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Slow and Steady Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lambertville, New Jersey

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Website & schedule slowandsteadybjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 609-806-8736

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Slow and Steady Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

📘 Fundamentals 2 mentions

“His emphasis on fundamentals, strategy, and live application ensures that students not only learn but truly understand jiu jitsu.”

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🧒 Kids BJJ 9 mentions

“My son is 3 years old and has been training with him for a couple months now.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“I have been learning from Turtle since white belt, and his coaching at tournaments gave me confidence and clear direction.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“If you or your child are looking to begin your BJJ/self-defense journey, look no further than Slow and Steady!”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Whether you’re a beginner just starting your journey, or a seasoned practitioner looking to refine your game, Professor Turtle provides top-tier instruction tailored to all levels.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🏟️ MMA

“Professor Turtle has phenomenal Jiu Jitsu & MMA skills, as well as the ability to foster a friendly, clean, welcoming environment.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

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 28 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 5 mentions

“Professor Turtle is one of the most knowledgeable instructors I've been around.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“Whether you’re a beginner just starting your journey, or a seasoned practitioner looking to refine your game, Professor Turtle provides top-tier instruction tailored to all levels.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 8 mentions

“Professor Turtle and his whole team are not only highly skilled practitioners of Jiu Jitsu but they are kind, patient, and welcoming while offering a structured class!”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 7 mentions

“His ability to break down techniques into clear, digestible steps makes even the most complex movements feel achievable.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“I have been learning from Turtle since white belt, and his coaching at tournaments gave me confidence and clear direction.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“I have been learning from Turtle since white belt, and his coaching at tournaments gave me confidence and clear direction.”

From the reviews

I started this Jiu Jitsu Journey back in 2022 with Professor Turtle and from the moment I walked in the front door I felt like I’ve always belonged. He is an amazing instructor! I highly recommend anyone who is thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu or even continuing training to come and check him out!

★★★★★ — Tati, Mar 2025

Professor Nick "Turtle" Manela is the BEST Jiu Jitsu Instructor! I cannot say enough great things about Professor Turtle and his approach to teaching jiu jitsu. From the moment you step onto the mats, you can feel his passion for the art and his dedication to every student’s growth.

★★★★★ — Chris, Mar 2025

I am a student to Professor Turtle and we have also become great friends. Learning jiu jitsu under him has been an amazing experience for me. As someone who has never done anything like jiu jitsu or combat sports, it was hard for me to assimilate.

★★★★★ — Akash, Mar 2025

Ive trained with Professor Turtle for a few years now. He is the definition of what it truly means to be a black belt in this sport. His years of experience is a direct reflection of his commitment, love, and passion for the sport. He is very humble and will go above and beyond to teach his students of all levels.

★★★★★ — Joshuamedina1993, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 28 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Slow and Steady Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Slow and Steady Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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 Slow and Steady Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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 Slow and Steady Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

80 Lambert Ln, Lambertville, NJ08530

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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.