Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champ Opens New Academy In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — For years, Daniel Tavarez has taught Brazilian jiu-jitsu in South Jersey while accumulating accolades in the martial art. His namesake academy now occupies a new space.

The Daniel Tavares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy has moved from Sicklerville to the Marketplace at Chews Landing (7 Kelly Driver Rd., Clementon). Saturday will mark the grand opening. (Find out more about the grand opening below.)

Tavares is a fourth-degree black belt who competes as a lightweight in the Masters 3 (under 45) division. His accomplishments include the 2018 Masters World Championship, the Pan American No-Gi championships and, most recently, a first-place finish July 29 in the black belt division of the New York Open.

The Brazil native will take the stage Sept. 1 at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation's (IBJJF) Masters World Championship in Las Vegas. But before then, Tavares will showcase his academy's new location.

Facility highlights include:

• A 4,200-square-foot space
• Two dedicated mat training areas
• A "state-of-the-art" workout room
• A recovery room for relaxation and post-training
• Men's and women's changing rooms
• Shower facilities

Born and raised in Fortaleza, Brazil, Tavares's jiu-jitsu journey began in 1997. Tavares was 17 and made his first contact with the sport through his cousin Cláudio Pires. From there, he pursued the art with "great intensity, rigorous training, and disciplined conditioning," according to his online bio.

Tavares scored numerous victories in Brazil. And in 2007, he accepted an invitation to share his knowledge with Brazilian jiu-jitsu students in New Jersey. He has since developed a strong student body in the region and opened his own academy in 2014.

He fervently advocates for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, especially with children. As an instructor, Tavares emphasizes the art form's capacity to bolster confidence, instill discipline, teach invaluable life lessons, and equip them to stand up against bullying.

"If you're looking to enhance your health, seek an exciting challenge, or master self-defense techniques," Tavares said, "then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect martial art."

The grand opening runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Here's what to expect:

• 10:30 a.m.: kid’s jiu-jitsu demonstration
• 11 a.m: live jiu-jitsu class and rolls (sparring)
• Exclusive deals and discounts on memberships and merchandise
• Raffles and prizes

Interested parties can call 856-885-3675 or 856-842-4213. For queries, email teamtavaresbjj@gmail.com.