Sandy Sweeney
Rider University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee

I am a competitive person and exercise has always been a huge part of who I am.  I am also a person that enjoys learning new skills, being challenged and I like change.  After having children, despite having a home gym and knowledge as a personal trainer, I found myself lacking motivation to work out and struggling to challenge myself physically.  Being a lifelong athlete, I felt the need to be coached, instructed and motivated again. Vacanti Jiu Jitsu provided exactly what I needed.  After speaking to Patrick Vacanti, I thought his Mixed Martial Arts Fitness class may be exactly what I was looking for, and after one class I was hooked.  This class is challenging and Pat is an amazing and knowledgeable instructor.  He knows when to push you as well as how to change things up in the workout to specifically meet your needs.  His workouts are carefully planned and he is always well prepared.  Every class is different, but always involves strength and resistance training, cardiovascular work, core work as well as some Jiu Jitsu training.  The focus is sometimes on one aspect more than another, but none go without attention.  It is a complete workout in every sense of the word.MMA has made me strong, and being strong has made me more positive and confident in myself.  In 2011 I decided I needed to test myself and all the hard work I had been putting into this class.  So I signed up for the Metro Dash, a course consisting of 30 obstacles that challenges your strength and cardiovascular conditioning.  With Pat’s instruction, not only did I compete, I won!  Beating out all the other women in the competition.  Not bad for a then 38 year mom of 4 kids.  Never would have happened without this class and Pat’s instruction!

Lisa Sweeney
Head Coach, Princeton University Softball

It’s hard to describe the many ways that Pat Vacanti has impacted the lives of those who enter his gym.  As a former Division I athlete, I craved the type of environment where I felt like I was “training” rather than “working out”.  It was amazing how quickly I fell in love with the MMA Fitness program and how much I have looked forward to each and every class over the last 4 years.  Every day is an adventure and the best part is that you have the opportunity to work with a man of great character and talent for what he does at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu.  You get to the point where you’re not just there to workout; you’re there to take on new challenges in strength and mental toughness that Pat puts in front of you.  I am stronger both mentally and physically now, more than ever before.

The effect that the workouts and the environment that Pat has created have had on my life has very little to do with how I look, and everything to do with how I feel.  You leave that gym and you are SPENT!  But, more importantly, accomplished and powerful – everyone deserves to have that experience.

Maurice Mackey
Commander, United States Navy

Being in the US Navy I move around a lot and so I've had the chance to train under two BJJ blackbelts, a certified Gracie Combatives instructor and Pat Vacanti.  Pat is by far the best!  He takes time during class to correct form errors, answer questions and provide encouragement. Under Pat's instruction I have improved the most and found the confidence to compete in 2 tournaments.  More importantly, the atmosphere at his school feels like family.  The other students openly welcome newcomers and help them get better.  As a result, whenever I train with the US Army or USMC, I instantly gain their respect.
Vacanti Jiu-jitsu is an outstanding school and a great place to learn BJJ and get in shape!

Wayne Wolverton
Burlington County Sheriff Officer

I started at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu 4 years ago at 220lbs. I am now 180lbs and in the best shape of my life. I have improved flexibility and overall self confidence. Pat is detailed in his instruction and makes learning fun. Joining this gym was the best decision ever.

Shane Spice
USAF Phoenix Ravens' Teams Instructor

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation and thanks to Vacanti Jiu Jitsu. As a USAF Instructor, I was fortunate to be put in a position where I could take everything I learned at VJJ and bring it back to the Military members I instruct and pass on skills that will bring them home to their family's. Everyone at VJJ played a huge part in helping me improve on the basics and in turn...help the service members I came in contact with. The attitude of the students is a direct reflection of Pat and his style of instruction.  Nobody in the gym ever turned away a question and would always take time from their own training to help me out. Again, I humbly say THANK YOU....to Pat and everyone at VJJ...please accept this note of thanks!!! You helped bring someone home safely. I hope to see and train with you again in the future.

Christine Kennedy

When I started at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu my goal was to lose weight and gain lean muscle. In one year my body has transformed for the better, from Pat's MMA Fitness program.  I went from a size 10 to a size 2!  Then I started the Jiu Jitsu program and my body continued to change as well as my mental state.  Just knowing that I can defend myself and keep myself safe is a blessing! The work outs are challenging and the instructor motivates you to do your best. The instructor, Patrick Vacanti, is professional and he works with all of his students to achieve their goals in both MMA Fitness and Jiu Jitsu!  Overall, you can not find a better instructor, gym or group of people to work out or train with!

Jermaine Clay
Owner, Clay Jiu Jitsu

I can't thank you enough for the knowledge you have given me on and off the mats.  I trained at another school yesterday, and one of the Black Belts pulled me to the side and said to me, "What ever Pat is doing with you, keep doing it!"  Thank you for the great instruction at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu! 

Nick Peditto
Lumberton Police Sergeant

(Quote from a text)
Pat, I got into a long foot chase tonight and I know before MMA Fitness & BJJ I would have been exhausted and probably never caught him.  Thanks for helping me get in the best shape of my life and helping me perform my duties as a police officer MUCH more safely and efficiently!

Jeremy Paolone

Outstanding gym!  In addition to being a great instructor, Pat takes a personal interest in his students' progress and makes sure everyone "gets it". The gym is clean and spacious, the other students are friendly and helpful.  Just a great place to learn, have some fun, and get in great shape.

Nicole Conte
High School Teacher

After being stuck in a rut with weight lifting and running, a friend urged me to come to an MMA Fitness class.  Not knowing what I was getting into, I came to a class.  At first I was nervous, because we were doing exercises I never heard of or thought that I could do.  After one class, I couldn't wait to come back. Now, a year later, I try to never miss a class and actually LOOK FORWARD to working out.  Every class is different and equally challenging.  Pat and his classes have built my confidence up tremendously, leading me to do a mud run and half marathon...two things I never thought of doing. I cannot be thankful enough!

Chris Sweeney-Creelman
Former Div-1 Softball Pitcher at St. Joseph's University

I have been coming to the MMA Fitness workouts at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu for 2 ½ years.  I was nervous to try it for the first time, but once I did, continuing with it was the best decision I have made.  I am in the best shape of my life!
I love coming to the classes here because the workouts are always different.  Since I started, we have never done the same workout twice.  Pat mixes up the format and exercises every time.  I get bored doing the same thing all the time, so for someone like me, these workouts are perfect!

Suzanne Creelman
Pennsylvania State Trooper

I bumped into my sister-in-law Chris Sweeney-Creelman while leaving my gym one day.  She told me about this MMA Fitness class at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu and told me to try it out because she thought I would really like it.  I thought to myself I just completed 6 months of intense training at the PA State Police Academy I should be able to make it through this class.  So I went, and I tried it out!  It is just like the academy training, only BETTER!!!  Every class is different and Pat really knows how to mix up the workouts so you hit every body part.  I currently live an hour and fifteen minutes from VJJ, but I love the workouts so much that I will drive back just to go to these classes.  Recently I started with the Jiu Jitsu training and Pat is simply the best instructor, hands down, not to mention EVERYONE in the class is 100% behind you and wants to see you learn.  I know that if I ever get into a physical situation at work I will be prepared!  I would encourage everyone to give it a try, I promise you won’t regret it!!!  I’m even transferring to a closer barracks in PA just so I can go to more classes here!

Paul Riesen
SSgt, USAF

I started at Vacanti Jiu Jitsu about six months ago and have never felt better. I've done various other styles of martial arts in the past but nothing compares to the way Pat teaches. 
I recently started his MMA Conditioning and it has helped me tremendously.  I took my annual USAF Fitness Test last week and have never scored higher!  I took 2 inches off my waist, maxed out my push-ups and sit-ups with ease and also took 1 minute off my run time! 
I would recommend Vacanti Jiu Jistu to anyone who wants to get in better shape and have a lot of fun doing it.