New martial arts gym opens on South Water Street in Greenwich

A new martial arts gym has opened at 30 South Water St. in Greenwich, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes for kids and adults with no experience required.

Fifth Element Academy announced its doors were open in an Instagram post on Aug. 3. The facility is led by head BJJ instructor João Pereira, who has more than 18 years of experience and trained under Master Igor Gracie. Muay Thai instructor Luis Gonzalez, a three-time New York MMA champion who holds titles across the ACC, NYFE and KTFO circuits, teaches the striking program.

Gonzalez was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx. He also holds a BJJ brown belt and has trained in Thailand.

The academy runs structured tiers for both disciplines. BJJ students can progress through Intro, Core, Blue Belt and Advanced levels, while Muay Thai offers Core and Kids tracks. Pereira also works with children on the autism spectrum, using Jiu-Jitsu to build motor skills and confidence.

Carter Bisso, a parent whose three children (ages 7, 8 and 9) train at the academy, wrote in a testimonial on the gym's website that his kids have developed strong technique while growing in confidence, discipline and character under Pereira's guidance.

The gym is open.

The facility's second floor is still under construction. Once complete, the academy plans to add boxing conditioning classes and wellness amenities including a sauna, cold plunge and a massage therapist room, Greenwich Free Press reported.

Fifth Element is offering a free trial class for anyone interested, bookable online through the academy's website at fifthelementbjjacademy.com.

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