If you live in New York City, self-defense is a must. Although the crime rate has decreased significantly over the years, knowing how to defend yourself is beneficial, especially if you always go home late.
For many people in New York City, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life and a part of their daily routine. Tired of boring, repetitive gym sessions? Jiu-Jitsu is the most exciting way to change your lifestyle and improve your health.
Planning to take the first step and explore the NYC Jiu-Jitsu community? We listed some of the top gyms and academies you can find around New York City.
1. Renzo Gracie
The main reason Renzo Gracie is one of the best in the city is the training programs they offer. No matter your agenda, there is always a specific training program that would work for you.
While they excel in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they also offer other programs like Muay Thai and Submission Grappling. If your kids want to experience this amazing martial art, they have Kidjitsu made for kids ages 6 to 13.
They have a wide and spacious area for training, and they offer separate changing rooms for men and women, which have day lockers and showers.
- (212) 279-6724
- 224 W 30th St New York, NY 10001
Find them on Instagram @renzogracieacademy
2. Unity
The owner, Murilo Santana, has been actively participating in multiple Jiu-Jitsu competitions and even won the No Gi World Championship in 2013. He also became a Brazilian National Champion in 2007, 2010, 2012, and 2013.
Unity ensures that every student is ready before being introduced to the regular class, which is why they offer a 45-minute introductory class. Once you've finished the trial class, you will then be introduced to the foundation program, which teaches you all the basics before moving to more advanced techniques.
- (917) 409-5550
- 144 W 14th St Stair A Door, Basement New York, NY 10011
Find them on Instagram @unityjiujitsu
3. Marcelo Garcia
Located between the financial district and midtown, Marcelo Garcia's Jiu-Jitsu Academy is definitely a popular spot. Although the area is not too big for the number of students that are training here, the classes are divided properly to make sure that everyone will learn.
Aside from Marcelo, there are other black belt Jiu Jitsu instructors in the academy, all of which are fully trained to teach. It's rare for Jiu-Jitsu academies to have multiple black belt instructors, which is why Marcelo Garcia's academy is so popular in New York.
- (212) 414-0044
- 250 W 26th St Fl 3 New York, NY 10001
Find them on Instagram @marcelogarciajiujitsu
4. Clockwork
Building confidence is only one of Clockwork's goals, and they want you to achieve it through dedication. You have to be dedicated to your craft and continue to improve yourself if you want to exude the same confidence as your instructors.
At Clockwork, kids and adults are welcome, and they have specific training programs depending on your knowledge and skill. Whether you want to improve your skills or learn self-defense, this is one of the best Jiu-Jitsu academies to consider.
- (212) 675-0300
- 650 Broadway Fl 2 2 New York, NY 10012
Find them on Instagram @clockworkbjj
Other New York Jiu Jitsu Gyms Worth Trying
It takes time to learn Jiu Jitsu and you need a professional and dedicated instructor to ensure that you learn everything right. While all the gyms mentioned above are the best, there are other amazing academies in New York City that you need to check out as well.
3. Workshop NYC
5. UFC Gym
