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Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Stanhope, New Jersey

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule corebjjnj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 973-476-0809

Hours

Monday 5:30–9 pm
Tuesday 6–8:30 pm
Wednesday 5:30–9 pm
Thursday 6–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10:30 am–1:30 pm
Sunday 11:30 am–1 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 Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 15 mentions

“Both of my kids (5 & 8) have gone to Core BJJ for the past year and we have been thrilled with Dave and his team.”

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💪 Women's BJJ

“The women’s only class is great for women who are a little hesitant to trying Jiu-Jitsu, but honestly the guys are awesome.”

All gyms that run women's bjj →

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“I recently attended a drop in class with a friend who trains at Core, my first time doing a drop in at a different gym that I do not regularly train at.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 63 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“Nothing but a great experience Dave is a great instructor who cares about each and everyone of his students.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 12 mentions

“I recently attended a drop in class with a friend who trains at Core, my first time doing a drop in at a different gym that I do not regularly train at.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 15 mentions

“Dave has a wealth of knowledge and a very welcoming and encouraging disposition which creates a great environment for learning and training!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Coach David is an individual that cares about the art of Jiu Jitsu and has the heart to explain the techniques over and over.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“It's a clean, comfortable environment to be in with great people who are all there for one reason, to learn and train jiu-jitsu!”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“The women’s only class is great for women who are a little hesitant to trying Jiu-Jitsu, but honestly the guys are awesome.”

From the reviews

Core Bjj has really became a second home for me. Over the past 2 years I’ve spent a very large chunk of my life trying to get good at this sport jiujitsu. And I’m doubtful there’s a better gym out there. The coaches are top notch, really giving you personal help. Always happy to answer questions.

★★★★★ — Nathan, Jan 2026

I have been training with Dave Ross for years and I am super excited with the opening of his New school in Stanhope. Anyone that lives in the near by area must check Core BJJ out if you want to learn from one of the most knowledgeable and technical practitioners in the area.

★★★★★ — Michael, Sep 2017

Core is an excellent martial arts academy for both children and adults. When I moved to the area I had already been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 8 years and had experienced a variety of different academies.

★★★★★ — Misha, Mar 2022

I started training at Core 9 months ago because I was looking for a way to get in shape that wouldn't feel like a chore. I didn't know at the time that I would find a great new hobby that I look forward to all day. Dave's classes are fun, and at the same time you learn a new skill.

★★★★★ — Harry, Apr 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 63 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Core 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.

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 Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

8 US-206, Stanhope, NJ07874

Get directions

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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.