Instructors

Owner and Head Coach of UNION BJJ MMA. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt under Chris Perry of Good Vibes BJJ and Master Roberto Godoi of G13 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Chris brings years of training, experience, and knowledge gained from working with many high-level instructors throughout his journey.

No matter how many years he has spent on the mats, Chris has naver forgotten what it feels like to walk into a Jiu -Jitsu gym for the first time. That perspective is at the heart of how he teaches, coaches,and welcomes every person who walks through the doors of UNION BJJ MMA.

His philosophy is simple: FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY. Together with his own family, Chris has built UNION BJJ MMA around that belief - creating a culture where every student, parent, and visitor is welcomed, supported, and treated like they belong.

Outside of the gym, Chris is a 24-YEAR member of Steamfitters Local 420, bringing the same values of hard work, dedication, loyalty, and brotherhood from his trade to the culture he has built on the mats.

At UNION BJJ MMA it's more than training. It's a family, and there's a place for everyone.

Coach John Klewin brings proven wrestling credentials, broad combat sports experience, and a genuine passion for coaching to every athlete he works with. A former divison 1 wrestler at Rider University 2020-2021, John was a two time Pennsylvania state qualifier and completed his highschool varsity career with 98 wins. 

His competitive exprience extends across multiple disciplines. John has earned titles at NAGA, The Good Fight, and Tap Cancer Out tournaments in both youth and adult divisions. In 2024, he earned his Brazilian Jiu Jistu purple belt under Chris Perry at Good Vibes BJJ. As an amateur MMA fighter, John also understands what it takes to apply wrestling, grappling, and stricking under pressure. 

John currently serves as an Assistnt Wrestling Coach at Paulsboro Highschool, where he contributes his Division 1 wrestling background and well rounding combat sports knowledge to one of New Jersey's storied wrestling programs. 

He has trained alongside a current professional MMA champion and multiple current and former UFC, Bellator, and PFL fighters. These expriences have helped him develop a comprehensive coaching approach rooted in Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jistu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and MMA. 

Coach John's commitment to his athletes is evident both on and off his schedule. He is frequently in the gym training, supporting teammates, and continuing to refine his own skills. His dedication, work ethic, and willingness to help others make him a trusted resource for athletes at every level. 

John has also elevated the gym's Kids and Adult Striking Program's, bringing pratical exprience and high level instruction to every session. Beginners benefit from his patient, fundamentals first approach, while competitive athletes gain the technical insight, intensity, and preparation needed to perform at their best. 

Whether an athlete is stepping onto the mats for the first time or preparing for competition, Coach John emphasizes technique, discipline, confidence, toughness, and continuous improvement.