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Head instructor training on the mats under the Performance Jiu-Jitsu banner in Fair Lawn, NJ

Our Story · Est. 1998

The Original Gracie Academy

North Jersey's first true Gracie Jiu-Jitsu facility — in Fair Lawn since 1998.

Adults drilling authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques at Performance Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Fair Lawn, Bergen County NJ
1998 Established in Fair Lawn — the first true Gracie academy in North Jersey

Our Story

First On The Mats In North Jersey

Performance Jiu-Jitsu opened its doors in 1998 as the first true Gracie Jiu-Jitsu facility in North Jersey — built for one reason: to bring real, authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Fair Lawn.

Nearly three decades on, that mission hasn't shifted an inch. Almost every class is still taught personally by Professor Louis Vintaloro, a 5th-degree Gracie black belt with 30+ years on the mats. What you learn here is the genuine article — taught the right way, by the person who built this academy.

Meet Professor Vintaloro
1998
Established In Fair Lawn
0
Years Of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
0
Average Google Rating
0
Degree Gracie Black Belt

Our Philosophy

Taught The Right Way. Drilled Until Mastered.

Every technique is taught correctly and drilled until it's second nature — in a safe, welcoming room where beginners and competitors grow side by side.

Taught The Right Way

The genuine Gracie method — step by step, no shortcuts — taught personally by the 5th-degree black belt who built this academy.

Drilled Until Mastered

You repeat each move until it's automatic and holds up under real pressure. Understanding it isn't enough — you own it.

Everyone Belongs

A safe, encouraging environment where total beginners and seasoned competitors train side by side and grow together.

Anything worth doing,
is worth doing well.

— The Performance Jiu-Jitsu Standard

Members training together on the mats at Performance Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Fair Lawn, NJ Our Home · Fair Lawn, NJ

The Facility & Community

A Room That Feels Like Home

In the heart of Fair Lawn, minutes from every major North Jersey highway — a friendly, supportive room where beginners and competitors train side by side. It's why members call PJJ their "gym, therapy and social club."

  • Welcoming From Day OneA supportive, judgment-free room
  • Train Side By SideBeginners and competitors together
  • Easy To ReachOff the GSP & Routes 4/17/46/208/80
  • A Real CommunityServing Bergen & Passaic County

What Our Members Say

Reviews From The Mats

4.8★★★★★ on Google
LA
Levon Arvanian
Google · 2 years ago
★★★★★

Great workout. Everyone is very friendly. You get the chance to roll with higher belts who are all very courteous and always try to advise and help.

SA
Stephanie Antonova
Google · 2 years ago
★★★★★

I tried a few classes at another BJJ school in NJ, but after one class here I knew it was the one for me. Everyone is friendly, patient, and understanding. It felt like I found a new little community. 10/10 would recommend.

AM
Avik Mkrtchian
Google · 2 years ago
★★★★★

Great all around school. I started two years ago with zero experience. Lou is very good at teaching techniques and very professional. Plenty of class options to fit anyone's schedule. Highly recommend.

JP
Jason Plata
Google · 2 years ago
★★★★★

I have been training at Performance Jiu-Jitsu for many years and it has been exceptional. The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and excellent at breaking down complex techniques. The curriculum is well-rounded and comprehensive.

MM
Michael Moles
Google · 3 years ago
★★★★★

If you want top-quality Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, Performance Jiu-Jitsu is the place. Prof. Louis is an excellent and patient instructor. Try a free trial class — you will not be disappointed!

BW
Brian C Ward
Google · 4 years ago
★★★★★

PJJ is my gym, therapy and social club. You'll meet the greatest friends, lose weight, gain endurance and reduce stress. Changed my life.

AK
Adam Kunkis, MD, MBA
Google · 5 years ago
★★★★★

The head instructor Lou is extremely professional and welcoming. The atmosphere is very supportive — members strive to help each other learn and grow. I joined to get in shape and found BJJ to be physically and mentally fortifying. Would recommend to anyone.

CR
Carlos Ruiz
Google · 5 years ago
★★★★★

Professor Lou's teaching style is excellent, and he takes his time to give everyone individual attention. Great atmosphere — everyone is helpful, humble, and respectful. One of my favorite places to be on any given day.

TE
Tasca Elizabeth
Google · 6 years ago
★★★★★

I've been a member of PJJ for about 3 months and I can't get enough. The instruction from Professor Lou and the help of everyone in class is second to none. Great physical and mental workout. 11/10 recommend!!

GM
Gevorg Martirosyan
Google · 6 years ago
★★★★★

If you are looking for the best martial arts school in the area — look no more, you found it. Classes for all skill levels and classes for kids. Amazing training partners and a friendly atmosphere.

Your First Class Is Free

Come Write Your Chapter

No experience, no gear, no pressure. Try a real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class in Fair Lawn and see why North Jersey trains at Performance Jiu-Jitsu.

Find The Academy

Train In The Heart Of Fair Lawn

23-12 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
201-390-5229 — call or text
Garden State PkwyRoute 4Route 17Route 46Route 208Route 80
Get Directions