At Chesapeake Martial Arts we teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do with some input from Aikido, kenpo hapkido and weapons training to enhance our self-defense program. At the crux and core of our grappling system is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and also a grappling art that was popularize in America by the legendary Gracie family.  The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is similar and in some cases, both supplementary and complementary to the Olympic Sport of Judo.

Jiu-Jitsu concentrates on dominating your opponent by using angles, leverage and superior body positioning to control an opponent’s body movement. A person that has a superior position is in a better situation to apply a finishing hold or to start striking, this style allows for a smaller person to defeat a larger attacker. We recommend this style for men, women, and children looking for a great workout and realistic self-defense. Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for women who are often taken to the ground during assaults.

In our curriculum we believe that it is not only important to control our opponent on the ground but also on our feet. Therefore, we have taken the proactive approach of instituting the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as an addition to our successful Tae Kwon Do (karate) program.


BJJ Lineage: Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Jorge Pereira > Paulo Guimareas > Rogerio Taborda

David Hertzog/head instructor

David is a BJJ Brown Belt under Black Belt, Professor Rogerio Taborda of Team Tatu BJJ. Previous to teaching at Chesapeake Martial Arts, he taught for 5 years at Hertzog BJJ, Elite Performance BJJ, and Xtreme Fitness BJJ in central Pennsylvania. He is also the General Director of the Pennsylvania State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

David is an honorably discharged United States Marine and he has an extensive background in law enforcement. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from college with a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from MSU, at which time he was awarded membership in the National Scholars Honor Society. David has trained individuals from various backgrounds including law enforcement and military personnel and Black Belts of other martial art styles such as Karate, Judo, Sambo, Hapkido, Japanese Jujitsu and Aikido. In addition to being the head BJJ instructor at CMA, David is an accomplished grappler who has amassed over 50 grappling titles. Among such titles are:

• Budweiser World Cup Champion
• North American Champion
• U.S. National Champion
• Beast of the East Champion
• Multiple time PABJJF Champion
• Multiple time LI Pride Champion
• Multiple time No-Gi World Championship medalist
• Multiple time Pan American medalist

Michael Hertzog/assistant instructor

Mike is a Purple Belt under Professor Rogerio Taborda. Mike was undefeated as a juvenile competitor winning seven gold medals at events such as the PABJJF, earning himself the nickname, "Golden Boy." His flexibility and determination has allowed him to develop one of the best guard games in the gym. Among his accomplishments are:

• Multiple time PABJJF Champion
• Multiple time LI Pride Champion
• Massachusetts State Champion