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Performance Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fair Lawn, New Jersey
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 (ages 5–13) — 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 armlock.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (201) 390-5229
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:45 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30–11 AM |
The classes they run
“For beginners, the white belt fundamentals classes are perfect—they break down the basics in a way that’s easy to follow and not overwhelming.”
“Love this place, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their or their kids' confidence/mental fortitude/discipline.”
“Between the community on the mats and the mental/physical gains from practicing this sport, it has literally changed my life and confidence - especially as a woman (a short one).”
“For beginners, the white belt fundamentals classes are perfect—they break down the basics in a way that’s easy to follow and not overwhelming.”
Other martial arts here
“Imagine getting 40 kids wrestling on the ground in a choreographed way.”
What members say
“Lou vintaloro is a such great professor and person, he teaches the kids very well and help the kids to gain experience and discipline.”
“For beginners, the white belt fundamentals classes are perfect—they break down the basics in a way that’s easy to follow and not overwhelming.”
“As someone who had no prior experience in BJJ whatsoever, this place is very welcoming and everyone here is helpful and supportive.”
“Coach Lou is incredibly detailed with his techniques and always takes the time to guide you through mastering each position and submission.”
“Best workout you will ever do.”
“If you want Top-Quality, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, Performance Jiu-Jitsu is the place to train.”
From the reviews
If you want Top-Quality, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, Performance Jiu-Jitsu is the place to train. Prof. Louis is an Excellent and Patient instructor, and training here will definitely change you life for the better.
Almost 2 year review update. Started practicing Jiu Jitsu here in 2024 and I can't imagine being without it. Between the community on the mats and the mental/physical gains from practicing this sport, it has literally changed my life and confidence - especially as a woman (a short one).
High-level instruction , technical training. Prof.Vintaloro pays attention to details and actually cares about your progress. If you’re serious about improving not just jiu-jitsu, but your lifestyle as well this is the place.”.
For context, I joined performance about 6 months ago. Since joining, I've found the level of instruction very high. Technical, efficient jiu-jitsu is how I'd describe it. It's a great place for working professionals and their kids.
New to BJJ? Start at Performance Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy
Performance Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense 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 Performance Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense 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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