Montgomery Police Officers Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

By Barbara A. Preston | July 16, 2025

The Montgomery Township Police Department rolled out a new defensive tactics training program for its officers in June — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!

Montgomery Police Officer Troy Gonzalez spoke to Montgomery Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu campers about the importance of BJJ for law enforcement. He also demonstrated some techniques used by Montgomery officers.

Lt. Jason Larsen told The Montgomery News that all members of the Montgomery police department are learning take-down maneuvers, mixed in with handcuffing.

"If someone is resisting arrest, we have a tried-and-true method to handle the situation without using harmful chemical sprays, Tasers, weapons, or chokeholds," Larsen said. He added that chokeholds are banned in New Jersey unless its a life or death situation.

Two officers, Troy Gonzalez and Delio Coutinho, were already training at Montgomery Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Belle Mead. They had attended several instructor-level training classes, allowing them to create a training program in accordance with the NJ Attorney General’s Use of Force Policy, NJ Law Enforcement Licensing, and the New Jersey Police Training Commission.

The NJ Police Training Commission now requires all New Jersey officers to undergo a minimum of four hours of in-service defensive tactics training each year, Larsen said. The Montgomery Township Police Department decided to enlist Gonzalez and Countinho to teach all their colleagues all about BFF. The martial art focuses on submission techniques, emphasizing leverage and timing over strength.

Rather than doing just the minimum four-hours, the Montgomery police officer decided they needed at least six hours to master the techniques. The department invested in training equipment and used the Otto Kaufman Community Center gym for the training. The department plans to implement more training sessions throughout the year.

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Trainers Meet BJJ Summer Campers

Incidentally, Montgomery Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu held their first summer camp during the week of July 7, geared towards children between the ages of 5 and 10.

On July 9, Officer Gonzalez stopped by to speak with the campers and give a tour of his patrol vehicle. While speaking with the children Officer Gonzalez spoke about the importance of BJJ for law enforcement and demonstrated some techniques that are used and taught to officers.

Lt. Larsen added, the Montgomery Township Police Department appreciated the invitation and opportunity to be involved with the Montgomery Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Summer Camp.  He said, "the police department welcomes all opportunities of being involved with our community."