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Park Slope, NY

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Brooklyn Judo Academy

5.0 (1 review)
Closed • 4:30 pm - 8:30 PM

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2 years ago

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Japan Karate Association of Brooklyn - JKA Brooklyn

Japan Karate Association of Brooklyn

5.0(4 reviews)
0.4 mi•South Slope

It is difficult for me to describe Takahashi Sensei in words. He is a class act -- an absolute…read moremaster and instructor of his craft. He gives all of his students the same level of expertise, attention, and care. He knows what each student needs, and he goads them on -- firmly, persistently, patiently, humorously. He is selfless in his teaching - wholly giving and without ego. Some senseis engender fear and swagger around, but Takahashi Sensei is utterly humble. He engenders loyalty, integrity, and a commitment to the demanding art and beauty of karate. I started training with Takahashi Sensei around 1998 and was heartbroken when we moved away in 2004. Like another reviewer said, this was the thing I missed most about Brooklyn. Later, we moved back to the northeast, and I trained at other dojos within Takahashi Sensei's organization (Shotokan Karate-Do International, or SKDI, founded by Sensei Masataka Mori). Then covid hit, and Takahashi Sensei started to offer zoom classes. I was so happy and started to train with him again online. Today, Sensei continues to offer online classes, which I attend regularly, and I go into Brooklyn as often as I can to train in person. Many high level black belts in this organization visit Takahashi Sensei to get the benefit of his guidance and wisdom. Still no contracts -- just monthly dues and fees if you want to test. The story told by Takahashi Sensei's oldest student , Jon Alpert, is that Sensei came to the U.S. with his wife in the 1970s as artists. Jon's wife somehow got to know Sensei's wife and learned that Sensei had been the captain of his university karate team. In his line of work, Jon was facing challenges from some ruffians, so he asked Sensei to teach him and his colleagues karate. In his typical humble and self-effacing way, Sensei at first refused. But Jon -- in his persuasive and charismatic way -- eventually persuaded Sensei. Sensei gradually took on more students, moved to Brooklyn, and built out the dojo which still stands at the same place today - 565 Fifth Ave in Park Slope. Sensei has developed a strong stable of high level black belt instructors who teach beginner and some intermediate classes, as well as advanced classes when he is away. All the instructors have certifications from the Japan Karate Association, headquartered in Tokyo. There are still students of all ages -- from kids to folks in their 70s. Takahashi Sensei is one-of-a-kind, and his dojo is a gem.

I have trained in karate for over a decade and I have taken classes in a variety of dojo with a…read morevariety of instructors, the majority of which have been very good. Takahashi Sensei is in a class all by himself. He has a way about him that he can be friendly, patient and even hilarious at times while putting you through one heck of a workout that kicks your butt both physically and mentally. The second-highest ranking JKA Shotokan instructor in the country, Takahashi Sensei is a brilliant technician who understands every minute detail to good karate technique. His dojo is probably one of the best values for your money you will find int he area too. For a flat monthly fee, no contract, you get unlimited classes 90% of which are taught by Takahashi Sensei himself, the rest being covered by his senior black belts, who are no slouches themselves, in instances when Sensei is away at a seminar, training camp or tournament. All in all, this is the thing I miss most about Brooklyn!

Qi Tao - Sitting Tai Chi for seniors,

Qi Tao

3.8(6 reviews)
0.1 mi•Park Slope

Love training at Qi Tao. I arrived as a total tai chi newbie, and Sifu Tzyann started me with the…read morefundamentals (posture, the "tai chi walk," breathing), which was fun in itself, and then quickly started me on my first form. Alongside an all-ages group of welcoming students, I was able to learn the 24-move form, the 40, and the beautiful sword form. The forms are like calming, moving meditations I can settle back into whenever I'm feeling tense or anxious. Sifu is caring and attentive - she takes tai chi seriously but not herself, and she loves to crack a joke.

Granted, it's been some time since I've been there, but i recall wanting to find out more about…read morethis school since it was only a few blocks from my home in the Slope (this is when they were at their old location on 7th Avenue.) Sad to say, the phrase "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" rings true. I walked down the stairs hoping for a welcoming greeting and someone who could answer questions. What I recieved was an indifferent stare from a woman who pointed me towards the wall with the class schedule and information, who then went back to whatever she was reading. I walked back up the stairs and tossed the brochure in the trash at the first corner garbage can. For the sake of their other students, hopefully their customer service has improved. Or perhaps they're following the "36 Chambers of Shaolin" style of recruitment, where one has to walk across a barrel bobbing in water to be accepted.

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Qi Tao - Sifu Tzyann leading the Tai Chi at Grand Army Plaza on the World Tai  Chi & Qigong Day. 4/30/2018

Sifu Tzyann leading the Tai Chi at Grand Army Plaza on the World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. 4/30/2018

Qi Tao - Hung Ga Kung Fu Tiny Tigers

Hung Ga Kung Fu Tiny Tigers

Qi Tao - Sifu Tzyann Hsu leading the Tai Chi Workshop at Brooklyn Museum

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Sifu Tzyann Hsu leading the Tai Chi Workshop at Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Wing Tsun - Real instruction from qualified teachers in a safe environment

Brooklyn Wing Tsun

5.0(2 reviews)
0.6 mi•Park Slope

I only took one trial class here, but I got a really good first impression. There were two Shifus…read more(teachers). They taught some basic ideas about self defense which immediately just made sense to me. They taught some really good techniques to block punches, as well as different ways to throw punches and kicks (which are not what I'd naturally do). They had good mats, equipment, and protective gear to practice these techniques on other people (and I think that's important, as I don't believe that just practicing punching thin air is enough to help train yourself for a real fight situation). They also went over basic ways to try to calm situations down and try to avoid fights. It's a fairly small class (less than 15 students, I think) so you get a lot of individual attention. They were very clear and polite. I decided not to sign up for two reasons: 1. The prices were more than I personally could comfortably afford at this time (I don't wish to state the precise price here, myself, if it's not posted on their web site). 2. They have a rule that all students are required to wear masks at all times during practice. And although I respect caution for Covid, I personally feel that I need the freedom to breathe to the fullest whenever I'm exercising. But I otherwise loved this place a lot. I regret that those two above factors kept me from joining.

I am so grateful to have found Brooklyn Wing Tsun. Sifu Ethan is a wonderful teacher who has…read morecreated a challenging and supportive environment. This school is also a part of the City Wing Tsun association which means you have the opportunity to interact with a large community of teachers and students from around the city. If you are thinking about learning a martial art or are just curious about Wing Tsun you should not hesitate to come by.

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Brooklyn Wing Tsun - Know that YOU can fight back!!!

Know that YOU can fight back!!!

Brooklyn Wing Tsun - Real work real fun

Real work real fun

Brooklyn Wing Tsun - Empower yourself through positive expressions of violence

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Empower yourself through positive expressions of violence

Brooklyn Aikikai

Brooklyn Aikikai

5.0(12 reviews)
0.2 mi•Gowanus

When I think of this dojo, the first word that comes to mind is integrity. The art is not watered…read moredown, but is taught in a very traditional manner that elevates all the elements of Aikido- from body arts and weapons, to meditation and chanting. Practicing here is demanding, but your time and effort is not wasted.That being said, there is also much joy here and on many an occasion- when the training is intense- we still keep it in perspective and have good laugh. I've been training here for almost 3 years now and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to do this work with a teacher who is as devoted to both the art and his students as Savoca Sensei. People come from around the world to stay at the dojo and study with him as his reputation for being a masterful teacher is known throughout the Aikido world. If you want to work your mind, body and spirit, this is the place to do it.

I trained here for six months and I can firmly say: this is a special place, and ideal for anyone…read moreserious about learning Aikido. I eventually decided to stop training here because I felt like I never found myself clicking with the ways of Aikido itself (it is a very unique martial art. Every person is different, not everything is for everyone, and Aikido did not seem to be for me), therefore I wanted to do trials with different martial arts and find one that I connect with better. But that doesn't mean that I didn't recognize what a special place this is, and recognize how many other students truly had their lives enriched here. The fee is on a sliding scale (and I can't find any other martial art school that does that). For $50 a month, I was literally allowed to take two or three classes a day (if I had the time). Can't beat that. This place is very formal in practicing Japanese customs. The Sensei here, Ryugan Savoca, has been to Japan many times, and brought some of what he learned there back to this space in Brooklyn. It is decorated to make a beautiful setting. As soon as you start your first lesson, you truly feel yourself meeting another culture. Additionally, Sensei is constantly running events outside class time (dinners, trips, etc) to bring the students together as a community. He also frequently has guest Senseis from other dojos visiting New York doing lectures here about how they practice Aikido. During training, if Sensei sees you doing something wrong, he will immediately tell you in a firm way without embarrassing you. He is wise, observant, and patient. The classes here are mixed with both newer students and senior students (you can recognize the difference as seniors are given a robe to wear over their gi). If you're a new student having a hard time learning, Sensei will assign a senior student to instruct you one-on-one. All senior students were polite, clear and patient with me. I should warn: if you're expecting Aikido practice to be a light workout, then you're in for a surprise here. By the end of every lesson, I was literally dripping with sweat. Within two weeks of training here, people in my every day life were suddenly saying "Hey, you look like you're getting in better shape" without even knowing that I started Aikido. On a side note, I'll also mention that I have a neighbor who sends his son to the kid classes here, and his son loves it. He mentions how good the kids' instructor, Kate, is with children. It appears to me that Aikido is completely unlike any other martial art that I can find. It doesn't seem to work for everyone, but it works phenomenally for others. If you want to try it, then I can't recommend this place enough.

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Brooklyn Aikikai
Brooklyn Aikikai
Brooklyn Aikikai - Front awning of the dojo

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Front awning of the dojo

Greys Gym

Greys Gym

4.4(14 reviews)
1.6 mi•Clinton Hill

I've been training at Grey's for almost 5 months and its been great! I go consistently twice a week…read moreand have definitely started to see improvement in terms of muscle development, strength and weight-loss. At the moment I am only doing 30 min sessions and although they are quick, they are fast-paced and effective (i.e. I now have a butt!) Like a few other commenters, I supplement my training with other activities like walking/running, etc. I could probably benefit from class pass or something else, but at the moment my schedule is only really suited for a twice a week thing. That being said, if you're like me and can only do this training as your means of working out, you WILL still see great improvements. I also do love the solo sessions verse being around other people who are watching you sweat and grunt in weird positions...unless you're into that.

I feel lucky to have found Greys Gym for a few reasons: 1) It's small and the one-on-one training…read moreis personable, effective and avoids the chaos of a big chain gym like Crunch. 2) As an over-50 guy, I need a training program that will challenge me, but not risk injury and the trainer I work with, Serge, is very sensitive to that. 3) It's in Clinton Hill, really close to my house in Fort Greene, and being able to walk down leafy residential streets a couple blocks to get to the gym and then stop in for a neighborhood coffee on the way home beats dealing with subways or traffic-clogged streets.

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Greys Gym
Greys Gym
Greys Gym

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Brooklyn Judo Academy - martialarts - Updated October 2026

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