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Camal and Cruz Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Totowa, New Jersey
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos 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 judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule camalandcruz.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 973-256-0110
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5–9 pm |
| Friday | 1–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“The coaches are highly skilled, approachable, and truly invested in each student’s progress, making it an ideal place for practitioners of all levels.”
“All three of my kids and husband have been learning so much here and Sensai Anthony Camal is a real likeable guy atop being a great instructor.”
“Sensei Camal is a no nonsense instructor, old school, and instills toughness, grit, and discipline in all his students to eventually compete in Judo.”
“Perfect place to learn for self defense and even compete.”
Other martial arts here
“I was able to train at Cruz BJJ many times and every experience was outstanding … the facility is clean and the people there are great to train with.”
“Perfect place to learn for self defense and even compete.”
What members say
“All three of my kids and husband have been learning so much here and Sensai Anthony Camal is a real likeable guy atop being a great instructor.”
“The coaches are highly skilled, approachable, and truly invested in each student’s progress, making it an ideal place for practitioners of all levels.”
“I find Camal Judo to be an energizing dojo from walking in with a warm friendly greeting at the office to a great compassionate coach with Sensei Camal.”
“Professor Cruz has an incredible knowledge of the fine details of Jiu Jitsu and expects the most out of his students technique wise.”
“Sensei Camal is a no nonsense instructor, old school, and instills toughness, grit, and discipline in all his students to eventually compete in Judo.”
“Sensei Camal and Sensei Cruz take their time with the students, patiently teaching them discipline and respect.”
From the reviews
We brought our daughter to camal judo when she was 4 years old and she has learned so much from Sensi Camal in these past 3 years, she just started jiu jitsu a Few weeks ago with Sensi Cruz and it has helped her improve a lot both Sensis have so much love and patience to teach the kids and experience.
Great judo instruction and learning philosophy that focuses on individual student learning. All three of my kids and husband have been learning so much here and Sensai Anthony Camal is a real likeable guy atop being a great instructor.
I lost track of time… It must have been at least 8+ years that I’ve been training with the late Sensie Anthony Camal (Principal Judo teacher), Jamie Cruz (head BJJ coach), and the many talented instructors and helpful students that makes this place so amazing. This facility is an integral part of my family’s lifestyle.
Training at Camal and Cruz changed my life and pushed me to a limit I never knew existed. Sensei Camal is a no nonsense instructor, old school, and instills toughness, grit, and discipline in all his students to eventually compete in Judo.
New to judo? Start at Camal and Cruz Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Camal and Cruz Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never stepped 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 sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at Camal and Cruz Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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