The Inferno Training and Performance Center

The Inferno Training and Performance Center in Marlboro Township, NJ, has been a fixture in the local martial arts scene since 2011, founded and co-owned by Steven Barnett. Professor Barnett, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under UFC veteran Kurt Pellegrino and with the endorsement of Marcelo Garcia, has been teaching and training worldwide, bringing a wealth of experience to the mats. His partner, George Tampa, earned his black belt at Inferno and now holds a second-degree rank, reflecting a deep personal investment in the academy’s growth and teaching standards. Together, they have built a team of instructors with backgrounds in BJJ, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Kyokushin Karate, including Brian Fardman, a BJJ and karate black belt, and Rosario Davi, who leads the kids’ program. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Inferno is taught in both gi and no-gi formats for adults, with classes structured around technical instruction, positional drilling, and optional live rolling. The fundamentals class in the gi provides a strong foundation for beginners, while additional gi and no-gi sessions allow students to develop at their own pace. The adult program benefits from a variety of teaching perspectives, as coaches draw on their competition and cross-training backgrounds to keep instruction practical and well-informed. Open mat sessions are available and drop-ins are welcome, making the academy accessible to visitors and traveling practitioners. Inferno’s kids’ martial arts program is a cornerstone of the academy, offering both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children, as well as a Future Legends curriculum for ages 7–12 and Little Legends for ages 3–6. Led by dedicated instructors like Rosario Davi, the youth classes focus on self-defense skills, confidence-building, and age-appropriate technique. The academy also offers adult Muay Thai led by experienced coaches, with a structured approach to striking fundamentals, padwork, and optional sparring for advanced students. This blend of grappling and striking—combined with a teaching staff invested in technical growth and life skills—gives Inferno a strong presence in the Marlboro Township martial arts community.