I treated myself to BJJ classes at Clockwork for my 40th birthday. That was almost 10 years ago…read more Since then, for work travel, I've visited academies from France to Costa Rica, and multiple US cities. Clockwork holds up as an awesome community that runs the gamut of skill levels. The glue that holds it together is the VERY skilled, articulate, and genuine group of instructors, up to and including the owner Josh.

I visited a few times while I was in town and I really really loved this gym! Josh, the gym owner,…read morewas very communicative and once I got to the gym I was to ask for Ray, he was super nice and all the students were really welcoming, reminded me of home! The women's locker room is bare bones but very neat and clean, just bring whatever you will need if you want to shower etc. I don't go out to NY often but next time I'm there I will most definitely drop in for a few classes!

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.

There is no gym in the world that I know of where I'd rather train year-round than Five Points…read moreAcademy, and I've trained at some of the very best--on both coasts and recently in Thailand. The staff is friendly and professional. Our instructors are all outstanding. Many of them are professional fighters. Two of our Muay Thai coaches are Ajarns, and for 6 months out of the year maybe the gym employs one or more Thai champions as trainers-in-residence. The vibe here is friendly and warm mostly but businesslike. People come here to train and we don't mess around. When I started here I had to settle in and adjust and earn respect like anyone does at any gym where everyone knows everyone. Now that I've been here over a year, and fought twice, Five Points Academy has embraced me with open arms. And I'm grateful for that because the gym is filled with extraordinary, brilliant, talented, kind, and insightful athletes and fighters. Give us a try. And please introduce yourselves. I'm the nicest guy around.

Workshop NYC is not only a place where one trains, but it is also a place some people call home…read more Everyone is respectful no matter what level they are at. All the coaches are patient, friendly, and will always put emphasis on the fundamentals to ensure that you improve from where you started. From day one, the instructors will have your name memorized and will focus their attention on your form and technique while critiquing you along the way. It may be scary as a beginner, but don't worry! The fundamentals class will teach you everything from step 1. Scared of commitment? They offer a one week free trial for Muay Thai and Jiujitsu which many places don't do, so take advantage! Workshop NYC also offers a class with kettlebells!!

Workshop NYC is legit. Jin and Gianna are awesome. This wasn't my very first class, but it was my…read morefirst real focused, consecutive, introduction into Ju Jitsu and Muay Thai, and they made me feel right at home in the community that they've built in the gym. The environment has a nice blend of friendly, though, balanced with a 'I'll kick your ass' when you need it vibe (in a good way); which is something I look for in any sport or gym I involve myself with. They'll push you to do your best, but, at the same time, they are actually good people. Gianna is a great communicator when it comes to Muay Thai. Her explanations are very clear, and is great at building on the foundation or style you may have worked on in the past (ie: if you're more of a boxer, etc). But, also she is great at teaching you the style that she champions and focuses on herself. Jin teaches BJJ in a well thought out cycle-system, and it feels cohesive whether you're dropping into a gi or no-gi class. He is specifically receptive to partnering you with someone who is at your skill-level, weight class, or... perhaps above your skill level, if you need an extra kick; which is always appreciated. There is a certain respect for the art in the class that got me hooked; and Jin is a big part in instilling that. Will most certainly pick-up right where I left off, every time I'm in New York.

Super clean gym with high level jiu jitsu being taught by very welcoming coaches in an even more…read morewelcoming atmosphere. they also have showers.

After visiting countless gyms in NYC and doing free trials everywhere to find the right spot, it…read morewas an absolute no brainer to settle at Studio X with Fabio, Zata, and all the other great instructors. First off, the gym is very clean and well kept. There's access to weights/lifting equipment if you want to warm up or even workout separately. The changing rooms are clean and private. I've been training here for 6+ months and should've left a review a while ago. This gym finds a great mix between pushing yourself past your limits to grow while still building friendships and community. Zata is the main No Gi instructor and has built a phenomenal curriculum. Each class is full of drills and technique that work well for all levels and have made me such a better grappler. Zata also teaches at a fast pace, which while sometimes is difficult, is extremely necessary for becoming comfortable with live training. Zata also welcomes everyone like family and in a sport where it can be frustrating, intimidating, and uncomfortable, he's exactly who you want in your corner. I would hands down recommend this place to absolutely everyone and anyone who is interested in martial arts, self defense, and exercise. Anytime I'm in NYC, you know I'll be here.

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.

By far the best school I've been to. As a young woman in martial arts, this is the only school in…read moreNYC I can call home. The school ranges between people who just want to learn how to defend themselves while being active, and professional athletes competing and learning from one of the best. The school specializes in Muay Thai, Jiu jitsu and JKD/Kali so it's a very well rounded school for anyone interested in various styles. Plus it's a comfortable and clean facility.

I felt the class was very disorganized. It's definitely not good for beginners. People weren't…read morefriendly and were very cliquish. It was very uncomfortable. The coach did not help with my form. The facilities could be cleaner. This place charges more than other more established gyms that have produced great fighters. Looking at the website it looks like John is the only professional fighter. I don't recommend.

Culture here is great, i highly recommend taking an intro class. The instructors are very…read moreknowledgeable and detail oriented, folks are super friendly and overall good experience if you want to be active & learn.

The muay thai trainer was phenomenol, knowledgeable, corrective, she helped my form a lot. The…read moreclass was well structured for exhaustion

I have an unhealthy obsession with combat sports, but have never trained a day in my life because…read moreI'm really shy and don't want to get punched in the head for a hobby. Well that's not true, I took one jiu jitsu class a few years ago and it was the most unwelcoming environment I have ever been in, but that's a story for another day. My boss, who is actually the homie, started doing Muay Thai at Church Street Boxing recently and told me to tag along for a class as I'm always shadow boxing and talking MMA with her in the office lol. I did a free trial intro level Muay Thai class at 7am, and got there about 5 minutes before to check in and get gloves. I was instructed that the Muay Thai room is in the back. I walked through the main boxing gym floor to the men's locker room, and I swear this place feels like it's out of a Rocky movie. It's a grungy, no frills gym with loads of character. This is not a "boxercise" class or a cardio kickboxing gym. If you want to look all cute in your boxing wraps and gloves, this isn't the place. This is a fighters gym. I was told that almost all of the coaches are active or former fighters. It would be the perfect setting to film a boxing movie in lol. I set my stuff down and nervously walked to the Muay Thai room in the back. I saw my boss and about 7 others warming up as the teacher, Lauren, came and introduced herself and was super welcoming. We started with 5-10 minutes of jump rope which I LOVED, I can jump rope all mf day. It's actually my party trick, I know my way around a jump rope I swear to god. After the warm up we started shadow boxing in the mirror and I immediately reverted to my prime Conor Mcgregor/Lyoto Machida karate stance that I have been doing for YEARS as my shower is warming up ahahahaa. Light on my feet bouncing back and forth, arms out wide, settle and play baby. My shampoo bottles have seen me win so many world titles. Lauren came over and helped me individually, teaching me a proper Muay Thai stance and basic punch and kick fundamentals. In contrast to my jiu jitsu experience all those years ago, she was extremely cognisant of it being my first ever class and it was much appreciated. She walked the fine line of being helpful without alienating me in front of the rest of the class lol. We then paired up, one person holding pads and the other throwing combos that Lauren had just taught us. I felt like Rodtang or Charles Oliviera hitting clean combos on those pads. It was so much fun. My boss was lowkey BLASTING me with kicks though ahahaha she has some power on those. I couldn't imagine taking a head kick. It's honestly like a baseball bat coming at you. One thing I didn't take into consideration was the class is barefoot and I have severe hyperhidrosis of the feet -- I'm sorry I know it's nasty, but it's me. I was essentially trying to throw kicks on a slip n slide due to my sweaty feet, as I just couldn't get a clean base. I'm really shy (sad face) so I felt terrible to be sweating like that on the mats haha. But, in contrast to some of these other reviews, they cleaned the mats thoroughly right after the class wrapped up. After class in the men's locker room, there was a super nice older gentleman who was talking my ear off about the sport, tips and tricks, how long he'd been doing it, etc. After saying goodbye and asking his name he said "They call me Action Jackson, but you can just call me Action" ... I thought I was being punked ahahaha I really felt like I was in a Rocky movie after that exchange. All in all, I would 100% be a regular here if it weren't for hyperhidrosis... hyperhidrosis stays dubbing me smh. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

I love learning jiujitsu with Sensei Chris Reymann. His attention to detail and technicalities are…read morea game changer! He makes sure that everyone understands not only how to do something but why. I love his teaching style and the community he has created.

I signed up for Grapple Box, East Side Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the experience has been nothing…read moreshort of rewarding. Chris is a talented instructor who takes pride in his craft and it shows in his teaching style. I'm in way better shape now than when I first started, thanks to Chris, and my skills, while still only novice-level, have progressed greatly.

Thieves! Took my money, then told me to pay more after I paid for a class nor did he return the…read moremoney. Would never go back or recommend.

My eight year old daughter attends the Red Tiger location at 1193 Dean Street BK NYC. The Sensei is…read moreSensei Gordon. I am very pleased with the class structure.The class starts promptly and is run professionally. Sensei is very stern yet charismatic and humorous when appropriate. Some of the experienced students assist the white belts which allow all participants to practice concurrently- yet at their own pace. I'm still amazed at how affordable the classes are. I'm not sure how they stay open, but Im grateful they exist.