About ADG Jiu Jitsu

Smyrna Tennessee Jiu-Jitsu Gym

About ADG Jiu-Jitsu

Brining Jiu-Jitsu to Smyrna, TN

ADG Jiu-Jitsu is a Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Smyrna, Tennessee, serving students from Smyrna, Murfreesboro, La Vergne, and the surrounding communities.

From the beginning, ADG Jiu-Jitsu was built with a simple mission: to create a place where people of all ages can grow through the practice of martial arts.

What started as a small academy quickly grew into a thriving training community. Within the first two years, the gym outgrew its original 1,475 square foot location and moved into a larger facility with more than 3,500 square feet of space and over 1,600 square feet of dedicated mat area.

Today ADG Jiu-Jitsu continues to grow, welcoming students ranging from young children to adults in their 50s and beyond.

Our programs focus on:

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals
• practical self-defense
• physical fitness
• competition training
• personal development

But more importantly, we strive to maintain something that many gyms lose as they grow — a strong sense of community and family culture.

At ADG, many members train alongside their children, spouses, and siblings, creating an environment where students support each other both on and off the mat.

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efraim zeferino ADG jiu jitsu

About Efraim Zeferino

Founder & Head Instructor

Efraim Zeferino is the founder and head instructor of ADG Jiu-Jitsu in Smyrna, Tennessee. A dedicated martial artist with more than a decade of experience on the mats, Efraim is a 2021 Pan American Champion and a consistent podium finisher at the IBJJF World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Efraim began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in Murfreesboro under the mentorship of Professor Mike Westcott, where he spent nearly a decade developing his technical foundation and passion for the art. Over the years he has continued to train within the respected lineage of Samuel Braga, Vinicius Magalhães, and Carlos Gracie Jr., carrying forward the traditions of one of the most influential families in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history.

After nine years of training and teaching, Efraim and his wife made the bold decision to open their own academy. With the full support of his professor, they founded ADG Jiu-Jitsu with a vision of building a school centered on discipline, technical excellence, and community.

Just six months after opening the academy, Efraim was awarded his black belt, marking the beginning of a new chapter as both an instructor and leader of a growing team.

Today, Efraim teaches both private and group classes, helping students of all ages develop skill, confidence, and resilience through Jiu-Jitsu.

Our Philosophy

Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport

At ADG Jiu-Jitsu, we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is much more than a sport. It is a system for developing confidence, discipline, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

Through consistent training, students learn how to remain calm under pressure, think strategically, and overcome challenges — skills that translate directly into everyday life.

For children, this means learning how to stay focused, work through difficult situations, respect others, and build healthy confidence.

For adults, it means developing physical fitness, practical self-defense skills, and the mental strength that comes from pushing beyond personal limits.

Our structured curriculum allows students to study positions and concepts in depth each month, helping them build a strong technical foundation and a deeper understanding of the art.

Our Coaches

The coaching team at ADG Jiu-Jitsu is dedicated to helping every student succeed, whether they are stepping on the mat for the first time or preparing for competition.

Our instructors bring years of experience in Jiu-Jitsu and are committed to maintaining a positive, supportive training environment.

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Hayley Telegdy

Women's Coach

coach greg

Greg Telegdy

Kids & Adults Coach

coach scott

Scott Simmons

Kids & Adults Coach

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Adam Howard

Noon Coach

Start Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey Today

Build confidence, strength, and real self-defense skills in a welcoming training environment.

Whether you’re completely new to martial arts or looking for a new academy, ADG Jiu-Jitsu offers structured training for kids, teens, and adults. Come experience the difference of training with a supportive team and experienced instructors.