About
RABJJ Academy Kids & Jr's Jiu Jitsu Program offers training in Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as part of a broader martial arts and self defense program. The program is connected to Mixed Martial Arts through the experience and background of its leadership. RABJJ Academy facilities are 3000–5000 square feet and are built with families in mind.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
RABJJ Academy began in 1997 when Professor Ricardo Almeida moved from Brazil to New Jersey to be an assistant instructor at the Renzo Gracie Academy. Professor Ricardo Almeida, the founder and lead instructor associated with RABJJ Academy, holds a 6th Degree Black Belt and is the highest ranked student under Renzo Gracie. He is a multiple-time National Brazilian Champion, No Gi World and Pan Am Champion, a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) and Pride FC, and he won the King of Pancrase title in Japan in 2003. He is also a certified Mixed Martial Arts judge for the New Jersey Athletic Control Board (NJSACB).
RABJJ Academy states that it is “Changing lives through Jiu Jitsu” and that “Jiu Jitsu is the best program for self-development, self-defense, and self-confidence for everyone.” The academy has graduated more Black belts than any other school in the region and has produced multiple Jiu Jitsu World Champions and world class Jiu Jitsu instructors. It trains law enforcement and military and has worked with thousands of students in dozens of industries. The organization is connected to a family-oriented grappling community through a co-founder role in the United Grapplers Association (UGA), which focuses on kids and recreational competitors and includes superfights for professionals. The academy offers a free intro class, and its programs include options for kids, teens, and adults with classes for every level. Students range in age from 4 to 65 years old and come from diverse professions, including doctors, school teachers, business owners, lawyers, students, and professional fighters. Students report benefits such as losing weight, getting fit, building muscle, losing fat, gaining confidence, and improving energy.
One student, Chris Matakas, reports that training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Ricardo Almeida for over six years has been “the most fruitful experience” of his life and describes Jiu Jitsu as “an incredible tool for self-discovery and growth.” A visitor, Ryan K, describes Professor Ricardo Almeida and his crew as “AMAZING” and thanks them for welcoming him and for “awesome instruction during class.” A parent, Kathleen M, states that Ricardo Almeida and his team of coaches “are exceptional” and that they “go above and beyond to teach and inspire children as well as adults,” describing the academy as “a way of life” and “a family.” Another parent, Stacy B, reports that her son has been training for about 18 months and that he has become confident and physically fit and has learned “patience, team work, respect and comraderrie,” and she states that she would recommend RABJJ for both kids and adults.
Last updated January 20, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
RABJJ Academy began in 1997 when Professor Ricardo Almeida moved from Brazil to New Jersey to be an assistant instructor at the Renzo Gracie Academy. Professor Ricardo Almeida, the founder and lead instructor associated with RABJJ Academy, holds a 6th Degree Black Belt and is the highest ranked student under Renzo Gracie. He is a multiple-time National Brazilian Champion, No Gi World and Pan Am Champion, a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) and Pride FC, and he won the King of Pancrase title in Japan in 2003. He is also a certified Mixed Martial Arts judge for the New Jersey Athletic Control Board (NJSACB).
RABJJ Academy states that it is “Changing lives through Jiu Jitsu” and that “Jiu Jitsu is the best program for self-development, self-defense, and self-confidence for everyone.” The academy has graduated more Black belts than any other school in the region and has produced multiple Jiu Jitsu World Champions and world class Jiu Jitsu instructors. It trains law enforcement and military and has worked with thousands of students in dozens of industries. The organization is connected to a family-oriented grappling community through a co-founder role in the United Grapplers Association (UGA), which focuses on kids and recreational competitors and includes superfights for professionals. The academy offers a free intro class, and its programs include options for kids, teens, and adults with classes for every level. Students range in age from 4 to 65 years old and come from diverse professions, including doctors, school teachers, business owners, lawyers, students, and professional fighters. Students report benefits such as losing weight, getting fit, building muscle, losing fat, gaining confidence, and improving energy.
One student, Chris Matakas, reports that training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Ricardo Almeida for over six years has been “the most fruitful experience” of his life and describes Jiu Jitsu as “an incredible tool for self-discovery and growth.” A visitor, Ryan K, describes Professor Ricardo Almeida and his crew as “AMAZING” and thanks them for welcoming him and for “awesome instruction during class.” A parent, Kathleen M, states that Ricardo Almeida and his team of coaches “are exceptional” and that they “go above and beyond to teach and inspire children as well as adults,” describing the academy as “a way of life” and “a family.” Another parent, Stacy B, reports that her son has been training for about 18 months and that he has become confident and physically fit and has learned “patience, team work, respect and comraderrie,” and she states that she would recommend RABJJ for both kids and adults.
Last updated January 20, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.