Zen Jiu Jitsu
Zen Jiu Jitsu and Wellness is more than a gym or studio. It's where Jiu-Jitsu meets physical training, self-defense, and mindfulness. Our approach to Jiu-Jitsu is about building a lifestyle aligned with overall wellness, suitable for everyone: kids, adults, men, and women.
Zen Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes mindful movement, combining physical and mental strategies that support personal growth in all aspects of life (health, career, relationships, and overall wellness).
Join us and experience the benefits of Zen Jiu-Jitsu at OM | Zen Garden!
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Train in the art of Jiu-Jitsu with Zen Jiu Jitsu.
Our adult Jiu-Jitsu program offers a holistic approach to martial arts, blending physical training, self-defense, and mindfulness. Led by passionate instructors, our classes focus on technique, strategy, and personal development.
Join a supportive community of practitioners as you enhance your physical fitness, coordination, and mental resilience. Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, our classes are tailored to accommodate all skill levels.
Benefits of Training Jiu Jitsu
"From on to off the mat"
ZEN JIU JITSU INSTRUCTORS
Jiu Jitsu Professor and Head Instructor
Mark Lim
Outside of his career as an IT Executive, Mark Lim is an experienced Jiu-Jitsu instructor who has accumulated years of experience in training, teaching, and competing since 2009. Mark practices a strategic style of Jiu-Jitsu focused on foundational techniques, longevity, and overall health. His instructional principles involve an ecological approach to learning, utilizing kinesthetic, positional, and resistance-based drilling techniques.
Mark earned his Blackbelt under Matheus Lutes of Royal Jiu Jitsu, a distinguished blackbelt from Marcelo Garcia's lineage. Mark has won a Master Worlds... read more
Alex Vargas
Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Coach
Alex is a dedicated practitioner, coach, and mentor at Zen Jiu Jitsu & Wellness, bringing a wealth of experience in martial arts and fitness.
With over 20 years of combined Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling experience, including Division 1 Collegiate Wrestling at the University of Maryland, Alex brings a well-rounded approach to training.
Beyond the mats, Alex spent years as a licensed captain running his own boat charter business and operating a water sports camp for kids, giving him valuable experience in working with children, building confidence, and creating safe, structured learning environments.
Katerina Kallergis
Jiu Jitsu Professor
With over 15 years of training and nearly a decade of coaching experience, Professor Kat brings a thoughtful and logical perspective to the mat, grounded in a adaptive approach to learning. Coach Kat focuses on fostering skill acquisition through direct, experiential learning. Coach Kat's passion lies in guiding students to discover their own paths to mastery. She has a “Keep it fundamental!” attitude that is approachable for all levels.
Jiu Jitsu Professor
Rob Lauth
Rob Lauth began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2004, driven by a passion for growth, discipline, and the art itself. In 2014, he earned his black belt under UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra.
It was during this period that Rob discovered his true calling - teaching. What started as a love for training evolved into a deep passion for sharing knowledge, helping others grow, and building confidence through Jiu-Jitsu. He later earned both his first and second degrees under the highly respected Derek Mangi.
For Rob, Jiu-Jitsu has been more than a martial art - it has been a life-changing force. His teaching philosophy centers on creating a positive, energetic, and inclusive training environment where everyone feels welcome.
Ben Ciampa
Jiu Jitsu Coach and Youth Instructor
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Ben began training Jiu Jitsu 2019 in Mesa, Arizona. A recent transplant to Long Island, he holds a purple belt and trains under Mark Lim. Ben’s teaching focuses on mastering the fundamental techniques and concepts of Jiu Jitsu. In addition to the physical benefit, Ben values the mental and character-building aspects of Jiu Jitsu, applying the principles of leverage, patience, and perseverance to navigate challenges in life, on and off the mat.
Sierra Butler
Youth Jiu Jitsu Coach
After her hockey career ended, she turned to Jiu Jitsu as a new way to stay active. With years of nannying experience, she works great with kids and brings strong energy to our youth classes. As a student herself, she’s excited to learn alongside the kids and support them, knowing how tough and rewarding the sport can be.
Shea Manzo
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Shea has been a strength and conditioning coach since 2019, has a background in college rugby and football, and trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competatively.
His sessions are all about building real functional strength, not just to boost performance, but to help you move better, avoid injuries, and feel solid both on the mats and in everyday life.
Whether you’re a young athlete looking to take your performance to the next level, or someone a little older who just wants to get stronger, stay mobile, and bulletproof your body from injury, he’ll meet you where you’re at and guide you every step of the way.
His style is supportive, high-energy, and focused on long-term progress that actually sticks. Expect to be challenged, learn a ton, and leave every session feeling better than when you walked in.