Business Details
Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Mahwah
At Gorilla BJJ Academy, our mission is to empower individuals through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and related martial arts, helping students achieve personal goals ranging from self-defense mastery to competitive excellence. We prioritize self-defense skills, emphasizing that everyonemen, women, and childrenshould be prepared to defend themselves and their families. Our philosophy centers on leveraging technique over strength, rooted in the proven effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as one of the most practical self-defense systems globally. With a commitment to fostering a clean, safe, and family-friendly environment, we provide structured programs tailored to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our expert instructors, each with extensive experience and competitive backgrounds, deliver personalized guidance to nurture individual growth and technical proficiency.We celebrate creativity, critical thinking, and dedication, ensuring every student feels valued and supported in their journey. Founded on the principles of discipline, respect, and community, our academy aims to build confidence, physical fitness, and mental resilience through immersive training. By preserving the historical legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while adapting to modern needs, we bridge tradition with contemporary application. Our diverse classes, including Muay Thai and specialized programs for kids and women, reflect our dedication to inclusivity and holistic development. At Gorilla BJJ Academy, we invite students to experience training that transcends physical exercise, cultivating life skills that extend far beyond the mat.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Kids BJJ
Submission Grappling
Advanced Gi Classes
Beginner Gi Classes
Women's Jiu-Jitsu
Competition Classes
Self-Defense Seminars
Free Trial Classes
Highlights and features
- Our instructors offer tailored guidance for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
- We focus on practical, leverage-based self-defense techniques over sheer strength.
- We maintain a clean, family-friendly environment for respectful, inclusive training.
- Our team includes experienced competitors and black belts under renowned mentors.
- We offer specialized programs for kids, women, and competitive fighters.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu develops self-defense and grappling skills through leverage-based techniques. Designed for all ages and fitness levels, our program builds physical strength, mental discipline, and confidence. Our classes emphasize practical applications, from foundational moves to advanced strategies for competitive fighters.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai focuses on striking using hands, elbows, knees, and feet. This high-energy program improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and combat readiness. Our instructors teach traditional techniques tailored for beginners and advanced students seeking MMA or competitive proficiency.
Kids BJJ
Kids BJJ introduces martial arts fundamentals in a structured, fun environment. The program teaches self-defense, discipline, and respect while enhancing physical agility and focus. Tailored for ages 815, it fosters confidence and teamwork through age-appropriate drills and games.
Submission Grappling
No-Gi BJJ emphasizes speed and control in a loose style mirroring MMA. Students master takedowns, transitions, and submissions without uniforms. The curriculum adapts to real-world combat scenarios, ideal for athletes cross-training in mixed martial arts.
Advanced Gi Classes
Advanced Gi Classes refine techniques for students with foundational BJJ experience. Focus areas include complex submissions, positional dominance, and strategic defenses. These high-intensity sessions prioritize individual growth through technical sparring and targeted skill development.
People
Mike Wilson
Owner/Head Instructor
A 3rd-degree black belt with 18+ years of experience, Mike specializes in self-defense and technical instruction. He teaches all classes and emphasizes accessibility for all skill levels.
Vincent Presha
Professor
A black belt trained under Marcelo Garcia, Vinny teaches early morning classes. He brings expertise from competitive circuits and a focus on practical application.
Stan Kevereski
Professor
A black belt competitor under Mike Wilson, Stan specializes in advanced Gi and competition training. He has numerous submission-only wins and competes locally at top events.
Scott Foran
Professor
A black belt with 13+ years of experience, Scott leads Gi Basics classes and assists with youth programs. He frequently trains in Brazil to deepen his technical knowledge.
Katelyn Petersen
Women's Coach
A brown belt and academy director, Katelyn runs women's classes and self-defense seminars. She transitioned from bootcamp student to program leader over 10 years.
Questions
Does Gorilla BJJ Academy offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a free trial class for all prospective students to experience our training environment and teaching style.
What age groups are eligible for classes?
We offer programs for kids (ages 8–15), teens, and adults, with specialized sessions for women and families.
Are there options for beginners?
Yes, our Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes focus on fundamental techniques, ensuring newcomers build a strong technical foundation.
What other martial arts are taught besides BJJ?
We also offer Muay Thai Kickboxing and Submission Grappling (No-Gi BJJ) as part of our diverse combat sports curriculum.
