I've been studying the restorative Qigong (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and highly recommend this…read moreclass. Small group with lots of attention to detail which means you learn fast. Within 3 sessions I had something that I could start to practice at home on my own. Veronica is an exceptional teacher. I'm making progress each week and looking forward to progressing further.

This was my first time practicing kungfu and i really like it! The teachers and students here are…read morevery nice, although there are not many students, which surprises me because it's a really enjoyable class. However i'm also kind of glad about it since fewer students = more personal attention ;) I'm someone who hates to exercise; so the only "exercise" i do often is walk, dance, hike, and sometimes yoga. I find that kungfu is really nice for stretching and strengthening the body in a balanced way. The practice space on Spring street is simple but suitable for practicing. I think that as the weather gets warmer, there will be more practice meetings outside as well.

I've been training at KMI for two years now, and it's been such a rewarding experience. The coaches…read moreare amazing--they really know their stuff and they're very approachable and genuinely care about helping you improve. The classes are always challenging but fun, and the atmosphere is really supportive. Everyone, from the coaches to the students, creates this great sense of community, which makes coming to class something I always look forward to. I've learned so much here, and I can't recommend it enough!

Had a good intro-class. The gym is clean (beautiful bathrooms) and a lovely staff…read more I had to travel to DC right after, and then life got busy. Still, if it hadn't been for a one-year contract requirement, I would have joined. I understand why they chose to do so, it just won't work with my schedule where I'll be traveling a lot. Still, it was lovely to do Krav again.

I came here for a weekend Pad Work workout followed by a Bag Drills classes. It was my first time…read moredoing any martial arts whatsoever so I really didnt know what I was walking into. However, from the very start I was greeted by friendly staff and the instructors were amazing. They helped me with my form, gave me personal instruction on how to improve, and watched to make sure I was doing everything correctly. I loved the Pad Work class so much that I went a few days later once again. The workouts are tough, especially if you're not in shape and they'll have you sweating a few minutes into the class however I can't stress how worth it feels afterwards. I also really like that they allow drop-ins. Want to show up to a class later in the day? Ok! Don't want to go? No obligation to show up. I'll definitely be going again.

There is no gym in the world that I know of where I'd rather train year-round than Five Points…read moreAcademy, and I've trained at some of the very best--on both coasts and recently in Thailand. The staff is friendly and professional. Our instructors are all outstanding. Many of them are professional fighters. Two of our Muay Thai coaches are Ajarns, and for 6 months out of the year maybe the gym employs one or more Thai champions as trainers-in-residence. The vibe here is friendly and warm mostly but businesslike. People come here to train and we don't mess around. When I started here I had to settle in and adjust and earn respect like anyone does at any gym where everyone knows everyone. Now that I've been here over a year, and fought twice, Five Points Academy has embraced me with open arms. And I'm grateful for that because the gym is filled with extraordinary, brilliant, talented, kind, and insightful athletes and fighters. Give us a try. And please introduce yourselves. I'm the nicest guy around.

Anderson's Martial Arts is one of the most established and respected schools not just in NYC, but…read morein the country. They've been teaching since 1996 and it shows in the quality of instruction and the culture they've built. The community is incredible. Advanced students support beginners, and everyone feels genuinely welcome. Whether you're brand new or experienced, this is a foundational place to learn real martial arts the right way. The facility has everything you need: spacious training areas, locker rooms and showers, a weight training section, and a comfortable lounge up front where you can work or relax. The atmosphere is welcoming but serious about growth. It's diverse, inclusive, and you'll see beginners training alongside professional fighters.

By far the best school I've been to. As a young woman in martial arts, this is the only school in…read moreNYC I can call home. The school ranges between people who just want to learn how to defend themselves while being active, and professional athletes competing and learning from one of the best. The school specializes in Muay Thai, Jiu jitsu and JKD/Kali so it's a very well rounded school for anyone interested in various styles. Plus it's a comfortable and clean facility.

The legendary PAK MEI style as taught by the late Kwong Man Fong and now headed by Sifu Edgar Wong…read morerecently has celebrated their 50th anniversary as fixture of Chinese Martial Arts and Kung Fu in NYC. Great instruction, training includes: drilling, scenario training, technique pressuring testing, light sparring, unarmed and armed combat.

I searched for many years and tried out many different schools to find a place like this. Pak Mei…read moreis a very difficult style, but very rewarding - aggressive, direct, but more intricate and subtle than it initially appears. Sifu and our Sisuk (who fulfill an assistant instructor role) are all patient and down to earth. There are no belts in this style - only a hierarchy based on respect for your senior students and teachers. Students advance when they are ready, with no need for paid belt testing. We also gather to celebrate the fellowship of our association with bi-annual banquets (these are not mandatory, but they are a good time.) Here, you'll get a great workout every class, conditioning, fighting tactics, and much more. I truly believe that there are no other systems that strike like we do.

This place is a real gem. It would be hard to overstate the warmth of the community and the…read moreoutstanding teaching. The sensei is a great educator who truly cares about his students. He is supportive and accommodating but simultaneously has high standards and will inspire you to improve continuously. He has an intuitive awareness of his students' needs and abilities to the point that sometimes I genuinely wonder whether he is reading my mind. The students are a diverse group that includes a good amount of other women. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and unpretentious. The dojo is also very responsive via email, so if you have any lingering questions before coming and trying your first class, head to the website and reach out!

I talk about this place to everyone I know. The community here is incredible. The teacher (Wagener…read moreSensei) has united a truly diverse (in age, in background, in previous experience) group of students around the sincere and edifying study of the art of Aikido. Wherever you're at, this school will meet you there and encourage your growth. Have fun, move, connect, learn something completely new, make great friends; take a trial class. Even if you don't join, you won't regret it.

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

Shifu Yan Ming is a wonderful man, genuinely interested in the people he interacts with and is as…read moredown to earth as a human can be. I had an incredible night hanging out with him last night and SHARING wisdom back and forth. He is not stuck up at all or full of himself at all. He is open, jolly and quite approachable. There's a reason stars like RZA and Jackie Chan are enamored by him too. He is incredibly skilled and full of ancient wisdom, yet he knows how to laugh and enjoy life. This, I would say is what BALANCE is all about! If you want a stoic, lifeless monk, go up to the mountains of Dengfeng County and sit in a cave for 8 years. If you want the real deal mixed with NYC spirit and swagger, this is what New York is all about. I love it. Train harder yall ~

Pros: 1) very nice teacher; 2) beautiful decoration; 3) have a trial classes;…read more Cons: 1) smelly room; 2) to hard understand the teacher he speaks very low, can't even hear him;

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.

My daughter has been training at Unity for over a year now…read more In brief: Kid Class - There are many BJJ schools near my home, but I chose to travel farther so that my daughter could train at Unity. I visited several BJJ schools across NYC before deciding. - The instructors strike the perfect balance of kindness and toughness, fostering discipline and resilience in the kids. - Unity is one of the rare places worldwide where a kids' class is led by a BJJ world champion (Sebastian Rodriguez). The other instructors are equally amazing and accomplished. Adult Class - It is inspiring to see so many women training, including multiple with black belts. - If I squint my eyes hard enough, I can picture my daughter as a woman training with them. Note: - To be fully transparent, I haven't trained at Unity as an adult myself. My BJJ experience was at a school led by Vitor Shaolin. - I have also trained in Krav Maga for several years, far more than in BJJ. - In my humble opinion, BJJ is the best self defense, especially for kids. Thank you for giving my daughter the incredible opportunity to train at your amazing school.

Best place ever totally changed my life, still go to date! Inclusive yet serious training…read moreenvironment!