top of page

Structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Marin County

•Practical Jiu Jitsu • Clear Progression • No Ego.

North Bay Jiu Jitsu is a leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts academy in Marin County, serving students from Novato, San Rafael, Fairfax, Mill Valley, and across Marin County. Our program focuses on structured, practical Jiu Jitsu that is accessible and sustainable for the long term. We emphasize techniques that work for real self-defense and everyday training, not moves that rely on extreme flexibility or athleticism. With experienced instructors and a supportive, family-like community, students of all ages can train safely, progress clearly, and enjoy Jiu Jitsu for years to come.

Why North Bay Jiu Jitsu?

Structured Curriculum

Progress through a clear system designed for long-term developement, not random techniques.

Professional Coaching

18088984357743224.heic

Experienced instructors who prioritize safety, fundamentals and real growth.

Supportive Community

18061790144286778.heic

Beginner-friendly culture where kids and adults train with confidence.

Programs

Kids Jiu Jitsu

18007863293766127.heic

Structured kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Marin County help children build discipline, confidence, and coordination. Students learn strong fundamentals in a safe and supportive environment while developing focus, teamwork, and resilience.

Adult Jiu Jitsu

17914498047187213.heic

A structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program in Marin County designed for beginners and experienced students alike. Classes focus on practical fundamentals, clear progression, and techniques that are accessible and sustainable for long-term training.

No Gi Jiu Jitsu

18064065155360581.heic

No-gi grappling and martial arts training in Marin County that emphasizes wrestling, control, and practical submissions without the traditional gi. Great for building real-world grappling skills and improving overall conditioning.

Proudly serving Novato and Marin county since 2014
Over 2,300 students trained.

INSTRUCTORS

8523704638251785086_edited.png

Tryfon Stathopoulos

• Founder/Owner
• 2x World Champion
• 25+ years experience

Tryfon Stathopoulos is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and founder of North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, Marin County. Teaching since 2005, he has helped more than 2,300 students develop confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills through structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training.

SoniaProfile_edited.jpg

Sonia Lastreto

• Brown belt instructor
• Academy administrator
• 8+ years experience

Sonia began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato in 2014 and is now a brown belt instructor. A seasoned competitor with medals at IBJJF Worlds and other major events, she manages the academy and coaches the Women’s and Youth programs in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Marin County.

Christopher.jpg

Chris Cashman

• Founding member
• Black belt instructor
• 15+ years experience

Chris Cashman earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt in 2021, becoming North Bay Jiu Jitsu’s first homegrown black belt. He teaches both Gi and No-Gi classes and is known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic, helping students progress in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Marin County.

Sebastian.jpg

Sebastian Uhalde

• Brown belt instructor
• Experienced competitor
• 8+ years experience

Sebastian is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and accomplished competitor, earning gold medals at the JJWL Golden State Open. He plays an active role at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, assisting with the Kids program and hosting Saturday Open Mat for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community in Marin County.

Paulo.jpg

Paulo Silva

• Black belt instructor
• Main kids instructor
• 10+ years experience

Paulo Silva has trained at North Bay Jiu Jitsu since 2012 and has been teaching since 2014. A black belt with a degree in psychology, he coaches both kids and adults and is known for his thoughtful, disciplined instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Novato and Marin County.

dimitrov.jpg

Dmytro Pakhan

• BJJ Purple belt 
• Degree in physical ed.
• 20+ years boxing coach

Dmytro Pakhan is a seasoned amateur boxer with more than 20 years of experience and a degree in Physical Education. He is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt and coaches athletes in boxing and MMA fitness at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, Marin County.

Jacob.jpg

Jacob Miller

• BJJ Blue belt
• Avid competitor
• No Gi specialist

Jacob Miller is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, Marin County. He trains under Tryfon Stathopoulos and serves as Team Captain of the No-Gi competition team. Specializing in No-Gi grappling, he leads the No-Gi Training Lab and is known for his technical precision and competitive drive.

Martial Arts In Marin County

North Bay Jiu Jitsu proudly serves the entire Marin County martial arts community, with students coming from Novato, San Rafael, Petaluma, Mill Valley, Fairfax, and Corte Madera. Our academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and practical martial arts training, helping students build confidence, fitness, and real self-defense skills.

Location

Students travel to North Bay Jiu Jitsu from across Marin County, including:

 

  • Novato

  • San Rafael

  • Fairfax

  • Mill Valley

  • Corte Madera

  • Larkspur

  • Petaluma

 

Looking for Jiu Jitsu in Marin County? Visit North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato.

bottom of page