Performance BJJ & Self Defense Academy

When I stopped working in Manhattan I needed to find a place to train in NJ. I chose Performance Jiu Jitsu because they had been around for years which is a sign of quality since so many martial arts places go in and out of business. Another benefit of training at a place with a history is that there is plenty of experienced members to learn from and to challenge yourself with. Sometimes when I fly to other parts of the country I bring along my gi and may not have much choice as to where I train. What I've come to realize is that without black and brown belts in the room my growth in jiu jitsu would have stunted. Lou is an excellent teacher and cares about making everyone realize his/her potential. He spends lots of time with the white and blue belts in the room. The environment is relaxed and sometime I go to train as much for the social aspect as the jiu jitsu.

I've been to a few schools and no other school chokes me out quite like this one. Lou has been doing it since the early 90s as well as has a black belt in Judo. He has trained world champion, JT Torres as well as other notable practitioners. He even taught a few guys that went on to open their own schools here in Jersey. The atmosphere is probably the friendliest I have ever had. I don't think I will ever leave this school.

I’ve been going to Performance BJJ for a little over a year now and it has been and continues to be a great time. A lot of different guys to train with, coming in all shapes and sizes with a variety of backgrounds. BJJ, wrestling, judo or nothing at all. No egos and everyone is respectful during rolling.

Instruction is fantastic with Louis Vintaloro running the show. Techniques are explained clearly and in a digestible structure. Also, if you’re wrapped up in lineage you can’t go wrong. Nearly every While Belt class has Black Belts actively learning and rolling. Knowledge is available throughout the mats.

From a fitness perspective it’s helped a lot. Resting heart rate and blood pressure down significantly.

I started with as close to zero “martial arts” experience as you can get. I regret not starting sooner.

PS – A random note – Parking is always available! Nothing worse then having a busy schedule, making it to a class and then not being able to find parking.

Great school! Been here about 6 months. Lou is a great teacher, and everyone training here is very cool - super friendly and no ego bs. If you're looking to train BJJ, or just want to try something new, I highly recommend Performance.

I am currently and have been a student for a few years at the Performance Jiu Jitsu Academy. I would highly recommend the school to not just anyone who is looking for a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school to train at, but to anyone, whether they are young or old, superb athlete or average person looking to get into better shape, that has a desire to experience a very effective martial art.
While the the atmosphere is not as formal as many traditional martial arts, everyone, from Lou himself to all his students treat everyone else with the utmost respect and demonstrate no attitude other than that of helping each other to advance in their Jiu Jitsu, whether they have been there for years or if is their first day.
Lou is omnipresent at the school, even at open mat sessions to watch his students train. Unlike many other schools, he himself teaches almost all the classes. There are only two classes out of the more than 15 weekly classes that other students teach (and those instructors are highly qualified black belts).
Lou is an excellent instructor teaching a very effective martial art. In addition to Jiu Jitsu, the school offers Muay Thai classes by a very qualified instructor at no extra charge.
I would recommend the school to any adult or to parents that have children who wish to learn top notch Jiu Jitsu in a safe and positive manner.