When I was a little kid, I used to watch kung fu movies on tv. I wanted to learn martial arts, but my parents didn't have the time or the money. Many years later as an adult, I realized that I needed to learn how to protect myself and the people I care about. Every time I watch the news something crazy is happening. That's when I began my search for a martial arts school as an adult. I wanted to learn something that works in the real world and not just on tv. Fortunately, for me I found the Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center. I've been training at least 3 times a week for almost a year now and I love it. Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center has 2 types of adult classes. The self defense class is focused on what can happen on the street on any day at any time. The other class is the traditional class, which has more ancient japanese martial arts techniques. The techniques are both beautiful and deadly at the same time. I'm in both classes, so come by and say hello. For more info on the self defense class you can visit: www.pbjjc.com or if you're into martial arts and would like a more traditional style, visit: www.ginjukai.com read more

My son was a typical seven year old; full of energy but easily distracted and sometimes hard to keep on task. He was doing great in school however his teacher did want him to be a little more focused so he could fulfill his full potential as a student. As parents we felt that a martial art would help harness that energy and focus it, the challenge was finding a dojo that not only had sensei that were good at teaching, we needed them to be patient and actually care about the development of our child. We lucked out when we found the Popkin-Brogna dojo..not only are they excellent teachers, they really care about their students and easily relate to them. After 4 months our son has already become much more focused and disciplined. Not only has it helped him focus at school, it has helped him focus at home and when playing other sports. I highly recommend this dojo to any parent that is looking to have their child gain a new sense of focus and discipline and bring out the very best in their child. read more

My 9 y/o daughter recently joined PBJJC after a 5 year hiatus. She struggles with ADHD, Anxiety, Impulse control and confidence. In just the 2+ months she has been back, her focus, attention, and confidence has grown immensely. She's speaking up more in school. She's initiating with peers. Her motivation to want to always try harder is something to be admired. It was hard for her to go back. She left because she advanced to a higher class and got overwhelmed by the class size. She was determined to do it this time , with all new senpais, and new students. From day 1, she has felt welcomed and now looks forward to the next day she gets to go to class. Watching your child find an activity they feel good about themselves is such a dream as a parent. We are so appreciative to all the staff- Senpais Nick (yes, there are 2), Sensei Howard, and Sensei Joe. It takes a village and we are blessed to have PBJJC as part of ours. read more

If you don't want to relocate to Japan but want to study high-level Japanese combat arts then Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu is for you. Sensei Popkin & Sensei Brogna have literally spent hundreds of thousands of dollars traveling the orient on a regular basis for many, many years to bring authentic Japanese Budo to you. They have a classy dojo where they openly share the secrets of the great masters. Their teaching is based on principles more than technique. They take pride in their instruction and take time to ensure that you are getting it. Like scientists they explain the how and why of martial arts then take it further to make your movements as efficient as possible. Everyone at the dojo is friendly and the training environment is very safe. Whether you have a life-long interest or are a newbee to martial arts this is the place for you! read more

Both Sensei Popkin and Sensei Brogna are top-notch instructors. Each has a unique perspective, teaching style and manner that caters to each students needs. The training is some of the best I've ever experienced. The knowledge, understanding, and ability to break down techniques into teachable components is pretty remarkable. My group travels up to New York at least once a year just to train with them. And we work to get them down to NC once a year as well. But they are in high demand. If you have the opportunity to take their classes - GO! GO NOW! You're lucky to be local! If you're not, get to a seminar with one or both of these instructors! They are a rare, legitimate treasure, helping to continue to promote Daitoryu Aikijujutsu in the US and abroad! read more

Prepare to be thrown!!! If you consider yourself a serious Martial Artist and have not had a chance to train with Sensei Howard Popkin or Sensei Joe Brogna you are really missing out. With my 10 plus years experience, I've been fortunate to train with many great instructors all over the world and I consider Sensei Popkin and Sensei Brogna two of the best I've ever met. They have world class experience along with world class personality's. Their incredible subtle balance breaking power has the feeling of magic, combined with their abilities to both teach and explain what they do is astounding. Coming from an Aikido background I feel very fortunate to have trained with both of them and cherish the skills they have shared. Albert V. read more

I have had the opportunity to train with Popkin Sensei and Brogna Sensei during several seminars. They are both extraordinary teachers. They are not only display great skill but were able to impart the principles and drills necessary for me to improve in my own skills. Their lessons were easily integrated into my own training, even though I primarily study in another art. I have been studying various martial arts since 1989 and these two teachers rank among the best I have encountered. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for effective martial technique taught in a easy to learn principle based format. As a bonus they are both extremely friendly and personable and obviously enjoy teaching and sharing what they know. read more

Excellent!!! So you are reading reviews to find out the scoop... ok, well first my son has been going to PBJJC for the past 9 months. He has struggles with emotions, confidence, and discipline. I spoke with all the sensei's about the areas we need to work on and I continue to have great discussions with them. I have seen a huge improvement in his behaviors. His confidence, respect, motivation all have improved. My son loves attending events held once a month. There are awesome "Mat Chats" that reinforce what we want our kids to know. It's a very supportive community and all of staff really understand children's needs. I say give it a try, they run a great special to start and then see how you and your family like it! read more

I recently enrolled my youngest in this excellent jujitsu center. I have been highly impressed with the emphasis on discipline and real-life applications of what the children learn in the dojo. The sensei and senpai are dedicated and patient, and they take the time to teach the children the physical techniques and the mental and emotional aspects of jujitsu. I have noticed a positive change in Miguel and Mateo's behavior and attitude since they started their classes, and I am grateful for the sensei and senpai's positive impact on my children. I highly recommend PBJJC to any parent looking to enroll their child in a martial arts program focusing on more than just physical skills. read more

I was interested in signing my child up for Jujitsu classes and was having trouble finding a center I felt comfortable in. We tried a few places, but I was not impressed. My son was 4 at the time I contacted Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center. We tried it out; he was a little hesitant at first. The instructors were very patient and allowed him to take his time to grow into the class. I liked the diverse in the center. They have amazing start-up packages so we gave it a shot! My son is 6, a yellow belt preparing for high-yellow!! They hold great events and parent / child classes which we started attending! I would highly recommend Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center! read more

​My son has been attending PBJC for about a year now. He started at only 3 and a half years old and has been the youngest in the group, but was given a chance after a trial run. It is amazing to see the growth and improvement he has displayed in such a short time. Each sensei has their own style of teaching and while they are all different, the passion they have for martial arts is very clear. Working with children of all ages requires a lot of patience and they do a great job when it comes to both having fun and providing discipline at the same time. I highly recommend this facility to anyone who is considering martial arts for their child. read more

In all of my 30+years of training, I can say without a doubt that Howard Popkin and Joe Brogna are two of the best martial artists that I've had the pleasure of training with. They make the what looks impossible look so effortlessly, and superhuman! After just one of their seminars, I felt like I wasted all this time searching for the perfect art; however, now I see their art can blend nicely with all of the popular arts of today! I look forward to attending many more and one day earning a black belt from their organization! I highly recommend these gentlemen to any martial artist looking for something different, better, or a challenge! read more

My son and I absolutely love this place! My son started in here when he was 4, now he is 5 and I have seen the big change in him. He is a better listener. All of the teachers are wonderful. They always there for you to answer any questions you might have. They have so much patience with the kids and the kids are always so focussed and listening to the teachers. The incentives they have for the kids are great definitely recommend this place to anyone. Also they have parents night out once a month for 3 hours and let me tell you my son loves it so much he cannot afford missing oone of this (and me neither some time off ) read more

My son started at Popkin Brogna when he was in Kindergarten. My son isn't into sports, and I wanted him to have some sort of physical activity to go to that also would help him improve his self-confidence. I also was concerned that since he wasn't into sports, he would be picked on as he got older. I wanted him to learn some self-defense (verbal and physical) to stand up against the bullies. Popkin Brogna was the perfect fit. It isn't just about learning Jujitsu. It's about improving confidence and teaching discipline. It's learning how to stand up for yourself. I definitely recommend Popkin-Brogna. read more

I have been training in the martial arts for 20 years, under a variety of top-notch instructors. Senseis Popkin and Brogna offer THE MOST comprehensive and perfectly-delivered instruction anywhere! I am constantly impressed by their ability to combine high level expertise with an easy going and safe training experience. They are also compassionate instructors, who go out of their way to help their students to grasp even the subtle aspects of martial arts training and personal development. Furthermore, you will be impressed by the good humor and warmth they present. read more

A West Hempstead staple! If you're looking for a positive activity to get your child involved in, look no further! Popkin-Brogna Jujitsu Center is a great place with a family atmosphere. All of the instructors are wonderful with kids. They are kind, caring, and patient with every child. I enrolled my daughter about six months ago, and we couldn't be happier. She has gained confidence, coordination, and independence. Best of all, my child has finally found a physical activity that she enjoys. I highly recommend checking them out. You won't be disappointed! read more

We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding support our daughter has received. The instructors are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also incredibly patient and encouraging. They have created a nurturing environment where our daughter feels confident and motivated to improve her skills. The emphasis on discipline, respect, and personal growth has made a significant positive impact on her both on and off the mat. We highly recommend Popkin-Brogna Jujtisu Center to anyone looking for a supportive and empowering martial arts community. read more

Excellent family oriented dojo with strong values. Our son has attended as a mini ninja, to the all ranks class, and is now in the advanced class. His confidence and discipline have increased since being a member. I love the mat chats on a specific topic each week, often led by a member of the leadership team, STORM. There are different events throughout the year, weekly parent meetings over Zoom, themed nights at the dojo (parents night out), trunk or treat, movie and fishing trips, and a BBQ in the summer. Amazing community. Thank you! read more

I've been training at PBJC for the past 4 years and can honestly say that the quality of the martial arts training is top notch. The Senseis' pay an extraordinary amount of attention to detail when explaining self-defense techniques. Balance breaking, attacking the opponent's center, rotating around the point of contact, and being "soft" throughout the technique are emphasized in every class. The class sizes are small enough to allow the Senseis' to focus on each student and make corrections when necessary. I would highly recommend PBJC. read more