The Caveirinha Legacy
Direct lineage from the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Veteran-owned. Family-focused. First CJJF academy on the East Coast.
Who Is Caveirinha?
Aldo "Caveirinha" Januário — "little skull" — earned his nickname as a small, skinny kid training in adult classes in Rio de Janeiro. A friend silk-screened a skull on his gi, and the name stuck forever.
He earned his black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. at just 20 years old. Now a 6th Degree Black Belt, Professor Caveirinha has promoted over 300 black belts worldwide and helped produce champions including UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos.
Rather than pursuing competition glory for himself, Professor Caveirinha chose teaching — building a global family of 65+ academies united by the gentle art. CJJF North Carolina carries that torch right here in Burlington.
CJJF North Carolina
CJJF North Carolina is the first Caveirinha Jiu-Jitsu Family academy on the East Coast, founded and owned by Ricky Melendez — a Brown Belt, veteran, and Burlington community member.
Our lineage runs directly from Carlos Gracie Jr. through Professor Aldo "Caveirinha" Januário to our instructors here. That unbroken chain of instruction means you're training authentic Jiu Jitsu with real roots.
We are a veteran-owned, family-oriented academy serving Burlington and the greater Triad area. Whether you're brand new to martial arts, a parent looking for your child's next challenge, a first responder seeking practical skills, or an Elon University student — there is a place for you on our mats.
Meet the Team
Four dedicated coaches committed to your growth on and off the mats.
Ricky Melendez
Coach Ricky Melendez is a retired United States Marine who has pursued martial arts the majority of his life. As a Martial Arts Instructor for the Marine Corps, Ricky pursued a new facet of his combat arts journey in the form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2016 under Professor Moriniere in Okinawa, Japan, a member of the Caveirinha Family. Since July 2021, Coach Ricky has owned and operated CJJF North Carolina as a brown belt under Professor Moriniere. When he retired from the military, he sensed he had lost the family and community he had come to rely on over his 20-year career — so he created this gym. He now shares and fosters that community sentiment with all of his CJJF North Carolina family.
Brittany Eller
Coach Brittany is a blue belt and kids coach with a background in Exercise & Sport Science from UNC Chapel Hill. She brings a warm, encouraging energy to the mats, helping kids feel seen, heard, and confident — on and off the mats. Outside of the gym, she enjoys working out, spending time with her family, and serving in her church. Her faith in Christ is an important part of who she is.
KJ Stewart
Coach KJ is a blue belt under Coach Ricky and helps lead our kids gi classes. Born and raised in Burlington, he found CJJF while looking for a gym where he and his daughter could train together — and never left. He coaches the way he trains: simple, efficient, and built on fundamentals, and nothing beats watching a student make a technique their own. Off the mats he is a toolmaker and machinist who enjoys a good hike and a round of disc golf.
Jake Smith
Coach Jake leads our adult and kids wrestling classes on Mondays and Fridays. With 18 years of wrestling experience, he found jiu-jitsu while serving in the Army, where it rekindled his passion for competition and body mechanics. Training under Coach Ricky, he recently took gold at both Tap Cancer Out and FUJI BJJ. His goal as a coach is to help every student build confidence in their abilities — he lives for the ah-ha moment when a movement finally clicks.
What Makes Us Different
Our members come for the Jiu Jitsu and stay for the family. Here's what you'll find at CJJF North Carolina.
Authentic Lineage
Direct link from the Gracie family through Professor Caveirinha. Real Jiu Jitsu, real roots.
Family Culture
Members call us their "home away from home." Community is baked into everything we do.
Flexible Schedule
Morning and evening classes, 6 days a week. Morning mats and evening programs available.
29 Five-Star Reviews
Every single Google review is 5 stars. Our members' experiences speak for themselves.
Community Events
From birthday parties to competition prep, we celebrate milestones together as a family.
Veteran-Owned
Special respect for those who serve — military, police, and first responders are family here.
Come See For Yourself
trial · 3–5 classes · Meet Ricky and the team before you commit.
Find Us in Burlington, NC
625 N Park Ave, Burlington, NC 27217 — a short drive from Graham, Mebane, Gibsonville, and Elon. Rated 5.0 stars on Google.
Book a Trial
Welcome! We're excited to have you. Expect a call or email from us soon to confirm your trial.