Business Details
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Garwood, NJ
At Renzo Gracie Garwood, we believe in the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for personal growth, self-defense, and physical fitness. Our academy welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. With a focus on technical mastery and mental resilience, our programs are designed to build confidence, discipline, and community. Our certified instructors bring decades of combined experience, offering tailored guidance to help students achieve their unique goals. From adult and kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes to specialized Executive and Women's programs, we prioritize safety, respect, and practical application.Our Self-Defense/Bully Proof curriculum empowers individuals to protect themselves while promoting non-violent conflict resolution. We emphasize holistic development, combining physical training with lessons in perseverance, humility, and teamwork. Whether you're seeking competition preparation, fitness, or personal empowerment, our academy provides a supportive space to grow. We pride ourselves on transparent membership terms, with no long-term obligations or hidden fees. Join a legacy of excellence rooted in the Gracie family's martial arts tradition, now accessible in Garwood, New Jersey.
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Women Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Executive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Self-Defense/Bully Proof
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs with certified black belt instructors
- Our curriculum combines traditional BJJ with modern self-defense techniques
- We provide a non-intimidating environment for beginners of all ages
- Our instructors include world championship competitors and former law enforcement trainers
- We emphasize practical skill development over competition-focused training
Associations and certifications
- ABCD Certified
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches throws, hold downs, and submissions to control attackers. Regular training develops physical strength, mental sharpness, and strategic thinking through technical drills and sparring. Students learn practical self-defense applications while improving overall fitness and discipline.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Designed for children, this program builds life skills through consistent martial arts training. Participants develop physical strength, self-confidence, and behavioral discipline while learning safe self-defense techniques. Classes emphasize character development and positive social interaction in a structured environment.
Women Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
This specialized program empowers women through physical conditioning and practical self-defense training. Participants build strength, flexibility, and situational awareness while learning techniques to protect themselves against larger attackers. Classes focus on building confidence and resilience in real-world scenarios.
Self-Defense/Bully Proof
Our Self-Defense/Bully Proof curriculum teaches non-violent conflict resolution and physical defense techniques. Students learn verbal de-escalation strategies and practical methods to protect themselves from physical attacks. The program emphasizes situational awareness and confidence-building for real-world safety.
Executive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Tailored for older adults, this program offers age-appropriate BJJ instruction at a modified pace. Participants receive the same technical training as standard classes while focusing on joint health, flexibility, and practical self-defense applications. The supportive environment encourages lifelong learning and physical maintenance.
People
Carlos "Bronco" Oliveira
Head Instructor
Carlos "Bronco" Oliveira trained under Daniel Gracie and Murilo Bustamante before earning his black belt in 2009. He opened his Cranford academy in 2012 and now leads Renzo Gracie Garwood's adult programs with over 25 years of BJJ experience.
Thiago "No Mercy" Angelon
Black Belt Instructor
Thiago "No Mercy" Angelon holds multiple world championship titles in BJJ and Luta Livre. With 25+ years of competitive experience, he teaches advanced techniques and competition strategies while sharing his expertise in both Gi and No-Gi formats.
Edwin "Eddie" Cruz
Professor
Professor Cruz combines 25+ years of martial arts and law enforcement experience to develop practical self-defense systems. He created the academy's Anti-Bullying program and teaches real-world defense scenarios for both adult and youth classes.
Tommy Caruso
Instructor
Tommy Caruso earned his black belt from Renzo Gracie in 2009 after 16 years of dedicated training. He specializes in teaching diverse techniques that improve students' adaptability and strategic thinking during live sparring sessions.
Questions
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for all prospective students. No prior experience is required to participate in our introductory sessions.
What should I wear for my first BJJ class?
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing. We provide loaner gis and can help you obtain proper gear after your trial session.
Are women's self-defense classes different from regular BJJ?
Our Women's BJJ program focuses specifically on scenarios relevant to female participants while maintaining core BJJ principles. Classes emphasize practical defense against larger attackers.
What age can children start martial arts training?
We accept children as young as 5 years old in our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. Classes are structured to match developmental stages and maintain safety.
Do your instructors have competition experience?
All lead instructors are active or former competitors with multiple championship titles. Our team includes world champions in Gi, No-Gi, and Luta Livre formats.
