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Founder - Professor Chris Matakas

Professor Chris Matakas founded the Matakas Jiu Jitsu Academy in 2017. He is a 2nd degree black belt under Ricardo Almeida, Performance Coach to business owners and community leaders, and is a 15x author.

He was successful in competition winning several local 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.

Chris founded this academy to teach kids and adults self-defense using world-class Jiu Jitsu, including partnering with local law enforcement at the Bordentown Township Police Department to provide defensive tactics for the officers.

General Manager
Coach Dan McCool

Coach Dan McCool is the General Manager and an Instructor of all age groups. He is a Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt, Air Force Security Forces Veteran, and current Lieutenant in the Federal Prison System.

He started training in 2018 at the age of forty after having spent some time watching his daughters excel in their respective journeys. In his first year of training, Jiu Jitsu helped Coach Dan lose 60 pounds, obtained focus, crush numerous goals, and break bad habits.

“I started training after being a parent on the sideline. I contemplated my age, previous injuries, money, and my schedule to realize, they were just easy excuses to not endure the personal struggle in finding myself this late in life. One day I made the final decision to give it a try after my daughter gave me the final push. I took my first class, and I could not believe how hard it was for me. It was then, along with a picture of me taken after class, that I realized I have some serious choices to make. I wanted to be so much more, and I wanted to be the person I thought I was. That began then next day.

I teach and coach as my way of giving back to all of those that have helped me along my journey. There really is nothing more rewarding than seeing others come into the Academy seeking a change themselves and guiding them to that change. We get opportunity to be a part of a community that takes humans of all walks of life, shapes, and struggles and work together to find the best version of ourselves.”

Head Instructor
Professor Jim O'Boyle

Coach Jim is a Brown Belt under Professor Chris Matakas and is the head instructor of the academy.

"My experience in grappling started in high school when I was a wrestler. It wasn't until after high school I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and quickly fell in love with the art. I was drawn to the challenge of learning a new skill and the sense of community that comes with training with others.

I've been fortunate to have had some great instructors over the years, and I'm grateful for the knowledge and experience they've shared with me. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to pass on what I've learned to others.

As the head instructor at Matakas BJJ, I'm committed to being the guide for our students and providing them with a safe and supportive environment where they can learn and grow. I believe that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be a life-changing art, and I'm excited that I get to share it with others."

Lead Tiny Tykes Instructor
Coach Emily Slack

Coach Emily is a 4-stripe blue belt and the Lead Instructor of the Tiny Tykes.

She began training in the Fall of 2022. Emily was looking for a challenge in her day-to-day life along with developing the skills to keep herself safe while working in unsafe situations and areas due to the nature of her job.

Emily enjoys watching the Tykes flourish on the mats, believing in themselves, building confidence, and learning new skills helping to build the next generation of leaders.

Emily loves the community of Matakas BJJ tribe and the strong female presence on the mats. Her son, daughter, and husband are also part of the MBJJ tribe.

Outside of the academy, Emily is a licensed social worker for the state of New Jersey working in the field of Child Protection as an Adoption Specialist for over twelve years. Emily helps youth in the foster care system find their forever families.

Emily’s favorite moments in the academy include training with her husband, watching her son participate in the in-house tournaments, earning her blue belt and being awarded her black coaches gi.

Lead Youth Instructor
Coach Adam Edwards

Coach Adam Edwards is a Purple Belt under Professor Chris Matakas and is the Lead Youth Instructor along with assisting with the Tiny Tykes Program.

"I have been training for 3 years, first starting in August of 2020. The reason I teach is because it is important to teach our youth how to not only defend themselves, but to help them become wonderful members of the communities belong to. It is very rewarding teaching our youth students how to deal with bullies, but it is even more rewarding having an impact on them as people. To form the relationships, give advice, and help build their confidence anyway I can, makes every minute on the mat with them worth it.

Outside of the academy I work as a Police Officer. I have the honor of working with our youth every day in our school district. I have the pleasure of seeing some of our academy students every single day in the school forming those relationships, then being able to see and teach them at night. Being able to see the students outside of the academy, in school, and watching them flourish brings a smile to my face. Outside of work I like to stay active in the gym, cook, and spend time with my family.

I love jiu jitsu because of the community. I learn skills every day to help protect myself and family, and I get to do it with people from all walks of life. No matter what is going on off the mat, what job you do, the minute you step on the mat together that all goes away. Everyone wants to learn, everyone wants to grow, everyone wants to choke one another. It is great. The relationships that form through these common goals are some of the strongest I have in my life now, and I owe that to BJJ."

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Benefit your clients get when they work with you

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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.