# 247 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu > Morris Plains, United States ## Overview **Name:** 247 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** Parsippany BJJ, also known as 247 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, was founded in 2018 by Don De La Pena with the mission of sharing his passion for martial arts, especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The academy is a proud affiliate member of Team Choke Lab, training under the guidance of Chief Instructor Josef 'Ze Cobra' Manuel. With the motto "Less Martial, More Art," the gym emphasizes movement, precision, and creativity, fostering a welcoming environment where students can express the art in ways best suited to them. The training philosophy at Parsippany BJJ focuses on safety, development, and progress. Understanding that grappling can be intimidating for newcomers, the experienced team guides students through proper steps to ensure both safety and skill advancement. The academy aims to create an inclusive community for practitioners of all levels in the Northern New Jersey and Morris County area. The gym is led by a highly experienced coaching staff. Don De La Pena, the owner and head instructor, holds a brown belt under Chief Instructor Josef Manuel and has been training in martial arts since 1997, studying BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wing Chun, and Isshin Ryu Karate in the Philippines before moving to the United States. Matt Walter, a black belt instructor who earned his rank in 2019 under Team Choke Lab, brings expertise from over 20 years of training and works as a full-time athletic trainer. Professor Josef 'Ze Cobra' Manuel serves as Chief Instructor and is the first American black belt world champion under Master Robson "Robinho" Moura of Nova Uniao Academy, and now leads the Team Choke Lab association. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 101 Gibraltar Drive suite 2e, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Morris Plains, NJ 07950, United States **Phone:** +1 973-664-7906 **Email:** parsippanybrazilianjiujitsu@gmail.com **Website:** https://parsippanybjj.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parsippanybjj/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parsippanyBJJ/ ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Tuesday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Friday: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Sunday: Closed ## Pricing ### Monthly Membership - Adult: $150/month ## Instructors ### Don De La Pena - Brown **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Born and raised in the Philippines, Don De La Pena started his Martial Arts journey in 1997 studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wing Chun, and Isshin Ryu Karate. After moving to the United States with his family Don joined Team Choke Lab and earned the prestigious rank of Brown Belt under Chief Instructor Josef Manuel. Owner/Instructor De La Pena founded Parsippany BJJ in 2018 with the goal of sharing his passion for Martial Arts, especially BJJ. ### Josef Manuel - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Professor Josef Manuel's extraordinary journey in martial arts spans over 20 years. He was first introduced into martial arts through the study of Boxing. On his quest to learn from the best, in 2005 Professor Josef Manuel was introduced to 7x Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and Master Robson 'Robinho' Moura from the world renowned Nova Uniao Academy in Brazil. Since then Professor Josef Manuel has trained, studied and traveled with Master Robson as an instructor and competition team representative. Professor Josef Manuel attained the coveted rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Robson 'Robinho' Moura's as his first American Black Belt World Champion & RMNU association representative. He is now the head instructor for Team Choke Lab association. ### Matt Walter - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Matt Walter started training in 2002 under Professor David Adiv. Several years later, Matt joined Chief Instruction Josef Manuel's team. In 2019 Matt achieved the rank of black belt with Team Choke Lab. As a full-time athletic trainer Matt spends a great deal of time around youth sports. This experience suits him perfectly in helping develop their skills and train safely. ## Programs ### Adult BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes focusing on movement, precision, and creativity. Less Martial, More Art approach fosters an environment where students can express the art in ways best suited for them. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiujitsu classes for children aimed to teach structure, self-control, discipline, respect, and social skills; all while having FUN and getting great exercise! Led by Don De La Pena, who has 5 children of his own. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/new-jersey/morris-plains/247-brazilian-jiu-jitsu)