About Bodega Jiu Jitsu
Welcome to Bodega Jiu Jitsu, where we are dedicated to providing the highest quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Our mission is to empower students of all ages and skill levels through the art of BJJ, fostering physical fitness, mental resilience, and personal growth.
Our Philosophy
At Bodega Jiu Jitsu, we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it's a way of life. Our approach combines technical excellence with practical application, ensuring that our students develop skills that work both on and off the mats.
Whether you're looking to compete at the highest levels, learn self-defense, or simply get in the best shape of your life, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Meet Our Instructors

John Smith
Head Coach - Black Belt
15+ years of experience competing at the highest levels.

Maria Rodriguez
Kids Program Director - Brown Belt
Specializes in teaching children of all ages and abilities.

David Chen
Competition Coach - Black Belt
Multiple-time IBJJF champion with a focus on competitive training.
Class Schedule
We offer a variety of classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Join us at a time that works for your schedule!
Membership Options
Invest in your health, fitness, and self-defense skills with our flexible membership options. Join our community today and start your Jiu-Jitsu journey!
Basic
Perfect for beginners looking to start their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
- Unlimited Fundamental Classes
- Access to Open Mat Sessions
- Free Uniform (Gi)
- Monthly Progress Assessments
Premium
Our most popular option with full access to all classes and amenities.
- Unlimited Access to All Classes
- Access to Open Mat Sessions
- Free Uniform (Gi) + Rashguard
- Monthly Progress Assessments
- Competition Training
- One Private Lesson Per Month
Family
Train together as a family with our comprehensive package.
- Access for 2 Adults + 2 Children
- Unlimited Access to All Classes
- Free Uniforms (Gi) for All Members
- Monthly Progress Assessments
- Competition Training
- Discounted Private Lessons
Other Options
What Our Students Say
Hear from our community about how training at our academy has impacted their lives.
Cameron Gidari
"I cannot overstate how lucky I feel to have found this gym. I love the always-live approach to training, the class structure, and the technical knowledge of the instructors. This gym gets after it in the best way. But beyond the training, it is the positive environment and community that makes Bodega stand out. The fact that every class ends with everyone giving gratitude, the way that teammates build each other up, the overall emphasis on life and perspective. I walk out of every class physically exhausted but mentally and emotionally nourished. I've been lucky to train at a lot of gyms in my life, but Bodega is special."
Bryan T
"I've been training at Bodega for a few months now, and I genuinely enjoy the experience. Their approach to jiu-jitsu is both innovative and practical. The games-based methodology has been instrumental in helping me learn to grapple safely and effectively. Kyvann, the instructor/owner, strikes a perfect balance between humor and professionalism. His passion for Jiu-Jitsu is evident, and his detail-oriented teaching style is impressive. Rather than prescribing rigid instructions, he employs a constraints-led approach, guiding students toward self-discovery and mastery. Chas, the other instructor/owner, is equally knowledgeable and approachable. His instruction is clear and insightful, and his music selection during classes is almost distractingly good—it feels like training in the middle of a high-energy club! Both Kyvann and Chas are deeply committed to helping students achieve their goals, whether those involve becoming a professional BJJ athlete or simply learning and enjoying the art. The gym has recently added Ian to the team, and he’s an excellent addition. His straightforward and accessible teaching style makes complex techniques easy to grasp. Ian is also the go-to person for wrestling advice, sharing tips that are practical and highly effective. One standout aspect of Bodega is the welcoming and inclusive community. The atmosphere is friendly, and the classes have a notably strong female presence. It's inspiring to see the women in the gym demonstrate such high-level skills and dedication to the art. For those interested in striking, Mike’s Saturday morning class is a must. His extensive knowledge of striking mechanics will sharpen your technique and enhance your understanding of punches and kicks. Similarly, Mark’s playful and fun teaching style makes learning striking techniques both enjoyable and effective. Another feature I deeply appreciate about Bodega is their no-frills approach to warm-ups. Instead of excessive push-ups, jumping jacks, or air squats, the focus is purely on jiu-jitsu. For someone like me, who incorporates strength training into my routine, this is a huge plus. The targeted, efficient training sessions allow me to focus on the art itself without unnecessary fatigue. Lastly, the gym’s consistent use of games is a game-changer (pun intended). They don’t just introduce a game once and move on; they repeat and reinforce it, ensuring students can solidify their understanding and control of key positions. This approach reflects a level of curriculum planning that’s often overlooked but greatly appreciated. If you’re looking for a gym that values technique, community, and an innovative approach to martial arts, Bodega is the place to be. I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed."
Ryan Thiel
"Popped in for two classes from out of state and was greeted with a warm welcome from not only the instructor Chas, but also all my training partners. Sometimes visiting a new gym you can be met with some ego and seen as a challenge to crush. Not here at Bodega. Everyone was great and helped me learn this new style of Jiu Jitsu I have never tried but fell in love with quickly. Thank you guys! Can’t wait to come back in the future."
LJ Davis
"I’ve been training for only about two weeks and I’ve already seen a significant improvement in my grappling and technique overall. The coaches explain things in a way for everybody to understand and they make it a very inclusive environment for beginners all the way up to advanced athletes."
Contact Us
Have questions or ready to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey? Get in touch with us today!
Send Us a Message
Our Location
Address
6 W Parker Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone
Hours
Mon-Fri: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM