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.

Great environment. Instruction was solid, with a superb workout! What a fun class. Can hardly wait…read morefor more!

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

Before writing my review - I took the time to read other reviews that are posted for inspiration…read moreand talking points (both negative and positive). I started at Evolution in the Fall of 2013 with the intentions of joining the fight team. By the Summer of 2014, I had my first fight with Evolution and won unanimous. Prior to becoming a member at Evolution I had a strong background in Karate & Boxing. However, there were a lot of holes in my game that Brandon quickly fixed. He is excellent at translating information, correcting form, providing motivation, and creating a platform for individuals to grow. Not only did I win my first fight under Brandon, but by 2016 I achieved 5 championship belts and a Gold Medal for Team USA. From originally having an awkward style to becoming proficient in Muay Thai - I would say Evolution is an outstanding place to train. Whether you are training to fight, become fit, build confidence, or learn the techniques - YOU will get all of that accomplished here. The amount of work you invest in your training will reflect. I don't have anything negative to say about this gym, but a response to the reviews that are not 5 stars: 1. If it is your FIRST TIME visiting, arrive on time. 2. The gym is usually HOT when it's crowded. As a person who occasionally travels to Thailand for extensive training - I prefer training in warm facilities to prevent injuries and sweat out sodium. 3. Brandon is comical, but just like any trainer - he knows when to be serious. Training is already tough and can be intimidating to newcomers, so it's important to remember to have fun.

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!

Great training! Excellent instructors! Clean facility. Perfect location. A great group of training…read morepartners. Check it out!

Review for Ronin Athletics - Gracie Jiu-Jitsu School in NYC…read more I've heard so much about Jiu-Jitsu from various podcasts as one of the most effective martial arts. It piqued my curiosity, but I was specifically looking for something that focused on self-defense. That's when I discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and it led me to Ronin Athletics in Manhattan. What surprised me was learning that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but prioritizes self-defense rather than the more sport-oriented styles that are widely popular. It's truly a system of self-defense--covering not just grappling but also standing striking defense, which I never realized was part of the practice. Ronin Athletics is the only school I've found in New York City offering authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training directly associated with Rener and Ryron Gracie, sons of UFC founder Rorion Gracie. Their connection to the Gracie brothers ensures the instruction here remains true to the original self-defense philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu. What sets this gym apart is its organized and structured curriculum. Every class is thoughtfully designed, making it easy for beginners to follow while also offering depth for those who want to advance. The collaborative and supportive environment makes it feel incredibly safe to train, especially since they emphasize learning over competition. If you're looking for a self-defense system that's practical, effective, well organized, Ronin Athletics is the place to go. Highly recommend it for anyone in NYC seeking authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!

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.

Completely agree with Steven Ts review. Spin it how you will - this is a business first - and a…read moreclub second. Ive been practicing martial arts for 10 years and ive learned that if it quacks like a duck, dont bother. They have some really good passionate instructors such as Craig but be prepared to get heavily sold.

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

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!

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

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.

Practice of KYOKUSHIN KARATE goes beyond just training. It is the practice of Budo Karate This…read morestyle incorporates Okinawan Shuri-te traditions (such as Shorin-Ryu & Shotokan) as well as characteristics of Naha-te (HARD) & Tomari-te (SOFT) styles, such as Goju-Ryu, and also includes realistic fighting. Kyokushin karate has its origins in Bodhidharma (Daruma in Japanese), an Indian prince and Buddhist priest who traveled to the Shaolin temple in China in the early sixth century. It's one of the hardest sub-styles of Karate where "sparring" involves full-contact (kumite), and no sparring gear is allowed. The only protection you can use is a mouthguard and groin-guard during tournaments while headgear and gloves are not worn. Original Korean founder born Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, trained in Chinese Kenpo, and the "Eighteen Hands form" at a young age until Oyama pilot curriculum in Japan in 1938 failed an aviation school to pursue his fighting career practicing Judo & boxing that sparked his interest in martial arts to Gichin Funakoshi's dojo, learning the Okinawa Karate upon reaching level rank of 4th Dan, he was only 20 years old which in the same time period Oyama joined the Imperial Japanese Army opportunity mastering Judo handgrip techniques also ranking of 4th Dan in four years.

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.

Great place to train. Run by World no GI champion (Jefferson Guaresi). High quality instruction and…read morelots of personalized attention. Place is newly opened so mats are brand new. Super clean!