Testimonials
I ended up going to Jason Scully’s class on a whim. I’d never planned nor intended to take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ever beforehand, although I always had an inclination to take some form of martial art. I didn’t even have a full grasp of what BJJ was until I went to the first class. A student of his had referred me to the school and I thought, what the hell? You get to try it out for free so I didn’t have anything to loose.
I remember I was worried at first that it would be too hard to start something without prior experience especially since there were all different levels in class. I haven’t even been on a team sport before in school. This would be the first experience I had doing anything athletic. Also, at the time there was only one other girl was in the class and I wondered how that would be like. If it would be uncomfortable or if we were treated any differently. But even the very first class those fears were forgotten. It took me less than a week to know that I wanted to sign up. Jason’s teaching style is exactly what anyone would be looking for. It’s fun and laid back but layered with a deep pool of knowledge and experience. You’ll hear every student of his say it, because quite simply it’s true and it works. There are many people who can be great at what they do, but it takes more than that to be able to teach. Undoubting, Jason has the skill that every level and type of competitor would want when looking for a school, but even more for me his personality and the way he teaches make the class more enjoyable. As a woman, I couldn’t have picked a better school. In class we respect each other and have fun while training. Jason makes it easy to learn from his instructions and illustrations. He makes sure to take the time to help every student individually as well. That was something that really struck me the first week. I never once felt lost or like I was wasting my time. That is not saying that BJJ isn’t complicated because it is. It’s saying that he can break it down so that anyone can learn and understand. This is the school where anyone no matter who they are can find what they are looking for.
Jamie Ferrugiaro
White Belt
Oceanport, NJ
I came to Jason’s school a few months ago looking to get back into martial arts training, get back into shape, and find some relief from everyday stress. Starting anything new can be intimidating. Jason could not have been more welcoming and supportive.
A lot of people can perform the techniques, but lack the ability to understand why they work or lack the skill to explain them in a way in which they can be easily absorbed. It’s clear that Jason truly understands the art and its subtleties. Jason is not just an instructor - he’s a teacher at heart. He doesn’t just go through the motions. He has a sincere and personal interest in seeing his students actually learn and improve.
Jason and his more senior students maintain a friendly and collegial atmosphere where no question is foolish, and no one has anything to prove. Instead of finding reasons to stay motivated, you’ll find yourself wishing you could make class more often. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone.
Mike Gilleece
White Belt
Red Bank, NJ
I started training with the instructor Jason Scully a little over 5 years ago when we met in Avon.I came to Jason with no experience at all in brazilian jui-jitsu I had become very addicted to it because i was over weight and out of shape big time but most of all it is so much fun! As time went on i lost weight and got into shape and even starting getting good.
I felt very comfortable with the way the team always interacted with each other like a family and always in a positive manner, but most of all the way Jason Scully ran the classes with a large technical focus and the way he focused on all areas of BJJ .The thing i like the most about Jason is he doesn’t favor any one student and treats everyone equal in class and goes out of his way to make you comfortable.I love BJJ and highly recommend it to anybody and all ages. Thank You.
Steven Mazza
Purple Belt
Ocean, NJ
I met Jason Scully about two years ago. Jason is friendly and has an easy going personality that makes you feel comfortable during training sessions. He emphasizes on learning and using techniques correctly, for it is the best weapon. As he would say, he wants everyone to become “technical monsters!” He provides rigorous training, but somehow he makes it fun that you forget about the hard work he’s putting your body through.
Although I just started training with CENTRAL JERSEY BJJ, I am more than thankful that I am given the opportunity to be Jason Scully’s student. Not only does he practice genuine respect for all of his students, he is also honest, and more than enthusiastic to share his knowledge of the sport. He takes his time to explain the importance of each technique and of course he doesn’t hesitate to help correct your mistakes (in an easy going and respectful way). He cares about your progress so he pushes you closer to your goals (whatever it may be). So don’t be surprised when you get a reminder you have been missing training for the past week. But that’s what constitutes Jason Scully! His patience, humbleness, great teaching skills, words of wisdom and overall his love for the sport is admirable. Jason Scully’s character is easily reflected upon his students. At Jason’s facility you will receive a great instructor, great training, and great friend for the price of one.
Kristel Roxas
Monroe, NJ
White Belt
Jason Scully is obviously a great teacher. His extensive knowledge of jujitsu is complimented by his attention to detail and genuine interest in helping students learn. From the basic submissions up to the most advanced counters and transitions, he has something to teach you. Great athletes and competitors don’t always make the best teachers but Jason knows how to convey the ideas necessary to advance your game. What makes the Grapplers Guide Academy such a great place to train is that Scully’s positive attitude radiates out to create the perfect environment for learning and training. Everyone works together to better each other week after week. This kind of trust and mutual respect is of the utmost importance in combat sports and is what sets Jason’s school apart.
Steve Waite
Little Silver, NJ
BJJ Blue Belt
I started with Jason in August of 2008. I was not too excited about going there and not knowing anybody. I was also concerned about my weight. I weighed around 225 pounds. I wasn’t sure if I was fit to do such a task, but Jason puts together a very friendly and fun environment to be in. His laid back personality and great knowledge is just what I was looking for to start jiu jitsu. He teaches the techniques step by step so that you can perfect them, and he even stays after class to help you even more. He pays special attention to everyone to make sure they perfect the technique in which their learning. Jason is a great teacher and I would recommend him to anybody. Thanks to the great and easy going way that he runs his class I walk around at a more faster 190 pounds. I am glad to call him my teacher and a friend.
Mike Benincasa
Ocean, NJ
White Belt
I had been watching the UFC for years and always thought the Jiu Jitsu aspect was the best part. When I was recovering from my surgery I sat in and watched a class at another school and thought it was kind of odd the way the instructor ran things, but I just assumed all Jiu-Jitsu places were going to be like that. When my doctor finally said I could resume physical activity, I found out through a friend that a new Jiu-Jitsu academy was opening and it was closer to my house. I attended my first class with Jason and I was totally surprised at how much different his attitude was compared to what I had seen at the other place.
He actually cares about the students and wants to see them succeed! I was hooked after my first day and haven’t stopped since. Everyone in the class made me feel comfortable and totally welcome. It might sound hokie but it is like a family.
Jason has an extremely great knack for teaching and it shows with the students. You can see that he really enjoys what he does. When looking for a Jiu-Jitsu school, please give the Grapplers Guide Academy a visit you will not regret it!
Kris “Woody” Hopwood
Belford, NJ
White Belt
When I first met Jason Scully I was walking around at 200lbs, out of shape and lacking focus in life. The every day 9 to 5 grind of being a business man in the city was eating away my desire to care about anything but work. Jason presented me with an opportunity to train in his advanced class to accommodate my busy work schedule although I had no jiu jitsu experience. I quickly found that Jason was not some guy running a MacDojo, but a mentor and a good friend. In three months of training I won my first jiu jitsu tournament at Grapplers Quest. The skill set of wrestling, judo and jiu jitsu that he taught me enabled me to beat competing students of some of the best jiu jitsu academies on the East Coast. Jason’s teaching style makes everyone he instructs feel like a winner by paying special attention to everyone, not just those who are excelling. Not only did Jason teach me, he counseled me on weight loss, mental stability and a new way to look at life. I was taught how to focus and brush away my frustrations with a deep breathe. He lifted all my doubts and fears of the unknown in the jiu jitsu room which is now my sanctuary of peace. Now I walk around 20lbs. lighter, a champion and with the reassuring fact that my instructor is more than that title, he is my friend. Jason is an experienced world class grappler and one of the best athletic coaches I have ever had the privilege of training under. The man eats, sleeps, and lives grappling which is why he will take in any student who is willing to listen and learn. Jason Scully is a mentor that every aspiring grappler should come into contact with one day.
Andrew V.
West Long Brach, NJ
I started BJJ with Jason in october 2005. I was uncomfortable going to a BJJ school and being “the new guy” so i decided to give a jason a call. He came to my house for a private lesson and i have been hooked ever since. It was Jason’s laid back personality and his love for BJJ that made me want to start training. Definitely train with Jason if you want to get in shape, learn BJJ,and have a great time. I am happy to able to call Jason a great teacher and friend.
Carmen Spezzi
Sayreville, NJ
BJJ Purple Belt
Working with Jason was a vital part in the development of my jiu jitsu. He taught me it wasn’t enough to just know the moves but to have concrete set ups. Jason opens your eyes to the different aspects of the game and will try his best to bring progress to his students. He’s a dedicated instructor and a good friend. Training with him will elevate any ones game.
Jaffer Panezai
Marlboro, NJ
BJJ Blue Belt
When I began training with Jason, I had no prior grappling experience. I had never wrestled, never done Judo, and certainly never had prior experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jason is able to break techniques down into their natural parts, explaining how everything works in a manner that made it easy to learn. He teaches the principles behind the movements, so that they become a part of you, making it that much easier to learn the next move. Jason is very knowledgeable about the art of Grappling, and constantly looking for ways to improve both himself and his students.
Joe M.
Tinton Falls, NJ
Jason Scully is a very motivated individual with a high sense of respect for everyone he is around. His grappling classes are based on effective techniques and strategies needed to excel in the sport. The classes are very organized and well run, not to mention his attention to detail, which makes him a perfect instructor for beginners as well as advanced students.
Tinh Tupy
Belmar, NJ
(Former Student at Jason’s Old Academy)
Where do I begin? I have known Jason for about 7 years now. We met doing bjj at the rec center in Howell. Since then, we have become training partners, business partners and I am happy to say, very close friends. As a person, Jason is a stand up guy, who sticks to his beliefs and will not back down to anyone. As a teacher, Jason has taught me more then anyone(black belts included) about the sport of jiu jitsu. He has a passion for learning and teaching bjj that is unparalleled. He is very patient when it comes to teaching and is very knowledgable on the subject. I am sad to see him move to a different school but am also looking forward to training with him in the future.
Greg K.
Brick, NJ
I trained under Jason Scully for about five months. When I started with Jason I had already had a few years of BJJ training under my belt but wanted to further my knowledge of the martial art. Jason provided me and my fellow training partners with a comfortable training environment which allowed everyone to learn effectively and efficiently regardless of previous experience. He was friendly and humble from the first day I met him and had a wealth of knowledge of BJJ both in the gi and without the gi, along with competition experience. Scully was active in competitions and believed in the value received from the competition experience. He is a calm individual who never seemed to get frustrated, and a teacher who you could tell took pride in seeing his students conquer their own personal goals. I had a pleasant and beneficial experience training under Jason Scully.
Rob Woods
Long Branch, NJ
BJJ White Belt
Since I began taking jiu-jitsu classes about a year ago, I’ve had the privilege of training with Jason many times. I always feel inspired and enlightened afterwards. His love for jiu-jitsu and teaching is evident; he is always willing to share his extraordinary wealth of knowledge about the sport - breaking down moves and explaining them in a way that is simple and easy to understand. His technique is clean and efficient - beautiful to look at. He’s also a lot of fun to train with, because he’s so easy-going and patient, and he clearly enjoys his time spent on the mats.
Stefanie Gotta
Sayreville, NJ
BJJ Blue Belt
Where do I begin, I have often said Jason Scully is a true student of BJJ. I’ve always been very impressed with Jason’s knowledge of the sport, I refer to him as a walking BJJ encyclopedia. Jason is able to fully explain techniques and break down BJJ to it’s simplest form. He makes training intense and fun at the same time. His teaching ability and character is something you will have a difficult time finding at another school. I’ve been a student of Jason’s for over 3 years and I’m proud to call him my friend. I would recommend Jason’s academy to anyone looking to train, from the BJJ competitor to the beginner. His message is simple, “No politics, just hard training”.
Rob P.
Holmdel Police Officer
Jason is one of the best instructors i’ve had the pleasure to train with in my 3 years of BJJ. He is extremely good at breaking down techniques so that even a beginner is able to pick things up very quickly. I always thought his class format was very well put together, in a way that made it easier to remember techniques previously shown.
Jason always takes extra time, even after class is over to answer everyone’s questions and give his students individual advice on how they can improve their game. This definitely shows he is there because he wants to see all his students improve as much as possible and not just for the paycheck. I definitely believe a student at any level would benefit a lot from Jason’s instruction.
Alex G.
Jason Scully is a great technical and enthusiastic instructor. He breaks down each technique so it is easy to pick up, learn and apply to your style of rolling. I have been training for 4 years and felt that my skills as a purple belt have hit the wall. After training with Jason for a couple weeks I found myself breaking through the wall we all have hit time to time. If you want to be a part of a bjj school that is high energy, great technique, and awesome rolling sessions Jason Scully is the instructor you want work with.
James Sweeney
Middletown, NJ
BJJ Purple Belt
Jason Scully has given me my most complete Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience since I began. He teaches with a deep understanding of teaching, techniques, motivating students and handling classes with different level students. Most BJJ instructors focus solely on one or two aspects of the art, but Jason incorporates all of his knowledge and experience from other disciplines. This gives all his students a distinct learning advantage and why I refer him to everyone I can. Expect that your skills will grow exponentially under Jason’s instruction.
Dave Merces
Shrewsbury, NJ
BJJ White Belt
Jason is an excellent instructor. His methods, techniques, and curriculum are of great value to the student. After taking a class taught by Jason, I always feel that I have learned valuable skills and look forward to the next class. His teaching style benefits students of all levels. Everyone in Jason’s classes work together as a team to help each other progress in their BJJ skills. The classes are fantastic workouts as well.
Tom Stuhrmann
Brielle, NJ
BJJ White Belt
I’ve been fortunate enough to train under Jason Scully for the past 4 years. His BJJ instruction is easy to comprehend for any experience level. More importantly, he focuses on solid positions and high percentage techniques. His dedication and knowledge of BJJ is phenomenal. I also use his grapplers guide website which can easily be viewed where he has broken down positions in great detail, even adding pictures and video. I would best describe it as the windows of BJJ positions.
Kevin C.
Police Officer
Bradley Beach
I began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Jason about 3 years ago. I can honestly say he is the reason I am still in the game. Having no previous martial arts experience, I was pretty hesitant to sign up for BJJ. Luckily Jason offered a free week of training that I was able to take advantage of. It was during this week that I realized just how much pride Jason took in his school, his teaching, but most importantly his students.
Jason is a very personable and understanding individual who believes there is no such thing as a bad question. He does everything he can to make his students feel comfortable and is constantly seeking input for ways to make his school better. His passion for the sport is evident in his teaching and in the way he runs his classes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Jiu Jitsu practitioner, The Grapplers Guide Academy will be for you!
Dave O’Brien
Teacher
Howell, NJ
BJJ Blue Belt
Jason is a great combination of instructor, student, and friend. His patience, devotion, creative classes and detail-oriented instruction will train you to be the best you can be. His focus on improving his own game and learning other aspects of the art translate into developing modern instruction that captures the techniques and philosophy the best practitioners today are using to bring them to the top of the their game. Best of all, he genuinely cares about all his students equally, and wants nothing more than to have them all excel, perform well, and generate a comfortable yet exciting atmosphere in which to train. No matter where he teaches, you can count on great instruction and environment.
Eddie Chou
Jersey City, NJ
BJJ Purple Belt
I have known and been a student of Jason’s for 4 years. There is no mistaking his genuine love for jiu jitsu, and it reflects in his teaching. Classes are well organized and the techniques are easily comprehendible for students of all skill levels. Jason’s broad knowledge of the sport and great attitude make improving your game both easy and fun. He makes everyone feel welcome and is always willing to help students with their specific questions. I have always felt that Jason truly wanted his students to succeed, which in my opinion, is the sign of a great teacher. In short, regardless of whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced, I would definitely recommend taking jiu jitsu classes with Jason.
Adam G.
BJJ Blue Belt
Jason Scully is a great teacher. I trained with him for over a year in which time he definitely improved my game. His teaching style really helps you improve your technique, showing particular attention to the small details that tighten up your game. He takes a lot of time explaining each move and doesn’t rush you through it. He makes sure you understand the technique and if you don’t he will personally help you until you do. He has a great work ethic and will push you when you need to be pushed. But he also has a great sense of humor and provides a relaxed atmosphere to train in. He does this all without ego. He provides a great environment for beginners and for advanced level guys to flourish.
Mike Meistrich
Keansburg, NJ
BJJ Blue Belt
I came to Jason with Judo experience and he was able to knock the rough edges off of my ground game. I didn’t intend, at first, to switch fully to BJJ but I was hooked. Jason’s endless pool of technical knowledge in this sport and his teaching style make learning very easy. The way Jason teaches and his equal attention to all his students create an atmosphere for success in Jiu-Jitsu and a happy club environment. Jason’s dedication and love for the sport challenges and motivates me to achieve a higher level.
Jim Lepping
Ocean, NJ
BJJ Purple Belt
Jason Scully is obviously a great teacher. His extensive knowledge of jujitsu is complimented by his attention to detail and genuine interest in helping students learn. From the basic submissions up to the most advanced counters and transitions, he has something to teach you. Great athletes and competitors don’t always make the best teachers but Jason knows how to convey the ideas necessary to advance your game.
What makes the Grapplers Guide Academy such a great place to train is that Scully’s positive attitude radiates out to create the perfect environment for learning and training. Everyone works together to better each other week after week. This kind of trust and mutual respect is of the utmost importance in combat sports and is what sets Jason’s school apart.
Steve Waite
Little Silver, NJ
BJJ Blue Belt
I started training with Jason in October of 2008. After training for two month’s I was absolutely hooked on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After taking a few month’s off for wrestling season, I instantly got back into the gym to train with the Grappler’s Guide Academy Family. At the gym everyone is friendly and you instantly feel that you are in a positive learning environment that also is extremely enjoyable. While training with Jason you feel like you can have fun, work out, and learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu all at the same time!
Jason’s teaching style is very effective, and gives the same enormous amount of attention to each of his students. He breaks down the most complex technique into simple steps that everyone can understand. Unlike many other instructors, Jason’s week by week curriculum helps students to not only learn the major submissions, but techniques to achieve the proper positioning and escape from the many disadvantageous situations. From his many years of Jiu Jitsu experience, Jason has an abundant and seemingly endless amount of knowledge that he effectively teaches and explains to his students. Jason is ardent about the sport and you can tell from his desire to teach everyone at the Grappler’s Guide Academy and help them get better.
Training with Jason and everyone at the Grappler’s Guide Academy is something I look forward to everyday. No matter what age, gender, or skill level the Grappler’s Guide Academy is a friendly environment where you can get in shape, improve your grappling, and make many new friends.
Marcus “AKA” Johnson
White Belt
Eatontown, NJ
I recently began training again with Jason and I felt that I was immediately welcomed into the “family”. I felt very comfortable right away. The instruction is fantastic and the pre and post class workouts are terrific. There is a level of respect for everyone regardless of ability that some schools claim to have, yet few achieve. Jason has nailed it, and it is a place for all to come and learn an amazing martial art. I am proud to say that I am a GGA student. Thanks Jason!!
Mark Fitzgerald
White Belt
I came to Jason with almost 30 years of mixed martial arts experience. I’ve always trained in every different aspect of fighting in my life to be a complete fighter. When I stepped into Jason’s gym and took my first class, he made me feel like family. I knew it would be the last fight gym I would need to step into. He has an endless supply of “Sweet Technique”………”I feel like a kid in a Candy Store!” From his solid setups to every little detail of a move, he get’s you to understand what you are doing and why. By the time your opponent knows what’s happening, it’s too late. The gym, students, style and instruction are second to none. I can honestly say that I am addicted to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and forever a student of the fight game.
Doug “B-Boy” Ashworth
White Belt
I found Jason’s teaching style and knowledge of the sport to be excellent. I know people who train at academies that are highly regarded, but have trouble understanding the instructor. What I found to be most helpful was that he would stay after class and helped students with questions- often during class it’s tough to get all questions answered because there’s only an hour to drill and roll. It is also refreshing to have a teacher that isn’t trying to pressure you into a contract or payment plan.
Another component of the Grappler’s Guide Academy (which I was not home long enough to take advantage of), was the opportunity to compete. I feel that at some schools, they only take their top students to compete, while Jason encourages everyone to try to do so. I have historically been nervous about asking instructors about being able to compete because I was afraid of not being good enough, but Jason encouraged everyone to gain exposure to competing against others
I had an excellent experience at the Grappler’s Guide Academy and have recommended it to one of my friends. Jason is very invested in the art of BJJ and are genuinely passionate about imparting your knowledge to your students. In addition to Jason’s instruction, the students were very welcoming and humble. There were no egos and everyone was friendly towards me. When my mom came and watched, she was surprised to see me striking up conversations with people I had only known for about three weeks. This type of atmosphere is ideal for learning and progress. I felt myself improve each class and felt I was gaining technical and practical knowledge of BJJ.
Ayanthi Gunawardana
White Belt