Mike's training and persona speaks for itself. But in order to find such a gem of a place with such a great sensei, I hope that this review helps anyone that's looking for martial arts classes. The instructors and students here are very friendly and welcoming. The hours are great and flexible. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The main training is on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but Mike incorporates other fighting techniques into his schedule too if there is sufficient interest. read more

I am a homeschool mother of three and also run a co-op. Nearly two months ago, we scheduled a Jiu Jitsu class with this facility and confirmed the date and time multiple times with the owner. Despite all of that, when our class was supposed to take place today, our entire group was left standing outside in the cold because the owner simply **forgot** our scheduled class. This was, without question, the most disappointing and unprofessional experience our homeschool group has ever had. Our outings are usually smooth, positive, and well-coordinated, so for something this important to be handled with such carelessness is extremely upsetting. There was absolutely no accountability, no apology that matched the situation, and not even an offer to make up the class they failed to provide. I am deeply disappointed in the lack of responsibility, communication, and basic courtesy shown to our group. I cannot in good conscience recommend this place to anyone. Their behavior falls far below what one should expect from any business--let alone a martial arts school that claims to teach discipline and respect. read more

I set up a group class here for my homeschool coop. Since I knew that people were coming from very far for this class I tried to remind the owner for weeks so that he wouldn't forget. The day of, as we were waiting outside, I called him to see if he would coming and I could tell he completely forgot about us. This was extremely irresponsible from a business owner and besides saying sorry, he barely tried to fix the situation. I would not recommend this combat club to anyone. read more

Hi, i am 58 years old man, train here my first year, i have prev training experience in another Dojo, i can say, Michael is very talented marshal art teacher, atmosphere is very friendly, good for kids and adult, beginners and advanced. My 10 years old boy starting training too. Strongly recommend the school to all for sport, health and joy read more

I love this place, great environment to learn martial arts from owner Mike who has a very unique approach. He takes his time with each person, very dedicated and passionate about Jiu Jitsu and martial arts. Highly recommend. read more

This is, by far, the best place I have ever trained. First of all, the instructor, Mike, is top notch. He takes the time to really teach, and he loves it. He is so passionate about Brazillian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) that it shows in everything he does. My 5 year-old daughter trains in his kids class. After two classes I asked her if she liked Mike. She responded "No, I love him". He is that good. Second of all, I was welcomed by every student of this school. There are no egos or power plays...not even when a girl gets the better of a guy :). I have always been respected (as are all the students) and truly consider them my siblings. Third of all, You can't beat the price. $135/month for UNLIMITED classes (the price gets even lower if you choose to come only two or three times per week). With classes offered everyday, you just can't beat it. Finally, it's right off the subway. If you drive, it's located on Queens Blvd. Price, location, great instruction...what are you waiting for? read more

I really had an awesome time training with these guys. The owner, Mike, is a really cool guy and seems really patient with new students. The facilities are great and the hours are great too. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I felt at home right away. The price for the school is great, you seriously can't find a better price for what you get, believe me I tried to find it. I recommend this place to anyone interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). They didn't tell me to write this, I just did it because the school is great and the instruction is really good. read more

Training here is unlike many other places, because the egos are in check and everyone is great. Very helpful, affordable, serious yet fun. Facilities are very clean. This is just the place to join for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training. read more

I feel like RDCC Fresh Meadows is sort of a hidden gem in Queens. I've been a student of their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program since their opening about a year ago. The schedule is pretty good, with classes in the morning and evening, and the instructors work all aspects of BJJ (sport, self-defense, takedowns). There's always an emphasis on safety, and it's a completely ego-less atmosphere. If you're a consistent student who's focused on learning, you'll see progress made in all the right ways. The space is kept clean, the instructors are great, and the rolling/sparring partners are awesome, humble people. No part of jiu-jitsu is easy. In fact, it can be intimidating and difficult at times. RDCC helps to allay those fears and give you the best instruction around. They have free trial classes, which is how I started, so I definitely recommend you give that a shot and check it out. read more

I joined Red Dawn Combat Club approximately 6 weeks ago. I work as a clinical psychiatrist but also deal with administrative duties in a busy psychiatric ER in the Bronx . Dealing with the stress of agitated patients, frustrated and concerned families , long hours and making clinical / administrative decisions resulted in burnout. I was increasingly concerned about my own physical and emotional health. Yet, I did not know what exactly to do. One evening I passed by Red Dawn combat club and I saw one of the instructors teaching a class . I watched the class for a few minutes and I realized that I needed this. I called Mike, the owner, the next day and introduced myself, and I started going to class. I knew this was what I needed both for emotional wellness and physical fitness based on those few minutes when I saw a class being conducted. The passion of the instructors and common sense approach in teaching a complex art was clearly visible. Six weeks out I feel better and have been able to protect myself in a situation at work with no physical injuries to me and the attacker. A technique taught in class saved me from serious injury! They work in instilling not only technique, but the mental aspects of defense. It works !! As a physician, but more importantly, as a psychiatrist working in an acute setting where violence or the threat of violence is always a constant, I see why they focus so much on the mental aspects. The funny thing is you don't realize it because you're busy learning. That's how good they are!!! I plan to send my three year old son when he is a bit older to this school because from it, he will not only learn an effective martial art but, will also learn to control his emotions when placed under stressful life events. I hope my review helps anyone looking for a place to train or for a place to send their children. Regards, Dr. Ajit read more

I attend the kickboxing classes & love the varied exercises. It's like boot camp! Despite lack of 'hanging' commercial punching bags like some other gyms, the instructors are committed to you getting and defective & safe workout. You pair up with another classmate & pinch with boxing gloves & boxing mitts. If your not afraid to be worked out, I highly recommend you come for a free trial, that's how I got started. read more

A boutique brazilian juijitsu and MMA school on Union Turnpike. This is a good place to train BJJ and take yoga. All students are welcome and student safety comes first. If you stick with the classes, you will learn how to grapple and do take-downs, and become a much stronger healthier person. School has 2 yoga instructors who accept drop-in students ($12 per class). You can learn restorative yoga here (as good as a massage!). No meat heads at this school. Everyone trains and rolls with respect for their partners. read more

same review as my Googlemaps one, but with spaces! _________________________________________ I'm assuming that you're here because you want to get an idea of what classes are like at Red Dawn Combat Club (or maybe find out what a Combat Club is). I've been a fan of the sport of Jiu-Jitsu for many years. I watched it being implemented it on the fights on TV and even watched tournament matches on youtube. However, the more I tried to dissect what was going on, the bigger the divide I felt from what was actually being done. There really is so much you can grasp from a spectator's point of view in this sport. So I figured, what better way than to try a class and see if I can truly comprehend the game? In retrospect, the thought of it is kind of strange -- go to a class, grab a stranger, yank on their collar and try submitting them. As intimidating as that sounds, I've been training here pretty consistently for a year and change, and can tell you that the environment has always been safe and clean. The atmosphere is friendly and classes can be as strenuous as it is fun. All in all, you'll always get a good workout in an even better learning environment. The instructor, Mike, covers a huge deal of techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as Judo throw combos. He covers the basics for beginners; hip escapes, back rolls, proper defense as well as some of the more advanced moves, but he always leaves an option if something is too complicated for someone just starting out. He is an advocate of using 'flow' as opposed to muscling through moves and makes sure that your focus is purely on the techniques. Have a question about the move? Want to see it one more time before you practice it? Just ask, Mike's always available to answer any questions you may have. My only suggestion is that if you want to check out the school, whether it's your first time or you're coming from another school, you should actually join in that particular class - you might as well get a good workout instead of watching from the sidelines. read more

I used to go to the city to train, until someone told me about Red Dawn. This place is just as good, if not better, than most of the places I have trained at, and it's close to home. It's clean, Mike is an awesome trainer, and best of all it is totally affordable. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good workout in a great location with a great trainer for a good price!! read more

I was visiting the NY area and decided to drop in for a little bit of training, Best decision I ever made! Unlike many other schools that focus too much on the contemporary 'sport' game, RDCC emphasizes 'old school' jiujitsu: solid takedowns, dominant positional control, and slick submissions. The close familial atmosphere is very refreshing; the students gladly helped me through various drills and refined my technique. No egos here; these guys train hard but always showed the upmost respect. High-level grappling in a safe and welcoming atmosphere, what more can you want? read more

RDCC was featured recently in a Jiu Jitsu web magazine. http://jiujitsusweep.com/featured-academy/featured-academy-march-red-dawn-combat-club-2/ read more

High quality BJJ gym. Even though the head instructor is a high ranking Purple Belt (not a black belt), the training is excellent. An emphasis is put on technique over brute force. All elements of BJJ are covered, including stand up (most schools ignore this aspect of training). Very welcoming environment. read more

I was originally introduced to Mike (Head Instructor/Owner) when I was about 15 years old and training at a Hapkido school around my house. His teaching abilities as well as what he was teaching quickly put everything else I learned prior to shame. Years later I was informed by my cousin that he had opened up a school near by, so naturally i decided to go and check it out. I am currently 21 and have been training in this school for the past year and half. It is thanks to Red Dawn Combat Club that I have fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and quite frankly cant see myself falling out of love with it. The environment is amazing because everybody is kept in check. The second that ego's come anywhere close to colliding, Mike quickly puts things into perspective. The facility is kept clean all the time. Classes are consistent and the instruction is as good as it gets. read more

Want to lose weight and learn something useful as well ? I was a size 44 in jeans 9 months ago. I am happy to say that I wear a size 36 now . RDBB has been a friendly environment where I've been able to meet my goals with the great help of the instructor and his staff.. I highly recommend Red Dawn Combat Club to everyone. Build your mind and make your foundation stronger RIZ read more

Solid place to train. Had stopped by this gym right after getting off the plane at 6am and was very welcomed. I liked that there was a good balance between standup/takedown and ground work. It was a modest class most likely due to the time, but everyone was really nice and I enjoyed my time there. read more

Jiu Jitsu - The Gentle Art If you believe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for the big muscled individuals that just want the opportunity to submit and dominate the poor unfortunate individuals around then you are sorely mistaken. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was perfected and made to work for a weak individual in mind. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's techniques are to promote technique and intelligence over brute strength. I was looking to train in a martial art for some time. But after sustaining injuries to my femurs and my hips from the Marine Corps (back in 2005), I felt I had to stay away from the "conventional" striking martial arts because all those forms required a strong base (legs). Now let me tell you I was 145 pounds back then and when I started I was 225 (November 2011). Yea I was in the worst shape I have ever been in my life. I happened upon Red Dawn Combat Club after a short google research. It was close, the schedule was convenient, and the option to come as many times as you for a very reasonable flat rate and there was no required contract. All these things together met the baseline requirements for me. I contacted Mike Botier (the head instructor) expressing my concern about my prior injuries and how out of shape I was. Mike invited me to come and observe a rolling class day (where the class time was spent entirely on sparring as opposed to training techniques) and then invited me to a trial class. While observing Mike and I spoke. He spoke about his views on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, training, and the need for martial arts to be practical. What struck me was Mike didn't have a salesman pitch. He was just talking to me. I remember his son with him. His son was having a ball, hanging out, climbing all over Mike, and it was just a rather pleasant calm atmosphere even though there were pairs of students rolling around us. I came back the next day for my first class and because Mike was aware of my injuries he had me to several range of motion/training movements to see what and how he could improve my condition. The following week I spent time conditioning and preparing for my first roll. Atypical, for his students, after Mike rolls with you a couple of times (usually on your first or second session) so he can ensure that as a new student you do not injure yourself or other students you are then free to roll with the other students in the future. Mike understood my hesitation in getting re-injured. I also think he was aware of how I lost faith in my body. I mean I was in the best shape of my life and I got injured and I did nothing but put on the pounds. How would you feel about your strength, mobility, and ability to defend yourself? It has now been a little over two months. I've lost 15 pounds, I have never been so excited about training a martial art or working out (yes even when I was in the Marine Corps). Like with anything your training is only as good as you make it and Mike will not only match it he will probably put in twice as much. I can trust my body again. And that I can't thank Mike enough for. Red Dawn Combat Club is suited for anyone that wants to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you are looking for a good workout where your muscles are of a practical nature? This is the place. If you are looking for a place to safely train after you've gotten injure or you just want to prevent injury? This is the place. You are a woman and you want to roll only with the head instructor or other women? You can do that here. You are completely intimidated by the art and you are unsure if it is for you? Come on by, Mike will have you convinced by the end of the class. If you are a hardcore "I can tap out anyone," or "I don't tap to anything." Come on by and see if you can survive on that mentality. Mike will fix your attitude and make you realize that with that mentality you will only injure yourself in the long run. There are no cliches everyone is part of one training family. Yes Red Dawn Combat Club competes but it is not a requirement. Unlike other schools Red Dawn Combat Club promotes in the traditional manner, prove your skill everyday you train and at the seminars with Professor Leonard Xavier. Yes Red Dawn Combat club also has a Gracie instructor lineage if that is important to you. This is the place does not just teach you "a move," "a submission," or "a technique." This is the place where you can learn how to move with technique for a submission. If you are still skeptical stop by watch a class and you will be amazed how easygoing and the lack of machismo this martial art training facility has and yet it has the most serious training ethic I have come across. read more

Great location, great price, friendly students and an instructor (Mike) that is passionate about teaching and is very detailed oriented.

Amazing school. I visited this school and got a lot of great insight for stand up. Very detailed and safe environment for learning. Mike gives a lot of individual attention to his students. If you are in the queens area, this school is as good as it gets. Also has a great kids/youth class. read more