Love the place! My son is thriving there. For the first time he is excited to go to an activity…read moreevery week!

I've been learning jiu jitsu here for the last 3 months, and the experience has far surpassed my…read moreexpectations. It's a very supportive and ego-free environment that's perfect for beginners. There are also a lot of advanced students who you can roll with if you're a more experienced practitioner. If you're looking to learn martial arts and you want a supportive environment to learn where people aren't going to make you feel like crap for being new to it, or if you just want to take your training to the next level, this really is your place. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Last 20 months has been life changing experience. As a Tae kwon Do black belt, I wanted to obtain…read moreknowledge of ground games into my skills. Team Cruma really helped me to see the way of flowing w power and precisions! it was as much as challenging physically as mentally but the training team mates and Professors Cruma were there to kindly guide every single steps.

As an older guy (65), I immediately felt welcome, and as a new guy, I am patiently being taught by…read moreall students and the instructor. A very friendly and safe place for any age and any level.

I have been training with Shaolin for 3 years. I was one of the first students when he came here,…read moreand I am very happy with things. I feel like I got much better, primarily because Shaolin and Loro and other visiting blackbelts are there so often (Shaolin teaches every class and when Loro is not training for pro mma he is there all the time as well). The prices are also very competitive for NYC. I believe they are the cheapest considering the extremely high level of quality.

Great environment. Instruction was solid, with a superb workout! What a fun class. Can hardly wait…read morefor more!

When I started training with Peter I had zero BJJ or grappling experience. I learned so much from…read morehim in a very short time, and I am now able to walk into other gyms and feel confident when rolling. Peter has an awesome attention to detail, and a great personality that makes training fun. He is such an expert in his field, and he does an amazing job of breaking things down, distilling concepts, and articulating them. I would definitely recommend gotham jiu jitsu!

Peter Tay is my personal brazilian jiu jitsu instructor. He's about as good as they get…read more We train 1 on 1 and Peter takes the time to explain each technique and every move. He's very calm and always willing to repeat a move over and over until I have it down pat. Class consists of takedown practice, submission practice, ground fighting and then rolling (sparring in jiu jitsu) Peter explains how the move would be applied and used in both a competition and a "street" situation. I leave every class physically exhausted and stronger. Other people have come in the middle of class just to praise Peter and his training I highly recommend him if you are serious about learning brazilian jiu jitsu

Brandon is a good Muay Thai Coach, very technical and knows how to break down the techniques step…read moreby step.

Ive been training here about 4 years now... And it's still great. There have been a lot of changes…read moreover the last few years including them putting in boxing ring, creating a weight lifting area, they now have multiple fighters including one that is now in the UFC. Brandon teaches most of the classes but occasionally one of the fighters will teach - all good and they follow in his style. The gym also offers multiple classes for different levels - Muay Thai, Sparring, Clinch, Boxing, BJJ w Gi, BJJ no-gi, wrestling, and yoga (on Sundays). Whether you are a beginner, just training to be fit or to fight - EMT definitely a great place for you.

Used to be an unbelievable program, but after substantial staff turnover including both the…read moreteachers and the office --- its not really kid friendly anymore. If the staff changes back, would be great, but I can't see continuing given how they interact with kids.

This is for the BBT class for the kids…read more Mr Elias's focus and coaching of the techniques, including saying when it was not done correctly. Also the playfulness that made it fun for the kids.

I have zero knowledge about this sport and inquired on a whim because I saw their sign during a…read morefood fair on Lexington street. I received a call from David who answered all my questions and invited me to try it without strings attached. I was on the fence for a few months not sure if I wanted to try until I decided to give it a shot. Their schedule was perfect because it was 20 mins away from where I live/work and I could pop in right after work. So I said you know what I have nothing to lose. Did the trial and I am hooked ! Going 6 months this coming month. I love the place . It's clean, well kept, the trainers are wonderful and it has a very welcoming and engaging atmosphere. I think I found my sanctuary :)

I have trained around the world at who knows how many gyms over a 16 year span. I can pretty…read morequickly understand the culture of a gym. Immediate 5 stars for that, friendly, open and engaging, with rolling that was controlled with escalating intensity that remained safe. One of the few places I have been to that took time before rolling to remind people to be open to a conversation about your physical state and goals for that session. Safe, controlled, technical and open to higher intensity when both parties are up for it. Various skill levels from beginners to old school black belts. I can not sing the praises of the environment more. MORE IMPORTANTLY! The locker rooms and showers were top 5 for all the places I have trained. I feel blessed if there is one warm shower with decent water pressure and a line that is less than a 10 minute wait. This place has a locker room, with over size lockers for gear, and multiple showers with those giant square rainfall overhead shower things that feels like you are in a warm monsoon and I didn't feel guilty for taking a shower that was longer than a minute. Also soap and shampoo provided, or I stole someone's shampoo without knowing. Either way it was great.

Sorry to see them go but my time there doing the women's empowerment classes were great! Learned a…read morelot and met a lot of good people.

Great training! Excellent instructors! Clean facility. Perfect location. A great group of training…read morepartners. Check it out!

Tucked away on 331 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10025 between 105th and 106th street lies a hidden…read moregem of New York martial arts: Kokushi Budo Institute - established over 50 years ago, long before the recent burst of MMA in recent years. Founded by Professor Nobuyoshi Higashi, a 9th dan red belt, Higashi-san developed one of the premier judo academies in the country over the decades. Today, the academy is now overseen by Higashi-san's son, Shintaro Higashi - 6th degree red/white belt, and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The top names in judo, BJJ, and MMA consistently come through the doors to fine tune their training. However, Kokushi's doors are open and welcome to judokas of all levels and ages. Shintaro runs a rigorous program amidst a relaxed, safety-first atmosphere where ego's and "tough guy" attitudes are checked away well before they reach the mats. A unique trait that Shintaro has is his awareness and ability to train with his students at precisely the level they need to be pushed. Similarly, Kokushi boasts a burgeoning children's program. Shintaro has a natural instinct with kids, and they flourish under his tutelage. Whether you are a seasoned veteran in martial arts, a complete beginner, looking for a reputable judo program for your child, or anything in between, Kokushi Budo Institute is an absolute must-try for anyone interested.

Have my kids here. Love it. Essential for kids. Sets them up for life. Gotta make sure our babies…read moreare safe in this crazy world.