil, and started training in 2006 at 15 years old. She competed actively in Brazil until earning her brown belt in 2014. She then moved to the UAE to teach jiu-jitsu to Emirati girls at school. In 2016, she was promoted to black belt in Switzerland by her professor, who had been her instructor since she was a white belt. After nearly 7 years in the UAE, she moved to the US in 2022 and joined Gracie Barra Ashburn as soon as she could. She has never been happier.
"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength but by perseverance." - H. Jackson Brown
Professor Matthew Ouano
BJJ Rank: Black Belt
To Professor Matthew Ouano, BJJ is the perfect way to build the right habits for staying healthy.
Every session works the body, mind, and spirit. Having played traditional sports from his youth through his 20s, he finally tried Jiu-Jitsu at 30 after 15+ years of encouragement from Uncle John, and has never looked back.”
"Better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt." -Mark Twain
Professor Jason Myers
BJJ Rank: Black Belt
Professor Jason Myers has over 20 years of experience training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) across the globe. He has been a student of Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Washington state and Alaska, Uno Novia in Illinois, Pareastra in South Korea, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in California.
For him, BJJ holds a deep significance. As a retired service member who has faced the challenges of PTSD, BJJ is the one activity that provides him relief from anxiety, anger, and depression. Furthermore, the BJJ community, particularly the Gracie Barra family, offers him the same love and support he experienced in the military, giving him a profound sense of belonging.
"Don’t spend your whole life trying to prove you’re a good person. Just be one!"
Professor James Bridger
BJJ Rank: Black Belt
Professor James began his journey in martial arts in 2007 when he dedicated his time to training hand-to-hand combat and incorporating weapons of opportunity within the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). In 2009, he received his black belt and became an instructor in MCMAP based out of Camp Lejeune. He broadened his exposure to various forms of martial arts and began training in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Sambo, Pankration, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In June 2012, he was awarded his Blue Belt in Pancrase/BJJ and then his Purple Belt in July 2016. In June 2019, he decided to focus solely on BJJ and joined the Gracie Barra organization under Professor Charles Gomes. In June 2021, he was awarded his Brown Belt, and in June 2024, he received his Black Belt.
