About Us
Foundations of Princeton BJJ
The Art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport and self defense system that is one of the most popular and fastest growing arts today. BJJ is an art form that emphasizes ground fighting techniques which involve various chokes and joint locks used to dominate and submit the attacker.
Meet the Instructors
At Princeton BJJ, we focus on your development as a practitioner and an individual. We have fostered an environment which is professional, fun, and dedicated to passing on our extensive experience in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to you.
Maddie Armstrong
Black Belt & Instructor
Maddie Armstrong
Black Belt & Instructor
Maddie Armstrong
How long have you been training?
14 yearsWhy did you begin training?
I started off training in Muay Thai and boxing. After a few fights, I decided I wanted to develop a ground game, so I started BJJ at the same school as my brother. Continue readingJoanne Gansert
General Manager
Joanne Gansert
General Manager
Joanne Gansert
How long have you been training?
4 yearsWhy did you begin training?
I have been involved in the martial arts for many years with a focus on stand-up and Krav Maga (self-defense). I was participating at a Krav Maga camp with an instructor from Germany and I recognized very quickly that I was having difficulty performing on the ground. Every time my back hit the floor, I found myself struggling. I was encouraged by my peers to try jiu jitsu. I started by taking private lessons before making the switch to group classes. Continue ReadingVeronica Chmiel
Brown Belt & Instructor
Veronica Chmiel
Brown Belt & Instructor
Veronica Chmiel
How Long Have You Been Training?
6 yearsWhy Did You Begin Training?
I brought my son in looking to get him exposed to an art which encourages discipline, better focus, self defense knowledge, consistent movement, community, and helps build confidence. I was given a pair of pajamas (a gi) and encouraged to take a class, and I got bitten by the jiu jitsu bug. Continue ReadingKevin Eng
Brown Belt & Instructor
Kevin Eng
Brown Belt & Instructor
Kevin Eng
How Long Have You Been Training?
9 yearsWhy Did You Begin Training?
Practice is the right word: it takes a lot of repetition and grinding. I'm working on jiujitsu and taking notes and trying it out on different people and sizes and situations. It never works right away, but there's an amazing thing that happens a few months later when what I forget all that work: when I'm physically or mentally tired, suddenly my hands and feet know what to do. That's probably the feeling that I'm chasing the most in the gym. Continue ReadingJonnathan Ventura
Black Belt, Partner, & Coach
Jonnathan Ventura
Black Belt, Partner, & Coach
How Long Have You Been Training?
13 years
Why Did You Begin Training?
Self-defense
What Encourages You The Most About Your Practice?
What inspires and encourages me the most about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is its endless capacity for personal growth and learning. The journey in BJJ is not just a mindset but an endless path.
Continue Reading
Ryan Healy
Black Belt & Instructor
Ryan Healy
Black Belt & Instructor
Ryan Healy
How long have you been training?
14 yearsWhy did you begin training?
I’ve always been a fan of mixed martial arts. At first I wanted to learn how to defend myself. Once I started training, I started to realize the benefits of living a martial arts lifestyle. Continue ReadingBrandon Foss
Purple Belt & Instructor
Brandon Foss
Purple Belt & Instructor
Brandon Foss
How long have you been training?
Since November 2016Why did you begin training?
I was unhappy with who I was as a person and I wanted something to use as a framework for personal growth and to change in my life. Continue ReadingJess Kramer
Brown Belt & Kids Program Instructor
Jess Kramer
Brown Belt & Kids Program Instructor
Jess Kramer
How long have you been training?
About 9 yearsWhy did you begin training?
I was very interested in movement and the idea of martial arts. I started with stand up arts but then discovered the ground and never turned back. I love grappling. The instinctual nature of the art hits home for me. Continue ReadingMatthew Neiditch
Brown Belt & Instructor
Matthew Neiditch
Brown Belt & Instructor
Matthew Neiditch
How long have you been training?
Since the beginning of 2017Why did you begin training?
I played soccer from the time I was very young and until my late thirties. When I stopped playing, I fell out of shape. I looked into jiu jitsu because I wanted to set a good example for my kids and improve my health. I was introduced to jiu jitsu primarily from UFC and several podcasts. I had trained Taekwondo and I most enjoyed sparring, but we sparred infrequently and the contact was necessarily light. Sparring is, however, intrinsic to training jiu jitsu, and it’s practiced in a real-world situation at full intensity. My son and I ultimately started jiu jitsu the same month for both fitness and self defense. He has now trained for half of his life, and we share a love for the martial art and sport of jiu jitsu. Continue reading Continue ReadingCynthia Fink
Black Belt & Professor Emeritus
Cynthia Fink
Black Belt & Professor Emeritus
Cynthia Fink
How long have you been training?
15 years.Why did you begin training?
To learn about ground fighting and become more well-rounded in martial arts. I hold a 3rd black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Continue ReadingGerald Nunnery
Black Belt & Instructor
Gerald Nunnery
Black Belt & Instructor
What challenges you the most?
Keeping up with the knowledge of developments in an evolving sport.How have you evolved as a result of it?
As the sport evolves, I'm continuing to develop. Continue ReadingGerry Hurtado
Black Belt & Instructor
Gerry Hurtado
Black Belt & Instructor
Gerry Hurtado
How long have you been training?
23 yearsWhy did you begin training?
I Loved the fact that a smaller person could potentially beat a larger person in combat. Continue ReadingJoe Hannan
Black Belt, Partner, & Head Coach
Joe Hannan
Black Belt, Partner, & Head Coach
Joe Hannan
How long have you been training?
10 yearsWhy did you begin training?
A coworker who trained had a hunch that I would enjoy BJJ. One day, totally unprompted, he asked if I'd like to it out. I went with him to Performance Jiu-Jitsu in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where I took my first class and signed up on the spot. I never looked back. Continue ReadingEmily Kwok, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Founder, Master Instructor
Emily Kwok, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Founder, Master Instructor
Why Did You Start BJJ?
I had wanted to box, but after doing it for 1-2 months I discovered I was terrible at it and kept getting injured! I still wanted an alternative to working out at the gym ‘lifting weights and doing cardio’, so my best friend Roy Duquette turned me on to ‘Groundwrestling’. I started with Sambo, then moved onto BJJ shortly after.How Long Ago?
I started BJJ in 2001. Continue ReadingWhat Our Customers Say
Adam E
Student– Princeton BJJ
This is a very safe, welcoming BJJ club with top-quality instruction. Highly recommend!
Brandon Foss
Coach + Student– Princeton BJJ
Quality BJJ has become more common and really available in recent years. There are two schools closer to my house with good instruction. I have stayed with this school for several years not just for the high level of training, but for the lively, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere that makes this school a truly vibrant community.
Dan G.
Student– Princeton BJJ
An incredible experience and gym for any aspiring martial artist, whether you are looking to compete, refine your self defense repertoire, or just get a good workout, Princeton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the premier Jiu Jitsu gym in New Jersey.
John Jacobson
Student & Parent– Princeton BJJ
The kid's program has been amazing for my child. He has grown in confidence, coordination, and he genuinely likes BJJ now. Couldn't be happier with it and attribute this to great instructors who care about the kids regardless of if they are superstars or not.
Seyoung Choung
Student– Princeton BJJ
Princeton BJJ can offer insightful instruction, great jiu-jitsu, and an awesome gym culture! The instructors are highly qualified and always seem like they prepare for each lesson very diligently. Classes are structured building up to core concepts around one or two techniques in a very logical way, but the instructors are also very attentive to developments within the class. Most importantly, everyone is very friendly, helpful, and supportive -- Princeton BJJ is not just an amazing gym, but also a wonderful community to be a part of!
Jennifer Lea Cohan
Parent– Princeton BJJ
Our son has been a member of PBJJ since middle school. He took a break during COVID but returned during high school, where he also wrestles. PBJJ is an incredible source for a great workout of the mind and body, and has wonderful instructors. The school is very understanding and accommodating of his wrestling schedule, and he truly looks forward to returning to BJJ once the season ends. Thanks for being such a great school!
Jon Andes
Student– Princeton BJJ
I've trained at several schools throughout my jiu-jitsu journey, and what I appreciate the most about Princeton BJJ is the diversity. At any time you'll find young individuals and old, white belts and several black belts. Folks with scrappy, athletic games, and conversely slow, methodical, grindy players. Several different instructors, all with unique styles of jiu-jitsu and teaching. Above all else, the pervading culture is friendly and welcoming.
Michael Valcarcel
Student– Princeton BJJ
The environment at Princeton BJJ is an open and welcoming to anyone looking to start their martial arts journey. The instruction is high level, and whether you are interested in competing, joining for self defense, or just curious about the art, you will find a place here in this supportive community.
Jeff Humphrey
Student– Princeton BJJ
I've been at 4 academies, and Princeton Brazillian Jiu Jitsu is by far my favorite. Emily Kwok and Art Keintz are inspiring, the focus is on learning and performance, a large number of partners participate in competitions and receive lots of support from the members and professors, and all of the instructors are expert. There is a healthy balance of men and women, and the practices are a good mix of respectful training and safe sparring. The dojo is part of the Marcello Garcia association, and Art and Emily awarded legitimate Black Belts to two students last year. This Academy is special!
Gian Scozzaro
Parent– Princeton BJJ
This place is an absolute perfect environment for kids - the instruction and overall environment. The teaching is excellent, right balance of technical and practicality, and they make it fun for the kiddos.