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Dante Rivera Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 95 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Howell Township, 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
- 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 danteriverabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (732) 414-2551
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–10 AM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–10 AM, 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9–10 AM, 6–9 PM |
| Friday | 9–10 AM, 6–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“Whether you are a high level Jiujitsu player, looking for a great work out or wanting to teach your children discipline and how to defend themselves, this is the place to train.”
“My husband and I dropped into a no-gi class on a Saturday while visiting NJ from WA state.”
“My husband and I dropped into a no-gi class on a Saturday while visiting NJ from WA state.”
“It's truly inspiring to see these athletes train and compete, and it motivates me to continue improving and reaching for my own goals.”
“I would recommend it to anyone that wants to learn self defense or just to be fit and get active you wouldn't' regret it.”
Other martial arts here
“Dante is not only an exceptional instructor, but he is also a seasoned pro fighter with experience in both Bellator MMA and the UFC.”
“I grew up doing Karate in the UK back in the ’90s, before martial arts schools started pushing endless belt tests and charging families left and right.”
What members say
“The staff is also amazing – Ash and Gary are both great instructors and they are always friendly and helpful, making you feel like part of the family.”
“His guidance and support have helped me to gain confidence and self-awareness, and the other students are all so supportive and welcoming.”
“His guidance and support have helped me to gain confidence and self-awareness, and the other students are all so supportive and welcoming.”
“It was a humbling experience, but it just goes to show how effective the techniques taught at this gym are.”
“Whether you are a high level Jiujitsu player, looking for a great work out or wanting to teach your children discipline and how to defend themselves, this is the place to train.”
“It's truly inspiring to see these athletes train and compete, and it motivates me to continue improving and reaching for my own goals.”
From the reviews
Before you decide to join Dante Rivera BJJ, I highly recommend reading this review. I am 46 years old and I can honestly say that Dante Rivera BJJ has been a life-changing experience for me. When I first started looking for a martial arts gym, I tried out a few other options, but none of them quite clicked for me.
Dante is a humble hardworking guy and a excellent fighter and instructor. I highly recommend his academy to anyone close to go check it out it's a clean friendly atmosphere. Dante is especially great with the kids. It's a honor to call him a friend go check his school out now !
The Dante Rivera BJJ Academy is simply a wonderful place. Both Dante and Leandro are amazing teachers/coaches and mentors. They have created an atmosphere where kids are able to both have fun and learn respect and great values.
My son has been going to Dante Rivera BJJ for a year now and the experience has been amazing. The kids program is excellent! Dante and his staff of amazing coaches are so good with the kids. The kids love them and have so much fun when at class.
New to BJJ? Start at Dante Rivera Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Dante Rivera 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 Dante Rivera 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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