Mike Mrkulic has been one of the most profound influences in my
life. Training Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu with Mike has led to an enormous
amount of personal growth. Through Mike, I have come to understand
the history and philosophy of Brasilian Jiu-Jitsu from someone who has
himself competed on the world stage and succeeded in every aspect of
the sport.
However, Mike's Third Place finish in the World Championships pales in comparison to his achievements in assisting his students to achieve their own goals, not only on the mat, but on a plethora of different personal levels.
Mike's unyielding support finds him coming to Brasil each year to coach me when I myself, compete. Mike has introduced me to the legends of the art and has allowed me to experience a whole new world and culture previously unimaginable to me.
Understanding each student's own personal needs, insecurities, background and aspirations is one of Mike's most valuable assets. His selflessness and implacable friendship have enriched my life far beyond anything I have ever gained on the mat. I am proud to call Mike Mrkulic my Professor and most of all, my friend.
Harley D. Breite
However, Mike's Third Place finish in the World Championships pales in comparison to his achievements in assisting his students to achieve their own goals, not only on the mat, but on a plethora of different personal levels.
Mike's unyielding support finds him coming to Brasil each year to coach me when I myself, compete. Mike has introduced me to the legends of the art and has allowed me to experience a whole new world and culture previously unimaginable to me.
Understanding each student's own personal needs, insecurities, background and aspirations is one of Mike's most valuable assets. His selflessness and implacable friendship have enriched my life far beyond anything I have ever gained on the mat. I am proud to call Mike Mrkulic my Professor and most of all, my friend.
Harley D. Breite
Sir,
Excellent class today, as always. I really appreciate the opportunity to roll with you, personally; though it's frustrating being choked out four times in five minutes, by somebody 6 inches shorter and 60 pounds lighter, the opportunity to learn my weaknesses from someone as humble and talented as you is invaluable. Your ability on the mat is inspiring... thank you.
William Nestor
Excellent class today, as always. I really appreciate the opportunity to roll with you, personally; though it's frustrating being choked out four times in five minutes, by somebody 6 inches shorter and 60 pounds lighter, the opportunity to learn my weaknesses from someone as humble and talented as you is invaluable. Your ability on the mat is inspiring... thank you.
William Nestor
I could go on and on as far as why Mike is the most qualified teacher in North Jersey. For a skinny guy like this to teach me is truly amazing and an honor. If there are any hesitations, look at his credentials. Know that Mike goes up and beyond any other Instructor that I have ever trained with. Especially when it comes to truly caring about me as a person, and also nurturing my progress in the art. For me, there simply is no other school.
Chris Wison
Chris Wison
As an individual who has trained at other places prior to training with you, I've simply been amazed with the profound technique that you display. In the four short months that I have been training with you, I learned a great deal, but specifically, that you, respectfully, as person of small stature (135 lbs.), have the ability to overwhelmingly dominate and submit people, who are 200 lbs. or much more in weight, which includes me.
As I previously stated to you, I personally view this is an incredible phenomenon simply because it is not your-- size, strength, or weight that gives you this ability, but your massive BJJ technique. Your technique is undoubtedly an art of true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I truly thank you for teaching me.
-Joe Zughbi
As I previously stated to you, I personally view this is an incredible phenomenon simply because it is not your-- size, strength, or weight that gives you this ability, but your massive BJJ technique. Your technique is undoubtedly an art of true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I truly thank you for teaching me.
-Joe Zughbi
Best kept secret on the East Coast. You owe it to yourself to check this academy out before commiting to any school.
---JEckrich
---JEckrich
I enjoyed getting to learn technique from one of the best grapplers in the U.S.A.
At 30 yrs old I hope to someday reach your level in BJJ. I also appreciate the fact that you are very humble and are a good guy. Thanks again Mike and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Chad Parks
College 4x All-American Wrestler
Sincerely,
Chad Parks
College 4x All-American Wrestler
Well its finally here--- My son Mike is about to begin another chapter in his life's journey, off to college. I wanted to personally thank you for your " World Class Jiu Jitsu Instruction". Having been around the Jiu Jitsu community for 13 years I can honestly commend your teaching skills which has elevated Mike to a professional grappler. This summer he really wanted to challenge himself before he went off to college. Fighting in the advanced men's division as you know he took 2nd to Dave Jacobs, 1st in Battle at the Beach men's advanced, 1st GQ men's BJJ purple belt, and 1st Teens No-Gi advanced. A testament to your technique and academy which we proudly represent. I would also like to thank the adults that roll with him. A great group of guys who over the years smoothie has bonded with. Everyone has helped Mike and the respect is mutual. Rolling with your adults has enabled him to achieve the confidence and training to be comfortable enough to push his limits. Yet another reason why he trains at Mrkulic's BJJ.
Most of all, thanks for being a friend and a positive influence on my son......................... the journey continues.
---Ray Trasso
Most of all, thanks for being a friend and a positive influence on my son......................... the journey continues.
---Ray Trasso
Champion Mike Trasso & Mike Mrkulic @ NAGA World Championships 2007.
Before I started training with Mike at MBJJ I was frustrated with the progress I was making in my training. I had trained at a couple of different academies and all of them made me feel like I was on a Jiu Jitsu assembly line. All of my previous teachers taught only what they excelled at never what could work for me. I started to think I was never going to improve beyond a certain point. That all changed when I started training with Mike. Every student at MBJJ get individualized attention from one of the best Grapplers in the world. Mike really takes the time to get to know each students strengths and weaknesses and helps them develop their game around what will work for them. Mike understands that each student has different needs and trains them accordingly. Mike has put together a great roster of students creating a fun, competitive, and friendly learning environment. Training with Mike at MBJJ has exponentially improved my mat performance.
-Arich
-Arich
Mike goes to Brazil several times a year to train with the Gracies—so you know that he stays on the cutting edge."
—Chris Sprague, esq
—Chris Sprague, esq
After taking my first class at MBJJ I knew that it was great place to train. From the welcoming students to Mike's smooth teaching style, everything just clicked. Anytime I had difficulty with a move or position, Mike and the rest of the MBJJ family were right there to help me work through it. Whether you're interested in self defense, sport competition or just getting into the best shape of your life, MBJJ has tons to offer.
-Josh Gaffney, Grappling Champion & Esq.
-Josh Gaffney, Grappling Champion & Esq.
"In the short three months I have studied Brazilian JiuJitsu, I can say nothing but great things about my experience at MBJJ. I am not only in better shape, but my mental alertness and whole physiology have improved. From the many learning experiences I have had at the college NCAA level and masters degree classes, MBJJ is one of the best learning environments I have ever been in—friendly students, safe personal instruction, yet there's an intensity and drive to become the very best you can be—it's a place with an energetic balance of good intentions and conscientious teaching. I hope to be a student at MBJJ for many years to come."
—Maria Margate, Licensed Acupunturist.
—Maria Margate, Licensed Acupunturist.
"One reason I went with the MBJJ Academy is because the instructor has competed at very high levels and done extremely well. That speaks volumes about his skills and knowledge of the art. He is a mild mannered, friendly guy, with great teaching skills. The students are also great. None of them have a chip on their shoulder, and they help me by explaining what I did right and what I did wrong. I’ve been doing it for 2 months and I have learned so much already. It was a great feeling when I got my first submission. It is great exercise, lots of fun, and a confidence builder too. Oh, and you're never too old to start. I'm 41 yrs old. Thanks MBJJ, you are making this a great experience for me. I'm so glad I decided to do this.
—Manny Muniz,
—Manny Muniz,
"I have been training with Mike Mrkulic for nine months in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and would like to commend him on the outstanding job he has done. Mike is a highly skilled and proficient practitioner in BJJ and consistently demonstrates his knowledge and ability through one on one and group instruction. Mikes commitment and innovative way of teaching BJJ truly inspire his students to learn and grow. Most noteworthy is Mikes ability to tailor instruction to fit the specific needs of individual students in a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Because of Mikes teaching style, knowledge, commitment, and demeanor, I am honored to be one of his students and look forward to contiuing my BJJ training."
—Scott Brelinsky, M.A. in Special Education
—Scott Brelinsky, M.A. in Special Education
"I find taking privates with Mike to be extremely helpful and take them on a regular basis:
"Rounds out sparring: There are various times while sparring in class that I find myself in a situation where I am not sure of my options or I find myself having difficulties from certain positions or even against certain opponents. I try to make a mental note of the situations and review the situations with Mike. I haven’t had a situation yet where Mike didn’t have plenty of answers and suggestions. There are times in the private where we will spend the entire time reviewing and practicing the situation. It has been unbelievably helpful.
"Technical Support: Unlike many teachers, Mike’s privates include a lot of sparring. Mike is excellent at pointing out things you can do better in your game. Sometimes like above, they are problems in your game you are aware of and sometimes they are problems of which you are unaware. For example, we were working out the other day and Mike was pointing out to me how much more effective I would be by staying much heavier on my opponents during certain moves. I do concentrate on staying heavy but was unaware that in certain situations, I was providing too much room for my opponent to put me back in the guard. This is the kind of information that you may get in class but when you have a large class it is hard to always identify these small technical differences. In a private, Mike has much more opportunity to view your game.
"Insight: Lastly, I like to discuss strategy with Mike. Mike is a world-class competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I like to discuss how Mike sets up his competitors and sets up his game. I like to know what he is thinking during different situations and how he reacts."
—D Mack, playboy millionaire
"Rounds out sparring: There are various times while sparring in class that I find myself in a situation where I am not sure of my options or I find myself having difficulties from certain positions or even against certain opponents. I try to make a mental note of the situations and review the situations with Mike. I haven’t had a situation yet where Mike didn’t have plenty of answers and suggestions. There are times in the private where we will spend the entire time reviewing and practicing the situation. It has been unbelievably helpful.
"Technical Support: Unlike many teachers, Mike’s privates include a lot of sparring. Mike is excellent at pointing out things you can do better in your game. Sometimes like above, they are problems in your game you are aware of and sometimes they are problems of which you are unaware. For example, we were working out the other day and Mike was pointing out to me how much more effective I would be by staying much heavier on my opponents during certain moves. I do concentrate on staying heavy but was unaware that in certain situations, I was providing too much room for my opponent to put me back in the guard. This is the kind of information that you may get in class but when you have a large class it is hard to always identify these small technical differences. In a private, Mike has much more opportunity to view your game.
"Insight: Lastly, I like to discuss strategy with Mike. Mike is a world-class competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I like to discuss how Mike sets up his competitors and sets up his game. I like to know what he is thinking during different situations and how he reacts."
—D Mack, playboy millionaire