DTBJJ Academy – Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy

World renowned instruction in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

We provide a safe, clean, and fun environment for people of all ages and skill levels.

DTBJJ Academy

Daniel Tavares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded in February 2014 by two-time World Champion and fifth-degree black belt Daniel Tavares. With a mission to offer an authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in the region, the academy promotes the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle and has made a significant impact in the South Jersey area.

Over the years, a strong community has grown, and DTBJJ is now home to students of all ages, belt levels, and experience levels. With more than 20 years of experience teaching and competing, Professor Tavares, alongside his top-notch instructors, has built a strong team dedicated to providing world-class instruction in a welcoming training environment.

“What we have built is more than just a martial arts school. We are community and a family, brought together by a shared passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Respect, loyalty, and camaraderie are the heart of our academy. These values have helped us build a strong, welcoming culture where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel like part of the team.”

– Daniel Tavares

What differentiates us

The Daniel Tavares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy experience is unique. Students receive top-notch instruction from a highly experienced team of coaches and athletes. All classes combine traditional and modern Jiu-Jitsu techniques in a structured training environment designed to help every student, from children to adults, get the most out of their training.

What We Offer

4,200 sq. ft. facility with two designated training areas
High-quality mats for safety and performance
Family-friendly atmosphere fostering teamwork and discipline
Spacious lobby, reception area, and office
Two separate dressing rooms (Men & Women)
Two renovated bathrooms and a shower
Plenty of parking in a well-lit lot

We love what we do

Our goal is to create champions on and off the mats, regardless of age or skill level. Our instructors are patient, well-trained, and experienced, creating a supportive environment where every student can work toward their goals and reach their full potential.

Your

Instructors

Fifth Degree Black Belt

Professor Daniel Tavares

Notable Career Wins

2x World Master Champion (2024 & 2018)
3x Pan American Champion (2026, 2024, 2023)
4x Pan American No Gi Champion (2025, 2024, 2021, 2011)
30x IBJJF Champion
34 x IBJJF Medalist
American National Champion in Gi & no Gi
ADCC Open Champion (2025 & 2024)
Copa Elite Champion (2022)
Kasai 6 No Gi Super Fight Champion (2019)
NY BJJ Pro Champion (Division – 2018)
NY BJJ Pro Champion (Absolute Division – 2018)
5x IBJJF World Master Jiu-Jitsu Champion Medalist (2022, 2019, 2017, 2016 & 2014)
5x UAEJJF New York Pro Medalist (Weight Division & Absolute Division – 2017)
International Challenge Fight Champion (Lisbon, Portugal – 2006)
Brazilian Cup Medalist (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2005)
The World Cup of Jiu-Jitsu Medalist (Salvador, Brazil – 2004)

Professor Daniel Tavares has dedicated his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, both as a competitor and as an instructor, helping students develop their skills, confidence, and character both on and off the mats.

Daniel was born and raised in Fortaleza, Brazil, where his Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 1997 at the age of 17. He was first introduced to the art by his cousin, Claudio Pires. From the moment he stepped onto the tatame, Daniel knew that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu would become a lifelong passion. He embraced the art with dedication, discipline, and an intense commitment to training.

Beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, Daniel also served his community as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor for the Fifth Battalion Headquarters of the Military Police in Ceará, Brazil.

A highly accomplished competitor in Brazil, Daniel earned his black belt in 2005 from Master Francisco “Sazinho” Sá. Receiving his black belt marked not only an important milestone in his Jiu-Jitsu journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter as an instructor and leader.

In 2007, Daniel accepted an invitation from then-third-degree black belt Professor Ademir Oliveira to share his knowledge and experience with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students in New Jersey. As an ambassador of the art, Daniel embraced the opportunity to teach in the United States and began building a strong Jiu-Jitsu community in South Jersey.

In February 2014, Daniel opened his own academy, where he has continued to dedicate his life to teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and helping transform the lives of his students.

Daniel is a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu competitor and also served as an IBJJF referee for many years. He currently holds the rank of fifth-degree black belt. His teaching reflects a blend of traditional and modern Jiu-Jitsu techniques, shaped by decades of training, competition, and instruction.

Throughout his career, Daniel has earned numerous titles and accolades, including two-time World Master Champion, Pan American Gi and No-Gi Champion, and multiple-time IBJJF champion and medalist, along with many other accomplishments.

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.”

-Henry Ford

Professor Mark Houldsworth

Professor Mr. Bradd Thompson

Professor Carl Schmidt

Ricky Kowal

Dakota Gomeringer

Aurelia DelRossi

Issac Reyes

About the

SAS Team

The Sá Family and Jiu Jitsu in Ceará

Master Francisco Vieira Sá was born in the remote town of Senador Pompeu, approximately 200 kilometers from Fortaleza, Ceará, on December 17, 1935.

His first contact with Jiu-Jitsu came through magazine publications in O Cruzeiro, where Helio Gracie demonstrated techniques and shared knowledge about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also had the opportunity to train with Professor Nilo Weber Veloso, a student of George Gracie, during a period when members of the Gracie family lived in Fortaleza.

In his late teens, Master Sá moved to Recife, Pernambuco, to pursue a career in the Brazilian Air Force. While there, he learned that Jiu-Jitsu master Takeo Yano was teaching in the area. He sought out the Kodokan Academy and continued his training under Yano, dedicating himself to the study and practice of Jiu-Jitsu.

After years of training in Recife, Master Sá returned to Ceará to be closer to his family. He opened his first academy, originally known as Central Ring Club and later renamed Academia Professor Sá, which became a successful Jiu-Jitsu school and an important part of the development of the art in Ceará.

Throughout his long career, Professor Sá taught more than 25,000 students, including accomplished competitors and instructors such as Daniel Beleza, Jorge Gujão, Marcos Aurélio, and Daniel Tavares, as well as his sons, Professor Francisco Carlos Pinto Sá, known as Sazinho, Professor Gibson Sá, and Robson Sá.

Master Francisco Vieira Sá was one of the few practitioners to achieve the rank of coral belt (red belt), the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He received his black belt in 1959 from Professor Nilo Weber Veloso, with recognition from the Pernambuco Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and remained a black belt for more than five decades.

Master Sá passed away on September 13, 2013, at the age of 77, leaving behind a lasting legacy built on decades of dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the development of generations of students.

Professor Francisco Carlos Pinto Sá, known as Sazinho, is Master Sá’s oldest son and the successor to the leadership of Sá Team.

Born in Fortaleza in 1964, Sazinho earned his black belt in 1985 and currently holds the rank of seventh-degree black belt. He is recognized by Brazilian and international Jiu-Jitsu organizations and has continued his family’s legacy through teaching, competition, and the development of athletes.

Sazinho serves as President of Sás Team BJJ Worldwide, President of the Olympic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation in the state of Ceará, and President of the National Professional Fighting Confederation.

As a competitor, Sazinho became a two-time Brazilian National Champion and a Pan American Champion at the black belt level. Throughout his career as an instructor, he has trained numerous world medalists and MMA fighters who have competed at some of the highest levels of the sport.

The legacy of the Sá family continues through its students, instructors, and generations of practitioners who carry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu forward in Ceará, throughout Brazil, and around the world.

The Founding of Team SAS in Ceará

Sazinho partnered with André Pederneiras and Wendell Alexandre to align his academy with Nova União and establish the Nova União team in Ceará.

Under the guidance of André Pederneiras, Sazinho founded the Olympic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Ceará. In 1994, recognizing the need for stronger competition in the state, he organized the Copa da Amizade (Friendship Cup), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition that helped bring greater attention to the sport in Ceará. The event and the media coverage it received contributed to the growth of Jiu-Jitsu and helped develop new talent throughout the state.

In 2009, Sazinho ended his affiliation with Nova União and established Sazinho BJJ. The team carries forward the philosophy of Professor Sá and honors the legacy of a family that played an important role in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northeast Brazil.

The mission of Sazinho BJJ is to educate its members in the etiquette, discipline, and values expected in the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while continuing to develop technical excellence. The team also provides guidelines for curriculum development and belt advancement across its affiliated schools.

Today, Sazinho BJJ has approximately 120 affiliated schools worldwide. Its members proudly represent the Sazinho BJJ team and the phoenix, the symbol of the organization and its enduring legacy.

What Our Students Say

This is the best BJJ academy in the area! Daniel is the real deal and authentic as they come. Everyone is super nice and welcoming, great environment for people of any background to learn in. No meatheads or egomaniacs, just great jiu-jitsu!
- Jason S.
Over the past few years my daughter has trained with Daniel. I have seen an amazing difference in her self confidence and self esteem. She has made amazing friendships!! There is a culture of love and loyalty bred there. She is definitely in the best shape of her life!
- Sandra White
I took the offer of a free week trial a little over a year ago and I've been hooked ever since! You won't find anyone more knowledgeable, patient, and passionate as Professor Daniel Tavares. Everyone at the academy is so nice and welcoming, they've become a family to me. I lost over 35 lbs just in my first 6 months and was prepared to step on the mat for my first ever competition, all because of the confidence that the Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy gave me. If you're looking to get in shape in a friendly environment while learning authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by one of the best professors around, this is definitely the place for you!
- Craig Hobbins
I took my son to Professor Daniel's Academy because he was getting bullied at school. His confidence has increased a lot in the 6 months that he has been attending. Professor Daniel is very experienced and knowledgeable but also passionate and humble and this reflects on his students. I feel we made a great decision to bring our Son to Daniel Tavares Academy!
- Will Huerto
Daniel is a fearless world champion with incredible depth of skill on the mats. He is humble and approachable. Great teacher and would recommend his school without reservations.
- Philip Stroffolino
I had the pleasure of stopping in to train while in town for business and had a great experience. Very welcoming environment with great people and instructors! I wish I'd had time to make a second class but was not able due to changing travel arrangements. I would definitely recommend this school and hope to be back one day.
- Jill
If I could leave 10 stars I would. This a perfect BJJ school if you are new or someone that has been training for a while and wants to get to the next level. Everyone is friendly, competitive, and respectful. Daniel Tavares truly cares about his students and their success in learning Jiu Jitsu at the highest level. He is a hands on teacher that rolls with all of his students to make them the best they can be. I would recommend this school to everyone.
- Rick Kowal
Noah has been a student of Professor Tavares for almost two years and within that timeframe, he’s learned valuable skills within the sport of Jiu Jitsu as well as had tremendous personal growth. Although his Jiu Jitsu competency over this time period has been outstanding, at this point in our young child’s life, we aren’t as concerned with his ability to win trophies or perform at the highest levels. We want him to understand the importance of commitment, teamwork, physical achievement, discipline, and confidence. Professor Tavares has exceeded our expectations in helping these skills resonate in Noah and for this, we are proud and very excited for the future of Daniel Tavares’ academy.
- Father of Noah C.
- Grey with Black Stripe Belt, DTBA student since February 2015
I started training with Daniel Tavares as a purple belt. Having trained at other various other schools, I can say Daniel is one of the best bjj instructors. His academy is great for beginner and high-level BJJ practitioner. Daniel is a world champion level competitor who is amazingly talented at transferring that knowledge to his students at all levels.
- John G.
- 1st Brown Belt, DTBA student since September 2014
From the very first day I came to Daniel’s academy, Daniel himself and his students made me feel comfortable and at home. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was nothing I had planned to do. Not until after college. Now I can say that joining this family and with Daniel’s guidance, leadership and enthusiasm, I don’t ever plan on stopping. It changed my life! Being part of this family, you gain more than BJJ skills: You gain extreme confidence in yourself and friends for life. Thank you, Daniel, for everything you do for us and God bless you and your family. Obrigado. Oss!
- Augusto S.
- 4th degree White Belt, DTBA student since March 2015
Amazing training under a world class competitor and overall a great guy! I’ve been training under Daniel for almost 9 years and he is the real deal. Nobody spends more time on the mats with students and cares more about their individual progress in BJJ and life. I highly recommend this school for kids or adults. Very friendly family environment. Mats are kept extremely clean. The price is the best in South Jersey especially with the amount of attention you get from Daniel. Take a trial class.
- Anton Gotsmanov
- Black Belt, DTBA student since November 2007