MARTIAL ARTS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS!

Gladiator Jiu Jitsu Family proudly serving Montclair since 2018

Gladiator Jiu Jitsu Family has Classes in Montclair, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.

Who we Are And why You Should Train Here

Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.

We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..

Get To Know Our World Class Instructors

Professor Kenneth Penn

Black Belt Head Instructor

Born in Montclair, CA, Professor Ken is proud to be able to provide Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense for Montclair families and the surrounding communities that he grew up in.

Professor Ken is an IBJJF NOGI WORLD CHAMPION!

He is an avid competitor. A few of his many accomplishments include:

1st Place 2018 IBJJF NoGi World Championship

3rd Place 2017 IBJJF World Master Championship

1st Place 2017 IBJJF San Diego International Open

3rd Place 2016 IBJJF Los Angeles BJJ Pro

2nd Place 2015 IBJJF NoGi Worlds

2nd Place 2015 IBJJF American National

3rd Place 2015 IBJJF Pan American

1st Place 2014 IBJJF Long Beach Pro

2nd Place 2014 IBJJF Long Beach Pro (Open Weight)

“It’s been an amazing journey. I truly enjoy helping others learn and develop technique, watching them get in shape and build confidence. Jiu Jitsu really does change peoples lives.” – Professor Ken

Professor Denny Meelarp

Adults Coach

Born in Bronx, NY. Professor Denny served in the Marine Corps from 1997-2019. Combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including numerous deployments in support of the global war on terrorism. Professor Denny trained entry-level Marines at Parris Island, SC and Quantico, VA. He is retired from active duty and is currently serving as the Senior Marine Instructor at Fontana High School, MCJROTC 2019-present.

Professor Denny started formally training jiujitsu in 2013 at Gracie Humaita in Temecula under Professor Ricardo Guimarães and received his black belt under Professor Ken Penn in 2022. Professor Denny as had the amazing opportunity to train Jiu Jitsu all over the world including Hawaii, Washington DC, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan.

Other Experiences:

Black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), Judo, and Muay Thai.

Coach Michael Dawson

Kids/Adults Coach

Coach Michael started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Ken in June 2018 . He enjoys coaching both kids and adults in class and at tournaments. He himself is an avid competitor. A few of his many accomplishments include:

2nd Place 2022 IBJJF LA Open

2nd Place 2021 IBJJF Jiu Jistu Con

2nd Place 2021 IBJJF Nogi World Championship

1st Place 2021 NAGA San Diego

2nd Place 2021 IBJJF Phoenix Open

1st Place 2021 NAGA Las Vegas

1st Placed 2019 IBJJF BJJ Pro

“I walked through the front door and honestly never looked back. It has been such an awesome journey. I started out helping assist coaching since I was a white belt, I just wanted to get better but didn’t realize how much of an rewarding experience it was. Professor Ken has been a great mentor. He showed me how to teach, how to compete, and how to conduct myself in the gym. Professor Ken gives his all to every student that walks through the door. I’ve competed at every belt level. My most notable win is silver at IBJJF No-Gi worlds at Purple Belt but the best is yet to come. It is a truly special experience to compete, win or loose”

– Coach Michael

Coach Justin Spencer

Kids/Adults Coach. Office Ninja

Coach Justin is an Accountant by Day and a Jiu Jitsu Practitioner by Night. He started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Ken in November 2018. His favorite submission is the Wrist Lock. From assisting at the front desk, to coaching on the mats, Coach Justin is great with beginners and loves helping them along as they start off on their bjj journey. He is also an active competitor.

Coach Matthew Greensweight

Nogi/Wrestling Coach

Coach Matthew started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Ken in June 2018. He is an active competitor and has 8+ years of grappling experience, including wrestling for Montclair High. Coach Matthew enjoys teaching nogi classes to help students incorporate wrestling in their jiu jitsu skill set.

Coach Marvin Ruiz

Muay Thai Coach

Coach Marvin has over a decade of Muay Thai experience. He enjoys teaching Muay Thai classes to help students incorporate a stand up/striking game to compliment their ground Jiu Jitsu skill set. He also has been training Jiu Jitsu for over 2 years and has his 2 daughters in our Kids Jiu Jitsu Program. Coach Marvin also enjoys helping coach in Kids Class.

Coach Kevin Rodriguez

Kids Coach. Office Ninja

Coach Kevin has a passion for teaching kids Jiu Jitsu. He starting his daughter in our kids program because he saw the importance of learning self defense and how it would prepare her for life’s toughest battles, while giving her the necessary tools to feel confident in any situation. Soon after he joined our Kids Coaching and Office Staff and is great with helping new students! He loves seeing kids transform from being timid/shy to confident children! Coach Kevin’s is also an active competitor and his favorite submission is the triangle.

Coach Michelle Penn

Office Manager. Program Director.

Coach Michelle has been managing multiple Jiu Jitsu gyms since 2014. Now she pours her heart and soul into Gladiator Jiu Jitsu! She loves to plan fun events and activities for our Gladiator Family! Coach Michelle has also competed in several tournaments:

2016 Silver IBJJF Vegas International Open

2016 Bronze IBJJF BJJ Pro Los Angeles

2016 Bronze BJJ Tour

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