I love this place! I've been coming to Gotham Martial Arts for Practical Wing Chun Kung Fu for almost two years, and I have to say the atmosphere here is like a second home to me. The instructors here are amazing! Sifu Kwok has an attentiveness to detail that seems rare in today's distracted world, and his dedication to the success of his students, paired with a very organized and structured curriculum, creates an atmosphere conducive to optimized learning. As his standards are high, it naturally follows that everyone teaching at the school is very knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and fantastic at imparting their knowledge. The school truly embodies its mottos, "Improvement of Mind and Body", "Ethical Self-Conduct", and "Unity Among Members" which are printed across the top beams of the dojo where people entering can easily read them. It is emphasized that one should focus on improving his/her mind first, followed by the body, because the mind controls the body, and people should use their heads when practicing self-defense. This flows into conducting oneself ethically, and learning what amount of force is necessary to mitigate a potential threat (learning that, perhaps, it isn't necessary to break this person's arm and blind him/her, maybe I can just put my arms up non-threateningly and say "Hey, [wo]man, I mean you no harm", "Sorry! [Didn't mean to bump you]!", or even, "Get away from me!"--LOUDLY). Ethical self-conduct also falls right in line with Unity Among Members in that there is a strong emphasis within the school that the fellow students are your training partners: treat them with respect. This applies both inside and outside the classroom. The classes are mixed-levels, and everyone is encouraged to work with one another, no matter what his/her levels. This allows for many opportunities to both teach and learn in each class. As for the physical setting, GMA has a nice front lobby for checking in/ collecting your attendance card, clean facilities for the changing rooms (one room for male, one for female). The dojo itself has nice padded floors, as well as the walls with many mirrors on 2 sides to check your stances-- all of which allow for a very helpful learning environment! All in all, I highly recommend this place! read more

I have been learning Practical Wing Chun under Sifu William Kwok for two and a half years. The school has a very strict and structured curriculum. I came to Gotham Martial Arts without any formal training or practicing martial arts but progressed so much ever since. All the instructors here are amazing! Master Kwok is a natural instructor who dedicates his life to teaching martial arts and promoting its culture. His commitment to ALL students' successful trainings is unparalleled. Learning Practical Wing Chun also had a profound impact on my personal growth. Gotham Martial Arts is the go-to place if you are looking to learn martial arts. read more

Gotham Martial Arts is a friendly environment that provides Taekwondo for all levels. The facility is clean and the staff is very friendly. The instructors are enthusiastic and are always willing to take the extra step to help students grasp concepts being taught and they will work with you to ensure you have a great experience. My 10 year old son, Blake has been rising through the ranks since the age of 7 and he really loves the instructors and has a great time in class! He's a giant ball of energy, and Headmaster Kwok along with all the instructors are so kind and encouraging! They have really helped him focus and channel his energy in a healthy and positive way. It is a great place to develop physical and mental discipline. My son's confidence has grown tremendously as a result of Gotham Martial Arts! We highly recommend it read more

Gotham Martial Arts - Blake promoted to blue belt with red stripe - Martial Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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This is an amazing martial arts school and Practical Wing Chun is such an amazing martial arts. It teaches you to generate power through relaxation, good structure, and sensitivity. What is more amazing than the martial arts are the people at the school. My teacher, William Kwok, has become like family for me. He really cares about his students and he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is also an amazing martial artist. I have also met so many friends at this martial arts school. I often travel 2 hours each way to train at the school. If you are interested in learning an amazing martial arts and meeting some amazing people, you should give this school a try! read more

Was in NYC for just 11 weeks, so it was pretty weird to start any kind of MA training. However, I am so glad I did. Even with all the things to do in NYC, coming to taekwondo class was one of the highlights of my summer. I met many beautiful people--the more experienced students were more than happy to help and teach me, and often went out of their way to do so. The instructors were also amazing. Instructor Kwok and Master Kwok push their students but also gave me room to have fun and enjoy myself. I would highly recommend coming in for at least a trial if not regular classes, even if for just a little while! The experience definitely imprints on you longer and is more fulfilling than a visit to the NYC rooftop bar or expensive restaurant! read more

Gotham Martial Arts is the PLACE to get your martial arts education in NYC. I love the instructor - Dawn-Marie Sardinas. Down to earth, fun to hang with. You gotta check it out. I've known Dawn-Marie Sardinas for just about a year and highly recommend their service. read more

I came to this school while searching for a school/instructor to begin practicing martial arts with and also to eventually bring my children to. I immediately felt comfortable with the master and the instructors here and after a free intro and a few visits I signed up. It was one of the best choices I have ever made. The instructors are patient yet know how to push you just right so as to challenge you but not discourage you. The workouts are great and the school is very focused on improving your mind in addition to your body (something that I found was missing at other schools i visited). As far as the kids program it is really amazing. My son will be old enough to participate soon but having watched many kids classes I can honestly say this is the best school for all parents in the area. You can literally watch your child's behavior change before your eyes. The children become more focused and disciplined and the instructors make performance in school just as important as physical performance. The children bring in their report cards and are rewarded for good grades in addition to athletic ability. It is a great program. read more

As a student and parent of 3 kids who have studied at GMA in the TKD program and with Master Kwok for over 5 years, I can sincerely say that we love the school. My kids and I started around the same time and all as white belts (my two younger kids started in the Little Lions program and moved up to the Juniors when they turned 6). My husband went to a few TKD schools (in Queens and Manhattan) before settling on GMA. The reason we picked GMA is really because of the Masters and the instructors. While dojang cleanliness and maintenance/general upkeep are important, without great instructors the dojang is nothing. Master Kwok understands the values that we try to instill in our children and has those same values himself. The school motto and rules are clearly displayed and really taken to heart by everyone involved. Master Kwok upholds the traditions of martial arts and promotes hard work and discipline while at the same time making it fun for the younger children. The instructor/instructors-in-training at GMA all received their black belts from Master Kwok and continue to study under him. Recently, GMA had the honor of adding a part-time instructor to the program, a Master instructor who studied in S Korea. This brings a whole new perspective to the TKD program which I really enjoy. My husband and I feel that GMA, Master Kwok and all the instructors are an extension of our family. In recent months, our two older children have signed up for the Wing Chun juniors program in addition to maintaining their TKD training. Our children have literally grown up at the dojang and will one day earn their junior black belts as students of Master Kwok. read more

Our son has been taking the Lion's class for a fair amount of time now. We enjoy the open schedule for the classes (we cannot make certain weekdays, mix around times, etc) and the learning for the kids is ABSOLUTELY needed. Master Dawn and her staff do a great job running the class and provide much needed discipline and instruction to the toddlers. The dojo is very clean and simple. Fellow students are nice and the kids have a good time learning about self-respect, positive thinking, and growing confidence. Keep in mind that the instructors place a premium on discipline and taking instructions. This is not an environment for too much coddling or nurturing but this is why we wanted Tae Kwon Do in the first place. read more

I must say that going to Gotham Martial Arts is always a highly valuable and fulfilling experience. Sifu William Kwok not only provides a solid foundation through pragmatic teaching, but he also teaches his students to understand and apply all the theory behind the various moves that compose the forms to learn. In short, it makes sense and it feels right. Whether you're looking for physical wellness, self defense, or working out, you'll find and enjoy a great community here with a genuine martial arts culture and atmosphere--almost like traveling to Honk Kong--with a true lineage from Grandmaster Ip Man. A real little gem. read more

I've only been taking classes there for a couple of weeks now, but before choosing Gotham I had looked at one other place by taking one trial class, and the difference was unbelievable. Gotham is clean, spacious and well-equipped. The women's locker room has a clean bathroom and shower. The do-jang itself has bags, pads and a myriad of equipment that is readily used by all students. When you sign up, you're given a list of the do-jang rules, as well as different literature with helpful information on everything from how to tie your belt to most commonly used Korean phrases. Just the fact that they do this makes you feel immediately like you're a part of something larger than yourself. All of the instructors, including Dawn-Marie Sardiñas, exhibit the utmost professionalism, but are also incredibly outgoing and friendly as well. They clearly take their business seriously, but it's also clearly NOT just a business to them as they are always helpful and do not berate you when you do not understand something. They make it known that it is a school and that you are there to learn so it is an incredibly disciplined environment, but they encourage questions and tirelessly walk you through things. As a white belt, I am incredibly appreciative of their patience and due-diligence in devotion to teaching you proper technique. The other school I looked at and took one trial class was essentially a belt factory, where clearly you paid for your belt as they just kept handing out belts as long as you paid. There were high level belts at the other place who could not even land a roundhouse kick. The locker room there was a closet, and the instructors were reminiscent of the bad guys in the Karate Kid as they would physically push out your feet if they didn't feel you were stretching far enough. They didn't give you any guidance as to how to learn to speak the necessary Korean words, and they didn't take the time to show you how to do something correctly, only stating that you were doing it incorrectly. As an adult student, I don't need to be berated or made to feel stupid. I'm not looking to be handled with kid gloves (this is martial arts after all), but I do expect to be treated with a modicum of respect. Which is why I absolutely loved Gotham from the moment I emailed to even inquire about classes. Master Sardiñas was always friendly and helpful, and didn't seem to mind answering my anal-retentive level of questions. I also love the fact that if you have zero experience before starting, they're willing to work one on one with you until they feel you're ready to join a class. This works for two reasons: 1. No one wants to feel embarrassed in front of strangers and 2. The more seasoned students don't want to have to have a class that is slower because there's someone with no experience present. Both Master Kwok and Master Sardiñas clearly put a lot of thought into the way the school is run. The other students are also incredibly friendly and helpful. I've needed help learning to tie my belt (I don't follow diagrams well) several times, and each time, the higher belt student I've asked, is incredibly patient in showing me. There's a ton of one on one interaction with other students during each class and so it's imperative that people be friendly and helpful. Plus, there are so many students who have been there for many years, which I think says a lot. If a school can retain so many students for a long time, then obviously the school is doing something right. The bottom line is that if you want a phenomenal education in one of the toughest sports there is taught by instructors who respect you and want to see you succeed in a clean, well-kept and spacious environment, then you should seriously look into Gotham. Otherwise, there's always the place up the street where you can buy your belt and never learn how to do a proper roundhouse kick and be berated, but never taught. read more

I took the Practical Wing Chun and while I did enjoy the classes, I notice that Sifu Kwok didn't really teach the classes, he left it up to his students and when the school closes for Holidays there are no make up classes. I had to end my membership with them because I couldn't afford any longer and I had to pay $100 cancellation fee. Is really $150 but Sifu reduce it to $100 - how kind... And if you're thinking of taking a trial class - is $20 while other martial art places offer for free. Monthly charge of $159 and you have to sign a contract. This is not on the website Plus you have to pay for a Wing Chun passport. Something I never received. So in the end, while the people there are nice is the business side I came to loathe about it. read more

I took a practical Wing Chun trial class here and it was a great experience. The instructors really spent a lot of time helping you position yourself correctly and understand what Wing Chun is all about. The instructor was funny and entertaining and really drilled in the principles into your training. They even gave my friend a free kick/strike class to do after our trial class which was super challenging and fun. Great workout combining those two classes. I am not yet sure if WIng Chun is for me, but I recommend this school if you so decide to practice it. read more

I've been training in the TKD program for almost 2 years now at Gotham and I haven't looked back. I've always been curious about martial arts and as a performer, wanted something useful, a skill that could help translate to my performing arts. I picked Taekwon Do because of the style and principle. And this is the best school out there for TKD. (ITF form with WTF style sparring - best of both!) The instructors are attentive, informative and I've received valuable advice from each instructor there. You will receive individualized attention here. As a result, my form just keeps getting better and better. Master Kwok teaches with a solid, traditional approach that is imperative in martial arts training. There are classes available 7 days a week, so it's easy to work around school and work schedules. There's also an amazing children's program from 3 years and up. I feel more fit, confident, I've lost weight (always a plus!) I love this school and I look forward to earning my black belt with them! read more

The best Taekwon-do for kids around! Our daughter has been taking classes here for several years and loves the program. The instructors make it fun while maintaining the discipline and respect for the art. The dojo is clean and the team very responsive to any questions. GTKD also participates in championships at other schools so the students get exposure to other program around the TriState area. So glad we joined! Highly recommend! read more

Practicing Wing Chun at Gotham Martial Arts has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Master Kwok is an attentive instructor with an eye for detail whose teachings are not limited to combat. I've become a more focused, goal oriented individual under his tutelage. Joining the school has been a positive experience and I've lost more than 50 lbs participating in class for the last two years. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a practical system for self defense. read more

I have studied Practical Wing Chun under Sifu KWOK for a year and a half. He is a natural instructor with a long background in martial arts, and his passion for martial arts shows in his instruction. He takes a personal interest in the improvement of his students and is constantly aiming to improve the curriculum which keeps the classes fresh, even for senior students who have been there longer than most. He and Master Sardinas create a comfortable and friendly environment for learning, and encourage this attitude in their students. The school is clean and inviting, and is a very short walk from the 59th/Lex or 61st/Lex train stations. Gotham has students from a wide variety of martial arts backgrounds, from decades of kung fu to those who have never practiced anything prior. It is a great place for any previous level of practice. If you're looking for practice in a martial art with knowledgeable and helpful instructors, you should go and check out Gotham. read more

Before joining GMA center, I have been attending different martial arts schools in NYC. At GMA I have started as a teakwondo student and out of curiosity took few classes of practical wing chun. Since then I have been doing both. It has been one of the best choices I have ever made. School, instructors and Master Kwok, beside sharing high expertise in martial arts, created the environment of belonging and sharing, making every member a part of GMA family. If you are looking for a place where you can learn the best martial arts techniques and have a good time, you don't need to look further. I highly recommend GMA. read more