Business Details
10 Years
experience
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Training in Mahwah, NJ
At Gorilla BJJ Academy, we empower individuals to achieve personal growth through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense training. Our mission centers on fostering confidence, physical fitness, and practical self-defense skills for all ages and skill levels. Founded in 2016, our academy emphasizes a family-friendly environment where students receive tailored guidance from experienced instructors. We prioritize technical precision, leveraging decades of collective expertise to break down complex techniques for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.Our curriculum integrates the historical roots of BJJ while adapting to modern self-defense needs, ensuring students develop both mental resilience and physical capability. By maintaining a clean, inclusive space, we cultivate a community where every member feels valued and supported in their journey toward mastery.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Kids Martial Arts
Self-Defense Seminars
Competition Training
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of combined instructor experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Our curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense techniques for real-world scenarios.
- We provide tailored guidance for students of all skill levels and ages.
- Our academy maintains a clean, family-friendly training environment.
- We host competitive training programs with proven tournament success.
What people say
Experienced instructors
Effective self-defense
Welcoming atmosphere
Family-friendly environment
Structured curriculum
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program develops technical proficiency and self-defense capabilities through structured classes. Students learn leverage-based techniques, positional control, and live sparring to build practical skills. The curriculum accommodates all experience levels from beginners to advanced competitors.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai classes focus on traditional striking techniques using fists, knees, elbows, and kicks. Training emphasizes cardiovascular fitness, defensive footwork, and ring strategy while preserving the cultural heritage of Thailand's national martial art.
Kids Martial Arts
Our kids' martial arts program teaches discipline, focus, and age-appropriate self-defense. Classes combine technical instruction with character development to improve confidence, concentration, and physical coordination in a safe, engaging environment.
Self-Defense Seminars
Self-defense seminars provide practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Participants learn situational awareness, escape strategies, and leverage-based counterattacks applicable to various threat levels and environments.
Competition Training
Competition training prepares athletes for BJJ and grappling tournaments through specialized drilling, live rolling, and strategy sessions. The program focuses on rule-specific techniques, weight management, and mental preparation for competitive environments.
People
Mike Wilson
Head Instructor
3rd degree black belt with 18+ years of BJJ experience. Specializes in technical breakdowns for all skill levels. Trains directly under Jared Weiner of BJJ United.
Vincent Presha
Professor
26th black belt under Marcelo Garcia. Leads early morning classes with focus on foundational techniques and training consistency.
Stan Kevereski
Black Belt Instructor
Competitive BJJ athlete with multiple submission-only tournament wins. Specializes in advanced gi techniques and competition strategy.
Scott Foran
Black Belt Instructor
13+ years of training experience. Focuses on gi basics instruction and Brazilian training immersion programs.
Katelyn Petersen
Women's Coach
Brown belt and academy director. Develops women's self-defense curriculum and leads introductory programs for new students.
Questions
Does Gorilla BJJ Academy offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs.
What self-defense techniques do you teach?
Our curriculum focuses on leverage-based BJJ techniques, escape strategies, and real-world threat response.
Are kids' martial arts classes available?
Yes, we offer structured BJJ programs for children aged 6-14 with trial classes available.
Do you have experienced instructors?
Our team includes black belts with 13-18 years of training and competitive experience.
What equipment is needed for BJJ classes?
Students require a gi or no-gi attire, with optional academy-branded gear available.
Reviews (5)
John Strollo
Aug 13, 2021
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Excellent gym to train jiu jitsu! I was visiting the area for roughly one month, and had heard good things about this gym in the past. Mike was incredibly welcoming and willing to accommodate my desire to train, despite the short time I would be in the area. Students and staff at this gym are teamwork oriented. They truly care about your desire to learn and get better. The facility is always clean, and there are plenty of options for classes throughout the week. I highly recommend this gym.
Jee Soo Pak
Jul 25, 2021
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Very welcoming, clean mats, great energy and passionate students who train hard. Head instructor; Professor Mike Wilson goes above and beyond for his students. Glad to be part of the Gorilla BJJ family.
Tee Remraf
Sep 15, 2020
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I have known Michael for 17 years. He's been an awesome guy throughout our relationship. I am very proud of his accomplishments! He keeps a professional, clean, safe, and fun environment for his students. It is his life. If your thinking of trying out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place you want to be!
Maddy
Aug 26, 2020
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I have been going to gorilla BJJ for a year now and it is an amazing place. It is a nice big open mat and a smaller mat in front. The people there are nice and helpful. They explain thing extremely well and they keep the amazingly clean and a healthy working environment. It is a great place for self defense and tournament training. They are very professional and good teachers. I would 100% recommend them!!!
Kenneth Rivera
Jun 28, 2020
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Been training here for a couple of years and it was the best decision I made. Professor Mike is able to demonstrate, guide and answer questions clearly while maintaining fun training sessions that will keep students engaged. Environment is very friendly. Open to new comers and those who have trained in the past, everyone is welcome. Very clean environment, you can tell everything is well maintained and sanatized frequently. Would recommend this place to anyone who has a job profession that can get hands on or even for the average person who wants to get in shape while learning potentially life
