About
American Jiu Jitsu (AJJ) is a unique, scenario-based self-defense art that teaches students to respond to realistic situations with minimal effort using principles of physics, balance, and knowledge of human anatomy. AJJ draws from traditional martial arts such as Judo, Aikido, Daito-ryu, and Aiki jiu jitsu to teach students effective timing, and use of footwork and body positioning for prompt neutralization of an attack while avoiding use of strength against strength.
Our students are trained in short- mid- and distance fighting techniques, utilizing percussive strikes to vital areas at various ranges, and employing pressure points strikes, joint locks, throws and take downs with strangle holds or chokes at closer fighting distances. We also teach use of and defense against traditional weapons — including sword, cane, and short stick — as well as defense against modern weapons including knife, gun, baton and baseball bat.
The system founder, O’Sensei Joe Puelio has trained for over 4 decades in the martial arts and is an 8th degree black belt. O’Sensei received high rank in Kokusai Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Arnis Lanada (Filipino knife and stick fighting). O’Sensei has trained thousands of students and promoted over 300 AJJ black belts in the US alone. His goal in developing the AJJ system was for the student to develop mind-body unification: self confidence, control, focus and an overall improved quality of life, irrespective of age.
American Jiu Jitsu Classes
Maplewood Dojo
For Children
Give your children a fun and disciplined learning environment where they will learn practical self defense & anti-bully techniques.
For Young Adults
American Jiu Jitsu gives our Young Adults the confidence they need to be themselves. We encourage our students to express themselves and to continually strive to be a better person.
Training for Young Adults helps develop both leadership and team skills necessary for navigating Middle and High School.
For Adults
American Jiu Jitsu offers scenario-based self-defense. Our practical approach to protecting one's self does not rely on size, strength, speed, or flexibility to be effective. Instead, Jiu Jitsu focuses on physics and anatomical knowledge to regain control of any situation.
“Tony is a fantastic instructor and has a wonderful leadership style and philosophy for teaching Jiu Jitsu. My daughter looks forward to classes and takes away not just lessons on form-but good advice for life”
