Moving to a new place often comes with the excitement of exploring the community and finding activities that align with our interests. When my family and I relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey, I was determined to find a martial arts studio where my kids could develop their skills and cultivate a hobby. Little did I know that this journey would lead me to discover my own passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ignite a sense of unity within our community.
Having heard about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its intriguing art form, I was captivated by its principles. As a firm believer in teaching discipline to my children and equipping ourselves with the knowledge of self-defense, especially in a world marred by hate and antisemitism, I saw this martial art as an opportunity to instill important values in our lives.
However, just as we were ready to embark on this new chapter, the unforeseen arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. The shutdown meant that all martial arts studios closed their doors, leaving us without a place to train. Determined not to let our enthusiasm wane, we decided to transform our basement into a makeshift training area. We purchased mats and gym equipment, creating a space where my family and I could stay active during the lockdown.
Fortuitously, we came across a skilled trainer, who happened to be a coach at the renowned Gregor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Brooklyn but resided in New Jersey. Seizing the opportunity, we invited him to train us at our home. Our family quickly fell in love with the sport, which went beyond self-defense and became a conduit for learning invaluable life lessons applicable in all facets of our lives.
Jiu-Jitsu taught us the importance of remaining calm and collected, even in the face of adversity. It emphasized the use of technique and problem-solving skills to navigate challenging situations. Not only did we acquire a new skill, but we also gained tools that we could employ in our everyday lives. The sport became an incredible workout that pushed our physical and mental limits.
As the COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, we opened our basement doors to our neighbors, inviting them to train with us. Word spread quickly, and before we knew it, every Sunday, we had up to 20 fathers and sons joining us in our basement for Jiu-Jitsu sessions. Witnessing the positive impact it had on our community, an idea began to take shape in our minds—the community of Teaneck needed a Gregor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of its own.
Driven by this realization, Gregor Gracie, along with his coaches Arthan and Alessandro, a father-and-son duo, set out to find the perfect location in the heart of Teaneck. After an arduous search, they discovered an amazing space on Cedar Lane and recently opened the doors of their academy. Now, adults and children alike have the opportunity to learn the gentle art of Jiu-Jitsu.
For my family, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. We stumbled upon extraordinary coaches who are among the best in the world during a time when COVID-19 restricted our movements. Now, we are immensely grateful to have a state-of-the-art academy right in our community—a place where we can all learn this phenomenal art alongside our children. It serves as a hub for discipline, self-improvement, and acquiring life-saving skills in these trying times.
In a world where hate and adversity seem all too prevalent, the establishment of the Gregor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Teaneck stands as a beacon of hope. Through the art of Jiu-Jitsu, we not only learn to defend ourselves but learn to connect as a community and have fun doing it.
