Testimonials — See what our students and guests say about us.


The Masters

Renzo Gracie

Renzo Gracie

Matt Serra

Matt Serra

 
Josh Madama represents everything that me and my family stand for ... The best instructor one can have. It was always a great honor to sweat and exchange knowledge with him on our mats and in our daily lives.
— Renzo Gracie
 
You’ll learn jiu-jitsu from close to its source at Madama Jiu-Jitsu.
— Matt Serra, Renzo Gracie Black Belt & UFC Champion
 

Students and Guests

 
I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for fourteen years and been to many schools in my travels, but I’ve never visited such a great school!

The place had character and was very clean. The students had outstanding fundamentals, and even the newer students demonstrated sophisticated knowledge of BJJ.

Josh was an excellent instructor and an even better person. He showed tremendous character and demanded the same of his students. After three hours of training, Josh made time to roll with me and extended me every courtesy both on and off the mat. Josh is clearly a legitimate blackbelt with great roots (Serra/Renzo).

I plan on making Madama Jiu-jitsu a regular stop on all of my visits to New Jersey. If you’re looking for high level Jiu-Jitsu from a high character, quality instructor Madama Jiu-Jitsu is the place for you.

Josh thank you again! Hope to see you soon!
— Dennis Sugrue, Brown Belt, Tai Kai Jiu-Jitsu, Syracuse NY
 
I was on vacation this weekend near Toms River NJ (LBI) and was looking for a place to train. I had an opportunity to train at Madama Jiu Jitsu.

I can say that the school is top knotch and the environment is friendly and Josh Madama (Serra Black Belt) is a very capable and knowledgeable instructor. I was able to stop by for Friday and Saturday classes.

As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted by Josh and felt right at home. I rolled with as many students as I could on both days that I was there and they are very skilled and also friendly.

At the end of both classes (after open mats and most people had left) I rolled with Josh for at least 30mins. Also he knows Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu extremely well and it showed in his instruction. He was able to answer any and all questions that I had in an easy to understand way. Now I have some good new moves to add to my repertoire.

Next time I visit the area I will definitely come back to Madama Jiu Jitsu. Also he has a very good Muay Thai class which I also took. Not that it matters but I am a purple belt under Mike Wacker/Steve Kardian (Team Balance), so I know a good BJJ school when I see one.
— Mike Guarneri, Purple Belt, Team Balance, Philadelphia, PA
 
Professor Madama welcomed me to train at his school while I visited my parents in Toms River.

Immediately after I stepped onto the mat, one of his students came up, introduced himself and invited me to work some techniques with him before class started. This set the stage for the rest of my training there.

Everyone I met was open and friendly and readily willing to share techniques and tips with me. The students were all very technical and eager to learn, and the rolling was controlled, flowing and fun.

Josh himself taught very effectively, showing each and every detail for the drills, and then walking around and personally making sure we were all getting the movements down properly, and even showing variations on the techniques in some cases.

We did deep half-guard on both nights I trained there; a position which I hadn’t used before. But after just that short time training it, I was able to return to Pittsburgh and use what he taught me a mere week later while rolling in class.

His students are lucky to have such a technical and caring instructor, and he’s lucky to have such engaging, technical and knowledgeable students. I’ll be heading back any chance I get when I’m in the area.

I’ll also never forget the belt-promotion ceremony that took place my second night there. It was one of the craziest and entertaining things I’d ever seen!
— Mike Drew, Blue Belt, Pedro Sauer
A police officer’s stock in trade is his or her ability to respond physically. As a police officer, I train Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu at the Madama Jiu-Jitsu Academy to make sure that I’m ready to respond to any situation.

Professor Madama and his instructors are top notch and provide the best possible training with real life situations in mind.
— Kenneth Rayhon, NJ State Trooper
 
I came to the academy with some wrestling experience. I was kind of in a rough patch in my life and I missed the sport of wrestling so I figured I’d stop into Madama Jiu Jitsu Academy. Immediately I was treated with respect and I really took to the family atmosphere that Josh and his instructors create. Jiu Jitsu was a new challenge in my life and a challenge that I needed at the time.

Josh talked me into competing in a tournament and I didn’t do very well but I knew I could be better with more time in. He then told me that he thought I was good enough to fight in a cage and win. So we started training for fights. And what a great journey it has been.

5 years after stepping foot into the Madama Academy on Fischer I am 3-0 as an amateur mma fighter, and Ive finished all my opponents with submissions I learned from Professor Josh Madama and his staff. Ive also won numerous medals in grappling tournaments around the state. I’m currently a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and I look forward to what jiu jitsu will bring me in the future.

If your looking for a place to try something new, stay in shape, or train competitively, Madama Jiu Jitsu Academy will not disappoint. I am a satisfied customer.
— Freddy Pontoriero
I have been training for a number of years and have been to numerous schools. Madama BJJ is one of the best I have trained with. I would would highly recommend Madama BJJ to both my Law Enforcement and Military brothers and sisters. Professor Madama taught a class that was not only highly technical but could be understood by both the seasoned veteran and novice BJJ student. Along with a great staff and friendly student body you could not ask for more.
— Louis Foppiano, 1SG MP, USAR
There isn’t a better place around to push yourself to be the best person you can be all around. There isn’t a better group of coaches or team mates around. You will not be disappointed when your step out onto the mats at Madama!!!!
— Samantha Muccino
 
I got nothing but the best regards for everyone in this academy. The instruction has helped me to develop my Jiu Jitsu so much in such a short time! It’s a true family here, and I am sure anyone with a good insight will feel it right away. Blessed to be a part of it fam!
— Estilo Antunes
 
Love Madama Jujitsu!! My son gains more self confidence since he joined the class! Great place!!
— Anne Wong
 
I am happy to report that after 2 months of training at Madama Jiu Jitsu I couldn’t be happier. I have challenged my body by taking both Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing classes at Madama Jiu Jitsu. Not only is the workout incredible but the skills you take away are invaluable. My support team of Instructors and Teammates keep me motivated to come back. I haven’t felt this great in years and look forward to continuing my training. I can say without an hesitation that I personally would not have seen these types of results so quickly had I gone back to my gym routine, Madama Jiu Jitsu has redefined a workout for me. Do yourself a favor, join Madama Jiu-Jitsu.
— Ron Edgecomb
 
One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was coming to this school, you gain more than knowledge in martial arts you gain friends and family!
— Tommy DeJohn
 
Amazing... No other word to describe this place! People are so awesome! No egos here everyone helps each other. I am so grateful to be part of the Madama Jiu Jitsu family!!
— Tara Lynn
 
Best place to train no matter what your goals are. The academy is very family oriented. All the students are extremely friendly and approachable. The new school is awesome, more mat space, bigger cage, great location.
— Joe Schmid
 
Awesome gym. Tough guys, very nice and welcoming and a very clean facility.
— Matt Dittus
 
Professor Madama learns from some of the top instructors in the world and fully dedicates himself to teaching his students techniques that are efficient & applicable in both competition and real life combat. The team atmosphere is 2nd to none and if you put in the work you can achieve whatever goals you set out for yourself here. The new facility will be state of the art and is a testament to how hard Josh has worked over the years to build this gym. This is the best place to be whether you’re a beginner or someone who is looking to take their game to the next level.
— Shane Leather
 
Madama Jiu Jitsu is a great place to learn jiu jitsu not only as a form of exercise and self defense, but also as a martial art. Professor Madama not only teaches the “how”, but the “why” in his classes, and his students are welcoming. Whenever I’m in South Jersey, I always make it a point to pop in, and if I lived closer, I would surely attend this school.
— Joe Dockery
 
Best place in the world for me. I did my first two Jiu Jitsu tournaments ever at 43 years old! Can’t say enough good things how the coaches and teammates inspire me to be my best.
— John Purfield
 
If you want to train Jiu Jitsu, you have to come to to this school. Professor Madama is a great instructor and shows techniques like no one else. The new school is awesome and the Madama family creates a great training environment!
— Kenny Rayhon
 
Great atmosphere. Excellent energy. Knowledgeable & friendly staff. Beautiful facility. My son loves it! Highly recommended!
— Robyn Brunicardi
 
Trained here for five years under Josh’s instruction. I have traveled all over the country and even trained BJJ in Brazil. I can honestly say that Josh is one of the best instructors I have ever trained with. His attention to detail is second to none. He cares about his students and trains with them every single day. I can promise you that you will see a significant increase in your abilities, athleticism, perseverance, and confidence if you join!
— Sean Hart
 
I’ve had the pleasure of being Madama jiu jitsu student for the past six years. From the moment I took my first class I knew it was going to change my life. Head Instructor and Owner Josh Madama has created an environment where virtually anyone with an interest in this martial art can participate and excel. Without a doubt, world class instruction and a great place to train.
— Mike Kuchta

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