Prior to joining East Coast United BJJ, MMA, and Yoga I had no experience practicing any martial arts. I had always played sports and lifted weights (Olympic lifting, Crossfit, etc.), but I wanted to try something different. I looked all over New York for a school to begin doing BJJ, but at most of the schools I visited it seemed like people noticed that I was inexperienced and starting judging me right as I walked in the door. I got several "what is this guy doing here?" looks, which were very off-putting, especially since I was already stepping out of my comfort zone. The first day I walked into ECU things were completely different than my other experiences. When I walked in Coach Tito was rolling with a blue-belt and stopped in the middle of the roll to acknowledge me. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, so I decided to join and try it out. I have been at ECU for 3 months now and don't think I could have picked a better school. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and push you to improve no matter where you are at in your training. I have learned more than I ever thought I would in a relatively short period of time. In addition, I have gotten some of the best workouts I've ever had during class at ECU. Every day I have been at ECU I can tell the coaching staff is interested in helping individuals to reach their training goals--whatever they may be. If what I said above was all you got from joining ECU I would already completely recommend anyone give the gym a try, but in addition to phenomenal training and instruction, by training at ECU you also becoming part of a family. As mentioned before, I have played on sports teams for much of my life and I haven't been in many environments where people are as close to each other as they are at ECU. People at ECU go out of their way to help you in all different ways from the first day you attend. They are very welcoming and you can tell they care about you not just as a student, but a person in general. I highly, highly recommend that anyone interested in either starting BJJ, MMA, Yoga, Muay Thai, etc. at least come and check the gym out. Whether you are a beginner or have been training for some time you will not be disappointed. read more

I moved to the Bronx (all the way from Southern California) in the summer of 2013. As a practitioner of brazilian jiu jitsu (bjj), I knew it was only a matter of time before I would need to get my "fix." Months later, I decided, on a whim, to try out ECUBJJ (i.e. that gym that I walk by everyday as I go to work). As someone who only does the grappling classes and not the boxing classes or mma classes (or yoga or kids classes), I can only comment on the grappling. The grappling instruction is very good and Tito is a natural teacher. Tito has a relaxed (and often very entertaining) approach to class. With the possible exception of students who have upcoming tournaments (mma matches, etc.), Tito does NOT strictly focus on cardio or strength training that is unrelated to fighting technique. In other words, the focus in grappling class is just grappling. For those unfamiliar to combat sports: to really learn bjj (or boxing, mma, or any other combat sport), you have to actually fight (grapple/spar/"roll") with your training partners. I've trained at several gyms, and that is the one thing they always have in common. At ECUBJJ, the students are all good people and there are plenty of good grapplers. I haven't personally seen a single injury occur at ECUBJJ. The gym is fairly new, but they already have large, diverse, population of students. There are beginners, there are hobbyists (like me), and there are also a lot of dedicated grapplers/fighters who started with Tito and have been training everyday for at least a few years. They are definitely on their way to achieving success as professional mma fighters (if this is what they choose), so it's fun to have the opportunity to train with them in the regular grappling classes. ECUBJJ FTMFW? read more

im 1 on of the students there, been looking for the right BJJ school for a while. Last september was walking by the school which it just had opened met with the trainer/coach there Tito and i told him that i was looking for a BJJ school and he told me right away...YOU FOUND IT! i liked his confidence but i thought he was only about business...'till i started training under him and saw everything first hand. I did find the right BJJ school. After watching the MUY THAI class i saw the dedication and hard work coach Tito was putting into his students it made me wanna do thai boxing too. 3 hours of hard work everyday it changed me completely, got more confident, i don't get into trouble anymore i don't see a reason i have to pick a fight at bars anymore cause its not worth it cause of all the training i do. So if you're interested in winning GOLD at everything this is the right school...there's no second or 3rd places for us...1st its all that counts!!! What they teach is BJJ,THAI BOXING,BOXING,GRECO-ROMAN and SAMBO. ALmost forgot to mention the CROSS FITT too a kick ass workout which i love and hate!!!! So if you're looking for a bjj/mma/thai or even YOGAAA class which i forgot to mention this is the right school!!! Come down and try it out for yourself you get 3 free days try all the classes out and i know you don't need to go to the second day and you'll sign up. ECU WARRIOR!!!! plus there are 3 other ECU schools 1 in white plains, queens and CT!!!! read more

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Bronx!!!! First lets talk about the instructor Tito Hartz a.k.a "coach", this man is a beast he teaches the Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu classes and gives a hundred percent to his students. His Muay Thai classes are no cardio kickboxing classes he is a legit student from the WAT, Kru nurse student so you will be learning authentic Muay thai boxing. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are very personal, he teaches all his techniques in an articulate manner until everyone understands . I have no babysitter so I bring my son with me to the night classes and they welcome him with open arms to chill on the sideline with Alexander and Christian, Tito and Mays sons. If you have ever heard of alliance,gracie barra, checkmate, or atos then this is your chance to be with a new and growing team "East Coast United" May Hartz is the Yoga instructor and the commander in chief of ECU Bx, whatever she says goes, she is the one you see when you come in and welcomes you or you can see her taking Muay Thai classes with everyone else. read more

So, ever since 2011 I've been looking for a permanent place to kickbox. Now I looked all over NYC specifically Manhattan, and the one thing i found about those schools I tried, was that they were gross/dirty, way to expensive and the instructors had no clue what they were doing or talking about. Then in March of 2012 I came across East Coast United in the bronx and boy was I impressed. Not only is it clean and looks like a gym(unlike holes in the walls in NYC) But Coach Tito and his team really and I mean really know what they're doing. I've been going there for the past 6 months and I've never looked/felt better about myself. I'm more confident and I enjoy working out and i never thought in a million i would say "I love working out" No school in the city can compare to the workout you get at East Coast United nor how inexpensive it is to train there. I absolutely love it there and look forward to continue my training there. read more

I started at ECU in the bronx around 4 months ago and the entire experience has been incredible. As soon as you walk in May and Coach Tito make you feel right at home and the whole gym has a family vibe. At the same time the training is absolutely no joke. Many of the guys in the gym are training for competitions and during class the coaches are totally committed to teaching you proper fighting technique. Everyone pushes each other to train and fight at the top of their capabilities. Come prepared to work. I have been doing the Muay Thai classes and plan to start BJJ soon. I have gotten into great shape and find myself a happier healthier person. It really is an experience that changes your entire lifestyle. If you are interested in learning martial arts, getting in shape, and becoming part of an awesome extended family, ECU is the place. read more

I originally signed up just to lose weight and learn some self defense while at it. I've lost some weight alright but what motivates me to go "Even though I'm sore through out the week" is 1. I've come to love the BJJ martial arts and 2. The level of expertise and professionalism demonstrated by both instructors. Tito "BJJ & MMA coach" is extremely proficient in both stiles, he demonstrate it every day either by showing moves in extreme detail and by explaining why you want to do things the right way. I'm very happy to have found a great place to work out, other than the old boring gym. This is a place were you'll have fun and will increase your mental and physical strength. "By the way, both instructor are licensed and professional physical therapists, it really can't get better than that" Ken V. read more

I spoke with May, who instructed me to come in with my children at 5:30 to fill out paperwork before the class start. I came in 5:25 only to be disgustedly greeted by a disturbed looking short guy with blonde hair and blue eyes. Asking me in a disrespectful tone why my children and I were in there? I informed him May told me to come here by 5:30 to fill out paperwork before class start. He then gives off more attitude and says "Well class does not start until 5:45" in addition to being hesitant in giving me the free trial papers to sign. DISGUSTING!!!!! I WOULD NEVER REFER ANYONE HERE. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO TOLERATE "THE RESPECT OF PERSON" ATTITUDE! read more

East Coast United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Bx is the jewel of the Bronx, Located in river dale section of the Bronx and the only authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in a 20 mile radius. Tito Hartz( aka Mata Leon) is an instructor that is easy to get along with and at the same time knows how to push you like a drill sergeant, his class is small and personal and the results are tremendous, I shed 10 pounds in a month and a half!!!!! As a law enforcement officer I think its important that you train in a martial art that takes you to the next level and ECUBJJBX has taken me there, I know I sound like a sales Ad but trust me this place is my new home read more

I have been a member of this family/school since February of 2012. I never thought I would be still doing this over two years later but I love going every day. The Muay Thai class is second to none, The teaching is in a group setting but you feel like it's one on one. All the coaches are amazing at their skill as well as their teaching abilities. I look up to each and every one of them and would recommend this school to everyone of all ages. I am highly impressed how the young coaches handle the children's class. It's taught with respect and patience. Definitely check this school out......you will NOT be disappointed!! read more

not only a great place to learn self defense techniques, just as great if you are looking to compete in mixed martial arts , muay thai , brazilian jui jitsu. with top level coaching and students who are constantly pushing each other, you have no other option but to learn and grow just to keep up. with kids classes and yoga studio there is something for everyone who wants to enjoy a more active life style. theres so many classes available for all different levels of "fitness". if you have any interest in losing weight , yoga , mma or just staying fit, do your self a favor and stop by and take the 3 day trial. read more

If your looking for a great place to work out, loose weight, do yoga, or competitive training than you found the right place. The instructors are extremely technical the muay thai and bjj coach tito puts major emphasis on technique with a workout regiment that would have you shedding pounds and in the same time build a mental toughness. With all that said the yoga instructor is beyond excellent, now where can you find all of that under one roof. Finding this martial arts academy is one of the best things that happened to me I've gotten in great shape and my mma and bjj has improve leaps and bounds. read more

Things I gained: - Self discipline - Respect for elders - Knowledge on proper diet and exercise - Confidence I love East Coast United BJJ & MMA. The people there helped me to grow and enlightened my soul. When I first went to the MMA gym I was struggling to complete the work outs. With a little time and support from the incredible instructors I became physically and mentally fit. Whether it be working out or playing a game of chess, you will be able to prosper in any situation! What are you waiting for? You have so much to gain and nothing to lose! Do it. read more

I attended a few months at this academy and let me just say the instruction was fantastic but the are extremely vague on their contractual agreements they may seem very hospitable at first but soon as an complication emerges it's everyone for themselves I was told that in case I needed to cancel yes in fact there was a cancelation fee if needed but however "don't worry about that most schools don't charge that" don't fall for it I did and had to pay a ton of money back to these guys plus late fees so I say they are not quite as reliable as they sound or appear to be read more

I've been training for many years, and for the last two years at ECUBJJ, MMA and Yoga. It's a great place for anyone who wants to practice Mixed Marshal Arts, regardless if you are new to this or have trained for many years before. You can find your "place" and your training partners for beginners levels as well as for the highest levels of fighters. Coaches are very professional, the best you can find with great personal touch and understanding! It is now part of my MMA family. It's a second home for me. You should try ! Alon read more

I received an amazing referral about this school and went to check it out for myself. i was addicted instantly and found myself going back every single week! I fell in love with the culture and the energy between the coaches and the trainees. It is an amazing school and i would recommend it to everyone of all ages, i never thought that i would be a good fighter but the coaches give me the confidence and posture that i need to know that just about anything is possible, especially with that kind of team in my corner. read more

I am a novice at yoga and when I first went here I instantly put at ease with the quality of instructions. May's voice will instantly calm you and get you into the perfect place to practice yoga. Her classes are great for all levels as she crafts the poses to what each person can do and walks around adjusting and instructing as needed. This place is the only place I would ever recommend to any of my friends. The center itself is clean and well situated near public transportation and is very kid friendly. read more

I recently started yoga at the Bronx at Broadway branch. May is a warm, compassionate, and highly trained yoga teacher who executes all moves with grace and helps her students do the same. The room is quiet and peaceful, and the atmosphere is non-threatening. The teacher answers all questions and respects modifications while encouraging you to reach further. The Saturday morning gentle class is still a workout but leaves you with a relaxed and whole feeling. Everyone should know about this service. Angela read more

Simply put This place is as legit as it gets. I have never seen a place that goes so far out of there way to make new members feel at home, whether they sign up or are just trying it out owners Tito and May make you feel like you have been going for months. I must say even the students are really cool down to earth guys and girls kind of rare for an MMA school. The front dest girl Pam is a sweetheart and one of the students Frank is awesome..........I implore all to try this school read more