The Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense was founded with a clear mission — to build an inclusive community where training in the martial arts develops confidence, discipline, and real-world capability.
As part of the respected Pedro Sauer Jiu-Jitsu lineage, our academy continues a tradition of technical excellence while offering a modern and welcoming training environment. With more than 12 Black Belts at the academy, students receive high-level instruction grounded in experience, structure, and personal attention.
Whether your goal is to improve your overall fitness, learn practical self-defense, compete, or give your child a structured and empowering activity, our academy provides the right environment to grow.
This is more than training — it is about becoming stronger physically, mentally, and as part of a supportive community.
Eva Katcher is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Pedro Sauer.
She began her training in early 2013 at the age of 51 and earned her black belt in 2024, receiving every belt directly under Professor Sauer.
Eva brings a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to her teaching, with a strong focus on gi-based Jiu-Jitsu. She leads the Academy’s Women’s Self-Defense Program and teaches Youth Jiu-Jitsu on Fridays, where she emphasizes fundamentals, confidence, and practical application.
Coach Chris began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2001 under Roberto Marques da Silva. After relocating to Virginia, he continued his training under Pedro Sauer in 2009. That same year, he expanded his martial arts background by beginning Judo training under Maurice Allen.
Today, Coach Chris holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, viewing them as complementary expressions of the same art. He remains deeply committed to training, teaching, and evolving his skills, with a particular interest in No-Gi grappling.
A committed martial arts practitioner at One Spirit Martial Arts, Pedro Sauer Academy, for over twelve years, Jennis has studied under Guro/Kru Krysta Scharlach and has had the opportunity to learn from many accomplished fighters and instructors. His training has included exposure to Guro Dan Inosanto, Ajarn Chai, Professor Pedro Sauer, Jeff Curran, Mike Matthews, Mark McFann, and others.
Jennis has spent much of his professional career in several fields of service, including a long period in public safety. His background includes work as a lifeguard, personal trainer, range safety officer, firearms instructor, and security contractor.
These experiences have given Jennis a unique perspective on self-defense disciplines. He continues to refine himself and help his fellow martial artists in the pursuit of greater knowledge and understanding of MMA and combat sports.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
With a background spanning music, yoga, early childhood education, and martial arts, Mary brings a unique perspective to the Pedro Sauer Academy. A natural multisensory approach to teaching from toddlers through adults laid the foundation for a martial arts journey that began with teaching Krav Maga to young children and led to a deep connection with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A blue belt and coach in both the Youth Jiu-Jitsu and Força Beatles programs, Mary is committed to giving every young student the strongest possible start.
Aaron Eichenlaub is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under the Pedro Sauer Association and a longtime member of the academy. He has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 14 years and has earned every belt directly from Master Pedro Sauer.
Aaron’s training has taken him beyond the academy as well, including multiple trips to Brazil to train with Master Sauer and other association members, along with extensive training at respected schools around the world. Those experiences have shaped his deep appreciation for technical detail, strong fundamentals, and the lifelong learning process of Jiu-Jitsu.
As an instructor, Aaron is especially passionate about helping students build a solid foundation. He helps teach the White, Blue, and Purple Belt curriculum, with a focus on clear instruction, practical understanding, and steady technical development.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Coach T has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 exclusively under Pedro Sauer.
He teaches Adult Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Youth Jiu-Jitsu classes, with a strong focus on self-defense, real-world application, and giving students the opportunity to put their Jiu-Jitsu to the test in a safe and controlled environment.
When he’s off the mats, he enjoys spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
510 Spring St, Herndon, VA 20170, US
First Floor Herndon Park II
(703) 444-4468
info@pedrosaueracademy.com