Kaizen

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

a Flavio Behring academy

Kaizen — Brazilian jiu-jitsu

a Flavio Behring academy

Jiu-jitsu is a lifelong journey of personal improvement. At Kaizen, we are committed to teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a way to develop and improve physical, mental, and social skills of our students.

The jiu-jitsu that we practice daily and that we teach to our students is in a state of perennial evolution and improvement. Our jiu-jitsu is the result of our never-ending personal research and relentless ambition to learn and understand. Nevertheless, our jiu-jitsu is deeply rooted in the inspiring teaching that we had the unique privilege to receive from Grand Master Flavio Behring. We are committed to following the remarkable example of Grand Master Flavio Behring and contributing to perpetuate his teaching.

Classes — where and when

Classes are held at two locations. On Thursdays, and Saturdays, they are held at:

* Gymnasium
Boulevard des Invalides 214-216
1160 Auderghem
Belgium

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, they are held at:

† VUB's Dojo, building L
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, entrance 8
Boulevard du Triomphe
1050 Ixelles
Belgium

see map

 

At the Gymnasium, we have a fantastic dojo of about 120 m2.   The floor is entirely covered with tatamis and the walls are padded. An on-site covered parking is available. At the VUB, we have an amazing dojo of 416 m2 and an ample parking is available.

At Kaizen, beginners are always welcome!

If you’re curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, contact us now to book your trial class at Kaizen! The trial class is free of charge and not binding. Trial classes take place only on Wednesdays at the VUB, from September to June. Please note that trial classes are only available by prior booking. For safety and organizational reasons, participants who have not booked in advance will not be allowed on the tatami.

Day Time
Monday† (no gi) 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday† 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday† 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday* (no gi) 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday† 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday* 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Sunday†  12:00 – 2:00 PM

This schedule is valid from September to June. The schedule for the months of July and August will be communicated to the members.

Closed on
Sunday2026-04-05
Monday2026-04-06
Sunday2026-04-12
Sunday2026-04-19
Friday2026-05-01
Sunday2026-05-03
Monday2026-05-04
Thursday2026-05-14
Sunday2026-05-24
Monday2026-05-25

Jiu-jitsu for kids

At Kaizen, kids learn the basics of jiu-jitsu and, by doing so, they improve their balance, coordination, strength, self-control, fair play, and attention. Jiu-jitsu boosts their self-confidence and, at the same time, teaches them to respect their instructors and training partners.

Jiu-jitsu classes for kids are held on Saturdays, at the Gymnasium, from September to June. Younger kids start at 6:30 PM, older ones at 7:30 PM. Each class lasts 1 hour.

No class on
Saturday2026-02-14
Saturday2026-02-21
Saturday2026-02-28
Saturday2026-04-25
Saturday2026-05-02
Saturday2026-05-09

Meet the team

Mauro Birattari

Robert Sava

Carlotta

Francisco

Kaizen was founded by Mauro, Robert, and Carlotta, who together have shaped the academy's identity and teaching philosophy from the very beginning.

Mauro and Robert are Kaizen's co-head instructors. They studied jiu-jitsu with Professor Patrick Chaput, a flamboyant fighter and excellent teacher, and acknowledge the enduring influence of Professor Fabien Dardenne, a remarkable example of rock-solid, no-nonsense jiu-jitsu.

Since the early days of their jiu-jitsu journey, they followed the teaching of Grand Master Flavio Behring, whose jiu-jitsu they consider the purest, most elegant, and most effective. They are proud to carry on the Grand Master's legacy and share his teaching with their students.

Their GM Flavio Behring Black Belts were awarded following examination before a committee presided over by Grand Master Flavio Behring, in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Carlotta holds a brown belt and leads the academy's children's program with dedication and generosity. A devoted follower of Grand Master Flavio Behring's teaching, she draws from his jiu-jitsu as much as from his outlook on life.

Francisco holds a GM Flavio Behring Black Belt, awarded in 2024 following an examination before a committee presided over by Grand Master Flavio Behring. His jiu-jitsu found its fullest expression at Kaizen, and he embodies the values and spirit of the academy.

Emeriti

Remko

Laurent

Visitors and guests

Mark

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Dan

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Eduardo

Mike

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Patou

Octopus

Ovanes

BBJJA

Meaning and significance of the word "Kaizen"

Kaizen (literally "change for better") is the Japanese term for "improvement". The term is associated with a business philosophy that demands all employees of a company be committed to the continuous improvement of the organization, processes, services, products, etc.

We chose the name Kaizen because improvement is our goal. Our mission is to teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a way to develop and improve physical, mental, and social skills. We are committed to continuously and indefinitely improving our jiu-jitsu and our ability to teach it to our students. By the same token, we demand that our students embrace our philosophy and become active in pursuing their own personal improvement continuously.

/kʌɪˈzɛn/
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Kaizen is affiliated with:

Flavio Behring International Association

Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation

International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation