Our Team

Professor Tony Souza

Head Professor, Deep Roots Jiu Jitsu

5th‑degree BJJ black belt
20+ years teaching

 

Tony Souza is a decorated professor and 5th‑degree Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu black belt known for blending traditional, genuine BJJ with clear, modern instruction that serves everyday students and motivated competitors alike. Across more than two decades, he has owned and led multiple academies, coached thousands of practitioners, and mentored instructors—always with a fundamentals‑first approach: posture, base, pressure, timing, and calm under pressure.

 

Tony’s sessions are organized, technical, and welcoming—mobility‑focused warm‑ups, detail‑rich technique, progressive drilling, and controlled live rounds that turn concepts into dependable skills. He believes Jiu‑Jitsu should meet each student where they are and elevate their goals—fitness, practical self‑defense, confidence, or competition. A devoted family man, Tony’s patient, encouraging coaching style helps build a culture of respect, consistency, and community at Deep Roots Jiu Jitsu —keeping the art authentic and effective for everyday life while preserving the technical edge competitors want.

Professor Jonas Fernandes

Founder & Professor, Deep Roots Jiu Jitsu

1st‑degree BJJ black belt
20 years’ experience
MMA background

 

Jonas Fernandes is the founder and professor of Deep Roots Jiu Jitsu , a 1st‑degree Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu black belt with 20 years on the mats , tournament rankings in Jiu‑Jitsu, and an MMA background (including four professional bouts ). His coaching blends fundamentals, safety, and pressure‑tested training , giving everyday students and ambitious athletes a clear path to progress: leverage over strength, calm under pressure, and practical self‑defense that carries beyond the mat.

 

A husband of 14 years and father of three young practitioners (belts: yellow/black, yellow, and grey/black ), Jonas designs family‑friendly programs that help kids, parents, and working professionals grow together. Off the mats, he serves as Chief Information Officer at CMIT Solutions of Boston | Cambridge (15 years), bringing a disciplined, systems‑driven approach to curriculum, feedback, and student milestones. At Deep Roots , Jonas’ mission is simple: help people elevate—in Jiu‑Jitsu and in life —with training that’s authentic, welcoming, and results‑oriented.