BJJ Dojo Berlin: Rodrigo Fernandes' Journey

Key Takeaways

• Rodrigo Fernandes transformed his passion for martial arts into one of Berlin’s fastest-growing BJJ academies.
• Building community and culture was central to BJJ Dojo Berlin’s success, from team development to family-friendly events.
• MAAT helped streamline operations, freeing Rodrigo to focus on coaching and growing his academy.

Early Days: From Judo to Jiu-Jitsu in Germany

Rodrigo Fernandes, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and head coach of BJJ Dojo Berlin, leads one of the fastest-growing and most respected academies in the city. Rodrigo's journey reveals a story of deep commitment, steady growth, and a powerful vision for what a modern martial arts academy can be.

Rodrigo’s path to opening BJJ Dojo Berlin didn’t begin with a business plan but with love and passion for the sport. Originally from Brazil, he started with judo before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After moving to Germany to study engineering, a coaching opportunity unexpectedly sparked his teaching journey.

"I never thought about teaching"

Rodrigo admits.

"But when a coach left and I was asked to step in, I found I actually enjoyed it, that’s when I began to see a future in this."

The dream of opening his own gym took root in 2010 but, rather than jumping in, Rodrigo focused on developing his teaching ability and growing a small group of students outside his primary gym.

Opening the Academy: Creating a Culture, Not Just a Business

Rodrigo’s vision began simply: a place to train with friends and enjoy learning Jiu Jitsu. But as he gained experience, the idea evolved. He considered adding other disciplines like boxing and kickboxing or even building a competition team. Ultimately, he realized that his gym needed to reflect his own values.

The name "Dojo" honored his mentors and carried with it a philosophy of structure, respect, and learning: from mat colors to family camping trips and group dinners, every element of BJJ Dojo Berlin was designed to strengthen community.

"You can't control who walks in, but you can control the environment"

says Rodrigo.

He took a thoughtful approach to handling challenges, especially when it came to difficult students. By calmly redirecting those who didn’t fit the gym culture, he protected the welcoming atmosphere he worked so hard to cultivate.

Rodrigo also built a trusted team. Some instructors were once his students, while others came in with experience, what mattered was mutual respect and allowing freedom in teaching styles, as long as core values were upheld.

About MAAT: Streamlining the Dream

Balancing family, training, and business hasn’t been easy, especially with two small kids. But Rodrigo stays grounded through his love for Jiu Jitsu and support at home.

Early on, he recognized the need for a reliable management system. Initially planning to build one himself, he turned instead to MAAT, a management platform built specifically for BJJ, MMA and combat sports academies.

"Having a tool like MAAT helped me focus on what matters"

he explains.

MAAT simplified payments, attendance tracking, and class scheduling, freeing up Rodrigo’s time to focus on coaching and growing the academy.

It became the invisible support system behind the scenes.

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👉 Check here why MAAT is the best software for BJJ gyms in Germany!

Looking Ahead: From Foundation to Future

Reflecting on his journey, Rodrigo says the hardest parts: years of mistakes and bad advice, were also the most valuable.

Now, BJJ Dojo Berlin stands strong, with a growing community and a clear direction.

"Stay consistent, stay humble, and write things down. Clarity makes everything easier"

Rodrigo advises aspiring gym owners.

MAAT remains a key part of his operation, supporting his vision quietly but effectively.

For any academy owner looking to grow without losing focus, Rodrigo's story is proof of how the right mindset and tools can build something truly lasting.

Discover Why Other Gyms Switched to MAAT

If you're looking for tools that support your community and simplify your academy's operations, MAAT is helping gyms like BJJ Dojo Berlin do just that.

👉 Book a Call to learn more about how MAAT fits into your growth journey.