Training Grounds Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

Address:	24 Booker St, Westwood, NJ 07675, USA
Phone:	+1 201-290-2096
Site:	njtraininggrounds.com
Rating:	5
Working:	3–10PM 3–10PM 3–10PM 3–10PM 3–10PM 11AM–2PM Closed

Location

Photos 79

Reviews 4

bret barba

(1 of 2) My 5 year old son began taking Jujitsu classes at “The Training Grounds” in September 2016. He had been asking my wife and I to bring him to a karate school for 2 or 3 months leading up to the start of the school year. It wasn’t going to be a karate school, it was going to be a Brazilian Jujitsu Academy. I knew that Jujitsu is the most effective martial art for self-defense, and if he was going to learn a martial art, it would be a martial art that would give him a chance to gain control of an awful situation. Even though we had made the decision to try Jujitsu, we still had some questions. There are a ton of BJJ academies in the area, which one would I take him to? Also, I had some concerns about how such a complex system would be taught to someone so young. Having some experience training Jujitsu myself and having spent the last ten years teaching children as a NYC school teacher, I was aware of the fact that my son may not be old enough to grasp the concepts. After watching him attend the first free month of classes, all of my concerns were alleviated. Before finding The Training Grounds, my son and I had trained at a few different local academies. What I learned from training and visiting at these other academies is that you rarely find an instructor who is as capable a teacher as he is a practitioner. Most of the academies we visited were one dimensional, gearing their instruction to adults. Other martial art schools specialized in teaching children, but the instructors lacked the high level of skill and experience that comes with being a Brazilian Jujitsu black belt. Wil Horneff, lead instructor and owner of “The Training Grounds” is not only an accomplished Brazilian Jujitsu black belt, but also an exceptional teacher. When I watched him teach even his youngest students, I became instantly aware that he loves his work and that he truly cares about his students. Wil is the total package, he has an accomplished martial arts resume, and he is also a natural educator. His ability to motivate, inspire and communicate jujitsu techniques is special. He has designed a system that allows him to facilitate his curriculum in a manner that kids not only understand but enjoy. I was impressed with the amount of thought and preparation that he puts into his daily instructional practice. He has taken the time and effort to design a curriculum that is “kid friendly” and easy to remember. Master Wil has the patience to work with children of varying age, skill, and maturity levels. As a teacher myself I know that in order to be good at teacher you have to love it, to be good at it. It’s pretty obvious that Wil loves teaching; his success is reflected in his students.

Steven Brown

Are you looking to start training MMA in NJ?? Come see us at Training Grounds in Westwood. Training Grounds is owned and OPERATED by Master Wil Horneff and I write this review as a student. However I feel comfortable using the word "US" as I extend an invitation. This is an academy with close personal relationships among training partners. Because of this I feel everyone I train with has something invested in it and one another. We all have a lot of pride in contributing to one anothers successes on the mat. I joined Training Grounds after visiting another gym in Bergen County. There I was "thrown to the wolves" with NO instruction. I was lost and very uncomfortable. The instructor sat in the office as I got to fend for myself. I can tell you this has NEVER been the case at Training Grounds. At Training Grounds not only are the lesson plans progressive but they are tailored to challenge all levels of practitioners. Especially being new to the sport I felt very comfortable from the first session. As you progress the level of instruction get even better. The academy has several other high level practitioners that are there to observe your progress and are willing to roll with you, including Master Wil. The instructors and coaches DO NOT sit on the sidelines and bark instruction, theyre on the mat with you. If coaching were anymore personalized youd be in a private session (which is available also) If youre looking to add a defensive skill set or just looking to get into better physical condition this is the place. If youre goal is to compete thats great too, many of my training partners do. If you decide to come to Training Grounds be ready to learn and make new friends.

Paul Gaglio

I was looking for an adult bjj in NJ program and I am so glad that I found Training Grounds. As a 51 year old, I had a lot of trepidation related to starting a bjj program, for example, would the instructor be able to explain the techniques, would I be subjected to injury from overly aggressive students, would the environment be conducive to learning a new martial arts skill set?. Without a doubt, all of these concerns and reservations were resolved within 15 minutes of my first class. Wil Horneff is a great instructor, his teaching style is extremely clear (just check out "training grounds bjj" on you tube or vimeo ) Not only is he a Ralph Gracie trained BJJ black belt, but he has thoughtfully reviewed the techniques he was taught, refined them, and improved them. During class, he effectively relays how to apply the techniques and what the most common mistakes are, and gives personal attention to every student. In addition, students have access to a training grounds online video library allowing you to review what you did in class to further refine what you were taught. The environment in class is highly conducive to learning; many of the blue and purple belt students assist Master Wil during class and are clearly committed to helping you improve, the other students in class are incredibly helpful, respectful, and careful regarding minimizing injuries. Master Wils wife Alisha skillfully handles all of the business aspects of class like tuition, uniforms, schedule, etc, The "Foundations" program which I am participating in has allowed me to learn a new martial arts skill set, lose weight, increase my flexibility both physically and mentally, and I am incredibly happy that I found Training Grounds!

miriam yu

I signed my then 5 yo son up for Training Grounds in November after a friend of mine suggested I give BJJ a try over Tae Kwon Do; (I had told him I wanted my smaller sized son to at least be able to defend himself if he were ever confronted physically and was told this was more effective.) The first thing you notice is how amazing Master Wil is with children. Other than not wearing a uniform, you really cant tell who the new kid in class is because he makes sure to include everyone. My son left the first class extremely happy and confident, and already couldnt wait to go back. That was 5 months ago, and he still loves it; hes never asked to take a day off (unless he was sick), or refused to go, like hes done with other programs weve tried. Ive noticed his personality truly blossom in the time weve been a part of this gym... where he used to keep to himself at school, or prefer to be with just one close friend, now hes friends with everyone in his class, he speaks louder and more confidently, hes smiling a lot more, has become much goofier, and his overall persona has become much more peaceful. My favorite part of it all are the monthly "life skills" they learn; the first was control, then courage, and this month they are being rewarded on courtesy. It makes such a difference in his day to day activities, he actually strives to master each of the skills, and looks forward to the next. As a parent, its been an amazing tool to encourage better behavior. I cant say enough about the school, Master Wil and the other coaches in the class. They love what they do, and they genuinely care about the kids. Would recommend to anyone!