Marlton
Mount Laurel
Marlton
"I'm a firm believer in the adage 'people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.' I embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly, and I think it's apparent in everything we do at the academy."
— Peter McHugh
Professor Pete McHugh — owner and lead instructor — received his black belt from Professor Ricardo Almeida in December of 2013. As a full-time instructor at RABJJ headquarters for over 6 years, Professor Pete built one of the largest kids' Jiu Jitsu programs in the country. Since 2014, McHugh BJJ has grown into one of the largest Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
During his speech at Pete's black belt ceremony, his teacher Ricardo said that he wasn't sure how, but that he was certain Pete would go on to make Jiu Jitsu accessible to those for whom it was once exclusive — that he'd find a way to encourage and enable more people to benefit from Jiu Jitsu. That's what Professor Pete has dedicated his life to.
Professor Pete also teaches at Cherry Hill & Collingswood.
"Ever since I can remember martial arts has played a big part in my life. At six years old I was enrolled in Tae Kwon Do. I achieved the rank of second degree black belt and was 3x state champion and 2x junior Olympic world champion. From there I moved onto other martial arts such as Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu."
— Tony Lascola
Professor Tony Lascola is a talented and technical black belt under Professor Pete McHugh, teaching world-class lessons in both the Adult BJJ and Junior Sharks programs. His martial arts journey started at six years old in Tae Kwon Do, where he achieved the rank of second degree black belt, became a 3x state champion, and 2x junior Olympic world champion. From there he pursued Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, MMA, and ultimately Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Cherry Hill
"I'm a firm believer in the adage 'people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.' I embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly, and I think it's apparent in everything we do at the academy."
— Peter McHugh
Professor Pete McHugh — owner and lead instructor — received his black belt from Professor Ricardo Almeida in December of 2013. As a full-time instructor at RABJJ headquarters for over 6 years, Professor Pete built one of the largest kids' Jiu Jitsu programs in the country. Since 2014, McHugh BJJ has grown into one of the largest Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
During his speech at Pete's black belt ceremony, his teacher Ricardo said that he wasn't sure how, but that he was certain Pete would go on to make Jiu Jitsu accessible to those for whom it was once exclusive — that he'd find a way to encourage and enable more people to benefit from Jiu Jitsu. That's what Professor Pete has dedicated his life to.
Professor Pete also teaches at Marlton & Collingswood.
Professor Russ brings a rare combination of professional teaching experience and deep martial arts expertise to the mat. He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with local and regional competition experience, has served as an ADCC Open judge, and holds a black belt in Isshinryu karate.
Before opening the academy, he spent years as a high school business teacher, working with diverse student populations including students with special needs, and earning advanced certifications. As a purple belt he began teaching afternoon fundamental classes, and over time grew into his role as an instructor — teaching kids and adult classes at fundamental, intermediate, and advanced levels, and coordinating competition prep.
He's first-hand proof of what happens when the Jiu Jitsu transformation takes over: real confidence, a healthier body, improved focus, discipline, and resilience that carries into everyday life. His classes are safe, structured, and accessible, especially for those new to training.
Chris Callan has been a fixture of the Cherry Hill community for decades — a resident for 27 years, and a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department for 25, serving as Fire Chief for five before retiring in 2023.
Affectionately known as "Chief" by his peers and students, he earned his purple belt in 2024 and began giving back by assisting Professor James and Battle in Collingswood before helping open our Cherry Hill academy that same year. Chief earned his black gi and recognition as a certified McHugh BJJ instructor in the summer of 2025, and leads our Tiny Sharks program.
Collingswood
"I'm a firm believer in the adage 'people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.' I embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly, and I think it's apparent in everything we do at the academy."
— Peter McHugh
Professor Pete McHugh — owner and lead instructor — received his black belt from Professor Ricardo Almeida in December of 2013. As a full-time instructor at RABJJ headquarters for over 6 years, Professor Pete built one of the largest kids' Jiu Jitsu programs in the country. Since 2014, McHugh BJJ has grown into one of the largest Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
During his speech at Pete's black belt ceremony, his teacher Ricardo said that he wasn't sure how, but that he was certain Pete would go on to make Jiu Jitsu accessible to those for whom it was once exclusive — that he'd find a way to encourage and enable more people to benefit from Jiu Jitsu. That's what Professor Pete has dedicated his life to.
Professor Pete also teaches at Marlton & Cherry Hill.
Coach James is a brown belt under Professor Pete McHugh, and has been teaching both kids and adult classes at our Collingswood academy since 2020.
John Battle is a first-degree black belt and a seasoned competitor with over a decade of experience on the mats.
Coach Kelly is a Collingswood resident who, along with his two kids, has been training with us since 2021.
Mount Laurel
"I told my wife I'd try it out once or twice a week for a month and see how it goes. Well, here I am!"
— John Kyrtatas
I was at a point in my life where I was overweight and very out of shape — about 40 pounds heavier — and, to be honest, very grumpy. I was just going through the motions.
I don't know what it was that pulled me into the academy, but one day I stopped in. I told my wife I'd try it out once or twice a week for a month and see how it goes. Well, here I am! Very happy, healthy, more excited, and better at every facet of my life.
I wanted to get into teaching not only as a way to give back to the academy and to Jiu Jitsu, but also to help people find what Jiu Jitsu has given me.
"A rising tide lifts all boats."
— Coach Kenny
I started training Jiu Jitsu because of the physical and mental challenge, but what truly captivated me was the unexpected sense of community. From my first class, I was drawn to the growth and camaraderie Jiu Jitsu fosters.
Jiu Jitsu has had a profound impact on me, teaching me valuable life lessons and helping me grow in many ways. What motivates me most as an instructor is helping my teammates learn and grow. I firmly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and seeing everyone improve together is what drives me.
My goal is to share the benefits of Jiu Jitsu with others — helping them experience overall wellness and personal growth, just as Jiu Jitsu has done for me.