We are Wayne, NJ's premiere center for top quality Martial Arts training. Specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No Gi submission grappling, and Self Defense. We offer classes for kids and adults and have a full schedule with training 7 days a week. Our goal is to provide a fun and safe training environment for all ages to enjoy learning a very valuable martial art that benefits everyone both mentally and physically.
Come and join the Up Top team today! We offer Wayne, NJ's premiere Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling training program. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a cutting edge martial art made famous by the Gracie family of Brazil known for its highly effective ground grappling techniques.
Come and join the Up Top team today! We offer Wayne, NJ's premiere Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling training program. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a cutting edge martial art made famous by the Gracie family of Brazil known for its highly effective ground grappling techniques.
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Ioannis (Yanni) Hronakis is the head instructor of Up Top Martial Arts Academy. Yanni started his martial arts training at the age of 8 in the art of Tae Kwon Do under his instructor George Sernack. As an avid student of the martial arts, he has continued to expand his training to include other arts such as Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In our BJJ and Submission Grappling Training classes you will learn how to control an opponent on the ground using proper technique and leverage and apply a number of finishing holds proven to be effective against all body types. Interested in competition? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Submission Grappling tournaments are becoming one of the fastest sports in the Area.
I got into BJJ late in life 45yo. I grew up wrestling, but not something you usually do after college. I've worked in sports medicine for years and taken care of many MMA athletes on all levels. Time and time again I was told by instructors & students about Yanni's technical expertise and how his ability to teach was excellent.
Reviews (10)
Erica Zendell
Sep 23, 2021
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Originally from the area, I stopped into Up Top for a Saturday no gi class while back in town for a childhood friend’s wedding. Had I started training when I was growing up in Wayne, I’d have been in very good hands with Yanni. He’s a friendly and welcoming teacher who made me feel right at home and taught a solid, complete, technical class (a full flow from the feet to the mat to submission opportunities—not just a technique in a vacuum, which is awesome).
Yanni and my other training partners provided great, actionable feedback after drilling and rolling together. As a female, being in
Yanni and my other training partners provided great, actionable feedback after drilling and rolling together. As a female, being in
Greg Mendez
Nov 17, 2019
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After training in various martial arts over the last 17 years, I can easily say head instructor Yanni is one of the best coaches and instructors in the game. Whether you or your child are brand new to martial arts, or your looking to up your game for competition, you will be more than happy with Uptop Martial Arts.
Pam Saft
Aug 25, 2019
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Maryam Wolke
Aug 12, 2019
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Michael Gerne
Aug 01, 2019
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I got into BJJ late in life 45yo. I grew up wrestling, but not something you usually do after college.
I’ve worked in sports medicine for years and taken care of many MMA athletes on all levels. Time and time again I was told by instructors & students about Yanni’s technical expertise and how his ability to teach was excellent. I couldn’t agree more. It’s a great place with a great group of men & women to train with. I’ve been there for over 2 yrs now & love it. It’s a great work out & even better stress reliever. No one is out to kill you but at the same time, you can train as hard
I’ve worked in sports medicine for years and taken care of many MMA athletes on all levels. Time and time again I was told by instructors & students about Yanni’s technical expertise and how his ability to teach was excellent. I couldn’t agree more. It’s a great place with a great group of men & women to train with. I’ve been there for over 2 yrs now & love it. It’s a great work out & even better stress reliever. No one is out to kill you but at the same time, you can train as hard
Ben Sherman
Jul 20, 2019
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I love this place. I do not live in the area but I have been dropping by for over 10 years. Yanni might be the best kept secret in NJ. Many top competitors have walked through these doors for top notch instruction and high level training. The environment is very inviting, especially for new students.
Steven Ribeiro
Jul 13, 2017
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I've been a member of uptop for over 7months. Coming into BJJ I was concerned about the quality of my instruction with so many schools nearby I was unsure who to pick. I tried several and chose Uptop. When I met Instructor Yanni I was immediately impressed by his ability to teach the novice and advanced students alike. He is confident in his craft and clear with his instruction. The school has a community vibe and all the higher belts join in helping you progress your learning. It's an amazing place to learn/train.
Jon Eckrich
Jun 19, 2017
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I trained at Up Top only for a few months back in 2011 but quit training due to health issues. I recently picked up training jiu jitsu again at a school that is closer to me, and stopped in at Up Top for a couple of open mat sessions. Yanni remembered me and welcomed me back with open arms.
The team here is incredibly skilled, very friendly and welcoming. Yanni's skill and his acumen as a teacher are second-to-none. All you need to do is talk with some of his past students such as myself, or other black belts in the area that have trained with him, to get an idea of just how solid a practitioner
The team here is incredibly skilled, very friendly and welcoming. Yanni's skill and his acumen as a teacher are second-to-none. All you need to do is talk with some of his past students such as myself, or other black belts in the area that have trained with him, to get an idea of just how solid a practitioner
Alex Delannoy
Nov 12, 2016
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Where do I start.... This school and it's instructor Yanni have done more for my brother and I than I could have ever hoped for. A balance of positive work ethic, fun, and high level learning has been what makes this school so unique. Yanni is a high level black belt and yet, he demonstrates technique in a way that is fun and easy to follow. Up Top martial arts is a family of people who like to learn and have fun and I would recommend this school to just about anyone. There is a reason that my brother and I and many others have won tournaments and become successful in our lives and BJJ. It is all
Khaled Bejdough
Jul 16, 2016
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