Call or Text:
(609) 473-3768
We teach kids and adults
self-defense using
world-class Jiu Jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu in Florence and Hamilton, NJ
Beginner Friendly Jiu Jitsu
In A Family Enviroment
Matakas Jiu Jitsu is the leading martial arts academy for kids and adults who need to learn self-defense. We are best known for making world-class Jiu Jitsu accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
No Experience Needed
Beginner Classes For All Ages (3+)
Safe and Supportive Environment For Kids To Learn Real Self-Defense Skills
How to Get Started
World-Class Jiu Jitsu Made Accessible For All Ages, Backgrounds, and Abilities
STEP 1
Claim Your FREE Trial Class
Claim your class by clicking below
STEP 2
Schedule Your Class
Coach Emily will contact you to schedule your class
STEP 3
Enjoy Jiu Jitsu
Experience world-class instruction in a family environment!
The #1 Jiu Jitsu Academy in Burlington and Mercer County
We believe self-defense is a non-negotiable skill that we all deserve to learn. Our mission is to teach kids and adults self-defense using world-class Jiu Jitsu in a safe and supportive environment.
Practical Self - Defense Skills In A Safe Environment
Supportive Coaches and Professors With Decades Of Experience
Thousands of Students Served Since 2017
3 Year Old
Program
Our foundations program teaches our 3 year olds how to focus, follow directions, and gain coordination as they learn to move their body! This is the first activity outside of the home for many of our young students.
Tiny Tykes Program (4-5)
This is by far our most adorable program. You’ll be surprised how good these little ninjas become at real martial arts. This program is a great introduction to the basics of Jiu Jitsu and self-defense.
Youth Program (6-12)
Age-appropriate self-defense taught in a fun and engaging way. Our instructors provide the support and guidance your child needs to make learning self-defense SAFE and exciting! Classes available 5 days/week.
Adult Program (13+)
This program is for ages 12 and up. We teach adults self-defense using world-class Jiu Jitsu. Classes available 7 days/week. No experience required. We work with beginners to elite martial artists.
3 Year Old Program
Our foundations program teaches our 3-year-olds how to focus, follow directions, and gain coordination as they learn to move their body! This is the first activity outside of the home for many of our young students.
Tykes Program (4-5)
This is by far our most adorable program. You’ll be surprised how good these little ninjas become at real martial arts. This program is a great introduction to the basics of Jiu Jitsu and self-defense.
Youth Program (6-12)
Age-appropriate self-defense taught in a fun and engaging way. Our instructors provide the support and guidance your child needs to make learning self-defense SAFE and exciting! Classes available 5 days/week.
Adult Program (13+)
This program is for ages 13 and up. We teach adults self-defense using world-class Jiu Jitsu. Classes available 7 days/week. No experience required. We work with beginners to elite martial artists.
What Clients Say About Us
Matakas BJJ has been an amazing experience for my daughter. I can't say enough about this family-oriented academy and their dedicated coaches. If want your child to learn to defend themselves, go see for yourself and sit in on a class.
Jennifer
Mother of 8 year old in our Youth Program
Jane Doe
Matakas Jiu Jitsu is world class. I have traveled around and visited many Jiu Jitsu academies and MBJJ is by far the best in my opinion. Phenomenal teaching, clean facilities, a welcoming community and a friendly goal-oriented culture. MBJJ is great for beginners and all skill levels. I highly recommend visiting.
Matt
Adult Student
Jane Doe
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How to Get Started
World-Class Jiu Jitsu Made Accessible For All Ages, Backgrounds, and Abilities
Founder Story
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Chris Matakas' Story
Professor Chris Matakas founded the Matakas Jiu Jitsu Academy in Florence, NJ in 2017, and opened our second academy in Hamilton, NJ in 2025. He is a 2nd degree black belt under Ricardo Almeida and is a 15x author.
He is successful in competition winning several tournaments, competing in the IBJJF World Championships, and posting an undefeated amateur MMA record. Professor Chris has created a global shift in Jiu Jitsu culture, specifically on using Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development, through his best-selling books.
He is grateful for the opportunity to serve kids and adults through teaching world-class Jiu Jitsu, including partnering with local law enforcement departments to provide defensive tactics for our public servants.
4.6 395 Amazon Reviews
4.5 317 Amazon Reviews
Dan McCool
General Manager
of Florence Academy
Jim O'Boyle
Head Instructor
Emily Slack
Lead Tykes Instructor
Growth - Confidence - Discipline
FAQ
These are the common questions we get from prospective students about our program
Where are your locations?
Our Hamilton academy is located at 3100 Mercerville Quakerbridge Road Hamilton, NJ 08619. We are next to the RWJ-Fitness Center.
Our Florence academy is located at 2043 Route 130 Florence, NJ 08016 in Harkins Plaza, next to the Dunkin Donuts and across from the Super Wawa on Route 130.
What is your Hamilton academy schedule?
3 Year Old Program
Tuesday 4:40pm-5:10pm
Tiny Tykes (4-5 years old)
Monday 5:15-5:45pm
Tuesday 5:15-5:45pm
Wednesday 5:15-5:45pm
Thursday 5:15-5:45pm
Saturday 9:00-9:30am
Youth (6-11 years old)
Monday 5:50-6:35pm
Tuesday 5:50-6:35pm
Wednesday 5:50-6:35pm
Thursday 5:50-6:35pm
Saturday 9:35-10:20am
Adults (12+)
Monday 12:00pm-1:00pm No Gi, 6:40-7:40pm No Gi
Tuesday 6:40-7:40pm Gi
Wednesday 12:00pm-1:00pm No Gi, 6:40-7:40pm No Gi
Thursday 6:40pm-7:40pm Gi
Saturday 10:25-11:25am Gi
What is your Florence academy schedule?
Tiny Tykes (4-5 years old)
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:15pm-5:45pm, Saturday 9:00am-9:30am.
Youth 1 (6-7 years old)
Monday: 5:15pm - 5:45pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 5:45pm-6:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am-10:15am
Youth 2 (8-12 years old)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 5:45pm-6:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am-10:15am
Adults (13)+
Sunday: 10:00am Fundamentals No Gi
Monday: 6:00 am All Levels GI, 5:45 pm Fundamentals Gi, 6:30 pm Intermediate Gi, 6:30 pm Advanced Gi
Tuesday: 6:30 pm Fundamentals No Gi, 6:30 Advanced No Gi
Wednesday: 6:00 am All Levels GI, 5:45 pm Fundamentals No Gi, 6:30 pm Intermediate No Gi, 6:30 pm Advanced No Gi
Thursday: 12:00pm Mixed No Gi, 6:30 pm Fundamentals No Gi, 6:30 Advanced No Gi
Friday: 6:00 am All Levels Gi, 6:30 pm All Levels No Gi
Saturday: 9:30 All Levels No Gi, 10:15am All Levels Gi
Why should I try Jiu Jitsu instead of other martial arts?
Jiu Jitsu is the most effective form of self-defense training that actually works in a street fight. It is estimated that 90% of street fights end on the ground. Jiu Jitsu provides the skill set we need to remain safe in these situations.
Should I get in better shape before starting Jiu Jitsu?
A common mistake is to think you have to get in shape before starting Jiu Jitsu, when in fact, Jiu Jitsu is what gets us into shape! Most of our new adult students are coming right off the couch and haven’t played sports in years or decades.
Our classes are designed to help the untrained student achieve success!
How often do I need to train for this to be worth the investment?
We recommend training a minimum of twice a week to allow the skills of self-defense to develop momentum. Our most successful students average 3 classes per week.
My kid can’t focus at home or in school. Why should I expect Jiu Jitsu to be any different?
Lots of our parents bring their kids to Jiu Jitsu to learn how to focus and become disciplined. Our class structure is designed to help even the most unfocused children learn these skills which will serve them for a lifetime!
How can teaching my kid Jiu Jitsu actually stop him or her from being bullied?
Confidence comes from competence. As our kids learn the skills of self-defense, they develop the confidence and pride to know that they can stand up for themselves. This self-esteem makes them undesirable targets for bullying.
How do I know the program will work?
We are the leading self-defense academy in the area, having served thousands of kids and adults since we opened in 2017. Our program is so effective, the Bordentown Township Police Department partnered with us to provide their officers training in defensive tactics.
125+ 5-Star Reviews
Your Solution For Your
Self-Defense Needs
Proudly Serving the Hamilton - Bordentown – Florence – Columbus – Burlington Area