WELCOME TO
THE JIU-JITSU LAB
Train smart. Roll hard.
A dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy with roots stretching back to 1998 — led by Head Coach Brandon Twaddle, IBJJF No-Gi World Silver Medalist, and a staff of world-level competitors including IBJJF World Champion Dave Knowles.
Gi, No-Gi, Kids, Women's, Competition, and Private training in Waterloo. Whether you're brand new or chasing gold, there's a place for you on the mat.
📍 420 Weber St N, Waterloo, ON | ✉️ support@labjiujitsu.com | 💬 (226) 989-3140 | 📸 Instagram
Why Us
Why Train at The Jiu-Jitsu Lab?
Most gyms offer BJJ as one class among many. The Jiu-Jitsu Lab is built entirely around Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — every coach, every class, every program. That focus means faster progress, deeper instruction, and a tighter community.
Lineage
Jacaré → Dragan → The Lab
In 1998, Dragan Konjevic — an Alliance black belt promoted by the legendary Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti — opened the first BJJ gym in the Kitchener-Waterloo region under the banner of Dragan Alliance. He was the first black belt in the region, and the first to bring jiu-jitsu here.
His students have gone on to win major titles and open multiple gyms across KW. Nearly every black belt in the region today traces their roots back to him — including our own coaches. Dragan still comes in to teach, and his presence is a reminder of where all of this started.
Read the full story →Programs for Every Level
Gi & No-Gi BJJ
For adults of all levels. Traditional and modern grappling taught by world-level competitors. Morning and evening classes available.
Kids BJJ
Ages 5–15. Confidence, discipline, and self-defence through fun, structured classes led by Black Belt Roger Morais.
Women's BJJ
A dedicated women-only program in a supportive, welcoming environment. No experience needed.
Competition Training
Led by Dave Knowles — IBJJF World Champion. For competitors looking to take their game to the next level.
World-Class Coaching Staff
No gym in Waterloo has credentials like ours. Every instructor competes or has competed at the highest level.
Dragan Konjevic
Black Belt
Founder · Alliance BB promoted by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti
Founder
Brandon Twaddle
Brown Belt
Head Coach · IBJJF No-Gi World Silver Medalist
Dave Knowles
Black Belt
IBJJF World Champion
Roger Morais
Black Belt
15+ years experience · Kids Coach
Stephen DesChamp
Brown Belt
IBJJF World Competitor · Morning Classes
Your first week is free.
No commitment. No signup fees. Just come roll.
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