HomeNew JerseyClifton › Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo

Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo

5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Clifton, New Jersey

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi

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 (ages 4–12) — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule gumacliftonnj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 862-368-0084

Hours

Monday 4:30–8 pm
Tuesday 4:30–8 pm
Wednesday 7–8 am, 4:30–9 pm
Thursday 4:30–8 pm
Friday 7–8 am, 5:15–8 pm
Saturday 10 am–12 pm
Sunday 10 am–1 pm, 6:15–8:30 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 Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 6 mentions

“Was looking for a new place for my kids to train, we stopped by for a drop in class, all the coaches there made us feel welcomed, we found our new home.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you’re looking for self-defense or to improve your health Jiu Jitsu is a great martial art to explore.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Joe and greg were extremely welcoming, class was well oriented for all levels.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🤼 Judo 6 mentions

“been doing judo close to twenty five years have train and competed with both sensei's.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

🤸 Wrestling 2 mentions

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 37 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“Professor Steve is an excellent coach and is always dedicated to help his students improve.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Joe and greg were extremely welcoming, class was well oriented for all levels.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 9 mentions

“The gym itself has a family atmosphere, very friendly vibes but tough training partners; you’ll definitely have some hard rounds here!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Instructors are great at teaching many techniques of how to deal with bullies.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My kids and I love it and I highly recommend it to others as well.”

From the reviews

Been training here since the start of this new ownership and I couldn't recommend it more. Jiu jitsu classes every day with black belts who aren't just great practitioners, but excellent teachers and people. They also offer judo classes to really provide a complete grappling education.

★★★★★ — Paul, Nov 2019

Grappling University of Martial Arts is a great learning facility. It was my first experience with learning a martial art (JUDO). All the Sensei's were extra cool and my training partners as well. I definitely recommend it. Thank you GUMA

★★★★★ — Michael, Jan 2025

I’m grateful to say that this review comes from a place of personal experience and admiration. Professor Steven Abill is both a valued friend and a phenomenal training partner. His passion for teaching and his unwavering commitment to his students and academy are evident every single day.

★★★★★ — Josef, Nov 2025

Excellent Jiu Jitsu gym in the North NJ area. Professor Steve is an excellent coach and is always dedicated to help his students improve. The gym itself has a family atmosphere, very friendly vibes but tough training partners; you’ll definitely have some hard rounds here!

★★★★★ — David, Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 37 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo

Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo

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 Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo

575 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ07013

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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.