Crom Physical culture is a benchmark of Rockaway beach. Owned and operated by power couple Chris and Sarah Romulo the gym is a real community center and physical fitness powerhouse. Chris is a long term member of New York City's fight world and was a pioneer in the Muay Thai scene. Along with being a tough as nails fighter he is also an inspirational leader and has given a multitude of talks in the area including local schools. He recently penned a great biography Champions Uprising which recounts his struggles as a young kid from a broken home to a champion fighter. Sarah has been in the ring herself and adds a nice wholesome feel to the gym. She knows her stuff. The gym itself is large and spacious. It has a very large fitness, weights, and kettlebell area which is perfect for functional training. There is a good sized ring in the back which is perfect for the Muay Thai program (run by the experienced Chris). There is also a great jiu jitsu program and a strong kids class. The location is the Romulo's second. The first gym was devastated by Hurricane Sandy but the Romulo's have heart and were able to come back from the natural disaster to build a great inclusive gym for everyone. Great location, superior facility (with showers!) and amazing people make this a go to in Rockaway beach. read more

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Even if you just want to get in shape, you have the benefit of building a great foundation of real skills from an experienced and talented fighter. This is a great little gym offering Thai boxing, boxing and Jiu Jitsu from experienced teachers that have a real passion for what they do. So much more satisfying than a traditional gym, most people fall in love with this sport right away, I know I did! read more

I was visiting a friend of mine in Far Rockaway when, around the corner, I spotted this Muy Thai Kick Boxing gym, called "CROM." I took a peek inside and saw a bunch of lean, guys and girls working out in a style similar to those MMA matches I've seen on TV. The guys were good and looked pretty experienced and the girls were cute, but also appeared to have some shit-kicking possibilities. Being the competitive-natured man that I am, I took a card and came back the following week to take a beginner's class. Everyone participating was super cool and interesting, as well as supportive to people like me who'd never taken a high-knee to someone's mid-section before. (Which, by the way, was really good for the obliques and my abs were on fire in about 3 minutes.) Most of the time you're doing solitary activities in a group setting (sit-ups, push-ups, jumprope, etc..), but for some of the class the instructor pairs you up with a fighting partner for some sparring style exercises. For most people, beating up a stranger could be a LITTLE uncomfortable, but after abour 20 seconds it feels natural. These people have a way of diffusing any awkward feelings and bringing the professionalism of what yer doing to light. Plus, the people who come here are pretty serious about martial arts and fitness, so it's not like you'll ever be paired up with a D-Bag. It turns out the owner and full-time trainer/instructor at CROM is the North American Muy Thai champion, Chris Romulo. Pretty cool. He taught my first class and was super positive. Before heading over there I had no idea what Muy Thai was, and although I still have lots to learn, at least now I know it's less about the delicious drink and more about speed, power, and stamina. This is a gym for people who like to learn new things while developing muscles in that part of the body known as "The Entire Body." Great for beginners and especially for people who are a bit further along in their fitness regiment. if yer motivated and like to sweat, get on the A Train! ~Dave "Herremannen" Heilman read more

I currently take the ladies boxing classes- and they have since added 3 classes (one intermediate) to the weekly schedule..The other classes are muay thai classes that I have yet to try- maybe soon! Sarah and Chris (the owners/instructors) are warm, motivational and encouraging! This is a great addition to Rockaway and I am learning a lot while burning calories in a fun, fast-paced class! I give 5 stars for the location, the people and the general feeling or well being in the Crom MT gym. Everyone is helpful, even the students. I am v. happy they set up shop here! read more

This place has changed my life in so many ways. I started training with the team at CMT over a year ago at almost 230 pounds and couldn't walk up the stairs without almost catching an asthma attack.. I now walk around at 162-165 pounds of lean muscle. Chris the owner has a saying, you don't have to be a fighter to train like one. When I walked in the door I was by NO means a fighter. With the quality of skill training you get while getting in shape I was able to compete and win for CMT...So if you want to lose weight this is the place for you. If you are a fighter this is the place for you.. If you think you want to fight this is the place for you....young or old this place can make you into a lean TECHNICAL scrapper ;) read more

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This gym is incredible. Crossfit Rockaway Beach and Crom Martial Training have some of the best crossfit classes in new york city and queens. I am not much of an athlete but everyone made me feel very welcome. The staff is wonderful, they have a lot of classes in addition to crossfit such as muay thai, BJJ, boxing, self defense. Everything you need to get into shape, get strong and have fun. read more

I took Jiujitsu with Dominic who is friendly and welcoming. The space is nice and clean. The other students and people are supportive. I would recommend this for all levels. I am a beginner white belt and found it helpful to be in a small group environment. I was able to ask questions and learn. I had lots of fun. Would come back! read more

Crom Physical Culture - Had a blast in Jiujitsu with Dominic! - Martial Arts Near Me - Rockaway Beach, New York

Amazing. I was a prior crossfit and judo practitioner before i came to Crom. Over the years of constant exercise my back started to feel worn out. I took some time off and then my box closed. My Time Off became 4yrs off. I gained massive weight back. i went from 200lbs to 265lbs. I decided i had to take action again no matter what. Crom Really intrigued me. It had Muay thai, bjj, boxing, crossfit, their own programs called shred and the 28 day weight loss callenges. I havent gotten back to crossfit but plan on it. ive been taking the muay thai , shred classes and the weight loss challenges. It has been great usually normally before crom id tweak my back 3 times a year and out each time for half of the month. So far none for the entire year here! The Weight Loss Challenges Are great at helping you know what to eat and you get coached along the way. Shred is less weight lifting and more body weight exercises. Muay thai is just great relief hitting the bag and pads. Im currently 220lbs and have 20 more pounds to go. Oh and workouts on the beach/ boardwalk are dope since its so close by. read more

I decided to purchase the gloves. I liked it much better than the communal gloves! Can't wait for the next class!

Rockaway is its own little corner of New York; not really too far but often overlooked. The beach and boardwalk are there, some great restaurants, and what seems to be a fitness revolution going on. They just had a St. Patrick's Day 5K with local businesses participating, there're a few standard gyms and what looks like a great hot yoga studio. All set against the surf. If you let it, the whole neighborhood will let you feel like getting healthy. At the center of it all is Chris Romulo's new, clean martial arts facility. Though the space and the equipment are brand new, it's impossible to escape the gym's old school feel. Even as you approach you can hear the sounds of the pads, the music, and the timer. The fogged-up windows foretell what's waiting inside. Six days of varied classes -- muay thai, boxing, and strength and conditioning, all taught by Chris or Sarah. The kids' classes are affordable and everyone is included -- no one is stuck in a corner. They learn discipline and respect not because it is drilled into their heads, but because they're learning from someone who is passionate about what he's teaching them. There is a major difference between being forced to respect a person because "mom dropped me off here" and learning to respect a sport/art because of how much it has done for so many people. Crom Martial training has it right. The adults are the proof. I suspect there will be a bunch more glowing reviews, but until that time I can tell you that over the years we've all seen Chris as teacher, fighter, and friend. People have lost weight, gained strength, even worked through nagging injuries. Some just wanted to be able to say they trained in muay thai, others in boxing or MMA, others want to get in the ring. They all had to earn it. Personally I am getting more into strength and conditioning lately and Chris is always learning more and teaching more. This gym has olympic rings, kettlebells, even a large drum partly filled with water (my favorite -- hoist THAT over your head and keep it there, and every second is like 50 crunches). Now with Sarah, an experienced boxer teaches the women's classes and has a devoted following. Everyone is welcome in her classes and there is no barrier to entry. The gym's entire vibe is welcoming, and it's no surprise that absolute beginners continue to come back. I recommend you try it out on a weekend. Take a class, hang around and talk to others, jump in the surf afterwards, go for a run if you still can. It's a chance to be a part of something new and exciting. Something hundreds of years old! read more

What a great place to be! The owners and patrons are so welcoming and encouraging. Motivation is unavoidable. The trainers are professional and down to earth providing guidance and inspiration. The CrossFit workouts are hard but so worth putting in all you've got. I haven't tried muay Thai yet, but they have a wealth of experience in the trainers. Chris and Sarah are truly amazing! read more

Remembering my first day here and up until now I couldn't ask for a better place to work out . Love the staff, love the classes , love the support ! Wishing i can rate it an additional 5 more stars ! Definitely recommended and would encourage you to take a class and see and feel the comfort while getting the results you want all at once . read more

Best place to work out...hands down. The box is awesome, the trainers are first rate...they watch everything and offer positive encouragement. The other CrossFitters make it fun...oh, and while I was having all of this fun, I lost 25 lbs.....come on in and check it out...I promise you will NOT be disappointed..... read more

Crom is one of my favorite places on earth. I was skeptical of doing Crossfit prior to joining Crom out of fear of injury. Chris and Sarah do a wonderful job running the gym, between making sure the programs are challenging and fun, teaching their gym members good form on all the lifts and martial arts moves, and fostering a positive and encouraging culture. If it were up to me, I would spend 3 hours a day here! I have the highest regard for everyone at Crom and am thankful for the amazing experience that I have had and will continue to have. Thanks Crom for everything you do! read more

Extremely knowledgeable in Muay Thai, Chris Romulo is a gifted and passionate trainer. He is also an amazing and inspiring fighter. Chris is patient and motivating and his classes are always full of positive energy. His teaching style is that which anyone can learn from. The gym offers a range of different classes, from beginner to advanced, so there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking to change up your exercise routine, tone up, lose weight, or perhaps you would like step into the ring one day, Chris and Sarah can gear you towards reaching your specific goal. I recently took their strength and conditioning class and it was crazy! I plan to take it every Tue :) read more

It's a gym with so much more. Amazing owners that truly care and give 110% of themselves to help their members and the community. You instantly feel comfortable and welcomed. The atmosphere is as important to me as the workouts, and the atmosphere in this place is the best I ever experienced in a gym. I love the crossfit And shred classes. They are both challenging and fun. I highly recommend checking this place out. I joined over a year ago, and it was the best thing I've done to improve my overall physical and mental health. read more

Just recently started Crossfit training at Crom Martial Arts with hopes of transitioning to Mui Thai after I get back in some condition. Great experience and an awesome workout. Looking forward to working with Chris and Sarah to get into "fighting" shape. read more

This is the only review I ever left on Yelp (or any other site for that matter) and I do it only because of how dear this place is for me. The owners, the coaches, and members all make this a very special place that needs to be experienced in order to be understood. Stepping inside, one does not walk into a gym; one walks into a community of people who all care about each other in all aspects of life. And yes, I know its a "gym" and from that aspect, it is beyond anything I have ever experienced in terms of the extent to which you will challenge yourself and the expert manner in which you will be coached. And yes, you will get in the best shape of your life and love it while doing so. But this place - this place of dreams and inspirations - is just so much more than a "gym." read more

Bad business practices. If you have a physical limitation DO NOT go here, you will be at serious risk of Injury. They will lie and tell you anything that they are knowledgeable and experienced in working with ppl with limitations.. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT.. Very disappointing. read more

I remember when Sarah and Chris Romulo were building their first Muay Thai gym in Rockaway, and I couldn't wait to get started. I signed up and loved every minute of it. The gym was much smaller then, but it had the same feel that keeps people coming: a physically demanding, but warm, safe, and friendly atmosphere. The motto of the gym has not changed over the years: "All it takes is heart". It's always visibly displayed. After a few relocations, and surviving Hurricane Sandy the gym has become bigger, better, and stronger. That is just to tell you what the owners are made up of, and how serious they are about that motto. It's not just a slogan, it's the positive mindset that keeps you going when you burn up and your body is about to give up, but you still have a minute to go on the clock. The Romulos are the nicest people you'll ever meet, they are involved in the Rockaway community, seasoned fighters, driven and resourceful businessfolks, parents, in ridiculously fantastic shape, and will hold your hand while safely pushing you beyond your current limits. They could certainly do other things with their lives, but right now they are dedicated to help you become a better version of yourself, and are great at it. Sure it will cost you some money, but the value of the physical and mental health and fitness you get in return is priceless. The reason why I speak more about the Romulos than the facilities, is because Crom-MT has never been about the facilities. They, and the people who come, are Crom-MT. That said, the gym is Laconic in nature. You won't see workout machines there, but you'll be looking at one in the mirror if you keep coming. read more

I love this place. I've trained at a bunch of different gyms in the city and Queens. Even though I am a part of a different stable, I try to stop by Crom Martial Training every chance I get! Chris is an amazing fighter/trainer: all you need to do is google his fights or see his students compete to know that. Even if you're not competition oriented, the classes are great to get in shape. Aside from that, the way that Chris and Sarah run the establishment is second to none. It's hard to describe, but CMT just has that... family feel. They are super welcoming and friendly. These are two people who truly love the sports of boxing and muay thai and it shows in their training, teaching and all the involvement Chris undertakes as one of our best ambassadors for the sport. The facility is also brand new and super clean, which is always a plus! I can't recommend this place enough! Give it a shot. After all "All it takes is heart"!!! read more