New Jersey’s Impact on the World of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
New Jersey might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but it should be. The Garden State has produced some of the sport’s biggest stars, championship-level athletes, and world-renowned instructors. From ADCC medalists to technical innovators and BJJ influencers, NJ has been a launchpad for elite grappling careers.
Here are some of the most popular and influential grapplers to come out of New Jersey—and how they’ve helped shape the global Jiu Jitsu landscape.
Gordon Ryan – The King of No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
Monroe Township, NJ native Gordon Ryan has transformed no-gi grappling like no one else. Trained under John Danaher and originally a product of the NJ-based Renzo Gracie lineage, Gordon became the most dominant no-gi grappler in modern history.
- Multiple-time ADCC World Champion
- Known for his unmatched control systems and back attacks
- Helped bring no-gi Jiu Jitsu into the mainstream
Tom DeBlass – The Heart of Ocean County BJJ
A staple in the NJ BJJ scene, Tom DeBlass is a respected competitor, coach, and voice in the Jiu Jitsu community. He runs Ocean County BJJ and has coached numerous high-level athletes, including Garry Tonon and Nicky Rodriguez.
- ADCC veteran and UFC fighter
- Black belt under Ricardo Almeida
- Strong advocate for mindset, mental health, and self-improvement through Jiu Jitsu
Mikey Musumeci – The Gi Technician with NJ Roots
While many associate Mikey Musumeci with his recent no-gi success and his dominance in the ONE Championship, he was born in New Jersey and spent much of his early development training here. Known for his technical precision and humble attitude, Mikey made a name for himself in gi competitions before becoming a fan-favorite in no-gi.
- Multiple-time IBJJF World Champion
- ONE Championship Submission Grappling World Champion
- Famous for his berimbolo and back attack game
JT Torres – Champion and Role Model
JT Torres was born in the Bronx but raised and trained extensively in New Jersey, and he’s long been a part of the NJ grappling scene. He is a two-time ADCC World Champion and widely regarded as one of the cleanest, most effective grapplers in the game.
- 2x ADCC World Champion
- Black belt under Lloyd Irvin, now leading Essential BJJ
- Known for precision, pressure passing, and class
Garry Tonon – The Lion Killer from Lacey Township
Explosive, entertaining, and fearless, Garry Tonon helped popularize the leg lock revolution and the EBI ruleset. Trained under Tom DeBlass and John Danaher, Garry has become a well-known name in both BJJ and MMA.
- Multiple-time EBI Champion
- ADCC veteran and medalist
- Competes professionally in MMA with ONE Championship
Nick Rodriguez – The Wrestling Beast from South Jersey
With only two years of Jiu Jitsu under his belt, Nick Rodriguez stunned the world by earning silver at ADCC 2019. The South Jersey native leveraged his elite wrestling background to make waves in the grappling world.
- ADCC Silver Medalist
- Known for his strength, speed, and top pressure
- Co-founder of B-Team Jiu Jitsu
Dillon Danis – The Controversial NJ-Born Black Belt
Dillon Danis, born in New Jersey, trained under Marcelo Garcia and quickly gained notoriety for his aggressive style and confident persona. While his antics outside the sport often draw headlines, his grappling talent is undeniable.
- IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
- ADCC competitor
- Known for mixing pop culture fame with high-level grappling
Gianni Grippo – The Gi Competitor with Deep NJ Ties
Gianni Grippo is one of the most accomplished gi competitors from the U.S. and grew up training in New Jersey. A black belt under Marcelo Garcia, Gianni has medaled in every major IBJJF event and remains a technical standout.
- IBJJF Pan and No-Gi World Champion
- Known for guard work and tournament strategy
- A cerebral competitor who has helped elevate American Jiu Jitsu
Jason Scully – Educator, Innovator, and Entrepreneur
Jason Scully, founder of The Grapplers Guide, is a New Jersey-based black belt who has impacted the Jiu Jitsu world through education. His online platform has helped thousands of grapplers around the world improve their skills through structured learning and conceptual teaching.
- Creator of The Grapplers Guide (est. 2007)
- Early adopter of online BJJ education
- Black belt and academy owner at Revel Jiu Jitsu in East Brunswick, NJ
Jason has helped bridge the gap between casual practitioners and high-level training, all from right here in NJ.
Why New Jersey Continues to Produce World-Class Grapplers
With a strong wrestling foundation, access to elite instruction, and a culture that values hard work and hustle, New Jersey is the perfect environment for Jiu Jitsu success. Whether you’re chasing ADCC gold or just want to improve your fitness and confidence, NJ is one of the best places in the country to train.
Start Your Journey at One of the Top Jiu Jitsu Academies in East Brunswick, NJ
At Revel Jiu Jitsu, located in East Brunswick, we offer beginner-friendly classes, competition training, and a supportive environment to help you thrive—whether you’re starting your journey or leveling up your game.
Ready to begin your Jiu Jitsu journey in East Brunswick, NJ? Contact Revel Jiu Jitsu today and start your 1-week trial!
