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Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Clifton, New Jersey
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized judo governing body or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, Kodokan or Tenri). If affiliation matters to you, ask which body the dojo belongs to and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
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 judo classes (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 |
The classes they run
“Joe and greg were extremely welcoming, class was well oriented for all levels.”
“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.”
“If you’re looking for self-defense or to improve your health Jiu Jitsu is a great martial art to explore.”
Other martial arts here
“Jiu jitsu classes every day with black belts who aren't just great practitioners, but excellent teachers and people.”
“If you’re looking for self-defense or to improve your health Jiu Jitsu is a great martial art to explore.”
What members say
“been doing judo close to twenty five years have train and competed with both sensei's. great people very knowlegeable”
“Joe and greg were extremely welcoming, class was well oriented for all levels.”
“The gym itself has a family atmosphere, very friendly vibes but tough training partners; you’ll definitely have some hard rounds here!”
“Instructors are great at teaching many techniques of how to deal with bullies.”
“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.
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
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!
Me and my 5 year old son have been coming here for almost a year. Since he has been coming here, his self steam has grow tremendously. Instructors are great at teaching many techniques of how to deal with bullies. I recommend this school for anyone who wants to learn self defense and for those who get bullied.
New to judo? Start at Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo
Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo 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 Grappling University Martial Arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo
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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