Nicholas Maxwell

I love PBJJ! It has a very welcoming environment and I feel works on multiple levels, accommodating the hobbyist BJJ practitioner to the competition focused folks. Instructors are knowledgeable, well rounded and, most importantly, always evolving their teaching techniques. The kids classes are superb, instilling not only a strong foundation in BJJ, but also teaching important skills with the theme of the month. It feels like family when I and my special needs daughter come in. I couldn’t recommend PBJJ more!

Posted 1 year ago

Sasha Pohle

I've trained for about 4 years at PBJJ and it's without a doubt the best place I've done jiu jitsu. All of the instructors are excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. As a woman, I value how many female instructors and students Emily Kwok has cultivated here. From talking to women who train in other parts of NJ, I can see that it's rare to have had the opportunity to meet and train with so many female black belts. At PBJJ you'll get the sense that your training partners and instructors really care, going the extra mile to give specific advice on anything from technique to injury recovery and getting ready for competition. I recommend PBJJ for new students as well as people with jiu jitsu experience.

Posted 1 year ago

Zack Schooley

My family trained a Princeton BJJ for over eight years and we'd still be there today if we hadn't moved out of the area. The environment is friendly and welcoming. The training partners are top notch. I will definitely be dropping in when I can.

Posted 1 year ago

Bruno Jiménez

Amazing experience.

Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Crystal murray

Got the opportunity to attend a seminar with the legendary Emily Kwok. If you have the chance to check this place out, the staff was amazing. High quality even when Emily isnt around. Great place to get rolls in and make jujitsu connections

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Sarah Martinez

Love stopping here to train whenever I’m in town visiting family. Welcoming and friendly atmosphere. High level room, great instruction, and clean facility.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

L D

I've dropped into this gym twice during my travels. The people are friendly, the place is clean and the instruction is excellent.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nicholas Kapalski

Great coaches, lots of class options, clean modern space and awesome people!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Diana Andes

Princeton BJJ is a great place to train. The people are so nice, and the instructors are all top notch. I love that there are a variety class times making it easier for busy, working parents to schedule something for themselves. The kids classes are also really great. Definitely worth checking out.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Zach Izzo

This is an amazing place to train BJJ! The coaching is top-notch: they show techniques that really work, pay attention to important details without getting lost in the weeds, and welcome questions from students when you can’t get a technique to work. The higher belts are extraordinarily helpful as well. On top of the curriculum, I’ve learned so much from asking my training partners questions about concepts and techniques. In addition to great instruction, the community here is great. Everyone trains hard but safely and it really feels like people are there to build each other up, rather than feed their own ego. It makes it easy to show up to class with such a welcoming environment. The facilities are clean and spacious and the cost is reasonable. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for a school in the area.

Instructors Facility Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Wallace Kaserer

Shane is the best BJJ kids instructor ever. My daughter has been at Princeton BJJ since 2020 and loves it. I wound up jumping in too and started training and it’s been awesome. Shane, Joe and John as well as the rest of the PBJJ crew have been great very patient and helpful. Staff are great and so are the students, friendly family style place to grow and learn in your BJJ journey.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Andre

Been coming to the early morning classes for almost a year now, very good group, higher belts are very eager to help

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jeff Trainor

The instructors are so knowledgeable and encouraging. I’m coming up to my 7th month of training at PBJJ and I am as excited to get to class as I was on the first day. If you’ve ever thought about trying Brazilian Jiu jitsu, this is the place to do it. Take care.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Megan Avery

I am thrilled beyond words to have the opportunity to visit Princeton BJJ while traveling for work. I have heard such wonderful things about Emily and her entire team to include family-like environment and amazing vibes. I was greeted with such a warm welcome and can attest to those vibes. I was lucky enough to participate in a class taught by Emily. Incredible instruction with easy to follow concepts. I am a conceptual & analytical learner so appreciated Emily including the learning concepts that work for me along with the concepts that cover all types of learners. In my opinion, that is what makes the best instructors stand above the rest. Phenomenal instruction, great vibes, wonderful people, clean facility. It checks all of the boxes for a highly recommended academy. 10/10! I look forward to visiting again.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ye Evelyn Deng

As a new white belt, I visited 5 other gyms in the area before deciding to stick with Princeton BJJ. When comparing gyms, it was obvious that gym culture and fostering a sense of community is top of mind here. I felt welcomed and supported from day 1. In the past few months that I've been training here, I've gotten an extraordinary amount of support from training partners of all belt levels. The higher belts are very good at giving specific feedback, and humbly acknowledge where the limits to their knowledge are. Coaches not only show techniques but often talk about how and why they work on a fundamental level. They also encourage exploration to find techniques what work best for different individuals. As a female feather weight, I feel very safe training here daily with men and women of different sizes, ages, and training goals.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Philip De Rita

Let me start by saying that I have not participated in any kind of martial arts since I was in elementary school. When Emily and I were talking about goals at a family function (full disclosure, our respective spouses are cousins), she invited me to take a couple of private lessons with her. As students were finishing their session, they were warm and welcoming. Fellow instructors made me feel comfortable and at home at Princeton BJJ. In working with Emily, her instruction was relatable, and she made me feel like an expert just working on the fundamentals. While we only had two sessions, Emily's instruction instilled new confidence in me, and I'm pursuing goals in sports I've stepped away from, and considering BJJ in the future. This is a no pressure studio with instructors likely Emily who want to help you achieve success, whatever that may be for you. If you're looking for a new sport or a new community where you'll be supported and challenged, I highly recommend Princeton BJJ.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Jeffrey Clark

Amazing People and Instruction: if you're looking for high quality training in a welcoming environment, look no further. PBJJ is a fantastic place to train for both beginners and advanced practitioners. All of the instructors do a fantastic job of breaking down techniques to both make them accessible to beginners and highlight key elements that can improve even seasoned jiujitsu player's game. I also really appreciate that many of the instructors actively compete. As a result, you know that you aren't learning anything that may work in theory but not practice. Because jiujitsu is also both a relatively new and dynamic sport, having instructors that regularly compete also means that they will be aware of how the sport is changing and can bring this instruction into each class. Classes incorporated live rolling, positional drilling, and stand up so you have an opportunity to work all elements of BJJ. The environment is also fantastic. A lot of gyms claim that people have no egos but this seems especially true at Prince BJJ. Everyone is welcoming and it is clear that the goal is for everyone to find success. With that said, you will still have to put in the work and PBJJ provides the opportunity to roll with high level individuals so you can really see what is working and where you need to improve. Lastly, PBJJ does a great job providing an overarching structure to their classes. Jiujitsu can be incredibly overwhelming when you first start out because there is so much information to digest. Since each month focuses on a central concept or position you have the opportunity to more fully explore or work on specific elements as opposed to jumping randomly from technique to technique.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Paul B

I've been attending here for just about a year, starting as more or less a fresh white belt. Offers a friendly environment with knowledgeable instructors (and students) and a fairly generous schedule. There's a wide range of student skill levels and commitment levels, too. I can't recommend PBJJ enough.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

patricia smith

Princeton BJJ is not a 5 star academy-It is a 10 star academy. Professor Emily Kwok and all the instructor’s -are all dedicated professionals who want you to reach your greatest potential. I am blown away-you will be too.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Jeremiah Hine

I’ve been training at Princeton BJJ for quite a while. The instructors are top notch! I love the culture and community that PBJJ has created. Very welcoming and friendly to anyone that walks through the door. I highly recommend PBJJ for anyone that’s interested jiu jitsu!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Nicole Mathew

If you haven't heard of Emily Kwok in the jiu jitsu community you are living under a rock. A true legend. Princeton is always a treat to go to. Great vibes, warm welcomes, and hard training. Technical rolls. I love going there.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Marc Martorana

Stopped by this place while visiting Princeton. The class was really awesome. Shane is a really honorable dude. I loved how the class had a Q and A portion, where students were able to ask lingering questions. Friendly environment and clean space. Highly recommend

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Alan Wang

I've trained at a lot of different BJJ gyms around the US, and this one has some of the best coaching, culture, and facilities I've been to. The instructors are consistently attentive and invested in the students, and the rolls are tough but safe. Whether you're here to get more fit, learn self-defense, or improve your game for competition, they'll have something to offer. Would highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Hyeon-Yeol Cho

Great instructors, Awesome people

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Sean Tomaszewski

Great community with knowledgeable trainers 👍🙏🙌

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Keshan Kissoon

Comming here is my first time doing BJJ ever. They have been more than accommodating and made the learning process fun. It just took a couple of classes to get me hooked. The students there are great people and strive to get better as a school. I highly recommend them.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Alex Greenzweig

I was in Princeton for a few days for business, and reached out to Princeton BJJ looking to drop in for classes/rolls after wrapping up at a trade show. I was able to make it in 2 nights in a row, and all I have say is that I was amazed at how everyone, from the coaches (Art, Emily, and Mark), to every single person I drilled/rolled with treated me with the utmost welcoming hospitality. The culture I experienced there is precisely everything you would hope to encounter in a BJJ gym. I highly recommend anyone local, or dropping in while passing through the area to give Princeton BJJ a try!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Damien Castagne

The new location is great and the instruction is top notch! I have made many friends here and could not be happier training at Princeton BJJ!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Brandon Foss

If you're asking yourself whether you should train Jiu Jitsu, the answer is yes. If you're asking where to train Jiu Jitsu then my answer is at Princeton BJJ. The instruction is excellent. Whether you're looking for IBJJF champion sport Jiu Jitsu instruction, or street tested down and dirty techniques, PBJJ has instructors who have devoted their professional lives to follow each path. Co/owner, co/head instructor Emily Kwok is a world champion 2nd degree black belt who can instruct the finest points of sport Jiu Jitsu from the fundamentals to highly advanced levels in both gi and no gi formats. While fellow co/owner, co/head instructor Art Keintz is also a 2nd degree black belt, his experience is geared for, and tested in, the streets as he is a former undercover narcotics officer. Both Art and Emily are not only highly experienced black belts, but also top notch instructors who find the perfect balance of knowledge, respect, and informality to get get the lesson across while having fun and keeping everyone motivated. Emily and Art have also managed to gather a cadre of instructors who share their passion for both the art and for teaching. It is truly amazing to find such a group of people so dedicated to maintaining a high level of instruction while also being concerned with the individual well being and development of their students. As other reviewers have said, the training is top notch, but the atmosphere is what truly makes this school stand head and shoulders above other local options and is what will keep you looking forward to class time after time. It sounds cliched to say that I knew PBJJ was the right place for me because it felt like home when I walked in, but that's my actual experience. I've had previous martial arts experiences that range from military instruction in the USMC, to very traditional small group instruction with full formality, to strip mall cardio style schools, but when you walk into PBJJ you can immediately feel the warm relaxed atmosphere that Art and Emily have worked so hard to cultivate. It's the things you might not immediately notice that make the difference. For instance: Your name is remembered. Some schools have you write your name on your gi but the instructors here will greet you if they've never met you before and they are incredibly good at remembering your name. Whether you stop by in person, send an email, or call on the phone the person you're talking to is always friendly and engaging and ready to help with any questions or issues your might have. The lobby and viewing areas don't feel like a McDojo holding area for parents and observers, but have a warm feel engendered by the comfortable seating, soft lighting, and artistic photography of the school members mounted on the walls. The greatest asset of the school is the people who train in it. From the instructors to the youngest students everyone I have met has had a passion for learning, a respect for their fellow practitioner, and respect for the art. While there is training available here for the most competitive of people, the general atmosphere is of a small group of diverse people that truly care about each other, and that is a very valuable and difficult thing to find in our society.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Ron Hartman

My son and daughter are both students here and I can't say enough about the instructors! Not just a place to show up and get another stripe or belt color, the students must earn it! The instructors care for their pupils as much as they do the art/sport!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Henrique de Freitas

I trained at PBJJ for almost three years, and absolutely loved the experience. Art, Emily and the whole team bring on not only world-class jiu jitsu instruction, but also a strong sense of community and support. My game evolved exponentially, but I also felt like I grew as a person at PBJJ. Highly recommended, to any one, of any age, and any skill level.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

gabriel morales

I would recommend Princeton BJJ to anyone interested in BJJ, whether they were curious about the sport or if they were looking for a new place to train. Art & Emily are world class instructors, gracious and welcoming in spirit and attitude and masterfully technical and proven practitioners on the mats. The community at PBJJ is fun-loving, friendly and ego-free. The instructors are all top notch and the atmosphere is everything I could ask for. Very proud to be part of the growing PBJJ community. Oss!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Mark Davis

I've been training BJJ for the past 7-8 years. Put simply, I live the BJJ lifestyle and will continue to do so until my body says otherwise. I came to Princeton BJJ as a brown belt a little over a year ago; and it didn't happen fortuitously. I chose PBJJ for simple reasons: 1) Emily Kwok is an IBJJF world champion (and I believe she can help me become the same); 2) PBJJ is an affiliate of the Alliance-Marcelo Garcia Association and Emily stills trains as a student of Marcelo at his gym in NYC; 3) Both Emily and Art Keintz can trace their lineage directly to the source (Mitsuyo Maeda -- Carlos Gracie Sr. -- Helio Gracie -- Carlos Gracie Jr. -- Renzo Gracie -- Ricardo Almedia -- Emily Kwok & Art Keintz); 4) Neither Art nor Emily subscribe to the b.s. politics plaguing the majority of BJJ academies in this geographical area; and 5) PBJJ prides itself on having a community-based, open-door policy and it fully embraces the idea of cross-training. And, yes, PBJJ's curriculum and instruction are tremendous (for all ages and levels) and that may get you through the door; BUT the people and feel of this academy are the reasons why you'll stay. To this day, I stand by my decision and will be honored to receive my black belt from Emily and Art and represent both PBJJ and Aliiance-MGA on the mats. Because, regardless of what people may tell you, that matters in the BJJ community -- and it should.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Don Selby

I trained at PBJJ for the better part of two years, until moving away, and, although I had studied another martial art for a decade, it was, to my great good luck, my first real introduction to ground fighting of any kind. PBJJ is that rarest of places that maintains both a friendly, supportive environment, and training that is as competitive as you want it to get. Emily and Art provide outstanding instruction, carefully planning the progression of classes each week and month to allow students to become comfortable with a range of options for specific positions, techniques, concepts, etc. They are able to move seamlessly from attention to particular details that make or break a technique to a broader picture of how it will fit with other techniques and gameplans. Having now had the chance to train at a couple other places, I'm convinced that there's no place that is more congenial, or offers better teaching for BJJ.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Chris Mann

I've been training at PBJJ for a little over a year and it has been an incredible experience. Art & Emily are world class BJJ practitioners and have an awesome staff helping them out. Art & Emily pay great attention to details and their instruction is top notch. Having trained at other gyms before, I really like the friendly & welcoming atmosphere that Art & Emily have created at PBJJ. Whether you're looking for a new place to train or discovering BJJ for the first time, PBJJ is the place for you and will be a welcoming experience.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Christopher Tufts

As a visitor from another school, I was greeted as if I had always trained there. Art and Emily provide excellent instruction and a great training environment for people of all skill levels. I would definitely recommend training there if you are ever in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Nora Schoenthal

I highly recommend Princeton BJJ to anyone who lives close or gets to be in the area. I have had the honor of training with Emily a couple of times and have come to appreciate her instructions through those encounters as well as her outstanding DVD series. Art's teaching is every bit as skillful and insightful and both of them are great assets to the martial arts community. Every student I trained with at PBJJ was highly technical and they all were friendly, welcoming and extremely respectful, particularly in training with women.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Jennifer DeRosa

Consider yourself a very lucky person if you live near Princeton BJJ and have the opportunity to train here on a regular basis. Emily and Art are excellent instructors that explain not only moves, but concepts extremely well. The people I have met at this academy were open and honest people, willing to meet me at my level instead of trying to run me over. I never once felt inferior, in fact, I felt that the practitioners here were trying to bring out the best in me and my BJJ.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Jason Vasquez

Princeton BJJ is a top-notch jiu jitsu school with two incredible instructors in Emily Kwok and Art Keintz. Both are as knowledgeable as anyone about the art and they pass this on to their students in a manner that is easy to understand and fun to enjoy. Classes are structured with a warm-up, technique teaching, drilling positions and sparring. Art and Emily are very receptive to questions that you may have and will go over and above to answer you whether it be on the technique taught, something you are having problems with, figure out your strategy in competition or conditioning. The location is easy to get to and once inside you'll find a spotless area of mat space to train. Students their are very receptive to visitors and new comers alike and will always make you feel comfortable, but also are tough training partners who will give you a challenge. I highly recommend Princeton BJJ to anyone who is just starting or has an interest to train or simply just passing through and is visiting on their way elsewhere.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

jaime cartagena

My experience at PBJJ has been awesome! Emily and Art are great instructors, I have been training here for about a year and my game has improved a TON! The atmosphere is great, everyone is really friendly and we all train hard. Couldnt ask for a better experience thus far.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Benji Horning

I trained BJJ here for over 2 years, and loved every minute of it. The instructors are both top notch, with a wealth of experience and compassion that infuses their training. For me, the blend of friendly training and competitive training was perfect; they would emphasize whatever you wanted/needed at the time. They have collected an awesome group of training partners that I was proud to be a part of. Stick with these guys; you'll love it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Lauren Ancona

Princeton BJJ is my favorite place to train! The instructors take the time to make sure concepts are repeated each week, so new students absorb lessons fully, and long-time practitioners have a chance to review/refine their game. As a female, I always feel safe training there, and the students here are always considerate of training partners. Have both male and female head instructors (and black belts!) provides a truly unique training environment, and I travel an hour each way to get some time on the mats here.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Joseph Wells

Started BJJ here and it was a very welcoming experience. It is a very fun group with a relaxed vibe, but when rolling starts it is serious training time. Having two amazing teachers is already hard to find in a club let alone two Black Belts that are highly regarded in martial arts. It is a well rounded teaching structure that goes week by week learning and refining a move / technique. There is no better place to learn BJJ from in this area.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Eric Larson

I am a Jiu Jitsu practitioner back in MN and was traveling to Plainsboro every other week for business and went as a "Visitor" a couple of times a week for a number of months. Very friendly students, welcoming atmosphere and very technical instruction from Emily and Art. A BJJ black belt is rare, having two world class high caliber instructors is awesome! The school has a nice mix of students that differ in size and skill levels so you will always benefit and get the most out of where you are at in your journey. If you have been training BJJ or are looking into trying it out, I highly *HIGHLY* recommend Princeton BJJ!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Bryan Bentley

Great atmosphere and people to train with. Both Art and Emily teach class with genuine care and enthusiasm that make the sessions not only full of awesome techniques but also lots of fun. Everyone is always warm and welcoming to each other and visitors alike. The facility is very clean with quality mats for healthy and safe training. Their kids class is ever growing and always packed with kids smiling while learning self confidence, self defense, and discipline. I recommend Princeton BJJ to anyone looking to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or for folks who have already trained and are seeking a new home gym.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Michael Smith

The best place in central NJ to learn BJJ. Very friendly and easy-going. Art and Emily are world-class instructors who are more concerned with their students progressing naturally rather than trying to sell belts.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Princeton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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