Business Details
Premier Martial Arts Training in West Deptford, NJ
At Close Quarters BJJ & Kickboxing, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through comprehensive martial arts training. Founded by Head Instructor Rich Hernandez, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under UFC veteran Jonavin Webb, our gym combines decades of expertise with a passion for teaching self-defense and fitness. Our team of certified instructors includes multiple Black Belts and specialists in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and youth development programs. We adhere to the traditional BJJ belt system while emphasizing core values like respect, humility, and resilience. Our family-oriented environment welcomes students of all ages and skill levels, offering structured programs for kids, teens, and adults.With over 1,000 square feet of mat space and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide a safe and dynamic training atmosphere. Our specialized offerings include women's self-defense seminars, bully-proofing workshops, and high-intensity fitness classes. Committed to continuous improvement, we foster a community where members develop physical strength, mental discipline, and lifelong confidence. Our philosophy centers on creating a supportive network where every individual is treated like family. Through personalized instruction and a focus on practical techniques, we help students achieve their personal growth and self-defense goals.
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Teens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Little Heroes BJJ
Tiny Heroes BJJ
Adult Kickboxing
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instruction from certified Black Belts with professional martial arts experience
- Our family-oriented environment fosters respect, discipline, and personal growth
- Comprehensive programs available for all ages from 4 years old to adults
- Specialized self-defense seminars for women and anti-bullying workshops for children
- Modern training facility with 1,000 sq ft of mat space and safety-focused equipment
What people say
Outstanding gym environment
Excellent life lessons
Dedicated instructors
Strong sense of family
Effective self-defense training
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops practical self-defense skills and competition techniques for all experience levels. Through structured curriculum and personalized instruction, students improve physical fitness while learning effective grappling and ground-fighting strategies. The program emphasizes real-world applications and progressive skill development.
Teens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Designed for ages 12-15, this program builds physical fitness, self-confidence, and self-defense capabilities. Certified instructors teach age-appropriate techniques while fostering discipline and mental resilience. Students learn practical self-defense applications in a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and peer respect.
Little Heroes BJJ
This program for ages 7-12 introduces foundational jiu-jitsu techniques while developing discipline and character. Certified instructors use engaging methods to teach self-defense principles, physical coordination, and mental focus. The curriculum balances skill development with fun activities that promote confidence and social skills.
Tiny Heroes BJJ
Specially designed for ages 4-6, this introductory program focuses on physical development and basic self-defense concepts. Instructors use age-appropriate games and activities to teach fundamental movement skills, mental focus, and social interaction in a safe, structured environment.
Adult Kickboxing
Combining martial arts techniques with high-intensity cardio, this program improves overall fitness while teaching practical self-defense skills. Participants learn striking techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, and K1 while engaging in challenging workouts that build endurance, strength, and coordination.
People
Rich Hernandez
Owner / Head Instructor
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under UFC veteran Jonavin Webb with 9+ years teaching experience. Specializes in self-defense instruction and youth development programs.
Kevin Grundlock
Adult Coach
Certified Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with extensive competition experience and adult instruction expertise.
Mike Mangiaracina
Adult Coach
Experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt specializing in technical instruction for adult students.
Joe Serrano
Adult Coach
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt with specialization in adult martial arts instruction and competition preparation.
Duarte Monteiro
Kickboxing Coach
Certified Kickboxing Coach with expertise in K1 and Muay Thai techniques, holding a 2nd Dan Blackbelt in Korean Taekwondo.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing, with instructors certified in multiple disciplines including Muay Thai and Taekwondo.
Are there programs for different age groups?
Yes! We offer age-specific programs for children aged 4-6 (Tiny Heroes), 7-12 (Little Heroes), teens 12-15, and adult classes.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our classes accommodate all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.
What should I wear for my first class?
For your first class, wear comfortable workout clothing. We provide loaner gear while you decide about purchasing your own equipment.
Are there special programs for women?
Yes, we offer specialized self-defense seminars for women focusing on practical techniques and situational awareness training.
How do I schedule my first class?
You can schedule your first class through our website or by calling us directly at 609-820-3017 during business hours.
Reviews (5)
Fritz
Oct 26, 2021
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A+ environment. CQBJJ has assembled a great team of coaches with different experience levels and approaches on instruction. I had my first class with Coach/Owner Rich and he erased all doubts I had about joining. He was very personable, passionate and had extensive knowledge. Class is always done in a way that any and all who enter will leave improving their fitness, confidence and of course, jiu jitsu. If youre the person looking for a new gym or have never done jiu jitsu (like myself), Im sure CQBJJ will accommodate your needs and exceed your expectations.
Bob Jones
Oct 20, 2021
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My son and I started learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Close Quarters around 5 months ago. From our first night, coming in as beginners, we immediately felt welcome. Rich, the owner, is a great guy and has created a family atmosphere in the gym; which includes very experienced top notch coaches. I highly recommend Close Quarters. It's a great gym!
Kevin Grundlock
Sep 14, 2021
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I have been training for about 6 years. I just recently made a move to begin training at CQ and I couldn't be happier. Professor Rich can take the most basic lesson and add details that even the most advanced practioner can find useful. Very excited for what the future holds at CQBJJ. Very proud to be a part of this team.
Billy Robinson
Aug 01, 2021
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This is an outstanding gym. Ive known Rich for quite sometime and hes always been very passionate about what he teaches. Hes very personable, always checking up on his clients/staff, and always willing to more than the bare minimum. You can feel a strong sense of family among members from the moment you walk in. Anyone interested in BJJ is encouraged to check this place out. You wont be disappointed.
Elias Tanner
Mar 24, 2021
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Amazing place, super friendly, good people, very encouraging, flexible schedule and private lessons available. Great place to just workout if you want that while learning self defense. This is also an amazing place if you want to get into Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu jitsu competitively. I highly recommend. Ive been to plenty of gyms to know a good one when I see one.
