AllStar Martial Arts for Short Hills & Millburn Families
Real instruction. 15 minutes from home. BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA, and Kids programs built for families who expect the best. Free 2-week trial — no contract.
AllStar Martial Arts is a family-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA school at 1166 West Chestnut St in Union, NJ — about 12 minutes from Short Hills and Millburn via Vauxhall Road, with free parking on-site. We've taught adults and kids here since 2011.
Head coach Jamal Patterson is a 4th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, an ADCC veteran, and a former professional MMA fighter with wins in the IFL and Bellator. He's a UWC Light Heavyweight Champion and has cornered UFC fighters. That competition background is what sets AllStar apart from the fitness-boxing and add-on BJJ classes closer to home.
Adults train BJJ, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA (ages 16+); kids have Cubs (4–6) and Lions (7–13). Every new student starts with a free two-week trial — no contract, no card. Short Hills and Millburn families make the short drive west into Union for it.
About 12 Minutes via Vauxhall Road
1166 West Chestnut St, Union, NJ 07083 · View AllStar on Google Maps →
Why Millburn & Short Hills Parents Choose AllStar
Real Instruction from a Real Professional
You're not paying for a name or a franchise model. You're paying for Jamal's experience as a competitor and coach — a 4th-degree Renzo Gracie black belt, ADCC veteran, and pro MMA fighter. Every technique he teaches has been tested in real competition. That matters.
Curriculum, Not Babysitting
Kids start at white belt and progress through a real belt system. Over time, a Lions student (ages 7–13) learns takedowns, escapes, submissions, and positional control — things they'll remember for life. That's earned confidence, not talked-about confidence.
Community That Gets It
Our members are working professionals and parents with high standards — people who value their time and take training seriously. No gym-culture nonsense.
A Program That Lasts
Martial arts isn't like most fitness trends. Members train for years, not months — many stick with it for the long haul. That's not luck; it's a program built on real teaching, and we've been doing it here since 2011.
After-School to Training — No Gap
Short Hills and Millburn parents with busy schedules know the drill: you're picking kids up from school, managing piano lessons, soccer practice, and everything else. AllStar fits into that reality.
We're Built for Your Schedule
- ✓ Kids classes: after-school-friendly weekday windows — right-sized for school pickups
- ✓ Adult evening classes: 6, 7, and 8 PM — train after work or after you've handled the kids' activities
- ✓ Free parking on-site: no circling the block for a spot
- ✓ Free two-week trial: no contract, no card, no pressure
Many Millburn and Short Hills families run their kids from school straight to a late-afternoon class and are home for dinner. Others pair the kids' class with their own adult training on the same trip. The schedule is yours to build.
Real Results for Short Hills & Millburn Families
Kids who walk in shy often end up leading warm-ups and helping newer students. The confidence is earned on the mat, and parents consistently tell us it carries into school.
Adults who've trained elsewhere tend to notice the difference quickly — Jamal teaches technique and detail, not just "go harder." A lot of them end up training several days a week.
Families run school pickup into a late-afternoon kids class and are home for dinner. It's real martial arts instruction in a straightforward, no-nonsense environment — no screaming instructors, no cult vibe.
Our Curriculum
Cubs — Ages 4–6
Preschool martial arts. Big energy, short activities, positive reinforcement. Parents notice the listening and focus carry over at home and at school.
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Lions — Ages 7–13
Real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Progressive belt system, genuine technique, real challenge. Over time, a Lions student builds real skill and the confidence that comes with it.
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Adult BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults 16 and up. No experience needed. Evening classes at 6, 7, and 8 PM most weekdays. A skill that compounds over the years.
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Muay Thai & MMA
Authentic Muay Thai (no cardio kickboxing) and complete MMA training. Real pad work and technique under the same roof as your BJJ. Adults 16 and up.
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View All Programs
See full class schedules, belt progressions, and enrollment details for each program.
Kids BJJ Programs → • Adult BJJ → • Muay Thai →Authentic Muay Thai Near Short Hills
AllStar teaches authentic Muay Thai under the same roof as your BJJ — real pad work, real clinch technique, real conditioning. Not cardio kickboxing with a Thai name. Adults 16 and up, and beginners are welcome from day one.
MMA Self-Defense — One Complete System
Our MMA program combines BJJ, Muay Thai, and wrestling into one system under Jamal Patterson — pro MMA veteran, IFL and Bellator fighter, who has cornered UFC fighters. Adults 16 and up, all levels.
You Know the Route
Short Hills and Millburn landmarks. AllStar is about 15 minutes west on Route 22 from all of them.
What students and parents say
Real results from real students. Kids building confidence. Adults discovering capabilities they thought were gone. The vibe is coach first, everything else second.
"Our son was shy and anxious in group settings. Three months at AllStar — he stands taller, listens better, and actually wants to come to class. Jamal doesn't just teach jiu-jitsu, he builds confidence.
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"Started at 40 thinking I was too old and too slow. Everyone here is encouraging, and the instruction is genuinely world-class. I've sparred at other gyms — this lineage and coaching is different.
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"Both kids train here. The discipline transfers home immediately. Teachers at school have asked what we're doing differently. Jamal's curriculum is legit, and the gym feels safe.
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"Jamal cornered me as an amateur and still does. Having a coach with IFL and Bellator experience who actually cares — not just about your record but about your game development — is rare.
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Join hundreds of students and families who've found their place at AllStar. Two weeks free — no contract, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is AllStar from Short Hills and Millburn? +
Can you pick up kids right after school and bring them to class? +
Is there authentic Muay Thai near Short Hills? +
Do kids need to be athletic to start? +
What's the free trial? +
How do I get started? +
Two Weeks Free — Short Hills & Millburn Families Welcome
Real instruction. Real community. No pressure. Show up, bring water, we'll handle the rest.