HomeNew JerseyUnion › Duncan Martial Arts

Duncan Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Union, New Jersey

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule duncanmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 908-349-8619

Hours

Monday 4–10 pm
Tuesday 4–10 pm
Wednesday 4–10 pm
Thursday 4–10 pm
Friday 4–10 pm
Saturday 9 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

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 Duncan Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 11 mentions

“The weapons training and situation based training will prepare you or your children for the types of things that happen when you can’t run away.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

Teens BJJ

“Wether child, teen, or adult, everyone can grow and develop.”

All gyms that run teens bjj →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“I travel at least 45 minutes to attend both private sessions and the adult program.”

All gyms that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“Not only is the self defense taught there complete in ever combative aspect but also taught in such a way that is practical to students of all ages and athletic ability.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Duncan Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🎽 Karate 2 mentions

“I would definitely recommend Duncan Martial Arts for any parent looking for their child or children to learn karate and discipline.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 68 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 5 mentions

“Hanshi Duncan's team of Black Belt instructors further enhances the learning experience, providing skilled, patient, and dedicated guidance to every student.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Very welcoming, patient and willing to help beginners so they can become advanced.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 12 mentions

“If you want excellent knowledge, No nonsense, Just straight forward, Duncan Martial Arts is the place to go.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Techniques that are modernized that are meant to really protect you from an assault and with the skills that will make sure you survive.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 2 mentions

“Hanshi has the deep understanding, passion and proficiency in the martial arts which comes from years of mastery and lineage.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 8 mentions

“I would definitely recommend Duncan Martial Arts for any parent looking for their child or children to learn karate and discipline.”

From the reviews

Started my son when he was 3 years old. He's now 4. I love the fact that he's learning new skills and discipline. Sensei (Mr. Duncan) is patient and very knowing. I love the fact that he expects his students to try their hardest. I've seen a lot of growth in my son in these few short months.

★★★★★ — Hatsheput, Feb 2021

I am very fortunate to be studying at Duncan Martial Arts under Hanshi Gregory Duncan. Hanshi Gregory Duncan is the embodiment of a highly skilled and advanced martial artist and instructor. He is excellent at transmitting his expertise and building positive character.

★★★★★ — Edwin, Mar 2025

So grateful to be part of the Duncan Martial Arts Family. Hanshi Duncan is an amazing teacher/mentor. I have been part of the school for over 10 years and couldn't see myself anywhere else. For anyone who wants to start self defense training and thinks they might be too old, they should come here (I know!!).

★★★★★ — Elizabeth, Apr 2025

Never in my life have I felt such a sense of belonging and unity than at Duncan Martial Arts. Not only is the self defense taught there complete in ever combative aspect but also taught in such a way that is practical to students of all ages and athletic ability.

★★★★★ — Thelongshot1982, May 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 68 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Duncan Martial Arts

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 Duncan Martial Arts

627 Chestnut St, Union, NJ07083

Get directions Facebook

More BJJ gyms near Union

Rolling Bear Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 78 reviews

870 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

Brazilian jujitsu club with experienced coaches in a welcoming setting.

under a mile away

Jiu Jitsu Saves Lives

1166 W Chestnut St, Union, NJ

BJJ gym

under a mile away

AllStar Martial Arts – Kids, BJJ, Muay Thai & Self Defense in Union NJ

4.6 ★★★★★ 192 reviews

1166 W Chestnut St, Union, NJ

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4–16

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated welcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academyactive competition team

under a mile away

All BJJ gyms in Union, NJ →

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.