Love it!!!! Just Joined...Instructors and staff were very professional and knowledgeable... Will…read morekeep you posted in a few months.... David

First off, I'll say that this is a fantastic school in terms of the quality of teachers and…read moreinstruction. Deep knowledge of the craft and great classes. This review has to do with the administration of the school, which I have had an absolutely horrendous experience with, so much so that I feel the need to write a review to make other people aware of the way they have dealt with me - which is borderline immoral. At the start of this year I postponed my year long martial arts training (billed monthly) by 3 months because I was going to be out of the country. I got a written confirmation email from the school stating that they could honor this request and would not charge me while I was away. A couple weeks before I came back to New York, I had a seizure while still traveling, which also caused a shoulder dislocation while I was unconscious. Needless to say, I cannot practice martial arts for the foreseeable future. I requested to cancel the remainder of my one year training contract for medical reasons. NYMAA said they would not be able to do this without a medical note from a doctor. This is despite them telling me when I signed up initially that the year long training could be cancelled at any time - this is predatory business practice #1 - locking you into getting charged every month for a year, while telling you you can cancel anytime but not planning to honor that. I sent them a letter from my Doctor, clearly saying that after being evaluated I should not be participating in martial arts and should have my remaining months cancelled (they charge $207/month for JKD training). Not only did they refuse to acknowledge the letter because it was missing an official letterhead (something they neglected to mention they needed when first asking for the letter), but they also began asking me for proof of my travel, all of a sudden investigating the past, despite having agreed via email before I left to postpone my payments while I was away. I sent them a new letter with the requested letterhead from my doctor, as well as my travel itinerary, and then they went radio silent, despite repeated follow ups. In that time, I noticed that not only was I charged for the month of May, but there were also three attempted charges for the three months I had been away, trying to be retroactively billed to my card. Absolutely INSANE. I called, and upon speaking to someone in person it was clear that she didn't know that this had happened and was generally unaware of the new charges, but she did say that they still wouldn't accept my new letter, without giving a clear reason why. At this point this feels like a SCAM. I have provided everything asked, and they keep coming up with bullshit reasons why they can't cancel my membership, AND are trying to retroactively charge me for months that they agreed IN WRITING not to charge me for. No one can clearly or cohesively explain to me why any of this is happening. It's a shame that such a great school of martial arts is being run like so unscrupulously. At this point I've gotten my credit card company involved, but the whole situation been a nightmare. Forget about the lack of basic decency on display; treating someone who has medical proof of a seizure like an investigation subject. Sign up for a membership with these guys at your own risk. All I can say is be 100% sure you plan on using your membership and won't need to alter or cancel it for any reason because this company has demonstrated that they have no moral issue with charging your card on file however they see fit. Absolutely pathetic business practices.

Great place with friendly staff and quality instructionread more

Some facts about me for background: I am moody and can get super cranky, I was never athletic, I'm…read morenot even coordinated enough to tie my shoes the right way (I still do double-bunny ears, whatever, it gets the job done). Basically, I'm a joy to be around and clearly destined for the Olympics someday. Or whatever the complete and total opposite of that is. That said, I still am able to enjoy, push, and be proud of myself here. The instructors' patience will probably get them canonized someday, and the students are all really supportive and friendly, so it makes it a lot less nerve-wracking for beginners. The school is also really involved with the community and everyone seems invested in making the world at least a slightly better place. The instructors will work with you and whatever limitations you may have. Trust me. I have plenty. And thanks to BBJJ, I now also have sick abs and can throw my much larger boyfriend around a bit better when he acts out.

I've been taking early morning Shinobi fitness and Cardio kickboxing classes over the summer. Both…read moreclasses offer a great workout (I use them for cross-training), appropriate for all levels, and are a great mixture of cardio, endurance, flexibility and strength training. I love the individualized approach and small class size. Studio itself is very pleasant, as it has been freshly renovated.

I only did one trial lesson here. This venue offers a variety of classes in different types of…read moremartial arts. I was told that for my trial I could pick any one type of art I wanted to try. I made the mistake of selecting "kickboxing & cardio" thinking that meant intense kickboxing. It turned to really be just cardio exercise from martial artists. It did not teach any fighting techniques. Good cardio exercise is by no means a bad thing, just not what I was looking for. What I can tell you is: This teacher here, Jeremiah, was extremely friendly. He immediately makes you feel very welcomed. He taught very informally - for example, he asked me to call him by his first name, and played pop music as we exercised (note: I arrived early and saw the end of kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, which appeared equally as informal). I'm not trying to say informality is a good or bad thing - I think it all depends on the person. I'm just describing my experience here. We did jumping jacks, jump ropes, and push ups. We worked in pairs and punched each others hands as we held up protective gear. It was fun! But again, what I did focused on speed and exercising different parts of the body, instead of focusing on things like effective punching techniques. I was paired with different people at different times. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. By the end, we all worked up a good sweat. I know virtually nothing about how this place teaches fighting techniques. But if you want a good cardio workout, this really did seem like a an effective and friendly place. If I was looking for a regular cardio workout, I would have stayed here!

I've practiced Shorinji Kempo for over 15 years. It has a great mix of hard (kicks, punches,…read moreblocks, etc) and soft (throws, releases, locks, etc) techniques as well as a deep philosophical study which includes meditation and a form of massage therapy. It works well for all body types and ages, which was appealing from the start. There is always something new and deeper to learn, especially with the variety of students in class. This dojo is very lucky to have an instructor from Japan who has studied for many years, alongside instructors from Japan and the U.S. My training has been invaluable for my health and life, and brought with it great friends, an extra bonus.

My health has been improved by this practice :) also it will help you in your daily life physically…read moreand mentally. It makes your mind clear and everybody can do it . You can contact them to just watch the class or trial free in first time.

I can't say enough about Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! My husband walked in there 5 years ago…read morelooking for something my son and he could do together. Since my son was 5 at the time they would obviously be in separate classes, but my husband liked the idea of place they could go together, a studio they could share. What it became was a second home! My husband started jiu jitsu, my son the tiny tigers program. They asked me to try boxing but I politely declined. After about a year of them asking and my husband and son having so much fun and getting really fit, I decided to give it a try! And to my surprise it was so much fun and a hell of a workout! Next thing I knew it was all three of us at the dojo on a Friday night and we were loving it. What is so awesome about this studio is the love and care the instructors put into teaching and creating a community. Suddenly we were all training with people from all walks of life and it felt so nice. The neighborhood I had known for years suddenly felt bigger and I felt so much more connected. In a city where we can tend to get used to keeping to ourselves, it was nice to feel part of something. Five years later, all I can say is things continue to get better! My brother in law just joined and my son has graduated to the basic jiu jitsu class. My son is now on the mat training with his Dad and his Uncle! There's something really special about that. This dojo is for everyone, young, old, in-between, just starting to work out or seasoned athletes. The reason it is for everyone, is because of the teachers. They teach with heart, compassion and discipline. The whole experience has brought my family closer and I recommend this studio for anyone who is looking for a workout that nourishes the body and soul. -Christine Nichols

I love Brooklyn BJJ. I have been coming for about a year and a half and this dojo and the amazing…read morecommunity they have built has really transformed me. I came in on a lark to try Muay Thai, at the behest of a friend. Guess who stuck around and is now also doing Jui Jitsu? The adult classes are diverse - young adults, parents, older folks. And many of the parents have children that take the youth classes (they're so fun to watch!). They do private classes if you're nervous to try it in a class. Even if you don't think you are into the martial arts, the nurturing, inclusive environment fostered by the instructors is truly something I look forward to at the end of the day. They shoot people texts if they haven't been in in awhile... you may find that annoying or pressuring, but I find that encouraging actually, especially since I can tell its sincere. Instructors are aware of your progress and are constantly helping you improve. And regardless of whether you want a black belt (they tell everyone they're on that journey to black belt once they start. I found that a little intimidating but it's so much fun that it's not something I think about so much. The journey is a helluva time) its a great workout - mix of cardio and strength for Muay Thai and Jui Jitsu, but for the latter, it mixes in a great mental workout too. As Professor Skyer says, it's never too late to start. I'm so glad I did. PS. I won't mince words, it's not cheap but its not more expensive than Equinox. But its the best investment in yourself, really. I'd rather spend those dollars on making myself stronger and healthier anyway. I'd drag more of my friends here if they lived closer!

Anyone know if this place is still in business? All I got was an answering machine when I calledread more

As an absolute beginner to Wing Chun (WC) it quickly became clear that the philosophy underlying WC…read moreis sound and highly practical. What sold me is that Wing Chun is firmly grounded in an understanding of physics for combat (not sport). Jay is a highly personable and knowledgeable instructor. He engages the class in discussion of theory and drills (mostly with partners) aimed at optimizing movements for efficiency, proper structure, and reflexes with ultimate goal of being ready for the "back alley test."

An amazing martial arts school. I've been. Studying jujitsu , aikido and occasionally doing the…read morecardio kickboxing classes. I've gotten healthier and much better as a martial artist. Highly recommended real school! Also GM Bill is great with the kids. I can't wait for my son to be old enough for the kids class !

My first time walking into this Martial Arts School was about 6 years ago. I was in a bad…read morerelationship looking for a way out and discovered this martial arts school opening up right down the street from my apartment. I walked in one day 6 years ago and never looked back at the past and reckless life I had. Professor Bill has been my teacher since the day I walked in. Although I have moved back to L.A. where I a from, I still come to this school every time I visit NY. This place has some of the best teachers and most caring people I have ever met. Shihan Damian and Shihan Reggie are both amazing instructors as well. The thing I can say most about this place is that it is a real place that teaches the young and old respect, discipline and real martial arts. I highly recommend this for anyone who is in a huge need for change in their life.

Excellent class. Instructor is very thorough and makes sure that class is adaptable to all skill…read morelevels. It's a total body workout, and you also learn how to play the instruments. Once you attend this class, you'll want to keep on coming back.

I've been a student of this class for a while now, and I can attest to how great of a group it is!…read more Really supportive bunch of people with a range of levels of ability and several great teachers who have a lot to teach anyone of any skill level. It's also a great location and a great price. Come for a free introductory class!