Success Stories
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Release stress and get fit
I was invited one day to watch class a MT kickboxing class at GBJJ. Although it seemed extremely tough, I never saw any exercise and group so motivating. I have watched other kickboxing classes and there is nothing quite like GBJJ. I decided to utilize the MT kickboxing classes as an outlet to release stress and get fit. I was lacking self-esteem from an extremely verbal and physically abusive relationship. I really thought I was a horrible person and it was my fault that I was being abused. I honestly was unsure of what to do, where to turn, and that is where Sempai comes in. Sempai Rick is not only an amazing instructor but an amazing person and friend. He helped me believe in myself and wouldn’t let me quit. He and GBJJ honestly changed my life for the better. I have never felt so beautiful, strong, and confident. I am able to stand up to what I believe in and not take any more abuse. During each class Sempai Rick and the other instructors make sure that they help all students equally with their technique and skill. I am also impressed with the motivation, you can feel the positive energy in class. We have fun, get fit, and gain confidence in each and every class. All the instructors are truly great!!! I get emotional every time I think of this….so I am closing here. Sempai Rick deserves something special for all the people he helps 
-Anonymous
Caldwell, NJ
Great things to say for the academy
Guerrero BJJ has been an amazing part of my life. The instructors are very professional. They teach a system rather than having you memorize multiple techniques that are beyond your learning level. Shihan Guerrero is amazingly skilled and his passion comes through. He is always available and brings in great world class grapplers that are very well know as a treat to his students. I have nothing but great things to say for the academy. Great place for anyone looking to learn martial arts or fun for the whole family. Stellar kids program as well. Will be bringing my daughter there as soon as she’s old enough.
-John Manis, Contractor
Verona, NJ
Leaving your ego at the door
I have trained with Johnny Guerrero for nearly three years and have yet to find another teacher as poised and patient, who pays more attention to detail in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The student population at Guerrero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is growing and Sensei Guerrero is the reason why.
Sensei Guerrero offers the students his years of experience in the martial arts and strives to bring in guest instructors as often as possible to share their teachings so all students have as many viewpoints as possible to better their game. Sensei Guerrero sets the example of “Leaving your ego at the door” as he values every student’s opinion and is constantly trying to better himself and his students both on and off the mat. If you are looking to train to hurt someone, Guerrero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not your place. However, if you are looking to learn how to defend yourself, gain self-confidence in your life both on and off the mat, and learn the technical art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu amongst great classmates, then Johnny Guerrero is the instructor for you.
-Name Withheld, Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service
Every session different and challenging!
I have attended many schools/clubs in my 48 years. And what I look for in a school is a competitive atmosphere and the integrity of the person running the program. I am glad to say that both have met my expectations at Guerrero BJJ Academy. The atmosphere in the school is great! I get a different training partner every night. There are also a lot of students that enjoy competing and have many different martial arts backgrounds. That makes every session different and challenging.
What makes this school so successful and creates that atmosphere is Sensei Guerrero. I’m sure his US Marine background has given him the discipline and hard work attributes that he displays daily to his students. But what I see in him is that he cares for each individual student as a person. He treats his students as a family. He is also very open minded where not many instructors in his position are willing to listen and learn from others who are of a lower rank and with different martial arts backgrounds. He does and is very enthusiastic to do so. Hence, the school’s motto “Leave your egos at the door”.
If you are looking into schools for yourself or for your children let me tell you what I did. When I went looking for a Wrestling club for my son, I looked for a coach who I would want around my son. Not so much for wrestling, but for everyday life. Sensei Guerrero is exactly that type of person that you and your child would benefit from by just being around him.
-William Scully, Coach for Verona, NJ Young Wrestling Team
Team atmosphere
Sensei Guerrero and I met in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of the first things that I noticed was the humility and respect that he approaches martial arts with. Although vastly more experienced that I am he is twice as eager to learn from me as he is to teach. This contributes to the dynamic training philosophy that he has brought to his school. After our deployment I was lucky enough to get stationed in NY and had the opportunity to continue training with Sensei Guerrero. My son and daughter also began training.
During the time I spent in NY he became another positive figure to my children and I, as well as a lifelong friend. The students at his school are also a direct reflection of his teaching and leadership style. He treats his students with the utmost respect (he even still calls me Gunny). He has found a unique way to bring a team atmosphere to what is otherwise mostly an individual sport.
I have recently been relocated to Virginia, and I am still searching for a school that compares to his. As a matter of fact I often make the drive back to NJ to train at his academy.
-Paul H. Sowa Jr., GySgt United States Marine Corp. , West Caldwell, NJ
My body back into shape
It was one year ago when I stepped into your academy. At that time I was 262 pounds, lazy, and out of shape. You and your staff convinced me to start training again. After a bad experience I had in another school, I was very reluctant to try again. I would like to thank you and your staff for helping me stick with an art that I truly love.
I like the fact that you and your staff take their time teaching, as well as motivating me and the other students, no matter what size, shape, or rank. When we are at the school there is always good karma between the students and staff on and off the mat. I like that everyone is a team. Johnny you are a true professional. You helped me a great deal by getting my mind straight, and my body back into shape. Your net-working ability between all the students, whether they work for someone or are business owners, its all the same. You travel to bring in the top people in the mixed martial arts world so you can better yourself, your staff, and your students. That is a hard thing to find in the field today. That is a hard thing to find in this field today.
Furthermore, my family and I would like to thank you for your continuous efforts to support St. Jude Cancer Hospital. Also, training the men and women of our great military forces here in the United States, as well as Iraq. We would like to thank you for defending our country as a United States Marine.
It is also great that you take time to do seminars for our Federal as well as our state and local police departments.
Johnny and the Staff at Guerrero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, I would like to thank you for a superb job and running a topnotch operation. I hope in the future you will educate my kids and lead them through this great art. I also hope to achieve my black belt from your academy and guide fellow students on the path you have taken me.
-Mike Citarella, Father of Two, Owner Texas Arizona Bar and Grill in Hoboken , NJ, West Orange, NJ
An extraordinary experience
I am the father of Collin Wehr who is a student at the Guerrero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The academy has been an extraordinary experience for Colin Wehr and also for my wife and I. Collin has thrived.
Collin was diagnosed with Dyspraxia and Autism (speech and motor delays which have impaired his learning and growth). He has been in speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and has endured countless tests by doctors. He was physically intimidated by any sports as his progress with PT and OT were terribly slow. We tried a Tae Kwon Do studio but he was frustrated at the air striking and patterns. I then discovered Sensei Guerrero & his academy. Within a mere month his strength had improved and his confidence increased. It has been over 6 months now and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has completely replaced his physical and occupational therapy. Collin can’t wait to go to class, as their system is extremely fun for its participants. Collin is now more involved in after school activities and receiving higher grades after now being main streamed from special ed.
The folks at Guerrero BJJ have become a part of our family. Collin goes 3 days a week which has bonded us closer to them and other families. Their teaching is not just on Self Defense but life. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is Life” they say “it won’t give you nothing unless you work for it.” They always say “Do The Right Thing”. which has become a mantra in our house. Once again, Collin has thrived in this life because of the gift of Guerrero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I know the Guerrero team would say “they’re just doing their job”, but my wife and I feel indebted to these wonderful people . Thank you Team Guerrero and I only hope we can repay you with our loyalty and dedication.
-John Wehr Father Of Two, Glen Ridge, NJ
Get started today! Find out more by calling us at (973) 228-3424 or request information online.
