Ronin Athletics - Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA NYC

Gracie Jiu Jitsu IS awesome! Here’s why. Because of all the buzz surrounding Jiu Jitsu, I sought out the best Jiu Jitsu schools in NYC. I did my research on Reddit and different Jiu Jitsu forums and sought out the Jiu Jitsu competition champions here in Manhattan. I chose a really well known one and enrolled for ~6 months (going 2 times a week consistently). However, I wasn’t sure about the direction of my training as they told me it was great for self defense but I found myself doing more competitive grappling in class. To their credit they did teach well, but I think it was the curriculum and the context that I couldn’t quite fully commit to. I rolled and learned submissions but I was still afraid of instances where someone may take a swing at me or if I tried my Jiu Jitsu while the attacker punched at me, would I be able to counter it? or if I was attacked from a standing up position or just those assaults that we’ve been seeing in the news. I continued my training at the school on faith that there was more to come, but also watched a lot of YouTube on Jiu Jitsu. That’s when I found GracieUniversity. I didn’t realize that Jiu Jitsu in its original form was more than just competitive grappling . It has self-defense techniques that addressed my concerns as well. After watching more YouTube clips of Rener Gracie and Kama Jiu Jitsu. I came to learn that there are different approaches to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After checking if Gracie University had a gym in NYC, I was psyched to see they did and signed up for the Trial Class at Ronin Athletics (their Certified Training Center in New York). The academy is run by Christian Montes a super humble head coach. When speaking with him you’d never know he has professional Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu and MMA accolades and I noticed one thing - he didn’t have any medals or competition awards displayed at his academy. I later learned this was intentional so that the focus would be on cooperative training and not competitive training between students. The studio is Clean, Organized, Professional and the culture is Inclusive. I regret not having found this academy sooner as I find myself starting over again, but Christian assured me that what I learned at the other gym will be useful once I go into MasterCycle. But with their Gracie Combatives beginner program, I see a clearer path to learning Jiu Jitsu for self-defense. I take this effort to share my experience because I think it will help people in my previous situation find this special place sooner!

As a mom of two boys ages 6 and 10. I put my kids in different activities and none have made an impact on them like Ronin Athletics. My older son during quarantine was reluctant to do any sports. It was a hassle to get him up and out. I was very lucky a family member of mine told me to do a trail class for the Gracie Bullyproof Program. The boys tried the class in August 2020 and they immediately asked me to sign them up. We have been a member ever since.The staff is so welcoming, show so much patience and run their class so smoothly. My older son is in Junior Grapplers program and has formed a bond with his teammates. He will be soon traveling alone to middle school in NYC and I am pleased to see the confidence he has built during his time a Ronin.My 6 year old is in Little Champs program he is very shy but week after week, Coach Christian and his team have been able to bring him out of his shell. I am so pleased they have found something to look forward to in jujitsu. My husband and I go 4x a week to Ronin Athletics but it is worth it to see them learn and grow all while having fun.

I went to a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Women Empowered self defense class at Ronin Athletics in NYC and really loved the structure of the class. It is clear that Christian is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about what he does as he teaches with patience, clear instruction, and a smile. Lora teaches the class alongside Christian ensuring each student gets individual attention on their technique. I recommend anyone to try it out as the environment was very welcoming and the techniques were appropriate for beginners and intermediates alike.

I am currently a student at Ronin athletics in Midtown. I joined the school to participate in the all women’s self defense program created by the Gracie Family, "Women Empowered."At first, I was very intimidated by the school and the program, but the instructors and the students were very welcoming to me as a newcomer. Christian Montes and Lara are really great instructors. Since I started my time in this program they have been very informative and they really take the time to coach and guide us through all of the techniques in great detail.Since the day that I was randomly attacked near my home, I have been reluctant to go out anywhere by myself. Participating in this program has slowly helped me to become more confident in walking around by myself again. My husband still picks me up when I am coming home late, but it's nice to know that I am learning how to defend myself. I really like coming to the school and drilling the techniques with my training partners.We train in a very safe and friendly environment. Each class we are taught a new technique from the Gracie program and take turns drilling them with each other. Unlike most BJJ programs out there, we DO NOT free spar or roll in this class. It is geared specifically for women and designed to prepare us specifically for the kind of scenarios we may encounter on the street.After completing my first training cycle, I have earned one stripe on my white belt. I believe there are 15 classes and you have to take each one 3 times. Then at the end of the program I will be able to test for the "Women Empowered Pink belt."Ladies, if you are reading this, don’t wait around until you are attacked by some low life on the street to start training. Start learning how to protect and defend yourself now, BEFORE anything bad happens to you. Ronin Athletics provides a free trial class so don’t hesitate to go over and give it a go. You will not regret it. If you do go, tell them that Christine sent you!

The trainers are friendly, professional and maintain a positive decorum. Safety is prioritized and the gym is clean. I have been training here for about 100 days now, and have experienced no issues. It has been a wonderful experience. If anyone is looking to train in jujitsu in a non overzealous environment, this gym is for you! #Jujitsu #Safety #MMA #Selfdefense

Excellent service and efficient teachers that care ! Love the instructors Bart and Johhny 🦍💪🏽🌱🚀Gracie jiu jitsu is an amazing place to learn self defense in New York City , and kickboxing overall. I love it here because they make me feel like part something amazing!can’t wait to try out jujitsu here at Gracie jiu jitsu to excel and learn the fundamentals 🧘‍♂️🏄🏽‍♂️❤️❤️Love you guys

I’ve been training at Ronin Athletics under Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for about two months and I am hooked. There are many YouTube channels of people competing and being thrown into a group of higher ranking belts, which discouraged me at first. After further researching, Gracie Jiu Jitsu focuses on self defense and I was fortunate enough that Ronin Athletics was only 4 minutes from my work.The trainers, Christian, Bart and Johnny, have been very helpful in teaching the techniques of self-defense. I feel more comfortable to be able to defend myself in a real life situation and I have Ronin Athletics to thank for. The classes are fantastic and if you have questions about a certain move, Christian, Bart or Johnny will be there to go over it until you get it.If you are reading this review, and wondering if BJJ is right for you, I’d ask yourself a question. Do you want to learn self-defense or do you want to be a part of the sport? If its self-defense, then I recommend to give Ronin Athletics a try as NYC is FULL of interesting people.

I’ve been to several martial arts dojo’s in New York City and there’s a level of care and attention to detail that stands out at Ronin Athletics. It’s a positive, family friendly environment that’s focused on learning. The facility is incredibly clean and the staff are organized and professional. The instruction is high quality, the curriculum is well designed, and the instructors truly care about the growth of their students.One thing that sets this school apart from other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Self-Defense schools is the culture. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu seems to cultivate and foster a wholesome, safe, uplifting environment for all to learn, and their consistency is something I can count on. If you’re looking for a high quality Self-Defense program, I would highly recommend trying a class at Ronin Athletics.

This place has become a second home for me I just love training here! this ain’t no gym ronin is a school! Here you learn the ART! Of jujitsu and then sport. Self defense first! Is what’s makes this place so special and different from many others. Chris,Bart,and Johnny I dnt even know where to begin you guys are some of the best teachers!! your passion, patience, and attention is rare

Hello everyone looking to start working on themselves and get trained in self defense. Ronin Athletics taught me so much as I worked with the trainer Christian. I’m just a couple of classes I was able to learn and construct many different types of submissions for real life situations people get put in everyday. I really liked training since I’m not the biggest guy. Anyone can do it and learn how to use your mind and body to prevent yourself from getting injured. I highly recommend going to start training for self defense no matter who you are. The best place to do that is at Ronin Athletics in New York City!!!