Whether you are looking to compete at the highest level or simply stay in shape, Empire Academy is…read morethe perfect place to start your journey. The 10th planet jiu jitsu program is world renowned and the Muay Thai classes are expertly run by veterans of the fight game. Regardless of age, gender, or size - Empire Academy of Combat Sports is strides ahead of all other gyms in the greater Rochester area.

Amazing Martial Arts facility with friendly staff and world class instructors that are there to…read morehelp you every step of the way! I highly recommend Empire for all your martial arts needs!

I'm updating my review to include photos of the new dojang! Agape BBC recently moved to a new state…read moreof the art facility and it is gorgeous inside. I've been taking hapkido at this dojang for about five months now and I am still enjoying every minute of it. I've learned so much, not only self defense techniques but also Korean culture and self discipline. It's a great workout and I still highly recommend joining, especially with the new dojang and expanded space!

I went to a Yelp elite event at the Agape Black Belt Center and had so much fun! All of the…read moreinstructors were extremely helpful, kind and funny. Everyone we worked with were very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, I can't commit to two days a week for a year right now, but if I had a child, I would definitely sign him or her up. I like how they teach important qualities like respect and perseverance as well as Marital arts.

While visiting family, I had the opportunity to drop by Synthesis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for their…read moreWednesday lunch class run by Coach Mike. The class started with a thorough warm-up before getting into the technique of the day. Coach Mike offered detailed instruction for a back take from top mount position. Next, the class went into positional rounds before everyone participated in open rounds. A great group of young warriors. I dropped into a few gyms while visiting and highly recommend Synthesis. This will be my first stop when I visit Rochester again.

I would recommend Synthesis to anyone looking to train BJJ or MMA in the Rochester area. I learned…read moresome great things on my short trip to Rochester. Friendly and welcoming for all levels.

This is an excellent martial arts school with an authentic Kung Fu lineage going back to the…read morelegendary Chin Woo Athletic Association in Hong Kong. Sifu Brian Bateman is an excellent teacher who adapts to the ability of those present, customizing each class as needed. He has produced several outstanding black sash students over the years in Rochester. Traditional martial arts are often disrespected because they are commercialized for children, pressure testing and free sparring are often removed, and worse, MMA people often demand large puffy boxing gloves not suited for this style that constantly mixes grabs and yanks to setup brutal strikes. Don't let it fool you -- this is a fantastic system for self defense you will learn traditional weapons. Grandmaster Lee Kam Wing has co-written a book with Sifu Bateman, showing his dedication as an excellent disciple. I loved taking my kids to Rochester Shaolin.

In October of 2013, when my daughter was home schooled, we were told she needed to do something for…read morephysical education. We enrolled her in Kung-Fu, and this satisfied the requirement. She really liked it and moved up quickly. In the end of January of 14, I had enough of watching and decided to join officially in February. By mid summer, I was surprised that I had lost 25 pounds and that my clothes fit differently. I knew I wasn't "toned", but I never thought of myself as overweight. That October I turned 39 and decided that I wanted to be in the best shape of my life before I turned 40. I seeked advice and a meal plan from a personal trainer, and continued Kung-Fu 3 times a week, with HIIT training on the off days. By my 40th birthday, I had lost almost 60 pounds and lost 6" around my waist (according to my pants size)! I've since discontinued my restrictive meal plan and settled in at 45 pounds lost - even a year later. Kung-Fu kick started my entire health reformation, and continues to be fun! Bottom line: fun, better health, more confidence, lower blood pressure, new friends, more energy, probable longer life expectancy

This is an updated review. I already gave this Dojo a five star review for their Traditional…read moreShotokan program. They're also now the only school in the Northeast United States authorized to teach Machida Karate. The instructors at Matsunami are direct students of Lyoto and Chinzo Machida, who themselves are Shotokan teachers and pro MMA fighters. At Matsunami karate you can expect to get the best of both worlds in martial arts training with Machida Karate. The Machida Karate program is a fun and challenging karate class that also teaches MMA style drilling, conditioning and some ground fighting. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused and the classes are challenging. I've been training it for 3 years now and can't recommend it enough. Try a class.

The center's qigong classes are informative, relaxing, and places where you can learn real insight…read moreabout yourself. The instructors are knowledgeable and personable and willing to help you through any difficulties you may be having. I really enjoyed my time training here.

Great instructors, guiding your way to better physical and mental health. Get away from the rat…read morerace and open your mind for true relaxation and fitness. A great plus is that you can attend as many classes as you want, you are not locked into a specific day/time.

Came in from out of town for the holidays and wanted to continue training in BJJ while I was home…read more I went here with 2 of my friends who had never done BJJ who wanted to try it out. The facility is very spacious. There's a main training area and then another smaller room with mats and workout equipment for other classes or free rolling. The place is also extremely clean and the vibe is great. If you've been to a martial arts academy with a bad vibe you will know what I mean, but this place is nothing but positive. The woman at the front desk was very helpful and got us situated with a 10 day trial and my friends with rental gi's. We were then greeted by the head coach John Ingallina who is the embodiment of a professional. He is extremely welcoming, kind, professional, and explained the whole Gracie Combatives system to us. During class he was great at explaining the techniques being taught, and made good work of going to each person and ensuring they did it right. As an out of towner I was completely welcomed by the staff and other class members. I 100% would recommend this, and have done so to my 2 friends who I am very close to.

UMAC runs a great program that can accommodate all experience levels. I've been wanting to get into…read morejiu jitsu for some time but was always hesitant given that the martial arts ecosystem was a pretty unfamiliar territory to me. The team/instructors do a thorough job to ensure that even first timers starting out their jiu jitsu journey are welcomed with open arms. At the end of my first class everyone made sure to introduce themselves and ask what got me interested to sign up. I highly recommend for those looking for their next physical and mental feat!

Rochester Kung Fu & Fitness is the best martial arts school in New York! Sifu Grushow and his team…read moreare amazing! The patience and care the instructors show are the most professional and knowledgeable that I have seen in any group of mentors for any child's activity anywhere. They work with kids and families with so many diverse backgrounds and ability levels, that I can't recommend them enough if you want to develop physical fitness, safety, self-discipline or self-confidence.

This is an excellent school for families with children especially. The assistant instructors will…read moreeven call the school to see if kids are doing their work! Students also have required reading on the psychology of achievement, good habits, positive self talk, etc. If you are a parent, this place will supplement your efforts with community support in a fantastic way I've never seen elsewhere. (Adult students are also required to fill out very pedantic paperwork about TV time and food habits along with the kids, something that I can see time strapped, mature adults balking at). However, don't this fool you. Sifu Paul Gruschow teaches an eclectic mixture of Praying Mantis Kung Fu styles from different lineages under Grandmaster Raymond Fogg. Grandmaster Fogg has letters of recommendation from many Kung Fu legends such as Lily Lau and Shih Kien who played Han in "Enter the Dragon". Expensive, but good for families.