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Head Instructor

Professor Louis Vintaloro

Black Belt — 5th Degree from the legendary Gracie family. Head instructor and heart of Performance Jiu-Jitsu.

The Professor

A Teacher's Teacher On The Mats

Professor Vintaloro is the head Jiu-Jitsu instructor for our Bergen County, NJ academy and teaches almost every class, including the kids' classes.

His teaching has been integral to the development of many local BJJ instructors and champion Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competitors across Bergen County and New Jersey.

Professor Louis Vintaloro, 5th-degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt and head instructor at Performance Jiu-Jitsu in Fair Lawn, NJ 5th DegreeGracie Black Belt

Credentials

Rank, Education & Experience

Decades of authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a lifetime of teaching, and a record earned on the mats and in the classroom.

  • Black Belt — Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, 5th Degree (under Royler Gracie and the IBJJF)
  • Black Belt — Judo, 1st Degree (US Judo Federation, Sensei Nagayasu Ogasawara)
  • B.A. in Education, Cum Laude — William Paterson University
  • NJ State Public School Teacher's Certification
  • Trained in Brazil 30+ times with the world's best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experts
  • Former Adjunct Professor — Ramapo College of New Jersey
  • 2000–2001 Gracie Humaitá World competition team, Rio de Janeiro
  • Former instructor at the Bergen County Police Academy (Gracie-based defensive tactics)
  • Featured on BJJ Heroes
Method

Teaching Philosophy

Every Student, Every Class

Professor Vintaloro designs every class around the student in front of him — patient, precise and personal, whether it's your first day or your fiftieth competition.

Everyone learns in a safe, nurturing environment, and instructors work closely with each student so they can perform every move with confidence.

With 30+ years of teaching — a certified educator and a true teacher's teacher — he brings the same patience and precision to a first-time beginner as he does to a seasoned competitor.

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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

Train Under A Black Belt

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
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