The Team Behind Freya’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Meet the instructors and community dedicated to helping you grow stronger on and off the mats.
Welcome to Freya’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
This is where the story starts. Show up, step on the mats, and unleash the warrior you know is in there. The journey won’t be easy—but it will be worth it. Let’s build your legend together.
No need to pretend. No need to be perfect. Just be you. Our coaching team is experienced, focused, and ready to guide you every step of the way.
We’re excited to welcome you into the family. Your spot on the mats is waiting.
Meet Professor Jessica Bednark
Professor Jessica Bednark is dedicated to helping students build confidence, discipline, and resilience through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She began training No Gi Jiu Jitsu in 2006 while competing as a mixed martial artist under former UFC Champion Dave Menne. From 2007 to 2009, she competed professionally in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and boxing, gaining firsthand experience in high-level competition and performance under pressure.
After a career-ending injury in 2009 took her off the mats for three years, Jessica returned to training in 2012 under Brock Larson. Her journey reflects persistence, discipline, and a deep commitment to growth. She opened Freya’s Jiu Jitsu in Alexandria in June 2018 and earned her black belt in November 2021, continuing to lead by example through her dedication to the art.
Jessica’s coaching style is structured, focused, and supportive, emphasizing strong fundamentals, consistent effort, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. She is especially passionate about teaching students how to use leverage, timing, and pressure to effectively control and dominate larger, stronger opponents. Through detailed instruction and hands-on coaching, she helps students develop both technical skill and personal discipline.
She continues to train actively alongside her spouse and three children, embodying the family-centered culture she has built within the academy. Jessica believes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than a martial art—it is a lifelong practice that builds mental clarity, physical capability, and confidence that extends into every area of life.
For Jessica, Jiu Jitsu is about more than training—it is the challenge, the growth, and the community built through shared effort. She founded Freya’s Jiu Jitsu to give others the same outlet that shaped her journey: a place to push limits, build meaningful connections, and become stronger, more confident individuals on and off the mats.
Meet Coach Cory Haffner
Coach Cory is committed to helping students build confidence, discipline, and strong technical fundamentals through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He brings a focused and encouraging approach to every class, creating an environment where students are challenged to grow while feeling supported at every stage of their journey. His coaching emphasizes steady progress, attention to detail, and the development of skills that extend beyond the mats.
With a structured and hands-on teaching style, Cory prioritizes clear instruction, practical application, and consistent improvement. He believes Jiu Jitsu is more than a martial art—it is a tool for building physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to stay composed under pressure. His classes are designed to help students refine their techniques, sharpen their strategy, and gain confidence in their abilities.
For Cory, the academy is built on more than training—it is about consistency, teamwork, and a shared commitment to getting better. He takes pride in creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere where students support one another, push their limits, and grow into stronger, more capable individuals both on and off the mats.
Meet Coach Alex Herzberg
Coach Alex is committed to developing confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With over 8 years of training at Freya’s Jiu Jitsu and his experience as a deputy with Douglas County, he brings a calm, focused, and practical approach to every class. His perspective is grounded in what works under pressure—emphasizing control, composure, and effective technique in real-world situations.
He leads with clear instruction and high standards, creating an environment built on accountability, consistency, and growth. His coaching style is structured and supportive, pushing students to improve while giving them the tools and guidance to succeed. Alex is especially passionate about teaching practical self-defense and helping students build strong, reliable fundamentals.
For Alex, Jiu Jitsu is more than training—it is discipline, shared effort, and the brotherhood that comes from working toward a common goal. He takes pride in helping students grow into stronger, more confident individuals, both on and off the mats, while contributing to a culture of respect, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Stay Connected With Our Community
Join the Freya’s BJJ Community
When you train at Freya’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you’re joining a team of individuals committed to growth, resilience, and accountability.
Our academy is built on encouragement, respect, and shared goals. Students push each other to improve while celebrating progress every step of the way.
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, or personal growth, you’ll find the support you need here.