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Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 550 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Harrison, New Jersey
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule chokelabacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 973-445-7796
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–12 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–12 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30–11:30 am |
The classes they run
“This emphasis on respect, focus, and character development is invaluable, providing a foundation that extends far beyond the mats and into everyday life.”
“Professor Josef is by far the best, most dedicated person for these kids, he goes above and beyond for them to master the techniques that will help them in the future.”
“A great place to learn Jiu Jitsu, whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned competitor.”
“They are patient and provide quality one-on-one time with students to help students better understand the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu.”
“It is such amazing to see him pass his knowledge of martial arts/self defense to both adults and kids!”
“Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, the instruction is top-notch—clear, patient, and full of valuable details that really help you grow.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Professor Josef is by far the best, most dedicated person for these kids, he goes above and beyond for them to master the techniques that will help them in the future.”
“From the moment you walk in, you feel how welcoming, professional, and thoughtfully run the academy is.”
“They create a supportive and fun learning environment where kids feel safe to try new techniques and build their confidence.”
“Professor Josef is by far the best, most dedicated person for these kids, he goes above and beyond for them to master the techniques that will help them in the future.”
“My daughter has grown so much—she’s more confident, has developed great skills, and has truly learned how to stand up for herself.”
“A great place to learn Jiu Jitsu, whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned competitor.”
From the reviews
Took my son to train at Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it was an amazing experience! The energy in the gym was fantastic, and the atmosphere was both welcoming and motivating. Professor Josef does an incredible job balancing high-level technique with a fun and engaging training environment.
I am writing to express my profound satisfaction with the experience my son has had at your Chokelab Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy. Enrolling him here has undeniably proven to be one of the most positive and impactful decisions I've made for his development.
Sensei Josef and his academy are just special. There are few people to be met in this life that harbor the amount of passion for anything that sensei has for Jiu Jitsu and the martial arts as a whole. He is strict, he is disciplined, he is wildly knowledgeable and a constant student of the game.
I trained under chokelab in the beginning of my jiu jitsu journey for a few years prior to moving out of state. From approximately 2019 to 2022. The academy run by Sensei Josef Manuel is of the highest quality. All instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, humble, and respectful.
New to BJJ? Start at Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Chokelab Brazilian 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.
Your first BJJ class at Chokelab Brazilian 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.
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