I have been a runner and yogi for many years and was looking for a new form of exercise that would…read morehelp me get strong and double as a hobby. I saw the deal for two trial classes and with a free gi (white top, pants and belt) thrown I was sold. I was a little nervous since I didn't know what to except. I loved it. 1) At first I didn't like that there were so many people there, but we broke up win to small groups which was perfect 2) I felt like I could keep up with the moves we were learning and had opportunities to practice with a partner 3) You get thrown into rolling where you practice the technique learned during the class. 4) The instructors and friendly and knowledgeable I'm looking forward to my next class and I am keeping my fingers crossed the cost for classes after the trail are affordable

I have been training with Shaolin for 3 years. I was one of the first students when he came here,…read moreand I am very happy with things. I feel like I got much better, primarily because Shaolin and Loro and other visiting blackbelts are there so often (Shaolin teaches every class and when Loro is not training for pro mma he is there all the time as well). The prices are also very competitive for NYC. I believe they are the cheapest considering the extremely high level of quality.

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.

Wish I could give this place and Chris Moran more than 5 Stars…read more I've trained in many different marital arts in the past and was looking for a place to continue my training when I moved up to NYC. I joined JKD and was immediately hooked. Their approach to self-defense is always practical and Chris seems to always be thinking "does this really work", which was extremely important to me. I didn't want to join a gym that only does forms and light drills as this typically does not apply to real world scenarios. In NYC, even if you are the type of person to never pick a fight, you should be prepared for anything to happen and it is important to be capable of defending yourself. JKD NYC will teach you just that. I feel it is a welcoming place for all ages and has a strong sense of community. Chris truly believes in what he is teaching and will personally dedicate time to every individual student who is dedicated to learning and willing to put the time in. Chris as well as his Senior Instructors are extremely nice and patient, but will always push you to better yourself both in and outside of the gym. I've moved away from NYC and JKD, but will always carry a piece of it with me and appreciate everything Chris has done for me.

Chris may be skilled in martial arts, but he is very unprofessional. Some of his students come…read moreacross as egotistical and unwelcoming, creating an environment that feels closed off to anyone outside his inner circle. After taking my money, I scheduled a class and, after being notified to attend, I arrived only to be told there was no space for me. During training, I was paired with an overly aggressive partner who kept insisting that I was angry, when in reality I was simply eager to train. I ended up limping afterward, and instead of offering support, Chris embarrassed me in front of the entire class.

NYCS is run by American Sambo Association President Stephen Koepfer. For full disclosure, I…read moreconsider Steve ("Sambo Steve") a friend of mine but I think anybody who has trained under him would probably say the same thing. I've been training martial arts almost my whole life, definitely my whole adult life, and I've got strong opinions on what makes a good school. This is a great school. The people there are respectful, controlled, experienced, friendly, and enthusiastic. Nobody drags ass and nobody makes problems (no attitudes allowed). That's good because the classes are serious - they play rough at NYCS and the training is very very rigorous. The instruction, between Steve and his coaches, is top-shelf. Technique is the focus but getting the job done is priority #1, and that style translates into creative Sambo and just good fighting results. They drill techniques from new to exhaustion so your muscles learn to take care of business without your brain's help. Students there are allowed to learn at their own pace - they're very patient and they understand that many people have little to no experience with the types of movement Sambo requires. With that said, no one is allowed to slack, and that's where you really get what you pay for. I've trained at other schools with excellent instruction but in almost all of them, if you want to hang back, go 80%, take it easy, they figure that's your prerogative, and they focus most of their attention, instruction, etc., on the students who bring their own will to train. Not so at NYCS. Steve will make sure you leave it all on the mats.

I wish I could comment on the gym, but I have only trained with Steve Koepfer and some of his guys…read moreoutside of NYCS. (I hope to remedy that next year) I have had the pleasure of training with Steve, both at Spartak in Ukraine, and in the US. He is a TOP notch instructor, and an amazing guy. His passion for the sport, is second only to his ability to teach Sambo. His approach to teaching will leave you wanting to come back and learn. (And it does not hurt that his technique is SPOT ON!) Where ever you are, if there is a Sambo Steve Seminar going on, or if you are lucky enough to be within traveling distance to NYCS, take the opportunity to train with Steve and his guys. No matter your style or system, he will make you better!

Sorry to see them go but my time there doing the women's empowerment classes were great! Learned a…read morelot and met a lot of good people.

I took a few of the women's self defense classes here and was very impressed with the curriculum as…read morewell as Christian, the head instructor, who was very kind and gave thorough feedback. My only note is that Lara (?), the co-instructor, was a bit obvious about eavesdropping and it led to a really tense atmosphere among the students, some of whom were oddly careful about what they said but relaxed once they were in the elevator, out of earshot. Not a knock on the school itself but perhaps just a reminder to stay professional, as the instructors set the tone for the students!

I've been learning Wing Chun (WingTsun) for almost a year... in California. However, on a recent…read moretrip to NY, I decided to drop by and see how another WT/WC school would compare. City Wing Tsun was highly recommended by my current Sifu (teacher) and he was completely spot on. While the founder (Sifu Alex Richter) teaches a smaller, more advanced group, I was able to drop in for a class led by Sifu Craig. He was very knowledgeable in the application of wing tsun techniques. The class was large but separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups so that you're able to go at the right pace and speed. The class lasted roughly 1.5hours and incorporated sets (forms), skills learning/training and cardio/conditioning. I came hungry to learn and left drenched in sweat and very satisfied. The students here are all very dedicated and committed to WT. If I could afford to live in NYC, I would definitely go to this school. They also have a conditioning class which I saw but did not participate in, during this trip. I believe the school is open 5 days a week but not sure what time they have classes. You'll just have to call and find out! All in all, everyone, from the instructors to the classmates were very welcoming and friendly and I can't wait for my next NYC visit to stop by again!

Sifu Craig is a very good teacher even to neophytes like myself. Even though it was a trial class I…read moreattended, Craig ensured I had the best experience and helped with form and technique. I am intending to follow up once my shoulder gets better with privates with with Sifu Craig or Sifu Alex.

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

this isnt the school to learn tai chi in a month this is the…read moreschool to celebrate the gift of tai chi and other various internal energy programs. Ive been learning for almost 2 years and the strength/ balance and mental clarity has helped me in almost evert aspect of my life ive been playing softball for 10 years+ and after a year of tai chi and Nei kung i can regularly hit the ball over outfielders heads

After 8 years of karate and 8 years of salsa dancing (On 2) I'm studying Tai Chi at CK Chu Tai Chi…read more I don't know why, but my health is better and my head seems clearer. All great teachers with patience, good form and communication . . . the real deal!

The place to learn Karate and Japanese philosophy. The owner Shihan Katsuhiko Gorai and Shihan…read moreElizabeth Gorai helped me to improve my skills of my martial arts and prepare for the World Tournament. It is honor to be a student and learned a lots of experience from this school and great teachers. When you all in the New York and looking forward to learn martial arts, please this join this school because you will enjoy and learn many things from this awesome school. Thank you all the Kyokushin Katate New York Team!

Came here as I am also a Kyokushin practitioner, they never answered any of my phone calls, emails,…read morenor requests from their website. I've even went to their dojo after work and I waited until their entire training session was over. There was no instructor or anything to talk to regarding to sign up or even learn more about the class. It was quite appalling with the lack of professionalism, I had hope that I would be able to talk with someone regarding classes, fees, and schedules but nothing. Their website info is also outdated too.

Currently I'm looking around for a new gym while I recover from my chest injury. From the time that…read moreinquired to the time I came to do the free trial and leave , the overall experience was just wonderful. The professor (Jefferson) was very attentive, supportive and he let me join the regular group instead of setting me aside and making me feel like i was "others" lol. I know that's a weird description but other places I tried made me feel like I was not capable of participating in the warm ups or basic stuff. With this gym I was happy I was even able to learn a new technique I don't remember learning yet from my old classes. I'm seriously considering joining them once I fully recover . I also love the transparency in terms of rates. Such a great experience . Thank you!

Sintonia Jiu-Jitsu Academy is fantastic. The staff is exceptional, and Jeff, the professor, is…read moretalented, knowledgeable, and professional. As a women, I believe this is the perfect Jiu-Jitsu academy to learn self-defense while also getting fit and achieving balance for your mind and body.