1-on-1 & Group Sessions
Private Training
One hour. One coach. All focus on you. Whether you're starting from zero or fine-tuning for competition, private sessions compress months of progress into weeks.
Why Private Training
The Fastest Path From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Group classes build community and reps. Private sessions build breakthroughs. The students who combine both progress faster than anyone — that's not marketing, it's what I've seen for over 20 years.
60 Minutes of Undivided Coaching
No sharing the instructor's attention with 20 other students. Every rep, every correction, every drill — all for you. This is how breakthroughs happen.
2-3x Faster Progress
Private students consistently advance faster than group-only training. When every minute is focused on your specific gaps, you stop spinning your wheels.
Train on Your Schedule
Morning before work. Lunch break. Evening after the kids are in bed. We build around your life — not the other way around.
Your Game Plan, Not a Template
Prepping for competition? Filling a hole in your guard? Starting from absolute zero? Your coach builds a program around exactly where you are and where you want to be.
Meet Your Coaches
1-on-1 Private Sessions
Two coaches, two styles, one goal: get you better as fast as possible. Pick the coach that fits your game — or book both for a group session.
Judah Ciervo
Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Balance Studios, Muay-Thai Kru under Ajarns Andy Russell and Sakasem Kanthawong Judah is the head instructor and technical foundation of The Garden MMA. A lifelong martial artist, he began training in 1997 and developed through decades of disciplined practice, competition, and coaching across Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, and grappling. His path reflects long-term commitment to skill, adaptability, and the reality of learning through doing. Judah competed for nine years at the amateur level and more than four years as a professional fighter. In 2002, he became a Muay Thai instructor and expanded his training into Sambo and MMA while coaching and competing with the Philadelphia Fight Factory. During this time, he served as a training partner to future MMA standouts including Eddie Alvarez and Zach Makovsky, sharpening his craft in one of the region’s most competitive environments. Judah made his professional MMA debut in 2008 and his professional Muay Thai debut in 2009, competing both nationally and internationally. His career includes a bout in Cambodia against the 2010 Pradal Serey national champion, reflecting his willingness to test himself across rulesets, cultures, and disciplines. While he no longer competes in Muay Thai or MMA, his approach to training remains rooted in real experience, technical honesty, and respect for the demands of the art. Today, Judah continues to compete in No-Gi grappling and remains deeply active in his own development. He won the first Finishers Open at 145 lbs in 2018, placed third at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships as a brown belt in 2021, and was awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in January 2022 by Phil Migliarese and Ricardo Migliarese.
Keren Fedida
Keren is the architect behind The Garden MMA. A mother, artist, and photographer, she approaches everything she builds with intention and care for the long game. She began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in late 2016, drawn to a practice that rewards presence, resilience, and consistency — and hasn't stopped since. She teaches classes, competes in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, and holds a purple belt. Beyond the mat, Keren is responsible for everything that makes the academy function and grow. She oversees operations, systems, design, marketing, technology, finances, and community development — every role required to build a gym from the ground up and keep it running well. In 2017 she became a certified yoga instructor through Dhyana Yoga, which deepened her understanding of movement, recovery, and longevity, and continues to shape how the academy supports its members at every stage of training. Her background spans IT, web development, and years as a global travel advisor for corporations, government organizations, and Ivy League institutions — a combination that brings real organizational depth to her work. She is also the founder of SkillTrack MMA, a platform born from her own experience as an academy owner, designed to help martial arts schools track skill development, manage memberships, and build stronger communities through tools that actually serve athletes.
Group Private Sessions
Team Training & Corporate Sessions
Bring your team for something they'll actually remember. Both Coach Judah and Coach Keren lead these sessions together — real martial arts instruction wrapped in the best team-building experience your group has ever had. People talk about it for months.
Most Popular: Corporate teams and friend groups book these sessions more than anything else we offer. Everyone participates, everyone laughs, and everyone walks away with a real skill they didn't have that morning.
How It Works
What to Expect
No guesswork, no wasted minutes. I've coached thousands of private sessions over 20+ years — every one follows a proven structure that gets real results.
We Talk First
Tell us your goals, your experience level, and what's been frustrating you on the mat. No sales pitch — just an honest conversation about where you are and where you want to go.
Your Coach Builds the Map
Based on that conversation, your coach designs a curriculum around your specific gaps — techniques, drills, and progressions with a real timeline attached.
Every Minute Counts
Sessions are structured: warm-up, technique work, live drilling, review. No standing around. No filler. You'll accomplish more in one hour than most people do in a week of open mats.
Adjust as You Grow
Your coach tracks progress session-to-session and adapts the program as your game evolves. What got you from A to B won't get you from B to C — and we plan for that.
Results That Speak
What Our Private Students Say
“Four private sessions with Judah did more for my game than three months of group classes alone. He spotted my weak links in the first five minutes and gave me a clear path forward. I walked into my next competition with a real game plan for the first time.”
Marcus R.
BJJ Competitor
“I was terrified to walk into a group class with zero experience. Keren worked with me privately for a month first — patiently, never condescending — and by the time I joined the group, I actually knew what I was doing. Best decision I've made.”
Dana K.
New Student
“We brought our entire team in for a corporate session. It was, hands down, the most engaging team-building event we've ever done. People who never exercise were laughing and learning. Everyone is still talking about it weeks later.”
James P.
Corporate Client
FAQ
Common Questions
Do I need any experience for private training?
Zero. In fact, privates are one of the best ways to start — you get personalized attention, learn at your own pace, and build a foundation before ever stepping into a group class. We also work with competitors and advanced belts who want to sharpen specific areas of their game.
How long is each session?
60 minutes. Warm-up, technique work, drilling, review. No filler, no standing around waiting for your turn. You'll be surprised how much ground you can cover when it's just you and your coach.
Can I book a session with both coaches?
That's exactly what our group sessions are — both Coach Judah and Coach Keren for 90 minutes. This is the most popular option for corporate teams, birthday parties, and friend groups. Two coaches, two perspectives, one unforgettable experience.
What's the cancellation policy?
24 hours notice is all we ask. Life happens — just let us know as early as you can so we can open the slot for someone else. We're not going to nickel-and-dime you.
Do private sessions include access to group classes?
Private training is separate from membership, but the smartest students combine both — privates to fix specific problems, group classes for sparring reps and community. That combination is the fastest path to real improvement.
What should I wear / bring?
Athletic clothing with no zippers or metal buttons. Loaner gear is available for your first session. Bring water and a towel. If you're training in the gi, bring yours or let us know — we'll have one ready for you.