Identifies as Latino-owned
Yes
Radical MMA NYC in New York
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New York, New York County, New York, US
From the business
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On-site services
Yes
Health and safety
Appointment required
Yes
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Yes
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Yes
Comments (111)
I’ve been training at Radical MMA for almost a year now and so far am loving the way how the academy runs it’s program. Coach Dreifuss has developed a system that is very adaptable in Mixed Martial arts and jiu it’s which certainly stands out and unique!
My first time going there yesterday and this was supposed to be a trial class. When I got there the instructor Rene introduced himself then ask me to sign a form and get dressed. I wore regular work out tights and a cotton spandex fitted workout shirt. I guess the instructor Rene did not want me to work out in that shirt so he asked me to change into a shirt that he offered. I kindly refused and asked if the shirt I had on would work. He said to me with an attitude “I’m sorry this is not the right place for you I have to ask you to leave…” I was so confused as to why I’m being dismissed for a shirt. When I asked why his reply to me was “because you didn’t listen to me I don’t think this is the right place for you. I was disappointed that I did not even get a chance to try out a class. 1 He was rude and 2 he was wrong for not giving me a fair chance to take a class due to a work out shirt I would wear for regular workouts. I am not new to the MMA world I’ve had few years of experience before and he was aware of that.
I have trained in various martial arts systems for 30 plus years. Many schools offer more than they deliver. Many teachers talk more than they do. It is a rarity when you find a school with students with great attitudes, no ego issues, and always willing to help each other. It is also a rarity to find a great teacher with great skills. Radical MMA in NYC possesses all of these qualities. I am pleased and honored to be a student here. Coach Rene Dreifuss is a teacher with 25 pro MMA fights; he knows his stuff and is pleased to impart his knowledge and experience to his students. If you want to excel in jujitsu, and striking, this is the place to learn both. A big thumbs up. Great place to learn; great place to train. I highly recommend them. Kudos! Mike Berkley
1 YEAR UPDATE:Its been exactly 1 year since I joined Radical MMA. And since then, I can honestly say my skills as a fighter have improve 20 fold. From about age 10 to about age 20 I was a highly competitive wrestler. In that time, I was a multi-time state placer and OSAA runner up. I then went on to wrestle for an NAIA championship team. I am now 38 years old. And despite the age and fitness gap between then and now, Ive never felt more confident in my grappling skills. Especially in terms of how those skills can apply to self defense. Im fairly certain that the 38 year old me with 1 year of training at Radical could give a pretty good beating to the version of me at the height of that wrestling career.The wrestling background has no doubt accelerated my growth here; however, those who began training at the same time have improved along the same trajectory regardless a background in combat sports. So, no matter your aptitude coming into the gym, your skills-competency will progress at a steady clip. The techniques work, and the manner in which they are instructed is efficient, effective, and enjoyable.Nevertheless, I will say this: You get out of this exactly what you put into it. If you want to learn how to fight—I mean really fight; with skill, grace, and intelligence— you have to be serious and specific about the goals you bring into your training experience. The school trains BJJ with strikes and never uses techniques which can lead to ones vulnerability in a fight setting. That is, there is no sports oriented jiujitsu here. Radical trains well-rounded fighters, not just good grapplers or strikers. Its a serious course of training and you will be amazed at the results if you show up consistently, accept feedback, and do your best.Two things you should know about the Radical MMA culture:First, there are some aspects that are quite traditionalist, but they all have strong reasoning behind them. For example, we are required to greet and depart as well as answer in the affirmative by exclaiming the Japanese Osu. The reason for this is to set and maintain a serious mindset to stay focused and persevere through discomfort. Furthermore, there is a culture of respect and professionalism that is a bit formal and slightly strict. For example, swearing as well as crossing your arms is not allowed as it is seen as conducive to an environment of disrespect. Additionally, any type of meat-headish or inappropriate behavior can be met with expulsion from the gym. These social constraints and limitations are there to both maintain courtesy and keep people safe. As such, you will get along with everyone and you will have a lot of fun.Second, the proprietor of Radical MMA, Rene Dreifuss, is an extremely dedicated coach. He wants the students to be the best they can be. As such, students are provided with a lot of personalized feedback. Rene always works to improve his instruction and his relationships with the students. And, he is very conscious of everyones safety in the gym—albeit vigilant about students avoiding injuries. Although this sounds all very serious, he will tell a lot dad-jokes. A lot of them are mnemonics to help remember principles and techniques, but they also have the ancillary effect to not take things too seriously, to relax, and allow yourself to enjoy the experience.I highly recommend Radical MMA to anyone who wants to develop combat skills, make a few friends, and get in shape.————————————————————————————————————————
Coach Rene is a highly skilled and devoted practioner and teacher of MMA. He has a serious dedication to his art, his students and his school. His training is far superior to any other school Ive visited. Coach Rene understands and trains MMA on a very deep and complex level. He is able to adapt training to accommodate his students individual learning styles. The training WILL be difficult but you WILL become much stronger and more skilled as a result. Rene cares about the growth of his students and will make sure you get out what you put in to your training.Come to Radical MMA for Top Tier training!
Radical MMA is an incredible gym with world class coaches that cultivate an egoless culture of respect and constant improvement, which attracts an awesome group of other students to train with. I came to the gym while in New York for the summer and had no previous martial arts experience, and while I was training with students well beyond my experience level, I never felt intimidated, despite constant mistakes. I recently ended my time at the gym as I’m moving away from New York, and I’ve come away with practical self defense skills, increased confidence, and a respect and love for the art of Jiu Jitsu that has led me to decide to continue my training. If there was a Radical MMA in every city, I’d train here for the rest of my life.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve trained before, you owe it to yourself to try Radical. In a single session you will see the amount of attention and care coach Rene puts into to each student.His passion and attention to detail help you to consistently grow. Rene personally teaches almost every class. He answers any question and treats each student with respect.Coach Rene has created an atmosphere of camaraderie where everyone strives to help one another grow. New members are embraced with open arms as everyone tries to help them.Come to Radical and you’ll find a home!
I trained at Radical MMA for 12 months and absolutely loved it. Here’s why:Coach:Rene is an amazing coach who is 100% dedicated to ensuring all his students develop great technique in a safe environment. He’s a highly personable and smart guy who truly understands martial arts and knows how to teach.Students / Environment:Rene has fostered an extremely collegial training environment with a focus on safety. There are no egos and everyone is extremely friendly.Gym Equipment:Access to free weights / squat racks. The mats are very, very clean compared to other gyms I’ve trained in.Definitely reach out to Radical if you’re looking to learn how to fight, condition your body and boost your self confidence.
I trained here for about a year and it is the best place I have trained! The best part is that Coach Rene takes time outside of teaching to learn anatomy and physics to ground his teaching in science and new insights. He makes a point to not just learn everyones name, but injuries, training background, and when your last visit was. Radical MMA is also very female-friendly -- the bathrooms have free tampons and hair ties, offers free womens self-defense classes, and is a really welcoming environment. Looking forward to visiting again next time Im in town!
Trained at Radical MMA for only like 3 Months and it was one of the best Martial Arts experiences I’ve had by far. If you’re looking for a no nonsense, serious martial arts training then this is the place for you. Many people online consider Coach Rene Dreifuss as a “mean” Coach but it’s all tough love. He will be there to push you and although he’s tough at times, it’s all for your benefit. Everyday that I walked into Radical MMA, I knew it was time to go to work. No fooling around, nothing but serious training. Rene will push you to reach your full potential and beyond. I’ve been looking for a gym with this type of environment for years. Unfortunately, my new job schedule made it nearly impossible for me to make the class schedules but I hope to return one day.
I frequently travel to New York and always look forward to training at Radical when I do. There are many great things to say about this academy, Ill start with Coach Rene.Coach Rene is one of the truest teachers I have met. He is a master of his craft and a master of explaining his craft, which can be a rare combination. He ties all techniques to systems he develops, its like he creates art out of science. Aside from the superior technical instruction, Coach Rene will not let you off the hook until he thinks you understand and can demonstrate whatever he is teaching. Hes stayed after class with me, (once when he was very sick!), because he really wanted to help me and make sure I understood. Ill reiterate that Im not even a regular student because I dont live in NYC, but Coach Rene has treated me like family from the moment I met him. I cant say enough positive things about this man.The other great aspect of this academy is the culture that Coach Rene has instilled. Every person Ive trained with has been a class act. Egos are low, effort is high. Everyone trains to improve, and everyone trains with respect for each other, Coach Rene, and the academy. Sometimes visitors may not feel welcome at new academies, but Radical feels like my home away from home.Go to Radical if you want world-class training and to be part of a culture of people who are looking to improve themselves and their abilities through discipline, hard work, and respect. The training is very hard, but you dont want it any other way if you actually want to learn MMA.
Been training at Radical MMA for six months now, Coach Rene is a great instructor who has developed a system which is technically crafted and is beneficial in setting a strong foundation for beginners or furthering the skill of those more advance. A very friendly training atmosphere and is truly one of the best gyms Ive train at.
I have trained in a lot of schools (being a long time Martial Artist) and I can say truly that I havent met many instructors like Coach Rene. He works seven days a week, teaching classes, and I have never once seen him give less than 100%, and thats because he has very high standards, not only for himself but for ALL students, and hes very serious about that...and he does take the time to make sure the students get the technique just right. I am used to the “Brazilian” method where a teacher will just show a move once and then be on his phone all class or just focusing on his top “squad,” training at Radical is totally the opposite. Coach Rene always says everyone matters to him and I experienced that to be true, just be ready for his old school tough love style. He is that teacher that we all had in high school who was a total hard grader but that later you appreciated because you really learned a ton. I can assure you I improved more at Radical in 3 months than I did in a year at other gyms. There are some advanced MMA fighters here, but Coach runs a very tight ship and everyone is very mindful and respectful of one another. Plus, we have knife and eye gouge and other street fight defense classes that tie everything together. Im grateful for finding this school. Osu!
Radical MMA is a great gym with amazing instruction. The instructors including Head Coach Dreifuss are all very knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to help. As well Radical MMA has amazing cleanliness , respectful demeanor, and is a really fun place to be. I cant say enough about the quality of Radical MMA.Hands down a great gym and would recommend to anyone who is willing and wanting to learn. Cant say enough to describe Radical MMA, check it out for yourself!
Ive had many coaches in various sports over the years and Rene is for sure one of the best Ive had. You will learn techniques that are effective in both a self-defense and sport context, and I can honestly say that I improve every time I train at the academy. Additionally, Chad, the assistant coach, is great to train with and maintains a high quality of instruction. Rene puts an emphasis on ensuring that all the students are respectful of each other, so there are no bad attitudes and everyone is willing to help out with learning techniques. That being said, you will still find tough competition during sparring sessions! There is also a large area for strength training and stretching with plenty of free weights and other functional equipment. All in all, a great place to train for all levels!
I have been training at Radical for two years. Rene is an amazing teacher, very technical and exacting. He really cares about the progress of his students and teaches all the classes. Every student gets his direct attention. Rene has created a culture of serious students, some who are preparing for MMA matches, and others who are seeking to develop the fundamentals of BJJ in the context of MMA and self-defense.I have been particularly impressed by the collaborative nature of the sessions. Much more experienced and skilled athletes work with me as we drill and spar to explain to me how I can get better. No egos. Everyone is trying to help each other develop.The classes begin with a strenuous warm-up that provides a good cardiac workout, then moves into drilling with a focus on technical exactness, and then finishes with some kind of controlled sparring.I feel lucky to have found a very special place to train.Osu!
When I joined radical in January 2018 (i.e., less than two months ago), it was my first experience with martial arts. As a 34 year old who is the furthest thing from athletic, I was very nervous (to say the least) about taking this step. But I felt better as soon as I met Rene Dreifuss, the Head Coach at Radical MMA. One of the best things about Coach Dreifuss is that he gives you a ton of personal attention, regardless of whether you are on the fight team (which has built quite a reputation on the MMA circuit) or, like me, you are at the very beginning of your martial arts journey. Coach Dreifuss is a perfectionist, and he holds all of his students to the same standard. Given the high stakes nature of this type of training (this is a fight and MMA oriented gym), this is a very good thing. Coach Dreifuss is not only a highly credentialed martial artist (google him!) but he is an unparalleled teacher. He knows exactly how hard to push his students to make sure that every day in the dojo is a learning experience, but he also does not push you beyond your capabilities. Assistant Coach Chad Hernandez is also fantastic, and his love of BJJ/MMA is infectious to all of the students who take his classes. It also worth noting that the students are a great group. Even the best fighters are incredibly down to earth, and enthusiastically help the beginners like me.The facilities are great - large, clean, and stocked with everything that you need for an amazing workout (including showers).Overall, Radical MMA is fantastic. Whether you are a novice or an experienced fighter, this is the place to train in Manhattan (although there are many students who travel much further distances to train here). Coach Dreifuss and the Radical team have made me believe that I can actually do this, which is the highest praise that I can offer.
Very high technical level, both by the coach and by the team members. Rene is a kind and attentive person to follow every single student, and to transmit the martial code, his Bjj is excellent and attentive to its use in the mma. As soon as I have the chance, I always take the opportunity to train in this school and the techniques I have learned are always useful in my fights. I have been practicing martial arts over twenty years and Ive never wasted time here.There is always a pearl to learn at Radical MMA. Oss !!
The best mma school in all of New York City. MMA Is what they teach. Coach is a genius the way he teaches. I’ve been to many gyms in nyc. Nothing even compares to radical. In the sense of wanting to get better as a fighter.
Radical mma is a great place for beginners like me. I have never done any type of grappling, but Coach Rene explains in detail and wont let you continue until you get the technique correct. He cares about his students and is very passionate about martial arts and self defense. Joining his gym has been a great experience and I recommend it 100%.
Ive had the honor of training with Rene who is the head instructor of Radical MMA since 2001. Throughout the years he has helped me improve my ground game and has even helped me prepare for my MMA fights. Ive trained in many acadamies but Ive chosen to continue my training at Radical MMA since it has an atmosphere thats friendly yet pushes students to not be complacent and train for constant improvement. Not only does he emphasize technique but also speaks greatly about philosophy and having a proper mindset. I highly recommend Radical MMA to any serious Martial Artist!
Coach Rene is one of the best teachers Ive ever encountered, not just in martial arts, but in life general. Ive been going to the Radical Academy for ~6 months now, and feel incredibly lucky to have found it. Coach and his school has been able help me not only improve in learning the art of jujitsu and self-defense, but also really know in my body (not just my mind) the value of discipline, humility, and control over my mind. That alone is already a priceless lesson, even if I never become an expert in jujitsu (although I hope to one day!).Coach Rene has a very structured, scientific, and principled way of teaching BJJ and MMA that really helps a complete beginner like me understand the higher-level and meta concepts of grappling - e.g. alignment, control, leverage, and risk management beyond the move-of-the-day. That way of teaching really helps someone like me, an engineer by training, to understand the why of how things fit together in BJJ, instead of just memorizing what and how (and forget a week later). I also really appreciate how this school doesnt just teach pure sport BJJ, but a mix of wrestling, BJJ, and other defensive skills. Its a wholly integrated curriculum from the ground up, and Coach makes sure to simulate real-life self-defense in all our training as much as possible, from using taser knives to practicing with strikes, eye gouges, and bites, so that we can really prepare for whatever scenarios that may arise. This integrated curriculum was one of the key reasons I ended up picking Radical, and Coach Rene also runs a really successful fight team, so we know his stuff really works!Coach Rene is an ultra demanding teacher, but I love it! Instead of just patting us on the back for learning something 90% correct, hell continue to push us relentlessly until we get it exactly right. *Every* time. I love what he says - We dont practice so that we can get it right; we practice so that we can _never_ get it wrong. Every time I think about that I get goosebumps, its even something Ive started to share with my teams at work now, ha.Another thing I love about this school are the students, and the no-ego, collaborative, but intense training culture Coach has instilled. They say if you want to know what a teacher is like, observe his/her students - if so, I think this school passes with flying colors. Ive checked out a few different schools, and Ive never seen one like Radical where the higher belts are so encouraging and welcoming with the beginners. No one has ever given me a hard time or made me feel inadequate for not knowing anything. Instead theyve always taken the time to teach me and help me improve. At Radical school it seems almost like the better someone is, the nicer and humbler they will be, and everyone is already so humble to start, which is so counterintuitive and an incredible fresh air. I couldnt be more impressed with everyone Ive met here.In short, if youre new or interested in grappling, MMA, or self-defense, I cant think of a better school than Radical; please check it out if you have a chance!
Ive known and trained with Rene for 15yrs since I was a White Belt. He was always a great fighter/competitor but it was his analytical mind that impressed me the most. His application of both his extensive academic and martial arts background into his teachings is clearly showcased in his systematic approach to grappling for MMA. His teaching methods are tough but personally rewarding. After training in many academies in Brazil, USA, Japan, and the UK, I am highly impressed by the quality of his students knowledge and their competition success speaks to that. If you are serious about becoming a better martial artist and are willing to put in hard work to get to a high level, consider dropping in for a class.
I have trained at 5 different BJJ academies throughout the course of my Jiu-Jitsu career and Radical MMA is by far the best.First and foremost, what separates Radical from many other schools is that Coach Rene provides you with a system of moves that can be chained together as opposed to a handful of random techniques. Instead of you having to guess what to do next in each position, he provides a comprehensive roadmap for you to follow.Additionally, Radical is one of few places that emphasizes the importance of teaching jiu-jitsu that is applicable to a real self-defense situation or MMA. This includes spending ample time learning takedowns and how to strike/defend strikes while grappling.As far as the gym itself, it has multiple floors, showers and comes stocked with weights, a squat rack and a bunch of other equipment.I would 100% recommend Radical to anyone who trains MMA/Jiu-Jitsu, enjoys fitness or anyone who wants to learn how to defend themselves.
I had to leave the Radical MMA last year because I moved to California. When I arrived to California, I didnt train for 6 months. Subsequently, I started looking for gyms that had an MMA/self defense focus. When I started rolling (sparring) with people from other gyms, I was congratulated. I even submitted a few people who practiced Jiu-Jitsu longer than I did. In addition, my wrestling was much better than the people I sparred with. Recently, someone I sparred in California asked if I was a blue belt; I told the person I am a beginner. An instructor asked how long Ive been training.To contrast, I hardly submitted anyone when I attended Radical MMA (I only attended for 5-6 months). After I travelled and sparred people from other schools, I noticed how much my training at Radical MMA helped me; the level of talent is much higher at Radical MMA.Radical MMA is rough; you are expected to perform and give 100 percent effort. There are no days that you can relax or take breaks. However, it is worth it; your improvements would be vast.
Radical MMA has a rare of mix of having a really welcoming atmosphere (the coach makes a point of introducing new members and knowing everyone individually) and also a very high level of training. I came here and felt welcome but also able to push myself and be pushed to improve very quickly. I cannot recommend the gym highly enough!
After searching, and going through many different options, for a MMA school in a city I came across Radical MMA, and from the first moment I stepped in on a mat and met with Rene I knew this is the best school out there. The attention to details and very knowledgeable coaches make this school stand out from the rest, and the fact that they do the accent on a MMA and real life scenarios makes it even better. Very humble and friendly team will make you feel comfortable and welcome any time. I’ve been training at Radical and representing the team in a tournaments for over 2 years now. And if you looking for a real, no nonsense MMA school, look no further, just stop by and see it for yourself.See you on a mat!Ose
Rene is a modern master. And assistant coach Chad Hernandez is a phenomenal coach, fighter, and all-around good guy. What Radical offers is unique and can not be beat in NYC: Multiple striking classes, wrestling and judo, top level BJJ... and fitness and conditioning classes relevant for combat sports. You also get access to the fitness floor which was custom built by personal trainers. The environment is safe and welcoming to everyone (except jerks) yet the training is quite serious. And the advanced team training is intense-- for those who want to become competitive. Rene also offers an effective and FREE womens self defense class every Sunday. If you have been curious about this type of martial arts training I can not recommend Radical highly enough. When I began I didnt know ANYTHING and today (after several years of hard training) I can say being Renes student has changed my life.
I have been practicing martial arts for about 25+ years and throughout that time, attended several different schools. From my experience, Radical MMA is the best academy out there for a variety of reasons. The academy teaches combat Brazilian jiu-jitsu (as opposed to sport jiu-jitsu, which does not consider all facets of a street-fight or MMA match) in a structured approach that is easy to understand. There are a variety of different classes available, but its noteworthy to mention that Coach Rene Dreifuss is cognizant of our abilities and will instruct us appropriately, regardless of what class we attend. Therefore, youll never feel like youre thrown into the fire with everyone else.Speaking of Coach Dreifuss, he is an excellent instructor whos immensely knowledgeable in BJJ and the MMA scene and cares deeply about developing you as a good student. He doesnt care about recruiting as many students as he can - without ego, he wants to ensure every student performs to the best of their abilities and learn high-quality martial arts. Coach Dreifuss may be stern at times, but only because he wants you to be a better practitioner. His passion and dedication for the arts is also reflected in his constant desire to improve and evolve, which trickles down to his students. On a personal level, Coach Dreifuss is warm, caring, respectful, and has a great sense of humor. You cant ask for a better teacher or friend.In addition to BJJ, Radical MMA also offers shootboxing, judo, and wrestling classes, which are all great. With membership, you have access to Radical MMAs gym, complete with a multitude of free weights (dumbbells, bumper plates, squat racks, etc.). The facility is extremely clean, hygienic (a rarity in grappling schools), and with shower rooms. Everything you need to develop your martial arts prowess and physical fitness in a welcoming, fun, and clean environment is right here at Radical MMA.
So i just recently took a trip to nyc for a mini vacation. And while there I decided since it had been a few months that id touched a mat why not get a little training in my visit. I turned to a few short google searches and noticed a familiar face. Years back the head instructor put out combat oriented variations of techniques, so it peaked my interest to see what type of place would have developed out of his bjj style.On my first visit I met coach Rene and he immediately invited me to train with his class after a few short questions to make sure everyone is on the same page when training; background, I have trained in martial arts since around the age of 5 and in bjj am a purple belt. Well I trained starting the next day in nogi since a Gi is bulky for traveling. My first class it seems I walked into an MMA class. So i was pulled to a side and given a run down of some of his variation of wall techniques. He wanted to make sure i could get a unique view of his variety of fighting. and please understand that as a visitor its important that an instructor vets his guests for the safety of both parties. Thats proof of personal care to all parties involved. You should never be thrown to a general class for sparring of any sort on your first day no matter the credentials you provide. Its up to the instructors discretion whether he deems that to be safe or not.If you are a new student to martial arts or visiting id highly recommend a visit. In terms of martial skill his focus was on my progress and safety even as a complete stranger. Trust his methods, they are geared towards your safety first, and personal development both as a combatant and a person. He kept a keen eye that everyone understood both the reason and details of any techniques he taught. Every class there after was just the same. Quality instruction, safety, and impeccable hygiene.To continue the review, the best gauge for an instructor in my opinion are the beginners. A white belt is the best indication of a schools treatment and philosophy. Upper belts are autonomous so thats not a good way to gauge a school. And what I noticed was that every person I met was as gracious as the next. Every person has an ego to balance out in their own way. But none of his students ever showed me an ouch of bad intention while we practiced or rolled(bjj spar). I dont introduce myself by a belt rank. So I know and understand the atmosphere at Radical is genuinely very welcoming to all comers. Even a class taught by another instructor looked very good. I didnt take it myself but this other instructor also went and corrected any missed details.MMA is misunderstand by and large. You can turn any style into something combat ready. But you must understand every phase of combat before doing so.If you want a combat jiu jitsu academy and are anywhere near nyc give this gentlemen a visit.Thank you for being a very gracious host coach Rene. Ill be visiting here again should I be in the area.
Rene Dreifuss has been nothing short of father towards me. Ive trained in the New Jersey Area since I was 16 under various coaches but Rene not only shows more understanding for the sport but also such a high degree of respect and compassion for every student coming into the academy. Radical sets itself apart from most MMA gyms in the Tri State area primarily due to its philosophy/technique first caliber of coaching. Chad Hernandez another one of the coaches at Radical is a high level competitor with a fiery passion for the sport which transitions expertly into his instruction. The people here are considered my brothers and sisters due to the illuminating ambiance the gym settles on. Radical MMA is home and the people here are my family.
As a student of martial arts for over 15 years and having trained at nearly a dozen martial arts/mma schools, I can say without hesitation that Radical MMA is the best academy I have ever trained at. Some of the main reasons for this are the quality of instruction, the content of the instruction (techniques taught), and the supportive and safe group training environment. The head instructor, Rene Dreifuss, truly cares for his students and their progression in the art, and this shows. Everyone, regardless of whether they compete or not, is treated equally, and coached with attentiveness and care. This was simply not the case at most of the schools I’ve trained at over the years. Since ultimately a martial arts academy is a business, it is rare to find one that is more concerned about the preservation of the art and the welfare of its students than maximizing profits. Radical MMA is such an academy, and in my opinion it’s an absolute gem. I feel blessed to train here. Additionally, for those of you who are serious martial artists, this is a school that honors tradition but isn’t bound by it in its technical approach. Coach Dreifuss is an innovator and pragmatist who’s continuously evolving as the sports of grappling and MMA evolve. This is important if you’re serious about competing because being on the cutting edge is the only way to keep up with the competition and stay relevant with the changing times. In short, Radical MMA is extremely well suited for beginners as well as individuals who are seeking to advance their skill set to the highest levels possible.
Radical MMA is an amazing school. Coach Rene has a keen eye for detail and gives individual attention to every student in the class. The students are great and always willing to work with you. This is an ego free gym where everyone works together to improve. The gym is super clean, has showers, weights, and world class instructors. A bit of warning, this is not a McDojo. When you come to class you are expected to give it your all, I wouldn’t have it any other way. What’s the point of doing something half way? I am always looking forward to his classes. Osu!
For many years Ive been searching for a place like Radical MMA; a true school of human combat, every-evolving, without dogma, that values pragmatism and real-world applicability above all else. One need only read the Philosophy and Approach section of their website to understand the rock-solid principles that are are present throughout every aspect of the Radical MMA experience.Instruction from Rene, Chad, and everyone else who assists is world-class, and the group of students theyve attracted are dedicated, respectful, and formidable. Rene is a true fight professor, translating his vast range of experience as a life-long martial artist into a holistic combat system that is carefully conceived and always-improving. His approach is academic in its sophistication but always battle-tested on the mats and in competition.As someone who is building a company, Ive learned the value of always iterating and staying curious, of never settling for the status quo, and of staying humble enough to always know theres much that I dont know. These things are so important to be a good leader and to make good decisions. I love training at Radical because I believe Rene has taken the same approach with the fighting system he has created, and that is not something thats easy to find. They say that there are musicians who always have some form of music playing in their minds, even when theyre talking to people or just going about their day. I think its the same with Rene, except that its Jiu-jitsu thats always playing in his mind.From a practical standpoint, the training is heavily BJJ-based, but firmly rooted in MMA and street viability. You wont find any butt-scooting here. In an era, where many schools seem to be tailoring much of their training around out-pointing opponents in a sporting context, Radical has gone the other direction. For example, if in the traditional position one would be in while applying a submission it could be possible to be bitten or eye-gouged, then Rene will point this out and show a modified version of the technique where one is protected against such no holds barred counter-attacks. Controlled slaps are also incorporated when rolling to reinforce the importance of always maintaining an awareness of strikes. This bent on BJJ training is something I so deeply appreciate.The Radical MMA facility itself is one of the nicest and cleanest places Ive ever trained. Industrial-strength sanitizer is used regularly, there are three showers that are always clean and well-stocked with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, and there are even mandatory feet cleaning stations next to every mat. Anyone whos ever trained at a gym where hygiene was not such a priority will surely appreciate this.The atmosphere of the academy is one of respect and hard work. Training is taken very seriously and there is definitely less horsing around than what Ive experienced at other gyms, but this is balanced nicely with plenty of humor. Students are expected to stay focused and be respectful of the instructors and one another, but everyone is also having fun. Rene himself will punctuate in-depth lessons with personal stories and plenty of jokes. Personally, I find the vibe of the academy to be the perfect balance of intensity and fun.In short, if you are someone who has a sincere interest in challenging and improving yourself, and in becoming harder to kill in the process, then you would be crazy to not check out Radical MMA. It is a very special place.
Radical MMA is undoubtedly the most professional and most rewarding academy I have ever trained at.I have been to several different academies in the 3 years I have been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I have never been so warmly welcomed and simultaneously so challenged to perform at my best. Everything Coach Dreifuss teaches has a real world application, and he is always happy to explain his methods, which I appreciate as a soldier who may potentially deploy and see combat in the near future.Training at Radical MMA is by far the highlight of my week, and the progress I have made thus far in the two months Ive been training there has been almost unbelievable.In addition to Coach Dreifuss, the students that go to Radical are some of the nicest, most helpful people you could ever hope to meet. The Radical team truly feels like a family because Coach Dreifuss and love for the art of Jiu Jitsu unites us. As long as I live in New York, I look forward to training at Radical MMA. Osu!
I cant say enough about Radical MMA ; it is a fantastic and unique place to train . Its run by Coach Rene Dreifuss and his assistant Coach Chad Hernandez , two of the most professional , knowledgeable , and generous instructors Ive had the pleasure to train with in my 15 years of martial arts . Conveniently located with meticulously clean facilities , they have showers ( yes , you will sweat ) , fully matted training areas , and various weights and functional training equipment , all spread out on 3 floors . Open 7 days a week , with a schedule offering enough classes to accommodate busy , time constrained parents like myself . Oh , and did I mention that its meticulously clean ? Radicals curriculum is well structured and carefully curated . Techniques are taught as individual links , integrated into flows , thus reinforcing and building upon each other . Its a brilliant method that teaches one to move seamlessly , and technique is highly emphasized over brute strength . All classes have a no nonsense MMA and self defense orientation , and you will learn to be effective and efficient in all ranges . No fluff or unrealistic techniques are taught here . Its interesting to note that while the training is not sport oriented , Radical students excel in sport BJJ matches , often defeating challengers in higher weight and belt classes . This speaks volumes about the quality of instruction at this academy .Of course , none of this means anything if your instructor is self absorbed , indifferent , or earned his black belt from You tubes Master Ken . This is where Radical MMA truly shines .Coach Dreifuss has created a culture of high level respect and camaraderie which permeates the entire academy . From newbies to most tenured students , the vibe is welcoming and supportive . Students are cooperative , patient , and everyone looks out for each others safety . Senior students are highly approachable , and are often available to drill with after class. Assistant Coach Chad Hernandez is an absolute beast and a terrific ambassador for Radicals culture of warrior-gentlemen . Kudos also to the phenomenal striking coach , Victor Perez . Equal attention is given to all , regardless of rank , age , aspirations , or gender , and Trump-sized egos and meat heads are not tolerated . Coaches are committed to your progress , and x-ray like technical breakdowns are explained clearly . Hard work and sweat is counter balanced by occasional light humor from the coaches . This atmosphere allows one to really relax and focus on training . In my quest to improve as a martial artist , I had a tough time finding a school that offered the instruction I sought , and enough classes to accommodate my hectic schedule . I found it , and so much more , at Radical MMA .
This academy is everything you could ask for. Always clean and in tip top shape. There is a cleaning crew that keeps it in pristine condition and they clean every day. There are classes going on 7 days a week from the early morning until 9pm so no excuses!! There is a weight training set on site if you’re into that.. but class truly kicks your butt so you might not get to ever use it LOL. My commute is about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get here and is worth every minute. There are plenty dojos by my house but none that i feel emulate the experience in Radical MMA. Started coming here 3 years ago and it has definitely changed my life in many ways. Coach Rene is tough but truly understanding and shows that he truly cares about his students efficiently learning the techniques. He will make sure you are on point no matter how large the class is and is VERY knowledgeable about MMA. The students here are awesome and will make you feel at home. If you’re looking for a legit mma experience this is definitely the place to go. OSU!
Radical MMA is hands-down one of the best places Ive ever visiting during my journey to safely and enjoyably learn street-applicable self-defense. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and welcoming. It feels less like youre walking into an MMA gym and more like youre walking into a zen garden where the teachers and students are welcoming, cleanliness is paramount, and the atmosphere is relaxed.I had the pleasure of stopping by during my last trip to NYC and meeting Rene (the owner and operator). Even though we have mutual friends, this was our first meeting, and he treated me like a brother. Everyone else training in the gym was the same way. Not a person walked in that didnt promptly introduce themselves to the new face (me).I was there for a Sunday open mat. Every round of sparring started with Good training with you. Do you have any injuries? OK touch hands and begin. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect in which everyone is there to help everyone else learn, and in so doing, help themselves. There was a constant vigilance towards not injuring each other... yes we are training street self-defense, but if we cant do that safely, then how can we keep coming back to learn and practice more? I credit this safe and positive atmosphere to Rene, because the mentality of a martial arts dojo invariably starts at the top... the tone is set by the person in charge.Rene has a very deep, interesting, and academic approach to the martial arts and he has been studying them for many, many years. And despite the countless hours hes spent immersed in study, it hasnt dulled his enthusiasm one bit (aside: a loss of instructor enthusiasm is present in a large percentage of schools Ive visited in which the instructor is a life-long practitioner that has settled into the idea that martial arts is now just his day job... but that is not Rene, his enthusiasm outshines all others!). Rene and I waxed philosophical at length about the strategy and approaches that work best in MMA and self-defense. But make no mistake, this isnt just a philosophy class... Rene is a legitimate warrior with proven cage-worthy techniques.Rene is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu who really focuses on cage- and street-applicable techniques. If you are a BJJ practitioner you are no doubt aware of the ongoing sport jiu-jitsu vs self-defense jiu-jitsu debate, and you may have heard about Eddie Bravos recent proposal to allow open-palm strikes in his BJJ tournaments. Well, Rene has been doing this forever. The light taps during rolling arent intended to harm you, but to raise your awareness of any vulnerabilities to striking that your current position may have, which is in stark contrast to much of the sport jiu-jitsu technique that has been en vogue lately. Renes approach is always logical, and he advocates maintaining safety from being hit while establishing positional dominance before then getting a submission.And I would be sorely remiss if I didnt mention perhaps the most important part of Renes approach to teaching: he is committed to the craft of teaching (because teaching itself is a skill that many experts neglect to learn, and Im speaking from experience as Im an academic and Im in that world daily) and he is truly dedicated to his students. His coaching style is friendly but technical, demanding but encouraging, and he never stops wanting to help his students. After Id been there for just one day, he took as much personal interest in my development as a student of the martial arts as any teacher Ive had.If you want a safe, respectful, welcoming environment where you can learn real self-defense-worthy martial art techniques, you owe it to yourself to swing by Radical MMA and check it out. There may be no equal.
Radical MMA is truly a special place. I have had the honor of training with Rene and his coaching staff for two and a half years and have made enormous strides that I did not think were possible. When I first began I had tremendous difficulty moving gracefully and fluidly to execute these arts. I was using strength and was incredibly stiff and rigid in my movements. With patience and persistence Rene coached and guided me to relax and move like an athletic warrior. The road is not easy but if youre willing to work hard you will progress and the reward is accomplishing efficient, beautiful, effective displays of these fighting styles. I owe this to his approach of truly caring about each student and making it his mission to make everyone the best martial artist they can be. It has changed my life and I couldnt imagine training anywhere else.
What I love about this academy the most is that they teach you everything!, how to think, how to react, how to just be a better person overall. No matter what you are going through in your life, training here will keep you extremely focused. I remember the 1st time I met Coach Dreifuss, he was exceptionally nice and he was very detailed in his beliefs about the entire approach to MMA & self-defense. His vast knowledge of self-defense and fighting is commendable. He emphasizes on building fighters from the ground up focusing on the fundamentals. At 1st I didn’t understand but it all makes sense now that I’ve been training here for about 6 months. Anyone can throw a punch or a kick but can they defend themselves if they get taken down to the floor, coach Dreifuss shows you just how to do that and way more. Radical MMA is open 7 days a week and they have morning, afternoon & evening classes that can fit any lifestyle & did I mention that you can take as many classes as you can handle! His website is extremely comprehensive giving you detailed “How To” videos on a lot of different movements, just a lot of great information. I watch his videos every day because he explains everything so well!!! Once you start you will get hooked just like I did. Their extremely cost effective and I plan on staying here forever
I have been training with Rene for many years. He is an excellent teacher and martial artist, who instills respect and discipline in all of his students, does not tolerate bullies, and turns wimps into warriors. This is an objective statement. After sparring at other schools I have consistently been treated with a greater deal of respect than when I joined the class. In fact, recently, after training at another gym, I had an instructor that out-ranked me by two belts, thank me for attending his class and sparring with him. When I have returned from a long break in training, the guys I used to tap with ease, make me fight for my life. Proof that when you train here you develop serious skills. On the other hand, the academy is not for everyone. Rene trains in combat-effective tactics and insists you give full effort and attention. If youre just looking to fool around or not work hard, you should not come to Radical. Respect is an important part of the academy. Acting like youre a tough guy earns you a butt-whooping, and if you do not change your ways, you will be asked to leave. Cursing on the mat earns you 50 push-ups. But trying your hardest to tap an instructor earns you a pat on the back. What more can you ask for in a martial arts school?
I have been to Marcelos, Renzos and now Radical MMA during my trip to NYC. I have to say that Radical was the best so far. As much as I loved the other schools, Radical instructor was very polite, skilled and all around a fabulous teacher. Really loved the vibe in the gym and the cleanliness. Everyone was super respectful with absolutely no egos. Everyone even shook my hand to greet me when I walked in. Felt like I was part of their family. Had some really great rolls with the instructor. He is legit and had a wealth of knowledge. I am definitely going back while I am still in town!
Radical MMA is on the cutting edge of fighting. There are many gyms across New York City and across the country that spread a false reality of what it means to be a martial artist. However, Head Coach Rene Dreifuss promotes a culture in his dojo that prioritizes efficiency, effectiveness and above all respect. If your looking for a frat house dont come here. This is a place for good hearted and respectful people who want to learn how to become smart technically sound fighters. If thats who you are then stop by youll be more than welcomed and I promise youll have no regrets.
One of my favorite places to train! Rene is a great teacher and overall good human being - he is not only invested in his students technical development, he is concerned with their growth as human beings. The school has a great, respectful vibe, even though everyone trains hard and is very skilled. Radical MMA has a beautiful facility - lots of mat space plus a full-equipped weight room (and showers!) that is all kept immaculately clean.Id also like to quickly address one of the other reviews here: Im primarily a student at MGA, but I cross-train at radical frequently work on my MMA-oriented game. Ive never heard Rene say anything negative about another school. He is in fact, rather effusive in his praise of MG and others. Nor have I seen him neglect any of his students - he is very aware of everyones strengths and weakness and is actively involved with developing the skillsets of all of his students.Highly recommended to anyone looking for a jiu jitsu or MMA school!
Rene is an awesome instructor. Top notch in technique and takes the time to give you the theory behind his system. This is a great spot if you are looking for self defense jiu jitsu. The training partners were great and everyone is always learning. They train hard. My schedule didn’t jive so I had to move on but that’s on me. I would recommend Radical whole heartedly
I’ve been training MMA for a few years and this is the best instruction I’ve ever received. Top notch facility and first class coaching from coach Rene and his high level staff of highly accomplished instructors. If you want to do MMA right, this is the place for you.
Radical MMA is an absolute amazing place to train. Rene is very experienced, and a pleasure to communicate with. The facility is the cleanest gym I have ever been to, and himself and his students treat everyone who comes in like family. Hands down one of the best places to train in NYC. OSS.
Great authentic MMA gym! Coach Rene Dreifuss is very relatable and kind. Great and quick communication. Excellent teacher, really goes above and beyond. Well organized gym, clear class schedule. Highly recommend!
This is a great academy! Coach Rene is a very knowledgeable martial artist and an excellent teacher. He is patient and great at breaking down complex moves and making them easy to learn. While it is a jiu jitsu based school, I love the fact that all the techniques taught here have mma and self-defense relevance.The facility is clean and well-equipped with multiple showers and bathrooms. Lots of classes to accommodate schedules.The atmosphere is very friendly and respectful all around. A diverse student body with many female students. Its a supportive environment and I would recommend this school to anyone, whether youre a pro fighter or just looking for a new hobby and to get in shape.
Radical MMA is a fantastic martial arts academy. There are several things that make them stand out:- Instructors: Rene and Chad are fantastic at teaching. They use precise language and explain techniques using a step-by-step and intelligent approach. They also make an effort to cater to individual learning styles. There is a good mix of emphasizing technique while also valuing physical conditioning. This is not the school for brutes or lazy people.- Facility: The space is very neat and orderly. There is a Japanese ambiance when you enter the gym which adds a nice touch. Its rare to find gyms with clean bathrooms/showers so that is appreciated. There are foot baths when entering any matted area and the space is cleaned on a regular basis.- Social: The members of the gym are very friendly. Rene puts in a lot of effort to foster an environment of politeness and discipline. Bullying isnt tolerated whatsoever. There are also regular social outings where members hang out at a park or watch events together. Geeks will feel at home here as many people are big comic book and video game fans.
I am a Professional Mixed Martial Artist and Ju Jitsu Purple Belt living in Kansas City, but recently began frequently traveling to NYC for work. Being an active fighter in the middle of a training camp, I needed to find a school to train at while on the road. I was lucky to come across Rene Dreifuss and Radical MMA. Radical has a very welcoming atmosphere, and Rene teaches all his students to be respectful of one another. The Ju Jitsu technique taught there is top notch and all techniques are combat realistic, whether being used in the cage or in a self-defense type scenario. Radical is a great place to train for people at all levels, from beginners to amateur or professional fighters. There is one sure result you can expect from training at Radical - you will become a better martial artist!
Part 1/2After I started writing this review Ive realized even more just how incredible of a place Radical MMA is. I will never be able to describe it as well as it deserves to be, so in case you have any questions or anything needs to be clarified, please dont hesitate to reach out.-----Ive trained at Radical MMA for over two years now and could not be more happy with my academy. I have trained at other schools before but nothing comes close to the value that Radical and coach Rene Dreifuss have to offer.Here are my main reasons (unordered) to consider Radical as a top choice for anyone looking to join:Vetting:Unlike other schools that let anyone in with no questions asked, coach Dreifuss makes sure to speak with every single person looking to train at Radical MMA. This accomplishes the following; 1. Ensures maximum safety for all 2. Makes sure the mentality of the person aligns with the ethics of Radical. You can rest assured that when you train at Radical there will never be a time you are at risk of getting hurt due to your training partners ego or bad intent. Those people simply do not get a chance to even step on the mat.Safety:I have been to other schools where injuries were a normal part of training. And where your sparring partners do not hold your safety as their priority. This is never the case at Radical. Your number one priority is your partners safety, and not feeding your own ego and making them tap at all cost. In addition, at Radical we put a ton of emphasis on the technique and smoothness of movement over power/explosiveness and yanking of your body parts from locked in positions. When I visited top schools of the world, located in NYC, I was surprised to see higher level belts being so spazzy it seemed like theyve been electrocuted. Theres a time and place for power and explosiveness but it should not be your first line of attack/defense. Needless to say this causes constant injuries, which keeps you away from training and in general instill poor fundamentals. I myself have been in this situation multiple times in my old academies, having to take off multiple weeks and even months to fix an injury. But never have there been a case where somebody tried to hurt me at Radical. During my two years at Radical I have only been injured due to my own mistake, such as jamming of a finger/toe, but never by my sparring partners.Sparring Intensity:This might sound counterintuitive to my previous point but I can attest to the fact that the intensity level at Radical is unmatched, compared to anywhere else Ive been, yet with no injuries at all. Excellent foundations + smoothness + healthy attitude + partners safety as a priority = Intense training. My main reason for not joining a school that was related to jiu jitsu was the “softness” Ive associated with the sport, i.e flowy, inverted guard pulling, colorful legging wearing athletes. I was surprised when I got destroyed by every single person in the gym, some of which were 50+ pounds lighter than me, and had to re-evaluate my stance. In between many drilling sessions we have, I spar 3 times a week, consistently, for over 2 years. Im not killing myself or torturing my body. The sparring sessions are extremely (for me) cardio demanding/strenuous but are low in any damage that would keep one out of training. Therefore, I can get all of the benefits of hard sparring sessions minus setting myself back with any sort of injuries.Diversity:Given that we’re located in NYC, diversity comes by default. But to reassure anyone reading this, we have great diversity on all spectrums; age, gender, weight, belts. We even have numerous people that truly do not speak a word of english but are able to train without restrictions due to the supportive environment of their teammates who are able to translate and offer help. There is absolutely no toxicity in the gym and I think people are made to feel welcomed as soon as they step through the door.
Ive been to other schools and Im so lucky to have found radical mma. Rene is a great coach and so are the other students and instructors at the academy. Hes all about teaching you the right technique and wants each student to learn proficiency and wants everyone to understand why your doing what your doing and not just being a robot. Its impressive how he remembers everyones name because their are over 100 students.That being said he gives everyone personal attention and has no favorites while teaching a class. If you feel like youre out of shape, nervous, shy etc dont be. Everyone helps each other to grow and get better and better not only as fighters but as a team.I strongly recommend trying a free lesson to see for your self. Just by being in the academy for 8 months Ive never felt so confident and so eager to continue on my marital arts journey all thanks to Rene, the instructors and all of my fellow students. I look forward to meeting new members to have the same experience.
Rene and Chad are top class instructors making sure that each student not only gets the technique but the philosophy behind the technique. Very attentive teaching. Also there is well advance and helpful students that will help you out if your in need.Clean gym and respectful people.Amazing school to learn Mma and self-defense.
I highly recommend this school.Rene is a great instructor who knows his stuff but is very humble. Other schools Ive been to tend to have pompous teachers with overblown egos. Rene is not that kind of teacher at all. His main goal is to arm all of his students with the most efficient and effective tools to fight in the cage or in the streets. Even when he pushes his students to give 110%, at the end of the class he gives his students encouraging words, additional tips and a smile.Im surprised that there is some guy here who gave the school a 1-star review claiming that Rene dissed Marcelo. There is no truth to that as Marcelo is one of Renes former teachers and its not in Renes character to be obnoxious like that.All I can say is come see for yourself. The facilities are clean and topnotch, the students are friendly, helpful and competitive and Rene and his instructors are excellent at teaching and helping students learn. What more can you ask of a school?!
Radical MMA is one of the most elite MMA schools in New York City for a variety of reasons.The moment you enter the Radical dojo, you first notice the cleanliness of the space. Everything from training equipment to mats to the reception area is maintained and kept sparkling. Not only does this make the dojo look phenomenal, but more importantly reflects the diligence and respect of the staff and students towards their craft and place of practice.The atmosphere of Radical MMA is one that promotes honor, integrity, and camaraderie, and condemns brutish, thick-headed, and disrespectful behavior. In the same way that Radical fighters are expected to show respect to their craft and place of practice, they are expected to show respect to one another. Every single Radical fighter that I have ever encountered during my time practicing at Radical has been kind, courteous, and helpful.Founder Rene Dreifuss and Instructor Chad Hernandez work tirelessly to ensure that the goals of each individual student are met. Rene chats with every student upon meeting him/her and ascertains what his/her aspirations are in joining an MMA gym. Once he knows this, Rene proceeds to incorporate various strategies into his training regimen to help students fulfill their stated goals. Needless to say, Rene and Chad are highly skilled practitioners and are even more highly skilled instructors; you will always leave a training session feeling that you have in some way made progress.On top of everything, Radicals monthly rate is extremely competitive, and the Radical dojo is conveniently located off any major subway line.If you want to learn MMA from the best in a CLEAN space that is home to a positive and encouraging training atmosphere, I strongly urge you to join the Radical family -- you owe it to yourself!
I went to NY in February and I had the pleasure of stopping by Radical MMA. It was recommended to me by someone on Reddit, but wasnt high on my list of schools to visit. My schedule worked out so that I popped into a No-Gi class. Rene wasnt there that day but I was immediately struck by the welcoming culture of the gym. I loved the style they preached and decided to come back for 2 more sessions before I left. Rene has an excellent approach to teaching the art of Jiu Jitsu while focusing on making it applicable to self defense and MMA. If I ever make my way back to New York I will be stopping by again and I encourage anyone from somebody with no experience to the blackbelt level to make sure to give Radical a try.
AMAZING INSTRUCTION: Radical MMA teaches extremely technical MMA. The instruction is simple, with MMA combos systematically broken all the way down into step by step movements that layer fluidly on each other. The patterns are built and drilled in a way that really promotes both a detailed theoretical understanding and a physical comfort/muscle memory. REALLY FANTASTIC!AMAZING ATMOSPHERE/PEOPLE: Starting with Coach Rene, the atmosphere is extremely positive, humble, supportive, and has the perfect marriage between fun and seriousness. This gym doesn’t treat new members like pledges (which is unfortunately common in many martial arts gyms)… they welcome everyone with open arms, and treat each other like brothers. ANYONE who doesn’t see this immediately is either lying or is a punk.Bottom line: if you are looking into MMA or one of its facets, come and try this place out. Take it from a guy who tried 5 different gyms before settling here.
I have been with Radical MMA for over 1.5 years now. This is a great academy and I recommend and will continue to recommend this academy to anyone that is interested in self defense, JJ and MMA. (I would even recommend it to people that aren’t interested in those areas, just so they can try and see what they are missing out on :P)NOTE: If there are any females interested in learning MMA, JJ or self-defense (or just get into better shape). This academy is for you. I personally also liked that no one uses kiddy gloves around me, with respect for my person they also respect that I want to be treated like everyone else. Likewise they also know how to scale it, myself and others have come to class with injuries (because we didn’t want to sit it out) and the coaches made adjustments to avoid that injury, or if you are not in the best shape due to long time away from the gym or recovering from illness they will take it into account and work around it.Rene is a great coach who will push you to do better and always encourages finding your limit and pushing past it. Victor is a great boxing coach, and definitely someone you want to learn striking from. Chad is likewise an excellent teacher and it is an honor to learn from and always interesting to roll with to see how much further you have to go, but also to see how much you have already learned. It is not an easy road, self-improvement never is, but the friends I made there definitely made it more fun.
Radical MMA is a fantastic BJJ/MMA school.The instructors teach in a manner that is disciplined, and functional for whatever avenue one chooses to take: MMA, Sport BJJ, or just plain old self defense. If the technique doesnt work in all of the three scenarios, it is not taught.While Professor Rene and his staff are demanding and strict instructors; their caring, genuine encouragement, and appreciation for their students well being and development are evident evident at all times.Through their honest approach; you will ALWAYS know exactly what you need to improve; and if through nothing else but their sheer exuberance (Theyll make sure to congratulate you later anyway),what you are doing right.Finally, the number of students from competing (very good local bjj academies) who choose to take private lessons from Professor Rene is probably the best indication that theyre doing something right.Footnotes:- The academy is extremely clean/sanitary.- Respect for others (in and out of the academy) is highly valued by all who teach and train.- In addition to his BJJ Black Belt, Professor Rene is also a legit Judo Black Belt (earned in Japan, so hes also fluent in Japanese.)
My wife and I were in NYC for a few days, and I wanted to get some BJJ in while I was away from home. I knew of Coach Dreifuss from watching his very helpful How To videos on YouTube (which I also highly recommend), so I dropped him a line through the Radical MMA website. Coach Dreifuss got back to me very quickly and told me to consider his academy my home away from home. I visited the gym and one of the instructors, Chad Hernandez, was extraordinarily welcoming and gave me a tour of the facilities. I met up with Coach Dreifuss the next day and I couldnt have been happier with the hour we spent together. Coach Dreifuss is extremely knowledgeable, and made me feel at ease immediately. He presents the concepts in a way that suits the individual learning style of the student, which I very much appreciated. He also took the time to get to know a little about me and my background so that he could customize the lesson to my particular level and needs. If I were to live in NYC, there is no question that I would train at Radical MMA. In fact, I may have to make New York a more regular travel destination so I can spend more time learning from Coach Dreifuss. I cant wait to get back home and show my BJJ buddies what I learned. Thanks again, Coach!
Radical is the best Jiu Jitsu academy I have ever trained at and I have trained at other big name academies in NYC. Some of the things that differentiate Radical are:(1) The friendly and family atmosphere of the members (no egos).(2) The jiu jitsu techniques taught are for self defense-meaning nothing is taught that would only work not in sport jiu jisu.(3) Rene Dreyfus (Head Instructor) has developed a fantastic system of breaking down complex techniques into individual steps that make things easier to learn.(4) The academy is very sensitive to people with injuries and allowed me to continue to train around a number of injuries I had - none of which happened at Radical.(5) Chad Hernandez (Instructor) is probably the single best teacher of anything I have ever trained, studied, etc.I moved out to the suburbs a couple years ago, and yet I still train at Radical in the city. My only complaint is that they dont have a satellite gym closer to where I live.
I travel to NYC once a month for work and I always train at Radical MMA. Im a brown belt under Rodrigo Medeiros and a two time Muay Thai Champion under Saekson Janjira. Coach Dreifuss is one of the best teachers Ive ever worked with. Im blown away at his brilliance and expertise with his teaching method and techniques. Coach Dreifuss is a true martial artist and the high skill level of all of his students is a testament to his teaching ability. I aways come home a much better fighter.Thank you Rene a thousand times!!!
Great MMA school, very much recommended. Rene is very good and technical trainer. Trained with Rene when I lived in NYC a couple years ago. Recently I was in NYC for a couple of days and joined a couple of classes. Very friendly atmosphere and learned a lot as always!
I cannot begin to express how training at the Radical MMA Academy has changed my life. Coach Rene Drefuss is not only an expert, no nonsense tolerating martial artist, he has the gift of being able to bring out the very best in every student he trains. Man, there is nothing like being pushed to the limit mentally and physically and then surpassing those limits every time you train. Thats exactly what Coach Rene and the staff offer at Radical MMA NYC. I am a thirty-something married mother of 4 and I work long hours in a challenging, fast paced profession. As a women, among other things, my health and my personal safety in these crazy times we live in are at the top of my WORRY list. When I started training I weighed 198 lbs, 8 months later I have lost more then 40lbs. I am in the best physical shape I have ever been in not because aesthetic incentives. I take care of my body so when I train, my body takes care of me. Mutual respect, the spirit perseverance and genuine shared interest in each students success are what makes this place my home and the people there my family. Come and see yourself. OSU!
Coach Dreifuss has truly done the art of Jiu Jitsu a service. Ive trained at several academies during my few years involved in BJJ, and I can honestly say that Ive learned more in two months than I have in two years.I first came to Radical in January when I was returning from Military leave. After the first day I trained there I was hooked. Radical is a serious training facility that fosters only the friendliest environment. Everyone from the coaches to the students is concerned with your safety, progression, and training experience. Coach Dreifuss is committed to developing you as a person as well as a mixed martial artist. Every technique he teaches has a practical application, making you more confident in your abilities outside of the academy.Im in a unique position being at the United States Military Academy at West Point where I can only come down 1-2 days on the weekend. Coach Dreifuss let me know the first day that he was committed to serving me as I serve the nation. He takes the time out of his day to send me videos and drills to practice will Im at the academy so that I can develop myself and come to the academy prepared and motivated to train. And Im no exception. Coach Dreifuss treats all his students this way, showing no favoritism, only commitment.As a future officer in the U.S. Army, I can confidently say that Coach Dreifuss embodies only the greatest leadership qualities. Every time I leave the academy I leave a more confident and competent individual.
I’ve been going to Radical Mma under coach Rene Dreifuss for almost 8 months, my ultimate goal is to fight (although there are lots who are not training to compete). I checked out 4 different gyms and ultimately settled on Radical for a few different reasons. 1) functional bjj/mma - all bjj classes are done with mma and street fighting in mind so you’re learning real life defensive solutions right from the beginning. 2) Rene told me not to sign up unless I was committed to going at least 2 or 3 times a week - while very relaxed everyone is serious about constant improvement. 3) everyone is incredibly friendly, nice and respectful - you don’t see this all places but in terms of feeling welcome and comfortable it’s top notch. The longer I’m there the happier i am with the decision, it’s a great system with real life application. Hope to see you there 👊🏽
I have known Renee since I met him in 2006 as a novice to self defense with no background. In the 11 years since then I have trained professional athletes in 7 countries covering 3 continents and I have never come across a better teacher or person. His ability to communicate comes in second only to his passion and understanding of his art. I am ecstatic he has found a spot to call his own and reach/teach/lead as many people as possible. Even through long distances he has been able to help me improve as a person and a trainer. I strongly recommend to anyone at any level to give his gym a visit.....I even told my friends not to mention me...because there are no favorites. If you bring the right attitude and focus progress and improvement is inevitable.
An estimated three months after I started I posted a review on Yelp, which may be possible for people to look back and see my opinion. A couple months later I still feel the same way about the academy and the instructors.Rene and Chad continue to help everyone develop and does not pick favorites. I assume the instructors speak privately about how to structure things and have a theory on why things are going in the order they are. For sure, everything you do in the classes make sense and if you are not sure, the instructors are always welcoming to questions. The instructors continue to treat everyone important because they truly care about teaching, and if you give 50% effort they will give you 100% effort. Everyone in the academy is encouraging and helpful which is an atmosphere that is contiguous. Seriously everyone is encouraging and friendly, and willing to help.The academy does not have little groups of people who keep to themselves, because everyone works together and helps each other. It’s not very intimating when the academy is like that.My Striking Experience:Victor who is one of the striking instructors has a love for boxing that’s really cool to see. You can see him smile and get excited when people are learning. Whenever you work with someone who loves their art (it can be accounting, boxing, mma, marketing, cooking, etc) it’s a joy because they put their best effort into things. That’s what victor does. The other day I was telling him it was cool if I saw him on T.V. and he said “ I’m not really into that, I get a joy out of knowing I helped someone be able to defend themselves..to know the person I trained knows what’s going on in a situation.” (More or less) But it is great when someone is starting off to know the instructor means that, and it makes sense because you can see it in his classes.You’ll learn TECHNIQUE which from what I’ve been gathering is very important (obviously). I feel Victor’s approach is a science, a system. It’s good because you’re not just thrown into a striking class and hitting pads until you’re tired. I think the ability to understand and see things, is what makes someone an artist. Victor’s training us to understand what’s going on. He’s showing us the theory, the method and explaining why we do things. He is also open to questions which are great because I know even less about striking. Every striking class I’m learning something new EVEN if we are doing the same drills, because victor’s always fine tuning and helping you. I like the class because I feel I’m learning valuable information always. The approach is great, everyone will learn a lot.Rene created a great atmosphere at radical and everyone will feel welcomed.
I have had the privilege of training at Radical MMA for about 6 months now, and although I never post online reviews I feel compelled to do so because Radical is truly a hidden gem that people should know about.I chose Radical after thoroughly researching other BJJ schools in NYC because I was interested only in schools that teach practical, self-defense oriented Jiu Jitsu rather than merely sport-oriented JJ. Coach Rene Dreifuss is dedicated to teaching only MMA and practical, self-defense oriented techniques and modifies techniques, if necessary, to make them applicable in a real fight/self-defense situation. It is rare these days, unfortunately, to find a school that remains so true to the illustrious roots of BJJ.What really makes this academy stand out, though, are the people. Coach Dreifuss is truly one of the most amazing human beings Ive ever met. He is the nicest, most caring, and most inviting person. He creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy and cares personally about each and every individual that walks through the academy doors. You have to experience it to believe it.Chad, the assistant coach, is equally kind, caring, supremely talented, and approachable.Both Chad and Rene are teachers par execellence. Ive had years of post-graduate schooling, and can honestly say that the teachers at this school are among the very best I have ever had in ANY discipline. Their attention to detail, and their ability to convey the minutiae of the gentle art in a meaningful and relatable way is breathtaking.The environment fostered by Coach Dreifuss is only reinforced by his student. I have never, in any setting, met a nicer, more accepting, more helpful, and more respectful group of people - its what makes coming to class truly enjoyable. What makes it even more amazing is that these are also some of the toughest martial artists in the NY metro area, bar none.If you are looking for a school that really has it all, and for instruction by a true master, this is it.
During basic officer training with the Marines, I developed a reputation as untouchable in a groundfight. One big reason why was Rene, Chad, and the team at Radical, where Id spent the year prior to active duty. They set me up for success.Thats not to say that Radical, or MMA in general, is only about being a badass. This is a safe and responsible place to train, full of kind folks who will teach you happily every step of the way -- and who, when it comes time to put in work, will make you earn every inch. I grew by leaps and bounds under the leadership of Coach Dreifuss and his team, and Im still benefiting every time I train from the habits they taught me.For perspective, I trained for a time with Marcelo Garcia, and sampled gyms around the country from Kurt Osiander to Carlos Machado, and Id put the Radical team right up there with them, especially if youre looking for the personal attention and development opportunities that come with a small, community-oriented academy. Highly recommended.
I trained and tried out probably all the top notch mma or martial art gyms in New York. With no negative feedback on those gyms, Radical Mma took home for me. Rene and chads attention to detail are unprecedented. Besides theyre teaching ability they genuinely love mixed martial arts and their students. It really shows. This a family of non meat heads but calculated and respectful individuals. This is a fight gym with the traditional values that made martial arts what it is today.
I have been going to Radical for nearly a year now and I can say that it is the best martial arts gym I have ever been a part of. Coach Rene really goes out of his way to foster your individual growth. They expect 100% of your effort and will always give you 100% of theirs.
Rene, in my opinion, is a great instructor. He is one of the few who teaches because he wants to teach. This impacts the entire gym and atmosphere. Super nice folks with awesome detailed instruction and explanation with well thought out curriculum and progression. You will get good fast here. You will also get a great answer to every bjj question you ask. You may also get a nickname!!For reference, I have been training jiu jitsu for well over 7 years and have trained around the world due to work travel (includes CA, MN, CO, MA, Vancouver, Panama, Singapore ...) with world champions and other very well know bjj guys.
I am a novice to MMA training. Moreover, I just come to USA for several months and still can not speak English fluently. Fortunately, instructors are super friendly and patient. They never insult me when I have hard time to understand some simple words like buttock, elbow ~ They always teach me nice and slow, repeating again and again to make sure I truely got the content.Also thanks to senior classmates. All of them are willing to sacrifice their time to train with me and share their experience to improve my skills.Last but not least, cleanest gym I have ever seen:>Osu!
Amazing trip to nyc. I have been in the martial arts for 30 years and always like to find places to train. When I travel. What made me choose radical mma was the positive reviews but also the response by coach Dreifus to each review. I initially booked 2 classes but was blown away at what I learned in the first class that I ended up booking a 3rd class. The dojo is very friendly and welcoming, no egos. Coach Driefus quickly found the problems in my game and did an amazing job at helping me fix the holes in a short amount of time. Coach Driefus is a true martial artist and is very humble, friendly and respectful. I had a lot of fun training with him and look forward to coming back the next time I am in NYC.
Ive been training at Radical MMA since July of this year right out of basic training. I went into the military at 32 years old, non-athletic and I came out a little bit more fit but I still had a long way to go. Initially my goal was to get fit and gain confidence by gaining a new skill. After researching for about a month, I found Radical MMA through a review I read on Reddit and the spirit of the review convinced me to try this place. I sent Coach Rene a message on the website and within a few hours I received an email response with a date for a scheduled private session and several videos for me to watch and familiarize myself with in preparation for my first class, as well as a link to suggested gear and reading. Whaaaaa?! For a person like me who hates going in blind and is quite the introvert, this was a relief. Game day came and I met with Coach. He looked clean, the place looked clean. The students I trained with they smelled clean. Yep, thats important to me. He even gave tips on how to avoid mildewy-smelling gear. Thank heavens because I have a wicked sense of smell. Initially, like most non-athletic females, I started off a little self-conscious. EVERYONE put me at ease. You drill with all different levels and everyone at every level was so helpful. I dont know how Coach does it but he can teach a room full of students at varying levels and you never feel slighted or forgotten. In fact you almost wish he wouldnt be so attentive at times. The mans got eyes behind his head. He emphasizes technique and respect of the mat. All the students have respect for each other and there is a lot of humility when it comes to learning and teaching. I couldnt have chosen to be at a better place. If all you want to do is train for a sport, youll be disappointed. He trains you for real life situations. Be forewarned, if you feel entitled, self-centered, egotistical, and youre not ready to have your feelings hurt because youve never been told that what youre doing is wrong or maybe youve been taught wrong then dont come and stay weak. But if you really want to be a better person, a stronger one, and train and learn from great people, this is the place to do it.
Rene changed my life in 2009 when I decided to try Jiu Jitsu. My first class was extremely hard, I was a heavy drinker, overweight, and self destructive -- my body could just not keep up. I sparred in one of my first few classes and remember being so incredibly frustrated. I almost threw in the towel but Rene was always very encouraging and it was because of him I stuck with it. He used to always ask me if he would see me the next day and I would always reply with Of course, coach! knowing deep down I wasnt sure if I wanted to come because of the difficulty I was having learning. His positive attitude and encouragement kept me coming. I couldnt believe the first time he asked me to come in on a Saturday -- on a weekend, are you kidding me?! He wasnt -- and I went every Saturday I possibly could.As I trained more I self destructed less, my weight dropped drastically. I felt better. My life path which once was shrouded by the fog the unknown seemed to be clear. I knew I wanted to train jiu jitsu for the rest of my life and I could always depend on the martial art, Rene, and Radical MMA to guide me.While I was 27 when I began training I still never felt like a man, Rene helped transform me from an immature boy to a disciplined man. Its so painstakingly obvious Rene cares for every human being that steps foot in the gym and he would give anything to enlighten people to the wonders and life transformative properties of martial arts.I trained under Rene with the Radical family for 5 years. Its been a few years since I have been back but Renes jiu jitsu game has always been my dominant style - it just work. Ive trained at the best gyms in the world and still think Renes style of heavy repetitive drilling is the best way to learn.Without Rene and Radical MMAs guidance Im not sure where Id be but I know I wake up everyday grateful for having stumbled into the gym and finding my way.
Would give more starts if I could. Wonderful experience from day one, everyone is so friendly and welcoming and the gym itself is well-equipped and very clean. The classes are beyond excellent - the instructors put a lot of time into every individual to improve themselves on their own game, even when the classes are busy. On top of all of that, the atmosphere is very focused and everyone is ready to learn and improve leaving egos behind. Not a single complaint comes to mind.
In an industry full of snake oil, Radical MMA is the real deal. The academy is full of friendly & humble warriors. No egos and no drama...just instructors and students who help you become better. I recommend Radical MMA without reservation. OSU!!
Amazing facility focusing on all areas of fighting and self defense nurturing both serous competitors and martial arts enthusiasts. Also the most dedicated and coach you will ever meet and will do anything to ensure you reach your full potential in all areas of your life.
I trained with the instructor before when he was teaching at a muay thai school, even though I have experience training he wouldnt let me roll. While drilling he would let his practice submissions on me but I couldnt drill submissions back. So honestly I wouldnt train with him. Ive trained with high rank professionals who had no problem with me rolling with other students.
If you live in New York and looking for a place to start training, or are visiting you definitely HAVE to check out radical mma. The facility is beautiful and you feel welcomed as soon as you walk in, the fellow training partners are very nice and help you out, and the instruction level is amazing. Its definitely a great place to perfect your technique, learn more, and have fun! You wont be disappointed.
Clean gym, great camaraderie and a true attention-to-detail instruction by Coach Dreifuss. Highly recommended!
Radical MMA is a great school and Ive been with coach Rene for 5 years. During that time Ive grown tremendously as a martial artist and as a person.
Fantastic training facility. Coach knows how to get the best out of people. I had no prior martial arts experience and was nervous to start. The environment in radical is encouraging and supportive.
Ive been training here for nearly five months and I can say my experience has been nothing but positive. With almost 150 members it still feels like an environment where your individual needs are met in every lesson. Competent, caring coaches who know everyones name (and they even remember what injuries each person has).
World class and detailed training from a very experienced and professional coach! Facilities are extremely clean and the environment is ideal for beginners and seasoned practitioners!
I have been training at Radicle MMA for the past two years under Coach Rene Dreifuss. The physical confidence and courage I have gained with in myself has been life changing. Here is to another great year.
Travelled to NYC last year with my wife. As strictly bjj practitioners rene and the guys welcomed us in, taught us some techniques and enjoyed some rolls. Top set of guys in a top facility guided by rene. When we get the chance to travel back to the USA we will definitely hit up the guys at radical again
I went to Radical MMA for a trial class. They were very welcoming, excellent instructions, very clean facility. Having visited several MMA gyms, I highly recommend this place! I will be registering with them after the holidays.
Real MMA training taught in an accessible way. No ego instructors and students while still keeping the bar high on quality of technique and performance.
Just awesome and eye opening to train with such well rounded individuals!!! I had a blast training new techniques and learning the small details that helped improve my game!!! Thanks so much to Coach Renne Dreifuss, Yurok, Jason, and Jeff...OSU!!!
Was in NYC for the holidays and trained at Radical MMA. This is an excellent place to train with great and welcoming people. Thank you so much for the great training. I look forward to coming back in the future!
Radical MMA is the bomb!! If you do jits in NYC and dont check it out your crazy. Awesome instruction. Awesome people. Youll learn so much. Go there now dont wait!
This is the best place you can find in NYC for Jiu-Jitsu training! People there are awesome and the coach is a real master!Thank you for everything!
Coach Rene and Chad are amazing teachers. The gym is amazing and Im honored to have learned BJJ from them.
I came in for trial class, person there gives me attitude, examines my body, immediately orders me around, tells me to take my stuff off even though I was doing it anyway, I tell him I can’t take some stuff off, he tells me “not my problem”, he clearly looks like he doesn’t care whenever I take the class or not, I wouldn’t be let in to come see a class, then I left.Too bad, I was looking forward to taking the class.
Outstanding martial arts school. Very methodical and thought out teaching and training methodology.
Amazing academy and amazing instructors. Exactly what I was looking for from an MMA gym.
Amazing place, with wonderful people, and crazy classes!!!!Thanks from France!
Total reviews rating
111 Reviews for Radical MMA NYC 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-08By far the best martial arts gym that Ive been to. Rene is the most passionate coach Ive met. He is very honest with his students. If you do bad, hell let you know. If you do good, hell let you know. He does not sugarcoat. Thats because he really cares about his students. Hell work with you until your technique is perfect, unlike many other coaches who dont pay much attention to their students. Rene gives his full attention to each and every one of his students. Come to this gym if you want to unlock your full potential as a martial artist.
Review №2
2022-02-18I have been training in Radical for more than half a year now, and I have to write a review to strongly recommend this place. If you are looking for serious combat training or self defense, this is the perfect place. The instructor Rene is detail oriented, dedicated and very technical. He only teaches you the most effective techniques proven in years of professional MMA real fights. He will patiently walk you through every step of Jiu Jitsu and shoot-boxing moves and let you drill and spar a lot to make sure your muscle memory can get the techniques down. The amenities at Radical are very good too: its weight lifting gym has more equipments than you need, and showers are also available after each class. Please come, it’s worth very penny of the membership.
Review №3
2022-05-02Radical MMA is a great school to gain a complete understanding of martial arts as a system. Rene is an extremely well versed teacher, able to take his students and develop them into martial artists. Theres no ego in the academy, all the students are friendly and more than willing to help you. Room is spacious with 3 levels, mats are clean, and showers are available.
Review №4
2022-03-29If you want to learn mix martial arts? You want to learn the nitty gritty and the beauty of fundamentals to learn how to train in mix martial arts self defense training for real life scenario if ever you need to defend yourself. A coach/teacher that is straight forward with you and cares for his students to learn the craft. Cares about the craft. A teacher who is patient but reminds you to have accountability on training, practicing. You need Coach Rene to be your teacher. Come Join Radical MMA
Review №5
2022-03-07The journey Ive taken at Radical MMA has been life changing in nothing but positive ways. And I am not the type of person who says that sort of thing often or is prone to hyperbole.Fair warning, this is a place for people who have come to do the work necessary to become a skilled fighter or learn practical self defense. That means you do what youre told when youre told to do so. There are no breaks or time for leisure after you step onto the mat.Because in the cage or on the street you do not have the luxury of choosing when to take a break from violence. And thats the crux of the curriculum at Radical MMA, real world application. Theres no mindless adherence to tradition, only technique that is proven to work and is updated when improvements are learned, situational awareness training, and fight IQ training. Thats what you can expect at Radical MMA, in addition to some serious conditioning.Furthermore, Radical MMA is more than just an MMA Academy. To me it is a community, one of mutual obligation, respect, and whose members all genuinely like each other. Thats because Rene has no tolerance for big egos, bad attitudes, selfishness, and people who just arent very nice. He would sooner kick someone out and refund their money than continue to tolerate behavior that makes others genuinely uncomfortable or unsafe. As a head coach and businessman, Rene maintains a very high level of integrity many coaches and gym owners arent concerned with cultivating.Because of his practical, data driven approach to fighting and the environment Rene provides, Ive come to consider him as not just an MMA coach, but also a mentor. If youre looking for someone with a cerebral approach to fighting, a successful MMA career that lends him all the credibility he needs to effectively teach, and someone genuinely invested in your success both defending yourself and in the cage, I cant recommend Radical highly enough.
Review №6
2022-03-20This school is awesome, a nice community, and Rene is a great teacher. He clearly has a deep understanding of mma as well as knowledge of the history of martial arts. Besides being a great workout, his classes have a nice energy and vibe. If you want to seriously improve your understanding of practical self-defense, I highly recommend training here.
Review №7
2022-05-31I have been with the Radical family since the opening of the dojo (a long time ago) and I am very thankful for my MMA journey. Having trained as a boxer for 7 or so years I had no knowledge or understanding of the grappling arts. Looking at myself now I couldn’t imagine training in martial arts without Jiu Jitsu or wrestling. Training at Radical MMA has certainly improved my life and myself as a person!Coach Rene is a highly knowledgeable coach, who has a great sense of humor, is understanding and evolves with his students. I have always appreciated disciplined technique and tactics oriented training and these are just a few of the elements that coach Rene is amazing at! In addition, we train with injury prevention in mind. Professor Rene not only teaches you how to fight, he also helps you learn and understand movement. Every day is a learning journey at Radical. We learn from each other and we improve together! Osu!
Review №8
2022-04-18I joined Radical MMA having trained muay thai and jiu jitsu for a year. As I hadnt trained wrestling in high school like a lot of people who train MMA, I knew that was going to be the biggest hole in my game. I chose this gym specifically for its emphasis on grappling when I could have joined another gym that would have let me focus more on my striking, which came to me more naturally. Fast forward several months and I can confidently say Ive made great strides in wrestling and jiu jitsu here, and even my striking has sharpened considerably thanks to understanding how I can mix it with my grappling in ways I couldnt before. Coach Rene is tough and expects you to focus in class and always put forth your best effort, but he is fair and will work with you to ensure you understand both the mechanics and the principles of what he teaches. He will always answer questions and work with students to make sure they understand what they should be doing and why theyre doing it. He understands that everyone is different, and is more than willing to have a respectful dialogue and work with students when certain techniques or principles seem confusing or counterintuitive. His ultimate goal of making sure you can become the best fighter possible is evident in the passion with which he discusses MMA and conducts classes. I cannot imagine receiving the same level of guidance and individualized attention to my game had I joined another gym, and feel grateful for how much Ive been able to learn here.
Review №9
2021-10-01I joined Radical MMA while in NYC for a 3-4 week work trip. I’ll really miss the instructors and academy members. What an awesome community and culture! If you have an aptitude for learning, this is the place you want to train. I left every class feeling more knowledgeable and improved. The academy has a syllabus for one to follow and track their progression as well as some very well produced instructional videos that are popular on YouTube. The videos are great visual aides to watch before and after class.I also recommend checking out The Martial Culture Podcast hosted by the head coach at Radical MMA. As a beginner, the thought of training MMA can be intimidating and nerve racking. I found listening to Coach Rene’s podcast during my commute to class helped alleviate much of those nerves. The podcast topics reminded me why I wanted to train MMA in the first place and provided additional context to many of the things we learn in class. Plus they’re pretty funny and lighthearted!I can’t recommend this academy enough. Also, the membership tiers are very affordable.~Brian from the DMV
Review №10
2022-02-10There are plenty of reviews correctly highlighting the fact that Radical MMA is the best true combat academy in NYC, but this review is to highlight what a unique coach Rene Dreifuss is. I am 45 years old so have seen plenty of coaches/teachers/mentors in my life…and I can honestly say that Coach Dreifuss stands at the top.To start, he personally sits down with any new prospective student to make sure the academy is a good fit for both parties…as a result, the culture in the academy is one of egoless mutual respect and ethics (this is not common). Second, it is remarkable how much he actually cares about each student. Whether you are one of his competitive fighters or someone who is just learning how to fight, you will have his personal undivided attention (also not common). He teaches every class and cares deeply about your progress. Keep in mind that attention comes with a demand for toughness and discipline. He is a hard instructor but if you are looking for an academy to really learn how to fight, this is the place.