Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Northern Valley NJ

"I joined the gym last summer, but missed most of the year due to college. But after graduating this past May, I am home full time. During this summer (2023) I enjoyed Jiu Jitsu- but I was at a lower point mentally. I weighed the most I have in my life after not working out for two years and lost all my self confidence. I knew I had to make a change. I always wanted to do BJJ but when I first started going I saw it as a chore and forced myself to go since I didn't know anybody there and it was so new. I made a pledge to myself to be consistent this summer if I wanted to see a change in myself. For the last 4 months I have been much more consistent in my training and lost 20 pounds in this timeframe. I also built connections with my training partners and hangout outside of class. On top of all of this, my eating habits changed because I feel so dedicated to jiu jitsu I don't want to waste all the hard work I am putting in the gym. Now, I feel like a member of the family and look forward to going every night. Once I got in the groove I never looked back and wish I signed up much much earlier. BJJ can provide great benefits to anybody of any age at any stage in their life. But as for Renzo Gracie Northern Valley goes, the atmosphere is great and I feel very welcomed and seen. The instruction is high class. I have always been a fan of MMA but did not know much about jiu jitsu. Luckily living in the northern valley, I didn't have to do much research to find a gym. My little knowledge made me do more research on the gym, and Prof. Carl Massaro is one of the best. He is someone you can look up to as a coach/mentor. I know I am lucky to learn from him. Program Director Lenny Compres is a great guy and always an email away. I recommend RGNV to anyone in the Bergen/Rockland area looking to improve as a person and learn world class BJJ."

"I brought my kids knowing the benefits bjj offers (self confidence, mental and physical challenge, etc.)but unaware of what a difference a great coach makes! I waited 1.5 years before writing a review and because I sat through most classes, I know that Coach Lenny has an eagle eye and can spot the tiniest details, which help the kids improve immediately. He has the perfect teaching style; a balance of energy, patience, respect while maintaining order. Even my “not so easy to impress” parents have nothing but admiration for him! We can’t say enough good things and can think of nothing we would add/change. The other coaches who assist are very patient and encouraging as well. The school is professional and clean, with a friendly/calming atmosphere. Try it and you’ll see for yourself!!"

"Although I was only able to attend classes for about 3 months, I loved coming in and having fun in class. There is a family friendly atmosphere and all the instructors and other members are cordial. If you are on the edge of wanting to try something new to improve your health and well-being you should definitely give this club a try. You get an amazing workout each class while improving your self defense abilities! It's always a win-win situation."

"As a former wrestler I have been around grappling for most of my life and have been to several different clubs/gyms. Professor Carl has put together the best gym I have ever been too. He is a humble guy but his expertise is apparent not only in his pedigree but also in his instruction. Although Carl trains with some of the best grapplers alive, he gives each of his students the same amount of attention no matter if they are a white belt or a black belt training for a fight. That being said, the expert instruction is not what makes this gym so special; It is the men and women who train there. There is a healthy mix of upper belts and lower belts of all ages who will welcome you from day 1. This gym does more live rolling than any other gym in the area (45 minutes) yet I have never seen a serious injury occur. This is because of the environment that Carl has created where ego is left at the door and a few high-risk moves are prohibited during Randori. This is the perfect place to train whether it be for a drop in class or making it your home gym."