Dana Weingartner 
 
23 December 2025
 
 
  
My husband and I dropped in for a class while visiting family. Everyone was super friendly and we learned something new - thank you!
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Scott Siercks 
 
16 July 2025
 
 
  
Both of my kids train in Judo and Jiu Jitsu here. This is one of the cleanest and most organized martial arts schools in Hampton Roads! Greg & Brandon are very supportive instructors with years of experience. Both are firm and patient with their students, no matter what the age.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 1776 Outdoors 
 
7 July 2025
 
 
  
Clean facility, and very friendly and welcoming staff. The professor was very accommodating and knowledgeable. Thank you very much.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Sean Kopack 
 
15 June 2025
 
 
  
An amazing space with a team that really cares. Greg, his family, and staff are amazing to work with. Extremely professional and always willing to help with anything. If you come here you will be met with kindness, respect, and most of all a wealth of coaching/knowledge.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Russel Tofflemire 
 
26 May 2025
 
 
  
Training at Gustavo Machado BJJ under Greg Walker has been an incredible experience. Greg is not only a highly skilled instructor but also a dedicated and supportive leader who truly cares about each student’s growth. The atmosphere he fosters is one of respect, discipline, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or have years on the mat, this school offers high-level instruction in a welcoming environment. The techniques are taught with clarity to all styles of learning and the training partners are respectful and motivated. I can’t recommend this place enough for anyone serious about learning the science of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and expressing it in their own artistic way.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 steve garrett 
 
2 January 2025
 
 
  
Just moved here from Florida and took some time to check out a few schools. This one felt right as I walked through the door. Strong friendly culture of respect and focus. Greg is a great communicator and instructor. He does a great job getting around the room during instructional and drilling periods. The students all have an air of comfort and community. Looking forward to continuing my journey at Gustavo Machado Chesapeake
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Bryan LaRussa 
 
14 May 2024
 
 
  
I started training with Professor Greg in November 2022 and have learned more than I ever expected.  At 34 I was nervous to start training jiu jitsu with zero experience, but since day 1 Professor Greg has encouraged me and pushed me to become the best version of myself.  I never would have expected being in better shape and healthier mentally and physically in my 30s than I was in my 20s, but it's true.  Training jiu jitsu has been more than a physical challenge, it's helped me to develop more mental toughness, discipline, and overall mental health on and off the mat.  It's given me the confidence that I can go after my goals and face challenges head on.  Professor Greg is more than a jiu jitsu instructor, he's a life coach and a great one at that.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jim Norton 
 
21 November 2023
 
 
  
There is a lot of good Ju Jitsu in South Hampton roads, and Greg Walker at Gustavo Machado Chesapeake is one of the best. I’ve been training here since late 2021 after training at other gyms in the area. Greg has built a great academy, clean, with a variety of well structured classes - fundamentals , intermediate, Gi and NoGi- even a women’s class. He teaches almost every class- he is “All in” . Running the academy is his main focus- not a part time job or side hustle. He is very patient and extremely knowledgeable with an excellent understanding of how to teach students of differing skills and physical abilities. One of the most rewarding aspects is how he takes a personal interest in each student and helps them achieve their individual goals . I feel very fortunate to train here and learn from Greg.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 James Arnold 
 
5 November 2023
 
 
  
I started training at GMBJJ Chesapeake in 2021 as a 3 stripe white belt lost in the mix lacking solid fundamentals. I trained inconsistently at a few other academies and didn’t really know what the blueprint of a great BJJ family looked like. I was in rough shape mentally and was kind of moving without purpose in life. I would show about 30 minutes before class for the noon class to stretch my injury riddled body and Greg and I had some pretty in-depth conversations as he picked up on my struggle pretty quick. Those conversations got pretty deep and we shared things that are probably pretty hard conversations for a lot of people to hear. He held me accountable on the mat which is precisely what I needed at that point in his own special way. He’s just that kind of guy that dials in on his students intrinsic values and teaches thru those channels. Being honest, this academy was the last stop on my BJJ journey and I was going to quit if hadn’t worked out. Glad I made that choice. Now I’ve moved to South Carolina and am training under one of the best practitioners in the country and am sought out at the noon class, I believe, because of the foundation Greg built in me. I don’t look at Greg as my previous professor, but rather as a lifelong dear friend that I’d do anything for if he asked. I love each and every person I ever interacted with durning my time there. They were my family away from home. In terms of kids classes, I’d feel safe leaving my kids under his care for any period of time as I’ve seen him teach the kids class and he’s one of the best humans I’ve met in my life. Much love, Greg and thank you. I owe you my life.
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Sandra B. 
 
13 October 2023
 
 
  
MOST impressive is the clear, consistent way professors lead each class. Students perform stretches, exercise drills and warm-ups all which reinforce the basic movements of more advanced jujistu techniques. Our family has been taking classes here for nearly two years; I wished we'd started sooner. In the children's classes, students are held to a high standard regarding proper form and technique, but MORE importantly, how to be a Good Training Partner and -frankly- how to be a better person in general. I've seen wild, rambunctious kids begin their training here and watched them develop into much calmer, happy disciplined kids, full of pride as they earn each "stripe" on their belt. The academy is clean, the staff is professional and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a LEGIT Brazilian Jujitsu academy led by a blackbelt professional~this is it! They offer classes from beginning 4 year olds through adults and even higher level advanced classes. There's a wide range of classes and payment options. They are upfront & there's never hidden fees. Come check it out for yourself!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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