Rising Sun Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

Welcome to the Rising Sun Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, a community-focused martial arts academy that has been serving New Jersey since 2004. Our academy is recognized as the best in the area, providing a range of programs that cater to individuals of all ages and abilities. We take pride in offering a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn proven self-defense techniques, develop vital life skills, and build lasting relationships.

At Rising Sun BJJ Academy, we believe that martial arts are more than just physical self-defense. Our approach emphasizes personal growth and development, fostering traits such as discipline, respect, and perseverance. While competition is strictly voluntary, we understand its value as a tool for cross-training and improving one's skills. Our academy has achieved numerous accolades, including IBJJF Certified, ADCC Certified, and NAGA Accredited School status. Additionally, we have earned four Overall Team 1st Place Championships.

Meet the Team

Our experienced and dedicated team is led by Dennis J. Melone, who holds a 6th-degree black belt under the late Legendary Okinawan Master Taika Seiyu Oyata and is a member of Oyata's Elite Shun Shu Ho. Melone is the founder of Kempo Newaza Jitsu and the first American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt directly under Master Paulao Rezende. Notable students of Rezende include Marcelo Garcia, Damien Maia, Reinaldo Ribeiro, Gustavo De Lima, Rodrigo Ranieri de Faria, Rodnei Barbosa, Neo Caibra, and Gargamel Carvalho.

Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors include Professor Douglas Furtado, a black belt from Brazil, and Brandon Bigelow, a purple belt from the USA. Professor Paulo Alves, a black belt from Brazil, leads our MMA/No Gi Wrestling program. Additionally, our experienced Karate Black Belt instructors include Trentino Melone, Ava Melone, and Joe Shoemaker.

Programs

Our academy offers a variety of programs designed to meet the unique needs and interests of our students:

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA: The heart of MMA's ground game lies in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Without solid BJJ skills, you won't be a top MMA or BJJ competitor. Takedowns, submissions, escapes, and a deep understanding of movement are all critical components of this strategic "chess match." Our BJJ program is overseen and personally taught by a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt. We offer a Kids Program for students aged 5-15 and an Adult Program for students aged 16 and up.
• Karate (Kempo Newaza): Striking is essential for all self-defense, but there's more to it. Our unique style combines striking, kicking, small circle joint locks, and Newaza ground fighting. This program is led by experienced black belts and teaches more than mere sport karate - it's a discipline focused on life protection. We offer classes for students of all ages.
• Kids/Teens MMA: Students in this program combine their ground skills, such as wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with boxing, muay thai, and karate, resulting in a comprehensive combat sport. Safe and controlled, this program enhances self-defense, awareness, reflexes, exercise, confidence, and discipline.
• Cardio Kickboxing: An enjoyable full-body workout in a high-energy setting, Cardio Kickboxing is an excellent fitness program for toning your entire body and effectively aiding weight loss. Targeting major muscle groups, this class works your upper and lower body and strengthens your core, resulting in a significant caloric burn, toned muscles, and improved cardiovascular endurance.

Visit Us

Rising Sun BJJ Academy invites you to explore our programs further. Our academy accommodates students of all ages and abilities, fostering a community dedicated to personal growth and self-improvement. Call us at (201) 440-4466 to learn more or to schedule a visit.