Bodega Jiu Jitsu
About
Bodega Jiu Jitsu in Newark, NJ offers training in MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the guidance of founders and lifelong martial artists Kyvann Gonzalez and Chas Makk. The gym is known for its clean facilities and a unique, welcoming atmosphere where both beginners and experienced practitioners feel included. Coaches employ a detailed, competition-proven curriculum that balances self-defense applications with high-level technical knowledge, creating an environment where serious improvement is the focus.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptionally welcoming and inclusive culture, noting that both coaches Kyvann Gonzalez and Chas Makk greet visitors with open arms and that all training partners are friendly and helpful. Reviewers highlight the coaches' unique, ecological teaching approach, which emphasizes situational live training and thoughtful breakdowns of movements over overwhelming drills. Specific appreciation is given to how this method helps beginners learn through trial and error while providing expert guidance. No concerns are mentioned across all reviews, with visitors from out of state and local members alike expressing eagerness to return.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
khalil malamug
3 years ago
Bodega Ju Jitsu is a great place of practice for Ju Jitsu. The place has a unique feel, and it always revives my days as I leave. The curriculums offered are detailed, with high level knowledge that has been competition proven, as well as applicable to self defense. The owners are extremely welcoming, the place is clean, and there is truly nothing like it! Come join us at BODEGA!
Ryan Thiel
a year ago
Popped in for two classes from out of state and was greeted with a warm welcome from not only the instructor Chas, but also all my training partners. Sometimes visiting a new gym you can be met with some ego and seen as a challenge to crush. Not here at Bodega. Everyone was great and helped me learn this new style of Jiu Jitsu I have never tried but fell in love with quickly. Thank you guys! Can’t wait to come back in the future.
Guillermo Perez
3 months ago
Did a drop in class. Arrived and Coach Kyvann greeted me with open arms. Everyone there was nice and welcoming. I really wanted to try the ecological approach of jujutsu and it’s different for sure but I really enjoyed it ! The way he broke down the games after like not being able to use hands or just your feet made me think about the move a lot more or why I’m doing it. For sure recommend ! -Gilly
Eric Alfajora
4 months ago
The gym culture is great. I really appreciate the coaches unique approach of teaching. Everyone’s really serious about getting better in jiu Jitsu. Great gym to train and grow in.
Trey Richardson
6 months ago
I give Bodega Jiu Jitsu a 5 star rating because of the culture and environment they’ve created for their athletes. From beginners to experts, everyone is included. For me, as a beginner in jiu jitsu, I enjoy the structure of the class where it’s situational live goes where you can feel certain positions out and use trial and error while also being informed by an instructor on what to do next time correctly. Instead of a ton of drills and technique, where a beginner might feel overwhelmed by all the information to take in at once. In all, I enjoy my time so far. Would recommend Bodega to anyone interested in starting Jiu Jitsu.
Contact
6 W Parker Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Kyvann Gonzalez
Founder / Coach
Lifelong martial artist
Co-founded Bodega Jiu-Jitsu in late 2022 out of a shared passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a vision to create a unique training academy.
Chas Makk
Founder / Coach
Lifelong martial artist
Co-founded Bodega Jiu-Jitsu in late 2022 with Kyvann Gonzalez. Close friends and training partners who aligned on values and goals.