I've been studying the restorative Qigong (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and highly recommend this…read moreclass. Small group with lots of attention to detail which means you learn fast. Within 3 sessions I had something that I could start to practice at home on my own. Veronica is an exceptional teacher. I'm making progress each week and looking forward to progressing further.

This was my first time practicing kungfu and i really like it! The teachers and students here are…read morevery nice, although there are not many students, which surprises me because it's a really enjoyable class. However i'm also kind of glad about it since fewer students = more personal attention ;) I'm someone who hates to exercise; so the only "exercise" i do often is walk, dance, hike, and sometimes yoga. I find that kungfu is really nice for stretching and strengthening the body in a balanced way. The practice space on Spring street is simple but suitable for practicing. I think that as the weather gets warmer, there will be more practice meetings outside as well.

After witnessing one too many instances on the train where situations got escalated or could have…read morebeen de-escalated, I decided it time to do a more self-defense style martial art. Keep in mind I've had years of prior martial arts experience (5+ years combined boxing, kickboxing, etc) and even then I felt that wasn't enough in situations outside of the ring. I had heard about Krav Maga in the past and after doing some research I found Krav Maga Institute. A few reasons I narrowed it down to this particular academy are their availability of classes throughout the week, it is affordable and their locations. I took the Induction class (in Sept 2017) and from then I was hooked. There's a great community at the academy, the instructors are very supportive and break things down in simple steps, a diverse range of levels in each class, and they do special events/seminars bringing outside experts to the academy. If you're looking for an academy that will teach you solid self-defense techniques, give you good workout along with a great community to boot, then sign up for the Induction class and experience it for yourself.

Had a good intro-class. The gym is clean (beautiful bathrooms) and a lovely staff…read more I had to travel to DC right after, and then life got busy. Still, if it hadn't been for a one-year contract requirement, I would have joined. I understand why they chose to do so, it just won't work with my schedule where I'll be traveling a lot. Still, it was lovely to do Krav again.

Came here for 2 Muay Thai classes: bag and pad…read more This was my first time taking a legit Muay Thai class, and I had a lot of fun. The instructors were very kind and welcoming, and were more than happy to guide me on my moves for my first time here. They offer a lot of classes here, including jiu jitsu, kali (Filipino knife fighting), and kettlebell classes. They also have a section with weights and cardio machines, as to be expected of any standard gym. There were 3 shower stalls

I came here for a weekend Pad Work workout followed by a Bag Drills classes. It was my first time…read moredoing any martial arts whatsoever so I really didnt know what I was walking into. However, from the very start I was greeted by friendly staff and the instructors were amazing. They helped me with my form, gave me personal instruction on how to improve, and watched to make sure I was doing everything correctly. I loved the Pad Work class so much that I went a few days later once again. The workouts are tough, especially if you're not in shape and they'll have you sweating a few minutes into the class however I can't stress how worth it feels afterwards. I also really like that they allow drop-ins. Want to show up to a class later in the day? Ok! Don't want to go? No obligation to show up. I'll definitely be going again.

So it's been a while since my previous kettlebell class but I finally dragged myself back to…read moreManhattan and took a class. It made me realize I miss coming to classes and that I am getting out of shape. The facility still looks spotless and clean, lockers still work, and the staff is as friendly as ever. Class sizes have improved and it doesn't seem to be as crowded as it used to be. So the instructor was able to help me out when I forgot the sequence of workouts and made sure I was using the correct form. Still a great workout and would recommend it to anyone.

Anderson's Martial Arts is one of the most established and respected schools not just in NYC, but…read morein the country. They've been teaching since 1996 and it shows in the quality of instruction and the culture they've built. The community is incredible. Advanced students support beginners, and everyone feels genuinely welcome. Whether you're brand new or experienced, this is a foundational place to learn real martial arts the right way. The facility has everything you need: spacious training areas, locker rooms and showers, a weight training section, and a comfortable lounge up front where you can work or relax. The atmosphere is welcoming but serious about growth. It's diverse, inclusive, and you'll see beginners training alongside professional fighters.

The legendary PAK MEI style as taught by the late Kwong Man Fong and now headed by Sifu Edgar Wong…read morerecently has celebrated their 50th anniversary as fixture of Chinese Martial Arts and Kung Fu in NYC. Great instruction, training includes: drilling, scenario training, technique pressuring testing, light sparring, unarmed and armed combat.

I searched for many years and tried out many different schools to find a place like this. Pak Mei…read moreis a very difficult style, but very rewarding - aggressive, direct, but more intricate and subtle than it initially appears. Sifu and our Sisuk (who fulfill an assistant instructor role) are all patient and down to earth. There are no belts in this style - only a hierarchy based on respect for your senior students and teachers. Students advance when they are ready, with no need for paid belt testing. We also gather to celebrate the fellowship of our association with bi-annual banquets (these are not mandatory, but they are a good time.) Here, you'll get a great workout every class, conditioning, fighting tactics, and much more. I truly believe that there are no other systems that strike like we do.

This place is a real gem. It would be hard to overstate the warmth of the community and the…read moreoutstanding teaching. The sensei is a great educator who truly cares about his students. He is supportive and accommodating but simultaneously has high standards and will inspire you to improve continuously. He has an intuitive awareness of his students' needs and abilities to the point that sometimes I genuinely wonder whether he is reading my mind. The students are a diverse group that includes a good amount of other women. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and unpretentious. The dojo is also very responsive via email, so if you have any lingering questions before coming and trying your first class, head to the website and reach out!

I talk about this place to everyone I know. The community here is incredible. The teacher (Wagener…read moreSensei) has united a truly diverse (in age, in background, in previous experience) group of students around the sincere and edifying study of the art of Aikido. Wherever you're at, this school will meet you there and encourage your growth. Have fun, move, connect, learn something completely new, make great friends; take a trial class. Even if you don't join, you won't regret it.

I have been learning here for several years now and thoroughly enjoy the training. Sensei Oliver…read moreMartin teaches us all the shapes, forms and movements starting from first principles and in keeping with the tradition while demonstrating how they work in advanced techniques and in real world settings. All of us students are at different levels and he recognizes and teaches all of us at our own individual pace. I feel his training is very holistic and includes reslience, mindfulness, strength, hand to hand combat, traditional weapons, flexibility, diet that eventually translate into self defense while fully preserving the original tradition of this 1000+ years old tradition. I've experienced fully satisfying improvement starting from zero.

The techniques and fighting styles here are complete bullshit. The boss, Oliver Martin, has…read moreliterally no clue what he's teaching, and what he's teaching would get you ripped apart in a real fight. This place needs to be tought how to truly fight with s katana because all I see is fantasy fighting styles

Shifu Yan Ming is a wonderful man, genuinely interested in the people he interacts with and is as…read moredown to earth as a human can be. I had an incredible night hanging out with him last night and SHARING wisdom back and forth. He is not stuck up at all or full of himself at all. He is open, jolly and quite approachable. There's a reason stars like RZA and Jackie Chan are enamored by him too. He is incredibly skilled and full of ancient wisdom, yet he knows how to laugh and enjoy life. This, I would say is what BALANCE is all about! If you want a stoic, lifeless monk, go up to the mountains of Dengfeng County and sit in a cave for 8 years. If you want the real deal mixed with NYC spirit and swagger, this is what New York is all about. I love it. Train harder yall ~

Pros: 1) very nice teacher; 2) beautiful decoration; 3) have a trial classes;…read more Cons: 1) smelly room; 2) to hard understand the teacher he speaks very low, can't even hear him;

I've trained with evolution for a couple of months now. This is my complete unbiased review:…read more This gym is simply amazing. Brandon, and the other coaches do a fantastic job of training students in various disciplines whether it's Muay Thai, BJJ, or wrestling. I can only speak to the Muay Thai classes since I try to train there 4 days of the week. Brandon has a way of simplifying the techniques and works with you to make sure you can perfect them. Brandon is a patient, funny, yet caring coach/trainer (you don't see too many of Brandons!) Everyone at evolution is welcoming. Their ego is checked at the door. I took some classes at the Wat, but I felt evolution has a more home like environment. Everyone's welcoming, and they all work with you to make sure your techniques are on point. If you're looking to get into shape, or kick some ass this is the place for you! I'm proud to say I trained at evolution. Thanks again to everyone at evolution for working with me! Y'all are amazing.

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

Just joined Unity recently but it has been an awesome experience from the first day I walked in…read more The front desk staff were more than welcoming and helpful with understanding how unity's schedule works and their different memberships despite the crazy amounts of questions that I had. The other members at unity are really open and cool people and I really feel the family atmosphere since everyone is so kind. The instructors have also been top notch. As someone new to BJJ, I was a bit nervous going in because of my inexperience. But the instructors in the foundations and white belt classes have a very thought out and structured curriculum. In the more general classes with other belts, white belts are helped out by instructors and also more experienced members to correct technique. Lisander and Anthony especially have been really helpful with providing me with extra instruction and focus when I needed it on some of my techniques. Other reviews have also said it, but Murilo's ability to remember your name and give you his focus even as a new belt is very admirable given his stature and accomplishments in BJJ. Whatever your reasons are for starting BJJ, unity is hands down the place to come if you are in NYC.

My daughter has been training at Unity for over a year now…read more In brief: Kid Class - There are many BJJ schools near my home, but I chose to travel farther so that my daughter could train at Unity. I visited several BJJ schools across NYC before deciding. - The instructors strike the perfect balance of kindness and toughness, fostering discipline and resilience in the kids. - Unity is one of the rare places worldwide where a kids' class is led by a BJJ world champion (Sebastian Rodriguez). The other instructors are equally amazing and accomplished. Adult Class - It is inspiring to see so many women training, including multiple with black belts. - If I squint my eyes hard enough, I can picture my daughter as a woman training with them. Note: - To be fully transparent, I haven't trained at Unity as an adult myself. My BJJ experience was at a school led by Vitor Shaolin. - I have also trained in Krav Maga for several years, far more than in BJJ. - In my humble opinion, BJJ is the best self defense, especially for kids. Thank you for giving my daughter the incredible opportunity to train at your amazing school.