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Sensei Josef and his academy are just special. There are few people to be met in this life that harbor the amount of passion for anything that sensei has for Jiu Jitsu and the martial arts as a whole. He is strict, he is disciplined, he is wildly knowledgeable and a constant student of the game. There are no better qualities for an educator than those he possesses. All he truly want's for anyone who comes through his doors is for them to learn, grow and be inspired. He is committed to all of his students journey's, whatever you are looking to get out of training, and I guarantee you will feel that walking through the doors.
My years at this academy and the people I've met and had the pleasure of sparring with are lovingly cemented in my memory.
See you on the mats, oss.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.16
Your review means the world to us Kyle! Every time you step on the mats at Chokelab Jiu-Jitsu Academy in NJ, you’re building confidence, resilience, and skill. Keep training consistently—your progress inspires our whole community.
I've just started my second month at the academy. Professor Josef is intent on giving his students the best that he can offer, he expects greatness from his students and will provide the tools and motivation to get you there. From the moment I sat in on a class, I knew I would be joining the academy. You are greeted by pristine white mats and bright lighting, I noticed how the class was laser focused on the teaching and drilling. The students welcomed me with open arms, I knew this was the place for me.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.16
Your progress is inspiring Brandon—keep training hard and representing one of the best Jiu-Jitsu schools in New Jersey!
This man is the truth!!! Not only is he a phenomenal athlete, he's dedicated to his art, his students, his family and faith. His Jujitsu is insane and he stays on the competition circuit sharpening hus craft. Go there and see for yourself.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.16
Thank you for your kind words Juan! We’re proud that because of Professor Manuel's untiring efforts the Chokelab Academy is becoming one of the top-rated Jiu-Jitsu schools in Harrison, NJ.
Josef is a great guy! Very knowledgeable! Great environment! He definitely shows knowledge, brings experiences and the way he implements it to the kids is also great! He has that old school structure which is not found no anywhere! He looks and acts the part! I recommend him for your kids. He is tough but you need that! 🫡🔥🔥🔥💯
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.16
Your son Noel's growth inspires us every day Jose—thank you for being part of our Harrison NJ Jiu-Jitsu community!
This lab is amazing I trained with Josef and learned so much that I still carry on to this day they not only teach jiu jitsu but morals as well I definitely recommend! Gabe
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.05
Thank you for your review Gabriel! Our academy is more than a place to train—it’s a BJJ family in Harrison New Jersey and the surrounding areas. We’re grateful you’re part of it champ!
We have been blessed to know Josef for many years, and words truly fall short in expressing how grateful we are for him. As a jiu jitsu instructor, he has been an incredible teacher, but more importantly, he has been a mentor and role model to my son and so many others. Through his guidance, my son has grown tremendously—developing discipline, respect, confidence, and strong self-defense skills that have shaped who he is today, both on and off the mat.
What means the most to us is the way Josef lives out his faith and godly principles, leading by example in everything he does. He teaches with humility, excellence, and the highest level of professionalism. We are so proud of all he has accomplished and deeply thankful for the positive impact he has had on our son, our family, and our community. His influence has truly changed lives, and we will always be grateful for him.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.05
Your review makes us proud of the legacy we’re building and the impact we are making Karina. At Chokelab, Jiu-Jitsu in New Jersey isn’t just about training—it’s about friendships, support, and true growth.
One of the most solid gyms around. Both their adult and children’s programs are amazing and honestly one of the best I’ve ever encountered. You can tell the coaches really love what they do and are passionate about jiujitsu.
If you’re looking for somewhere to train or drop in, this is it it’s honestly a great place to grow and get better whether just starting out or if you’ve already been in the game for a while.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.05
We’re grateful for your support Stephanie! Chokelab is more than a jiu-jitsu academy—it’s a place where people come together, train hard, and build lifelong friendships.”
Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy is without any doubt on a different level to any other school. I trained with Professor Josef Manuel back in 2011 or 2012 and only stopped because moved to the UK. I am still grateful to this day for not only what I learned inside the Academy but also the many life lessons that Professor Josef taught me along the way. There is no other Professor or Academy that I would want my kids to learn from. This is truly a very special place.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.05
Thank you so much for your kind words Joey! We’re proud to be part of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community in New Jersey and we’re glad your experience at Chokelab has been so positive. We appreciate you!
Highly reccomend taking classes here if your going into the military and have to learn combatitives. Thank you professor Manuel!
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.03
Thank you so much for the kind words Idalys! We’re proud to serve families in Harrison, Kearny, North Arlington, and East Newark, and to provide a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program that builds confidence, discipline, and character both on and off the mats. Your support means the world to our academy family.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.03
Thank you for the amazing review Odris! Our coaching team is dedicated to providing high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction to students throughout Harrison, Kearny, North Arlington, and East Newark, NJ. We’re grateful to be part of your training experience.
My son started training here a couple of months ago, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. He has already learned so much discipline, confidence, and respect, both on and off the mat. Professor Josef and the entire staff are patient, knowledgeable, and truly care about the students’ growth. The environment is welcoming, structured, and great for kids of all levels. We’re very grateful to be part of this school and highly recommend it to any parent looking for quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for their child.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.03
Thank you for the amazing review Will! Our coaching team is dedicated to providing high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction to students throughout Harrison, Kearny, North Arlington, and East Newark, NJ. We’re grateful to be part of your training experience.
Clean studio & my nieces Alyara and Jolia absolutely love training, competing and helping.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2025.12.26
We really appreciate you taking the time to leave this review, Susan! Maintaining a clean, professional martial arts facility is a top priority for us. Our team takes pride in providing the best BJJ training environment in Harrison and the surrounding Newark, Kearny, and East Newark areas, and it's great to know you've noticed. Thank you for trusting Chokelab Academy with your nieces Jiu-Jitsu training, and we'll continue working hard to exceed your expectations!
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.03
We’re so glad to see your 5 star review Micaela! Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for beginners is a priority at our academy. Whether you’re joining us from Harrison or nearby towns like Kearny and North Arlington, we’re honored to be your home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Amazing gym. Great leadership and learning environment.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2026.01.03
Our kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is designed to help children from Harrison and the surrounding NJ communities grow stronger, more focused, and more confident every day. Thank you for leaving such an awesome review John!
There’s such so many wonderful things to say about this school & program. I enrolled my 7 yr old daughter and she absolutely loves it, so much so that to my surprise she likes Jiu Jitsu class more than her dance class. She has learned so much here, discipline, knowledge and how to defend herself. Professor Josef is by far the best, most dedicated person for these kids, he goes above and beyond for them to master the techniques that will help them in the future. I can’t say enough about Ian who teaches the younger kids including my daughter, he is phenomenal i truly enjoy watching him teach the kids with so much kindness, patience and dedication. This school is 💯 the best 🙌🏻
Awesome sense great heart a man of God and amazing technique lol , I highly recommend.
Reply from Chokelab Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2025.08.12
Thank you for the kind words! We’re so glad you’ve had a great experience at Chokelab Academy. We take pride in being one of the top places to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Harrison, NJ. See you on the mats!