A second home with the standards of a world-class team.
Theory Jiu Jitsu was built from a simple but powerful idea: to create a place where families and hobbyists feel at home while also developing high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes.
What started as a small group training kids in a basement quickly grew into something much bigger. As the kids improved, the community grew, and the vision became clearer, we knew it was time to build a full academy that could support both beginners and serious competitors.
The name Theory Jiu Jitsu reflects how we see the art. Jiu Jitsu is more than movement, strength, or athleticism. It is strategy, timing, problem solving, and understanding the “why” behind every technique. Much like chess, every position requires thought, adjustment, and planning several steps ahead.
At Theory, students are taught to think, not just move.
An economist and data-driven leader, he is focused on building Theory Jiu Jitsu with structure, strategy, professionalism, and a long-term vision—operating the academy like a world-class team while creating an environment where every member can thrive.
A passionate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and dedicated purple belt, he brings the same discipline, consistency, and love for learning to the mats that he applies to every aspect of the academy. He is especially passionate about teaching toddlers and kids, believing that Jiu-Jitsu is about far more than techniques—it is a tool for building confidence, resilience, discipline, respect, and strong character that lasts a lifetime.
His vision for Theory extends beyond competition and training. He is committed to creating a welcoming community where people of all ages and skill levels feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Whether helping a toddler step onto the mats for the first time, mentoring young athletes, or welcoming adults beginning their Jiu-Jitsu journey, his goal is to foster an academy that feels like family.
Lauren is a University of Maryland graduate with a degree in Communications and is an important part of the day-to-day operations at Theory Jiu-Jitsu. She helps run the academy behind the scenes, welcomes new students and families, coordinates communication, and ensures the gym is organized and welcoming.
Lauren especially enjoys getting to know the Theory community and helping create an environment where students and families feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the doors. From the little details that keep the academy running smoothly to connecting with members and supporting the coaching team, Lauren helps bring the community side of Theory to life.
Lorenzo Lopez is the Kids Wrestling Coach at Theory Jiu Jitsu and brings a lifelong background in wrestling, coaching, and mentorship to the program. A respected coach in the Maryland wrestling community, Lorenzo was recently named the new Varsity Wrestling Head Coach at DeMatha Catholic High School, one of the most recognized athletic programs in the state.
Before DeMatha, Lorenzo wrestled at Landon School and later served as an assistant coach there for four seasons. He also spent multiple years coaching at DeMatha as an assistant, helping develop high level athletes while building a reputation for his work ethic, leadership, and ability to connect with young wrestlers.
At Theory Jiu Jitsu, Coach Lorenzo focuses on building strong fundamentals, discipline, confidence, and toughness in every child. His coaching style creates a positive and motivating environment where kids can grow both on and off the mats. Whether working with beginners or experienced competitors, he is passionate about helping the next generation develop a love for wrestling and combat sports.
Juan Esparza is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) brown belt, Muay Thai (MT), and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitor with more than 15 years of martial arts experience (7 years teaching). His training not only spans BJJ, MT, and MMA, but also Krav Maga-based self-defense.
Juan currently teaches Striking for MMA and No-Gi BJJ at Theory Jiu-Jitsu. His grappling background began within the Yamasaki lineage, and he has competed extensively in BJJ and submission grappling at the local and international levels, including International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions.
In striking, Juan has competed in amateur MT and MMA bouts across the 147 lbs and 155 lbs divisions, earning a total 6-5-2 record in various promotions that include the World Kickboxing Association (WKA).
Outside martial arts, Juan is a career scientist (Pharmacoepidemiologist by training) and university-level Biology professor with extensive experience teaching adult learners. He brings that background directly to the mats by applying principles from biology, neuroscience, motor learning, and adult education to martial arts instruction.
His BJJ instruction incorporates the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) and ecological dynamics, using live, problem-based training to develop timing, decision-making, adaptability, and technical problem-solving. His striking instruction follows the same principle: students learn not only techniques, but how to recognize opportunities, make decisions, and adapt those skills against resisting opponents.
Kevin Tang is a certified physical trainer and tennis academy instructor with a passion for athletic development, continuous learning, and helping others reach their full potential. His athletic background spans a wide range of disciplines, including six years of weightlifting, five years of tennis, four years of Quidditch, three years of Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and pickleball. He has also competed in regional tennis, Quidditch, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events.
Drawing from his own experience as a beginner in many sports, Kevin understands that progress is built through consistency, patience, and a willingness to learn. Combined with his academic background in science, health, and human performance, his coaching philosophy merges practical experience with structured methodology to emphasize safe progressions, technical development, controlled adaptability, and building the resilience foundation needed to overcome setbacks.
With almost a combined decade of tennis and fitness coaching experience, Kevin works with individuals at every stage of their fitness journey—from beginners trying a sport for the first time to athletes seeking to improve their physical and mental performance, as well as hobbyists pursuing better overall health through fitness and nutrition. His goal is not only to help clients become stronger, faster, and more capable athletes, but also to empower them to develop lasting habits, confidence, and personal growth that extend beyond training.
Chloe is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and one of Theory Jiu-Jitsu’s Assistant Kids Coaches. She is an IBJJF Pan Kids Champion, IBJJF European Kids Champion (Italy), and has earned more than 15 IBJJF gold medals throughout her competitive career.
Chloe is passionate about working with kids and helping develop the next generation of competitors. She enjoys helping students of all skill levels, from kids just beginning their jiu-jitsu journey to experienced competitors looking to take their game to the next level.
You’ll often find Chloe on the mats training, competing, and helping with the kids program. She is especially known for her technical guard game, and her favorite submission is the triangle.
Pee Wee is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and one of Theory Jiu-Jitsu’s Assistant Kids Coaches. He is an IBJJF No-Gi Pan Kids Champion and an ADCC gold medalist, with more than a dozen IBJJF gold medals throughout his competitive career. With extensive experience competing at a high level, Pee Wee brings his competitive knowledge, technical skill, and passion for Jiu-Jitsu to the next generation of athletes at Theory.
Pee Wee is very keen on working with kids and brings a fun, positive energy to the mats. A big kid at heart, he has a natural ability to connect with younger students and make training both fun and engaging.
Known for his creative and exciting fighting style, Pee Wee has become a social butterfly within the youth competition scene and is well liked by his teammates, peers, and other young competitors throughout the jiu-jitsu community.
You’ll almost always find Pee Wee on the mats whether he’s training, working on his own game, or playing and helping out with the younger kids.
His favorite submission is the armbar.
Try Theory Jiu Jitsu with a 1 Week Free Trial.
Whether you are looking for your child, yourself, or your whole family — we would love to welcome you to the mats.