Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy

Get in shape, build confidence, change your life.

Welcome To

Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy

Welcome to Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, the best place around to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts. Beyond having a state of the art 5,000 square foot facility with over 3,000 square feet of mat space and plenty of fitness equipment, we are on a mission to build each other up and create the safest training environment possible while still maintaining a realistic approach for self defense.

Join the Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy family and learn authentic martial arts in Westwood today!

Free Trial Class!

Experience the thrill and benefits of martial arts with a free trial class at Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Programs

Schedule

Memberships

Learn More About Us:

About Us:

Our goal is to help you reach yours! Whether that be getting more physically fit, learning self defense and increasing confidence, or joining a community of good people that treat each other like family.Our dedicated instructors instill the core values of the academy: keeping our training partner’s safe, getting better at martial arts, and having fun!

Our History:

Owners Joey Gambardella and Nick Pierorazio opened Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy in the summer of 2024 because of their love for martial arts. Joey started training in martial arts in 2015, and Nick in 2003. The duo met in Jiu Jitsu class and became close friends due to their shared passion for training, improvement, and owning a Jiu Jitsu academy. As they continue to grow their academy, they look forward to sharing their knowledge, building strong martial artists, and instilling life skills off the mat.

Class Schedule!

Stay up to date on class times! Contact us if you have any questions about our classes.

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Meet The Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy Team

At Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, two outstanding head instructors lead our team: Joey Gambardella and Nick Pierorazio. Each brings a wealth of experience and passion to the mat.

Coach Joey’s journey began in 2015. He quickly rose through the ranks at Renzo Gracie Northern Valley, earning his Black Belt in just over six years. His commitment to the art shines through his technical precision and competitive achievements, including numerous gold medals and a sponsorship from 93brand. Meanwhile, Coach Nick’s martial arts path started at the tender age of five. With two decades of experience, he has trained with top-tier fighters and instructors, including an intensive period with Garry Tonon. Both Joey and Nick are dedicated to fostering a learning environment where students can thrive and achieve their martial arts goals.

Joey Gambardella

Head BJJ Coach

Nick Pierorazio

Head Muay Thai Coach

Coach Joe’s immersion into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began in 2015. At the age of 25, captivated by the art the moment he stepped on the mats. Starting his career at Renzo Gracie Northern Valley, his dedication was unmatched. Training nearly every day and progressing swiftly through the ranks. At Purple Belt, he embraced the role of instructor. Eventually leading the majority of his academy’s classes, including running the entire morning program. Moreover, his competitive streak would also emerge as he secured gold at numerous tournaments, ultimately earning a sponsorship from 93brand. His journey, marked by earning a Black Belt in just over six years, led him across the country and around the globe to train with some of the best grapplers and teachers in the world. Joe’s approach emphasizes a mindful, technical precision and a deep understanding of the art, making him a beloved and respected coach. Therefore, with nearly a decade devoted to Jiu Jitsu, he eagerly anticipates putting his everything into Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Coach Nick’s martial arts journey started at just five years old in a Taekwondo school where his passion for fighting was ignited. He has been teaching martial arts since he was 17 and has fought under the bright lights in the ring and in the cage. Nick has trained with some of the best fighters in the world, including those at Renzo Gracie Academy in the fabled blue basement as well as the New Wave Jiu Jitsu team where he learned from John Danaher, Garry Tonon and Gordon Ryan. Nick lived with Tonon for five months to be his sparring partner in preparation for a title fight with ONE Championship and ADCC 2022, during which he was mentored by the living legend. He may be twenty years into his martial arts career, but he is just getting started and is ready to help others achieve their goals at Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Free Trial Class!

Experience the thrill and benefits of martial arts with a free trial class at Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Learn More About Our

Programs

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Your Stepping Stone to Lifestyle Improvement!

At Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, we dedicate ourselves to helping students of all ages embark on a journey of self improvement through the arts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Here, you won’t just learn martial arts; you’ll join a community where individuals unite to better themselves and support one another. Our comprehensive self-defense training empowers you with effective principles and techniques that build skill and confidence. Whether you’re just starting or have been practicing for years, our programs will meet your needs and help you progress.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

At Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, we provide comprehensive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in both Gi and No Gi formats.

Our classes cater to practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Whether you aim to improve your self-defense skills, compete in tournaments, or simply enjoy a rigorous and rewarding workout, our BJJ program offers something for everyone. With a focus on technique, strategy, and physical conditioning, our experienced instructors ensure you develop a well-rounded skill set. Join us to experience the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where tradition seamlessly meets innovation.

Kids (12 and under)
Adults (13+ depends on size and ability)
Randori (Gi & No-Gi)

Muay Thai

At Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy, we design our Muay Thai Kickboxing program for adults to cater to individuals aged 13 and above.

Muay Thai is widely known to be the most effective striking art in the world. It is also known as the art of eight limbs because you will learn to weaponize your hands, feet, elbows and knees while staying safe and having a great time! This class also includes a fair amount of strength and conditioning as well speed and agility training. We welcome students of all levels to come practice and we will tailor the experience to your skill level.

Adults (13+ depends on size and ability)

MMA

We offer two Mixed Martial Arts classes per week; one Grappling for MMA and one Striking for MMA. The principles and techniques taught will be taken straight from the playbooks of the best fighters in the world. Balance your skill set with these classes that are available to all members!

Adults (13+ depends on size and ability)

Contact Us Today!

If you’re interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Kickboxing/Muay Thai, Elevate Jiu Jitsu Academy is a state-of-the-art facility with heavy bags, fitness equipment and a very large mat space. We invite nearby communities, including Hillsdale, Emerson, Washington Township, River Vale, Harrington Park and Closter to learn martial arts in Westwood! Join us today!

(201) 389-8625

info@elevatejiujitsuacademy.com

41 Bergenline Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675

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