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Ascend Jiu Jitsu Academy

5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Edison, New Jersey

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ascendjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (848) 202-9466

Hours

Monday 6–7 AM, 10:30 AM–1 PM, 5:30–8 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Wednesday 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 5:30–8 PM
Thursday 11 AM–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Friday 6–7 AM, 11 AM–1 PM, 6–7 PM
Saturday 10 AM–1 PM
Sunday 11 AM–12 PM

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Ascend Jiu Jitsu Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 6 mentions

“They also have excellent programs for both kids and adults, ensuring everyone gets the attention and guidance they need.”

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🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Whether your goal is competition, self-defense, or just getting in the best shape of your life, this is the place.”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 60 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 8 mentions

“World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 14 mentions

“World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 15 mentions

“World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Their teaching goes far beyond technique they build confidence, discipline, and respect both on and off the mats.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 11 mentions

“From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is exactly what you want in a serious academy—clean, professional, and filled with people who are there to get better every single day.”

From the reviews

5 stars are not enough for this school. Prof. Matheus and Prof. Bill provide the perfect blend of a welcoming atmosphere, and word-class instruction. They immediately make you feel at home and take their time to make sure you understand every step. The school itself if clean and inviting.

★★★★★ — Sarah, Nov 2025

Amazing BJJ academy. World class instructors and the culture is incredible - great and welcoming atmosphere for all types of practitioners (beginners, hobbyists, serious competitors, etc.). Would recommend for everyone.

★★★★★ — John, Nov 2025

I am having an amazing experience training at Ascend Jiu Jitsu in Edison NJ. From day one, the atmosphere has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, making it perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

★★★★★ — A, Dec 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ascend Jiu Jitsu is hands down a top tier gym. Professor Matheus and Professor Bill are truly exceptional professional, knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly dedicated to their students. Their teaching goes far beyond technique they build confidence, discipline, and respect both on and off the mats.

★★★★★ — Adila, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 60 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Ascend Jiu Jitsu Academy

Ascend Jiu Jitsu Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Ascend Jiu Jitsu Academy

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Ascend Jiu Jitsu Academy

2303 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ08817

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.