A good friend has been training here for years and 6 months ago he convinced me to take a class with him. I was nervous because I have not been in a gym for over 10 years but things could not have gone better and now I'm a member coming here 2 times a week. All the trainers here are fantastic and they engineer really engaging and effective classes. They have a 9pm class which is ideal for me so I can spend some time with my kids after work. All in all I lost 30lbs and feel great so I wanted to leave this review since the VAJ Yelp page hasn' seen much action in a while and people need to know how fantastic this place is. Shout out to The Professor, Ken, Jerry and Phil... keep up the great work! read more

Finally a place where adults are actually teaching the class!! This place is professional and well structured. You can hear and see the passion in the instructors. You are always greeted with a smile and hello. read more

Best Self Defense class ever. Lots of motivation & very challenging cardio kick boxing class.

Great atmosphere if you wanna learn self defense go here if you wanna learn self offense go here love the family feel everyone is so inviting and understanding. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I bought a groupon deal, wanting to try a kickboxing place out for the longest, and i don't regret giving this place a shot at all. I've been here for more than a year now and this place is like my 2nd home. I usually go 5-6 days a week and spend 2+ hours every time. I feel the strongest I've ever felt since high school. The instructors are all awesome and always pushing you to limits you never thought you could push pass. They're all amazing at what they do and make you sweat so much you start wondering how its even possible. In just 4 months I was able to deadlift 265 and keep up with the guys. The environment is a great, you're surrounded by a lot of encouraging people. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anybody who wants to get a good workout. One class and i guarantee you will be hooked. read more

Vee Arnis Jitsu - squatting 145 - Martial Arts Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I hate to give bad reviews but I just can not help myself with this one! Initially trying to get someone on the phone to RESERVE a spot for the kickboxing class was by far the hardest thing. This should of been the first signal that trying to participate in classes with this school wasn't going to be fun. Moving on... I bought a Groupon - encouraged my friends and family to also purchase a Groupon as well. My first class was great - went there with one other person and the 11:30am class was good. There were just enough people where we were all comfortable doing the exercises and dealing with the bags... etc. My second time going there was horrific. I brought an additional two people because I was happy with the class the first time I went. Not only was there not enough room on the mats for everyone (probably because they did both Groupon promotions but also LivingSocial/Amazon promotions) but the guy taking information down from my friend - KEN - wasn't the friendliest. I figured we are all entitled to our personal days and disregarded his attitude. Moving on to the third time going - I brought yet another new person with me because it was Sunday and I figured it wouldn't be that crowded... That was definitely TRUE! But we were forced to have to deal with KEN again!!!! To be perfectly honest - KEN is the reason I will be reluctant to go back. He is very demeaning and lacks customer service skills. Not quite sure how this company expects to keep people around if they have KEN dealing with them. I've contacted Groupon to see if I could get a refund on one of the gifts I bought for someone because I'm just disappointed. Maybe Ken is treating my friends and I like this because he knows we bought deals to test out the facility but all money should be considered good money. Plus every time we go there they are all OUT OF GLOVES which clearly is supposed to come with the deal. Sunday they wanted to give my sister loaner gloves as well, Ken never told her he was giving her a loaner set either. Overall the four of us left there disgusted and disappointed with no intentions on ever going back - all because of how KEN dealt with us. He was not accommodating enough or interested enough in our business to have us stay! Its without a doubt unfortunate. I've called and left a message for the owner to call me back - lets see if that happens! My advice to anyone going to this facility - GOOD LUCK!!! Hopefully they honor giving me a refund for my Groupons because I without a doubt do NOT want to go back!!!!!! read more

I don't know much about the martial arts, but I can say that the instructors here were serious about the workouts and technique they taught. I felt like the kick boxing classes here were the hardest I had ever experienced, thus I truly enjoyed it. However, there were a few reasons why I did not stay. The schedule was very, very limited and I felt like there was a lack of cleanliness. Two major setbacks in an otherwise fun, instructive place to exercise. read more

Two of my friends wanted to check out Vee Arnis Jitsu, so I went with them to check out the gym. The class was very conditioning heavy consisting of push-ups and crunches for more than half the class. It was definitely exhausting but a good work-out. When we got to techniques, I wish the professor provided more instruction. Most of the students were very intense and serious, which is a good thing. However, I thought it was too focused on getting a workout than with actual technique and instruction. This school is okay, but they do need to work on their cleanliness. The mats had a smell and looked a bit grimy. read more

I came here for the first time about 3 years ago on a Groupon special. I was immediately sold. It was definitely one of the hardest workouts I had experienced. After going back here and there I finally purchased a membership recently and I could not be happier. The price is definitely right. No two workouts are ever the same. I truly feel like I work every muscle in my body. The trainers are all different but equally good and providing a challenging workout. This is not your standard gym kickboxing class. I also love that they use kettlebells sometimes. My only complaint is the old mats. I REALLY wish they would invest in some new ones. I know it is a big turn off for some people. However, the list of pros is so long that I find it easy to overlook the mats. I definitely recommend trying it out if you want an intense workout. read more

You won't find a better school for self defense / jujitsu / kick boxing. Old school with real training. LAZINESS WILL CAUSE YOU PAIN ! The life you save, might be your own. USSSSSS read more

Vee Arnis Jitsu - Martial Arts Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is no good! The people, (instructor) are rude, disgusting and misogynistic. When you can't attend for a long while, the owner still insists that you pay monthly, even if you're not attending. The prices go up extremely high after going for just a little while. Oh and lots of germs in here. COVID friendly place. read more

First time kickboxing and first time ever at this place... I was so nervous and felt like I was going to be the weakling in the class. Not! All types of people in all different shapes and sizes were involved and made me feel so much more comfortable. Bought the three classes for $20 as advertised. They give you a new pair of gloves and... You can keep them!!! The class I took was no joke. I've been doing Shaun T Insanity workouts for four months now and this class really kicked my butt. You really work out every part of body and I know I'm going to feel the soreness tomorrow. The instructor was really nice and even went around and went to me to fix my forms while doing the workouts. No one was left alone. After the class was done, one of the other instructors even asked me how my first time was and expected to see me next time lol Yeah the place smells a little but not surprising due to how much sweat you WILL bring out from the workout. I recommend you bring a friend and a gallon of water (literally lol!) I will be back. One more tip: If u wish to wear shoes, you have to bring another pair of shoes that have never touched the ground outside or you will have to go barefoot (which I did for my first class). Not bad but I wished I was wearing my sneakers. read more

I have conflicting feelings about this place. Martial arts like Sambo or Krav Maga are abridged versions of Ju Jitsu that teach you the less complicated yet effective maneuvers in a short period of time. By the looks of it, these guys do exactly that. The benefit is that you get something moderately useful, sooner. The trade-off, is that without the rest of the training, it only really works if you're the bigger of the two in the fight. If the school had been named anything other than Vee Arnis Ju Jitsu, I probably would have said that it looks good. To give you an idea of what I mean by "abridged"; It may take a student years to effectively move from the hips or to understand their center. I don't mean "center" in a woo-woo philosophical sense. I mean center in a clear-cut center-of-balance sense. On the opposite end, just about anybody could turn someone else's wrist or strike them in the face. If you're big and strong, it's that much easier. That's all good and well if you're the bigger guy. But what if you're smaller? Or weaker? Or old? Ju Jitsu makes it possible to defend yourself for life and in the worst situations. I don't have a gripe with abridged styles. I understand that they have their place in martial arts. We couldn't very well send soldiers to 10 years of Ju Jitsu training before they go to war. I just wish that they didn't put Vee Arnis' name when the school doesn't echo his teachings. After all, he was smaller, weaker (and for a large part of his training) old. EDIT: In retrospect, I may have been unclear. It's probably a nice place to get a good cardio workout. You'll likely learn a set of useful self defense techniques which could arguably be considered Ju Jitsu. But definitely not in a way resembling the professor, Vee Arnis. And if you're smaller, weaker or lighter than average, you may walk away thinking that you cannot be dangerous or effective because you're too little. This is just not true. read more

Amazing place to workout, learn self defense, gain strength mentally and physically! Supportive hard working environment.

I hate to see the negative reviews because this place gave me the best workout I've ever had. I did a couple of their kickboxing classes and it was challenging and fun. The classes can get a bit crowded so make sure you get their early and they will lend you boxing gloves if you don't have your own. If you're looking for a place that will give you a great workout and have you sore in places you didn't even know had muscles then definitely give them a try. read more

Anyone who is looking for the best self defense on the planet look no further. Professor David B. James is hands down the greatest personal protection instructor alive. I drive four hours for his instruction and pass thousands of martial arts schools to train with him. The fitness workouts are as intense as you could imagine. Try getting to know them here, they are all great instructors and awesome people. read more

I attended my first class last week along with a friend of mine and we both loved it! From the minute I walked into the door I was greeted with a smile by Ken who was nothing short of courteous and friendly. My 1st class instructor was David, who was wonderful!! His class was tough, but then again this was my 1st ever class and the fact that I have not had a work out like that in a while, made it even tougher. Although my friend and I kept up and did pretty good (I must say) we let him know it was our first time and he made sure to check on us throught the hour and assist on the moves, etc. When the class finished we had a good 5 min talk with Davide while she and I cooled down which I thought was great. Not once did we feel out of place, intimidated, etc.... The people doing the class with us were very friendly and encouraging as well as the staff which just made the whole experience that much better! I am looking forward to many classes!! read more

I've wrestled competitively in High School and College, I have belonged to many gyms and I have NEVER had a workout like I do here. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the instructors are fantastic. I've told everyone I know about Vee Arnis, I've lost two pants sizes and I feel five years younger. Its the only gym I've ever belonged to that I'm excited to go to. read more

I have been a member of VAJ for about 6 months. The place has changed my life. I am in the best shape of my life after 2 kids and enjoy everything about the place and the workouts. I have studied martial arts for decades and I have never been as impressed with the workout and instructors as I am at Vee Arnis There are a lot of people coming in on groupons lately and we welcome them with open arms. The new people have to understand that this is an institution with rules which are all for our safety such as not wearing street shoes on the mat. This is to prevent infection and such for those of us working out barefoot or for when we are doing work on the floor. If you want a fantastic body and to be around great fun people, check this place out read more

if you want loose weight, or get motivated , this is the place.You are pushed to the limit, the music is inspiring, the place is kept clean so don't be offended if told not to wear the shoes you wear outside on the mats. The people are wonderful , sharing, caring and understanding. I love this place. read more

I take kickboxing classes all the time and I love it, if your serious about exercise fitness and learning the abc's of self defense this is the place for you, I have been a memeber for well over a year and recently my husband has joined. I feel great taking the classes and have lost 25 pounds!! The instructors are as good as it gets they do the workout with you and help you if you need it, they motivate you beyond what you think your body can handle, dont think about just do it, you'll be glad you did, I know Iam!!! read more

I am in "martial arts" (very loose notion) for many years from sambo to judo to KS karate (Mass Oyama) to muay thai to krav maga to russian systema - looking for the best self defense system. Very few improvements could be added at this school. Also keep in mind that training like Roman gladiators is not for everyone- it is for gladiators -several people were dead after each class/day... Read "Meditations on Violence" by Sgt. Rory Miller and you'll understand what is "self defense" and whether it is possible to train for it ALL (it isn't !!). This is one of the several best SD schools in America. read more

Professor David James is an awesome self defense instructor. He can give you great, simple, practical techniques and also give you a great workout, He is the real deal. BTW, to Sergio, who also posted a review of this school -- the founder's name isn't VEE ARNIS! It's Professor Florendo Visitacion. The Vee comes from his last name initial! -Russell read more

I have been taking classes at VAJ for just under a year now and I can personally attest to how incredible the facility, instructors and fellow students are!! VAJ has developed, and successfully executes, a program that enables you to learn self defense and get in AMAZING shape all at the same time (after just 3 months I had already lost over 20 lbs). The instructors are all extremely knowledgeable and motivating as well. They don't allow you to give up on yourself - rather they push you to take it to the next level. Also, they make it a point to know EVERY student on the mat and to keep track of your progress. SENSEI Ken, as he is respectfully called (come on folks, this is a dojo - not a gym!!) happens to be one of my favorite instructors there and is particularly good at building relationships with the students. From my first day on the mat Sensei Ken was welcoming and would always come over to me and make sure I was understanding the drills. In response to another comment that I read about the mat being crowded - I say that's only another testament to how good this place is! If "so many" people are on the mat, I guess VAJ must be doing something right!! Bottom line, this place rocks - but they don't mess around. Wen you step on that mat, be ready to work hard. You'll be joined by fellow students who all share the same goals - and everybody encourages each other as well. It's kind of like a family - one you would DEFINITELY want to join!! read more

Solid teaching to get you home, hopefully safely, at night. The head of the school is VERY involved unlike most other places. Pick your classes to aim for the training you want---if you want a workout, the kickboxing classes are it! If you want more sophisticated stuff you will have to go with the JuJitsu. Good place, good people. Enough said. read more

This place is amazing. I used to go to a traditional weightlifting gym and was tired of waiting around to use machines surrounded by inconsiderate people. I tried Vee Arnis about 2 1/2 years ago and love it more and more every day! You get amazing results from the classes. The other people in the class are extremely helpful and supportive and friendly when you are starting out...and even today. The instructors are incredible. They motivate me each and every day. I never though I'd WANT to go to a place where I knew I was going to do tons of exercises and walk out drenched in sweat...but because of the results I see and the care and motivation from the instructors... I actually LOOK FORWARD to going to class. Give it a chance and stick with it. You'll love it too. read more

I have an expired groupon credit I wanted to use. As per Groupon policy, paid value doesn't expire. I went in 10:20am this morning to inquire as to which service my 50$ credit could be applied to. The manager at the time a Black male about 55 stated I had to pay 20$ for an intro class and he would only give me 50$ credit for a class ONLY if I signed up monthly. The cheapest being 80$ a month. I didn't use my Groupon at the time of purchase due to knee injuries so it expired. Now it's too late to get a refund . I figured since I was in the area I'd visit so I tried to see what o could manage in the classes. I didn't expect to be spoken to as a child, saying I wasn't listening , he wasn't making a nickel from me and if I got hurt he'd be liable without making any money. He said didn't profit him at all to honor my Groupon. Yet he continued to say he wanted my business. He needs to take a class in customer service. Very rude belittling and dishonorable. He could have offered me the 25$ class in place of my 50$ Groupon credit and that would have been fine for me. The class going on looked great, but if I have to deal with him I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

I have been taking Kickboxing classes here since April. The instructors are serious, but work with, and encourage, you to push yourself to the next level. They ran a couple of different incentives and had an overwhelming response, which caused classes to become very crowded. They responded to this by changing class times and adding more classes. Each class is different, which makes it more interesting and keeps you engaged. I was extremely surprised to see negative comments about Sensei Ken (my first thought was "but I love Ken"), he is the one that signed me up and I have nothing but great things to say about him, and for that matter everyone that works there. Whether it's Sensei Dennis making me work my abs off, Sensei Phil asking if that's all I've got or Sensei Ken yelling push yourself harder - it's all good. read more

I am sorry to read Jennifer's negative review. I've been going to Vee Arnis approximately 2 months. They are running a special (3 classes and gloves for $20), so I went with a few friends to try kickboxing. We figured if we didn't like it, it was still worth the money. We absolutely love it, we love the place and we love the instructors, so we decided to join. Granted, we did not purchase a Groupon, but we know people that did and we are all treated the same. All the instructors are terrific and KEN is one of our favorites. The classes are tough, you get a terrific workout and you feel as if you're working with a personal trainer (they push you to work to your full potential). The students are terrific as well, everyone encourages everyone so you get the most out of your class. I truly do not like to exercise but I love going to my classes. I started out barely making it through 1 class/week, now I go 3-4 times/week and hate when I have to miss. I highly recommend Vee Arnis to anyone interested. read more

I walked in to Vee Arnis seven months ago expecting to drop a few pounds with their kick boxing courses, but I've gotten so much more than that. Professor Dave and his colleagues are extremely knowledgeable. The classes are small and your instructors go out of their way to learn your individual strengths and weaknesses. There is no such thing as being lazy at Vee Arnis. The first school I've ever been to where the instructors are right alongside you on the floor working out and encouraging the students every step of the way. I've only recently started the Vee Jitsu system, and these guys are SERIOUS about their art. They truly want their students to be able to protect themselves. The work area is always clean, they have lockers, showers and a variety of workout and weight machines. The prices are also reasonable even for a struggling college student :P Each new student that comes in is considered family. All in all Vee Arnis gets five stars from me. read more

It's so upsetting to see these negative reviews . This establishment is one of the best that I've ever been to. . I have been a member in many high line gyms . I have paid at times $150 an hour for one on one private training sessions and no personal trainer ever compared to the dedication and hard work and passion that everyone of these instructors in this place has including Ken who's character unfortunatly has been degraded in these reviews . The purpose of an instructor sometimes is to be a tough because toughness keeps you motivated and dedicated . There are simple rules that need to be followed here just like in any other establishment . I see Many people walk in with negative attitudes and they think from the start they are coming to play and joke around . This is a serious Dojo that teaches respect and dedication from the moment you walk in the door . The only thing that's asked of you by These instructors is to be the the best that you can while on the mat and to be serious about the work out because after all you came for a reason . I have been a member here for almost 6 months now and I have never felt better mentally and physically . The first day i couldnt even do a sit-up after having not done them in years . Now I am actually doing more than 100 at a time in one class and loving it . I have seen a big difference in my body and have gotten better at all that was taught to me in this class . . All of the instructors have helped me to become stronger mentally and physically . My 3 children ages 3 ,5 ,and 6 are also members here and have gained so much confidence in themselves because of these instructors and there passion and patience to make a difference in the lives of others . I look forward to this class every night and I have no complaints ... The schedule is very accommodating in fact on my first day when I requested later hours a new schedule was made with no questions asked . The work outs are amazing and non stop . Thank you Vee Arnis and thank you Ken Professor and all the other wonderful instructors and new friends for all you have taught me and my children . I'm glad that this place is our second home and I look forward to continue learning and getting stronger day by day !!!!!! I Dont know why my review was flagged i am an honest member of this gym . Please post this . read more

I decided to leave this review because I feel the negative reviews have been unfair (aside from the person looking for a specific style of teaching...to each his own). I got a deal from Living Social for 2 months of unlimited kickboxing classes and it is a GREAT deal. Not only did it save me over $200 but the classes give you an AMAZING workout as well. There are members and people who have purchased deals (like myself) so it can get crowded on some days but if you come early you won't really have that problem. The instructors as well as the members here are all friendly and encouraging ALL THE TIME,it definitely feels like a place you can belong to and not just another nameless person in a gym. I am certainly considering becoming a member when my 2 months is up. read more

Vee Arnis Jitsu is an awesome place for anyone that's looking for a serious workout and want to learn "real life" in your face, no nonsenses self defense. I have been a member for over 5 years and can honestly say that each class is unique and fun. They are classes for all fitness levels but most importantly there is continuous support and encouragement from the instructors and the members. To me some of the best thing about VAJ is the level of fitness is like no other gym I have been affiliated with and we have a good time training and learning new ways to challenge our bodies. Hope you come by and give it a chance. Im sure if you're serious about conditioning and learning, you will be an addict like ME ;)!!!! read more

To Jennifer R., of Brooklyn. I hope you know that the Groupon/LivingSocial deals will ALWAYS make the place very crowded because so many people want to try it out. I mean who wouldn't love a good cardio class for 2 months for such a cheap price? You gotta predict stuff like that, not an empty class. Needless to say you didn't give it enough time to like it and to get to know the senseis. And for you to say anything about Ken like that, is so disrespectful. As a committed student, I will tell you that he is a GREAT instructor and the only reason he yells is because he is pushing you to work harder. Because if you'd like some instructor to be nice and tell you 'Oh work harder sweetie.' you're not going to be influenced. If you get the chance to know him AFTER a class, you'd understand that he is a REALLY nice guy and is really helpful. I'm not trying to come off as mean, but I felt that some of the information you 'provide' was bad, not all, just some. Now to my review of the school. I really love coming to this school, I've been going for 4 month now. I remember my first day like it was yesterday, I was a zumba instructor and I thought "this is going to be a piece of cake." Truth be told, I never been worked so hard and felt like I lost 10lbs after a class. I've always been in martial arts and have been doing it for 12 years, but the kickboxing class really kicked my butt. I have never been so sore from a workout, it even hurt to laugh because my whole upper was so sore. I had stopped going for a week because I just couldn't move. But after that, I went almost every day and I never regretted on going or never had anything bad to say. Everyone there is extremely friendly and nice and the senseis know how to push you to work harder, and after that class you'd be relieve'd on how great you felt. Especially since they make you do push ups, sit ups, and a lot of work on the punching bags, they work EVERY part of your body. So far, I really toned up and I can really say I never had so much energy, never felt so great and happy with my body, and so addicted to working out classes. And they have a self defense there for woman for outside use, believe it or not this really comes in handy in case you actually ever get attacked! I personally love it, but a lot of women don't like it because there's a lot of closeness to another person. If you are a member, please give this class a try! I really hate that I see such bad reviews for this because I saw that some people complain about the place on how smelly or whatever or that the instructors are too serious. But honestly, if you're really worrying about condition than your workout, you're not gonna get much. Plus you have to understand that they have a really intense workout there so there's obviously going to be a lot of sweat and they do clean the mats and bags when all classes are over. Anywho! You're never going to get a better workout than here! read more