I LOVE this class! I have been training overall for a…read moreseveral years and this Capoeira Angola Quintal Gowanus class keeps me engaged and challenged. The instructor Jimmy, or by his Brazilian name- Monitor Zoinho, is very fun, upbeat and introduces unique methods of teaching Capoeira. He is a very high-level Capoerista, yet knows what a beginner, or an intermediate student needs. The group is kind and welcoming, and the studio is conveniently located by the F, G and R trains, in the beautiful and chic neighborhood of Gowanus. There are lots of good places to eat at after class, which the group often does together. This also helps bond the group. The studio itself is big and clean with nice floors. I definitely recommend this class for newbies as well as experienced Capoeiristas!

I started taking Capoiera two weeks ago with Formado Nick and Mestre Kiki in their other location…read morein Chinatown (62 orchard st) on Mondays and Wednesday nights. Class at this location is taught Saturday from 12-1:30pm; the first hour is spent warming up, and practicing/learning moves and typically the last 30min is spent in the roda 'playing' (which is where you get to put all the moves you learned into play). Formado Nick is the instructor Saturday's and he is great at teaching beginners and keeping everyone injury free.-And he and the class have been very welcoming to new comers. If you are looking for a total body/mind reset this is your sport- and most importantly these are your people. Additionally, the studio we practice in is nice, clean, in a really easily accessible and safe neighborhood and has all the tools to train safely and effectively.

My daughter has been training at Unity for over a year now…read more In brief: Kid Class - There are many BJJ schools near my home, but I chose to travel farther so that my daughter could train at Unity. I visited several BJJ schools across NYC before deciding. - The instructors strike the perfect balance of kindness and toughness, fostering discipline and resilience in the kids. - Unity is one of the rare places worldwide where a kids' class is led by a BJJ world champion (Sebastian Rodriguez). The other instructors are equally amazing and accomplished. Adult Class - It is inspiring to see so many women training, including multiple with black belts. - If I squint my eyes hard enough, I can picture my daughter as a woman training with them. Note: - To be fully transparent, I haven't trained at Unity as an adult myself. My BJJ experience was at a school led by Vitor Shaolin. - I have also trained in Krav Maga for several years, far more than in BJJ. - In my humble opinion, BJJ is the best self defense, especially for kids. Thank you for giving my daughter the incredible opportunity to train at your amazing school.

Best place ever totally changed my life, still go to date! Inclusive yet serious training…read moreenvironment!

Grande is a living arbiter of capoeira angola knowledge and experience. Not all experts are great…read moreteachers: this man IS. His classes isolate the nuances of playing a beautiful game, while encouraging students to develop their own capoeira style, creativity, and general approach. I began training with Grande in January of 2015 and could not be happier with the community of angoleiros he has built in Brooklyn.

Training with Mestre Grande means you're learning everything-- the movement, the music, the…read morehistory, the culture and philosophy behind Capoeira Angola. In class we always do our basic postures, but we focus on different aspects of this dance-martial art after. Mestre Grande provides a nice and encouraging environment for capoeiristas of all levels to grow in.

I was visiting New York from Seattle and there were a ton of Jiu-Jitsu gyms to choose from. I'm so…read moreglad I chose this one. Professor Marlon has created an amazing atmosphere for BJJ right here in Queens. I immediately felt as if I was a part of the family. Professor and Rafa even tried to get me to compete with the team at a local competition (unfortunately, my registration was too late- that was my fault). For background, I'm a white belt. I've been training for about 6 months. The students offered competitive and challenging rolls, and the Professors and coaches offer amazing instruction. Gi, No-Gi, and even Judo. You will get better if you come here.

I've experienced a few different martial arts styles and academies/gyms over the years. The BJJ…read moreinstruction here is on par with some of the best I've experienced. The facility is clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Fellow students are open to learning and helping each other improve. If BJJ is on your radar as something you'd like to learn this is a place you should consider committing your time to. Oss!

One or two nights of any given week, I put on whites and kick ass with an electric sword at a…read morefencing club. One night recently, I put on a gi and hakama instead (blue and blacks?) and tried iaido at New York Budokai. Iaido is essentially what happened when the samurai class got eliminated in Japan - all the tradition got funneled into kendo (combat sport) and iaido (drawing/cutting). From NY Budokai's website: Iaido "involves controlled, precise movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard (saya), striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade (chuburi), and then replacing the sword in the scabbard (noto)." HOW can you resist something where WIPING BLOOD FROM A BLADE is part of the art. ??!?!!?!?!?!!! Let's be honest - I wanted to try it because it looks really. really. cool. But I was also wondering how it might inform my coordination and distance awareness in regular fencing. Eastern swordsmanship and footwork is totally different from Western (separated by several centuries and thousands of miles, duh). NY Budokai offers a $20 intro class for the curious. All clothing and equipment is provided; just give them a call to let them know you're showing up (Tues/Thurs 7-9pm). Tuesday is better for beginners since the classes are bigger and they'll have someone to focus on you and any other newbies: helping you dress, explaining movements and rituals, etc. Mitchell was endlessly patient, helpful, and easygoing despite the disciplined nature of the practice. The club itself is legit and is affiliated with a dojo in Japan. Each class varies, but most seem to focus on "kata" - practice forms, rather than sparring. From an exercise perspective, it's almost like fast-paced yoga: You'll improve body awareness and control, but sweat is more a result of the thick cotton gear than intense cardio. Aside from being 90% men, the group is a great mix of ages, races, professions, etc. Everyone seems very committed to their practice and the club, but also friendly and welcoming. Full membership is not for me - specifically, my wallet - right now (fencing ain't cheap, either!). But if I could, I would. If you're just a bit curious, go go go take the intro class!! It's a great way to try out something fun and different with a whole lot of history behind it. And, let's not forget - it looks awesome. (Nota bene: If you're lefthanded, sorry - either deal with using your right hand as your sword hand, or don't bother. No allowances are made for lefties. On the plus side, the footwork doesn't bias the right leg being forward nearly as much as Western fencing does, so you could probably swing it.)

I observed a class summer 2012 and fell in love. But I wasn't ready. I spoke to Sensei Ortiz and…read morehe suggested I check out other styles and schools. And I did. So when they offered a special on Signpost, I signed up and back to take my classes. On my first night, I learned how to cut and actually got to cut a mat with a real sword. To say it was a thrilling experience would be an understatement. Just writing it doesn't do this experience justice. It was like your first time shooting live ammo. Intense. Although it was a happy coincidence of timing, I was hooked. I was ready. Instruction, depth of seniority, uniform and equipment lending, everything was top-notch. Exactly what you'd expect for the oldest sword school in NYC. Highly recommend. Note that classes meet at a dance studio facility. It would be nicer if they could meet in a space they own. However, they more than make up for this by organizing tournaments and other excursions off-site.

Amazing instructors to help create balance and fitness at any age and skill level . A great balance…read moreof form , discipline and history.

At 67 years of age, & barely 4 months after joining), I am still SMH at the astonishing increase in…read moremy energy & my health-awareness. The (volunteer) Kung Fu Masters are paying forward a priceless gift bequeathed them (& to countless others) by Grandmaster Alan Lee, himself a figure of unquestionable international repute atop the martial arts world. The boot-camp style old-school physical workout would (admittedly) challenge an 18 y/o marine recruit (I know, I was one half-century ago), but the lessons in breathing, form, and movement have improved my bearing, overall confidence, health awareness, and inner strength. "Fighting" is 10% of Kung Fu, mental and physical health being the main goal. Most priceless of all, students are allowed to attend the rare Sunday afternoon health lectures offered by (92 years old) world renowned Grandmaster Lee as he shares 3000 years of Chinese martial arts & health wisdom accumulated by his 8 decades + of vigorous research, pursuit, and practice. IMHO this "once-in-a-lifetime" (albeit under-the-radar) treasure to be VIGOROUSLY pursued by anyone seeking an alternative to doctors, drugs, and expensive "gyms".

This place always bring a smile to my face. No matter what state of mind you come in, I guaranty…read morethat you will finish this class in a much better mood. Professor Piao's energy and knowledge are so intense that they can only rub on you. This is an rigorous workout that mix martial art, music and community. This is perfect for someone that doesn't like going to a gym but still want to exercise and have fun in the process. The group is very friendly and welcoming regarding your level. Whether you are a beginner or a graduado, this class is for you... http://www.piaocapoeira.com/

I only wanted to take a class to jump start my weight loss and get out of my depression during the…read morepandemic, and 2.5 years later, I'm a dedicated student who speaks fluent Portuguese and spent a month in Brazil all because of Professor Pião. He treats everyone with respect and you'll definitely find good energy and a safe space to train with him and this group!