ABOUT US

What You Can Expect at North South Jiu Jitsu

  • Classes that run on time and are structured to help you learn in a safe, fun way.

  • You are able to take the classes at your own pace, you’re never forced to participate in any part of class that you aren’t comfortable with.  Sparring is encouraged, but always optional and up to the individual. The instructors in class make an effort to know every student and will always answer any questions that they may have.

  • We have classes for beginners, advanced students, and competitors. Although most student will never compete, we run a great team program that has already produced many gold medals for our students.

  • We pride ourselves on making the gym a place where everyone is welcome to flourish in their own way, and we look forward to helping you start your own!

What Is Jiu Jitsu?

JIu Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on getting your opponent to the ground, where you can control the match, until you can achieve a submission. To see more about the background follow this link:

Brazlian Jiu Jitsu Wikipedia

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Flexible membership packages to suit all levels of training to help achieve your fitness goals

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MEET OUR TEAM

Adam Peterson
Adam PetersonHead Instructor
Adam started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2009 while working as a Construction Manager for his family’s contracting firm. After his first class at Mrkulic BJJ, he was hooked. He decided to try his hand at competition –with only three months of training under his belt– at the Grapplers Quest US Nationals. He competed in ten matches, winning all of them, taking home two gold medals in both Gi and NOGI.

Since then, Adam has traveled around the country learning from the best teachers the sport has to offer, such as Andre Galvao and the Mendes brothers. After moving to Brooklyn, NY he found a great home at Clockwork BJJ under the tutelage of Josh Griffiths.Adam has enjoyed much success as a competitor, but more importantly his most cherished accomplishments and great relationships have been found through Jiu Jitsu. He met his future wife, Karen Miller, at Clockwork where their love of Jiu Jitsu expanded into love for each other. Together they have a beautiful daughter Josephine.
It is these relationships that Adam believes are the most important aspect of the sport and hopes to continue to grow them at North South Jiu Jitsu. As a teacher, he strives to make positive connections with the people he trains with daily.

Competition Titles:

  • 3x IBJJF PAN AM medalist Lightweight Adult (Blue Belt weight and Absolute & NOGI Weight)
  • Abu Dhabi World Pro trials Champion Adult Lightweight (Brown Belt)
  • IBJJF Masters II Lightweight World Champion (Brown Belt)
  • IBJJF NY BJJ PRO Lightweight Adult Champion (Brown Belt)
  • IBJJF Boston Open Lightweight Adult Champion (Purple Belt)
  • Big Apple BJJ 2x Champion (Purple/Brown Belt)
  • IBJJF NYBJJ Pro Lightweight Master II Silver ( Black Belt)
  • 2018 Superfight Champion Black Belt
  • Multiple times Grapplers Quest Champion Gi and NOGI(all belt levels)
  • NAGA Advance Adult NOGI Champion
  • Multiple times IBJJF medalist (all belt levels)
  • Multiple times Abu Dhabi Pro Trials Medalist (all belt levels)
  • Student of the year award MBJJ
Karen Peterson
Karen Peterson Co Owner & Head Instructor
Karen started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2004 , looking for a new way to exercise that could be useful for self defense too. BJJ was exactly that and she was hooked. She competed for the first time in 2005 and despite losing that first competition, she loved the unique journey of preparing for it and went on to compete more, winning multiple international titles. In 2007, she started a Women Only BJJ and self-defense program.

Additionally, she taught co-ed and mixed level classes for her instructor. She loves to watch students change through BJJ through weight loss, improved skill, belt promotions, competitions, or in the confidence they gain from doing Jiu Jitsu. In 2010 she moved to New York City to train with Josh Griffiths at Clockwork Jiu Jitsu, receiving her black belt a year later. In addition to teaching classes, Karen also offers private teaching for those students who enjoy one-on-one lessons.
It was at Clockwork that she met Adam Peterson, her future husband. Moving back to Adam’s hometown of Montclair, NJ with their daughter was the natural next step in starting their dream of opening a school together, in the town that Adam loves so much. Karen is looking forward to sharing this dynamic martial art with you in a comfortable, fun, and ego free environment. All are welcome!

Competition Titles:

  • Bronze IBJJF World Championship Purple Belt
  • Silver IBJJF Pan American Championship Purple Belt
  • Silver IBJJF World Championship Purple Belt
  • Gold IBJJF Pan American Championship Purple Belt
  • Silver IBJJF Pan American Championship Brown/Black Belt
  • Silver Abu Dhabi Pro Trials brown/Black Belt
  • Silver IBJJF New York Spring Open Black Belt
  • Gold IBJJF New York Spring Open Black Belt
  • Bronze IBJJF Masters World Championships Black Belt
Mario Hamblin
Mario HamblinCoach / Kids Instructor
I am Mario Hamblin Jr, also known as Coach “Murrio”, I am 27 years old and my beard changes colors based on my mood. I have been working with children of all walks of life for the past decade as an elementary special education aide in Montclair NJ.

I began training jiu jitsu in 2010 at Murkulic Bjj, and have been coaching the art I fell in love with for the past 2 years. Jiu-jitsu is not the first martial art I have taken part in, however I have grown and matured mentally, physically and emotionally by leaps and bounds thanks to jiu jitsu. Through jiu jitsu I’m able to teach, mentor, and influence fellow training partners and kids to positively achieve their max potential in ways I believed were impossible prior to starting my journey. Everyone has to start somewhere, and we all start as white belts.. See you on the mats!
Erica Salerno
Erica SalernoYoga Instructor
Coming Soon!

Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Flexible membership packages to suit all levels of training to help achieve your fitness goals

REQUEST INFORMATION