Identifies as women-owned
Yes
Ronin Athletics - Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA NYC in New York
Categories
Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
From the business
Service options
On-site services
Yes
Online classes
No
Health and safety
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible car park
No
Phone: +1 212-564-4153
Site: https://roninathletics.com/
Related: reddit online dating
Site: https://roninathletics.com/
Related: reddit online dating
Opening hours
- Monday:9:30AM–10PM
- Tuesday:9:30AM–10PM
- Wednesday:9:30AM–10PM
- Thursday:9:30AM–10PM
- Friday:9:30AM–7PM
- Saturday:9:30AM–6:30PM
- Sunday:10AM–1:30PM
Comments (190)
I believe everyone should be exposed to some form of martial arts or self defense class which is what initiated me to search for Gracie Jiu Jitsu in NYC. Thankfully Ronin athletics being the only Certified Training Center in NYC showcases jiu jitsu for everyone and the instructors do a great job of making the techniques understandable for all. I’ve been hooked since the day I started and don’t plan on stopping either 🙌🏽👊🏽
This is a great place in NYC to learn Gracie JuJitsu. The staff is patient and caring and you really get a nice pace to learn, as well as the other students, they are very friendly something you want out of your school.
Ronin Athletics is THE place to train in NYC!There are numerous options to pick from in Manhattan but Ronin is the only Gracie Jiujitsu Certified Training Center. The Jiujitsu they teach is extremely applicable to self defense situations, not just competition. The staff here is welcoming, patient, and enthusiastic. Always very clean and organized, aswell as numerous classes given throughout the day to cater to most peoples schedule. Couldnt recommend this enough!
My son in law introduced me to this certified Gracie jiu-jitsu training center and I must say what a great experience it has been. As a 50+ year old family man it was important for me to learn self defense. The classes are easy to follow and the staff is very welcoming. I feel comfortable training alongside a wide variety of students (age,size,gender). The techniques taught in the BJJ class are effective and truly stands by technique over strength. The coaches are very knowledgeable. I recommend this location to all people seeking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
An excellent place to train. If you’re looking for Gracie jiu jitsu, kickboxing or self defense, look no further. The team at Ronin is skilled, friendly and accessible, and the space is really clean. The Women Empowered program is truly invaluable - if you’re thinking about it just give it a try, you won’t regret it!
Yes, the reviews are real. This is a great place.Before I found my way to Ronin I took introductory BJJ classes at two other places that were both close to where I live in Manhattan. Although Ive studied standing Martial Arts for years I was new to BJJ and at these places, I was thrown into rolling in the first class before I even knew the most simple basics. I could have used my strength and bigger size to muscle through the opponents I faced but that wasnt why I wanted to learn BJJ, I wanted to learn techniques I could use on opponents who might be bigger and stronger than me. And unfortunately, that method of teaching seems to be all too common at BJJ schools. Luckily I was familiar with Gracie University, had watched their videos and looked into their curriculum and was thrilled when I found out they have a Certified Training Center in NYC. So my next stop was 39th and Madison to take a Gracie Combatives trial class at Ronin Athletics.All I can say is Ronin Athletics exceeded my expectation, so much so that I joined right away. The instructors, Christian and Bart are not only excellent teachers but are also warm, and welcoming. The curriculum is top-notch, this is Gracie Jiu Jitsu as it was taught when they first came to the US, which is self defense oriented (read Worth Defending by Richard Bressler, the Gracie families first US student in 1979.) You know exactly what youre going to learn before each class and you can review the Instructional videos produced by, and starring Ryron and Rener Gracie, both before and after the class. Theres nowhere else youll find a curriculum as well thought out as this, that provides you with all the tools you need to succeed at being the best you can be in a positive and welcoming environment.So if you want to train in a great environment, with great people, I highly recommend you check out Ronin Athletics.
Ronin Athletics is a fantastic place to learn Gracie jiu-jitsu. The instructors are incredibly patient and supportive, and they foster an atmosphere of effective, safe, and friendly learning. If you are looking for a place to learn self-defense in New York City, stop searching and go take your first class at Ronin Athletics.
This is probably the best place to learn self-defense in midtown Manhattan. I think for a beginner like myself (zero experience) the biggest obstacles are overwhelming number of skills and lack of structure, scatter around like videos on YouTube, overwhelmed.Not here. The school is Gracie Jujitsu, the syllabus is structured like a tree the trunk of the tree is the core 36 techniques and gradually expands to more than 400 branches. They first teach you the techniques in detail and then you will learn to apply the right techniques in different scenarios by stimulating street fight situations. Speaking from personal experiences I think any novice going to the center twice a week shall be ready after 3 months-4months. Highly recommended.Recently I enrolled my daughter for their kid self-defense program called Bullyproof for 4 years above. Same philosophy here: starting from Jujitsu games that kids enjoy playing and when they are ready, physically and mentally, they will learn jujitsu self-defense techniques that suit them specifically.
The Jiu-Jitsu program at Ronin Athletics is fantastic. The curriculum is intelligently structured, and the coaches are friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I love the atmosphere, and training there has been a great experience. Highly recommended!
Amazing team that creates a family like atmosphere. Christian, Bart, Xavier, and the rest of the team are not only incredible knowledgeable professionals but also some of the kindest people youll meet. Kickboxing classes provide a great cardio workout while learning proper punching and kicking techniques. BJJ on the other hand, in many ways, will train your brain just as much as it will train your body. Whether you are looking for a casual training or in need of serious prep for tournaments - Ronin Athletics can help with everything!
Im currently taking Gracie Jiu Jitsu (Gracie Combatives) classes and will say that the experience at Ronin Athletics is excellent. Each class is designed to be very accessible regardless of prior experience and focuses on building a strong Jiu Jitsu foundation before moving on to more rigorous sessions. The facility itself is bright, clean, and is centrally located in midtown Manhattan. Their trial program was also a great way to take full classes and get a feel for what the program is like before committing to a membership. Plus, once you join you gain access to all the resources that a Gracie membership has to offer (online training videos, the ability to train at satellite training centers, etc), which you wouldnt get from any other unaffiliated Jiu Jitsu gym.
I was speaking to a friend who does Brazilian Jiu-jitsu about how important it is to defend yourself in this world we live in. My family and I got introduced to a #BullyProof program that ran over the summer. My daughter had been non active for the most part during the pandemic so we saw the opportunity for her to learn how to defend herself and at the same time interact with other kids. I’m extremely grateful for this program because my daughter looks forward to it every week. Johnny & Christian are great instructors of the bully proof class and make the class fun but most importantly educational. After my daughter took a few classes I could notice her overall confident has grown and she understands the techniques. I am very happy my family and I found this great academy. Now I am interested in signing my entire family up for the fall season, the Gracie jiu jitsu in NYC offers a women’s empowered class for my wife and a adult jiu jitsu program for me. #familyfriendly #Bullyproof #defendyourself #NYC #graciejiujitsunyc
Gracie Jiu Jitsu IS awesome! Here’s why. Because of all the buzz surrounding Jiu Jitsu, I sought out the best Jiu Jitsu schools in NYC. I did my research on Reddit and different Jiu Jitsu forums and sought out the Jiu Jitsu competition champions here in Manhattan. I chose a really well known one and enrolled for ~6 months (going 2 times a week consistently). However, I wasn’t sure about the direction of my training as they told me it was great for self defense but I found myself doing more competitive grappling in class. To their credit they did teach well, but I think it was the curriculum and the context that I couldn’t quite fully commit to. I rolled and learned submissions but I was still afraid of instances where someone may take a swing at me or if I tried my Jiu Jitsu while the attacker punched at me, would I be able to counter it? or if I was attacked from a standing up position or just those assaults that we’ve been seeing in the news. I continued my training at the school on faith that there was more to come, but also watched a lot of YouTube on Jiu Jitsu. That’s when I found GracieUniversity. I didn’t realize that Jiu Jitsu in its original form was more than just competitive grappling . It has self-defense techniques that addressed my concerns as well. After watching more YouTube clips of Rener Gracie and Kama Jiu Jitsu. I came to learn that there are different approaches to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After checking if Gracie University had a gym in NYC, I was psyched to see they did and signed up for the Trial Class at Ronin Athletics (their Certified Training Center in New York). The academy is run by Christian Montes a super humble head coach. When speaking with him you’d never know he has professional Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu and MMA accolades and I noticed one thing - he didn’t have any medals or competition awards displayed at his academy. I later learned this was intentional so that the focus would be on cooperative training and not competitive training between students. The studio is Clean, Organized, Professional and the culture is Inclusive. I regret not having found this academy sooner as I find myself starting over again, but Christian assured me that what I learned at the other gym will be useful once I go into MasterCycle. But with their Gracie Combatives beginner program, I see a clearer path to learning Jiu Jitsu for self-defense. I take this effort to share my experience because I think it will help people in my previous situation find this special place sooner!
I would highly recommend this Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training NYC location to anyone; the atmosphere is very welcoming and the instructors are experts in their craft. If you’re a beginner or at the intermediate level, this is the right place for you, Chris and Bart simplifies the lessons then allows you to work through the different techniques with a partner. Everyone here are super friendly and helpful to each other. This was surely one of the best decisions I’ve made to improve my self defence skills and hoping to be around here for a while. Just sign up for a trial and you won’t regret it, see you soon on the mat!
Been training Jiu Jitsu here for about 6 months now & super lucky I chose this place. I did some research before joining & found Manhattan to have A LOT of world class schools ( including Ronin). What made me choose this academy isnt just the friendly atmosphere & the champion instructor, which many other schools had, but from my first trial lesson until today, you get a sense the sole focus of this school is in the development of their students-they make it about ME. First-their curriculum is SOLID. Every class I attend Im prepared for before hand, because theyre posted a month in advance& I have online access to the lesson so I can review before & after. The lessons are structured & cohesive where they build upon one another. Because the lessons are planned out, it changes the dynamic of the training session. My partners automatically work with me on learning the technique of the day, rather than grind me down to get a win. Its almost like high school lab where youre working with one another to refine your knowledge. Dont get me wrong its still physically & mentally challenging-but its assuring to know that Im retaining this stuff after every class I attend. These guys are bigger part of a network called Gracie University & Ronin is the NYC official training center. Its really self-evident that they designed the program to convey Jiu Jitsu in the most efficient & injury free way. If youre shopping around, Id suggest you at least take a trial lesson so you can compare their teaching methodology to the other gyms youre considering. All-in-all, Jiu Jitsu is AMAZING so even if you dont join Ronin, its definitely something everyone should practice. Hope this helps.
Im taking the self-defense class here and its called Gracie Combatives. I didnt know it was part of a larger network, called Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and was really impressed with the level of professionalism and methodical approach in teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I like that the effectiveness of the techniques is self-evident when I practiced it on my friends and not theoretical scenarios. The studio is super clean, the coaches arent just former competitors, but are really amazing instructors and the curriculum lays out a clear path for me to get proficient. The atmosphere and the other students are super encouraging. Im just fortunate I found this place, since my original requirements was really based on location. Its a 5 minute walk from Grand Central Station so it hits all the check boxes for me!
I am new to the Jiu-Jitsu community and I have tried a few different schools in NYC in hopes of finding a home gym to learn Martial Arts and Self Defense. Ronin Athletics is hands down my top choice and I highly recommend their school to anyone looking for a family friendly, positive learning environment.My fiancé and Is experience here has been incredibly wholesome. The staff and students are so friendly and welcoming, they are invested in your progress and well-being, and are truly inclusive. They really know what they’re doing! From the beautiful, clean facility to the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu codified curriculum and the principles they instill, Ronin Athletics is a wonderful example of a sound Martial Arts school.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu CTC in New York City is the place to train for any age or gender. I completed Combatives at their old location in 2019. I left NYC shortly after and still envy the time I spent there.If you are 30+ and want to meet new people, get a good workout in, and learn some self-defense and be able to go to work in the morning then this is the place for you. You dont have to be flexible or strong or athletic to thrive here.If you are younger and looking to compete then you can still do that at Ronin Athletics without concern of getting injured often. You can still learn great technique, and the coaches are more than willing to spend extra time with those that live Jiu-Jitsu. I honestly think some of the coaches would love helping students that wants to compete.I recently visited their new location and the place is beautiful. This is one of the cleanest sports facilities I have ever been in. They even cleaned the mats in-between some classes, which is rarely done at other places, if at all. The instructors are very detailed and want to help their students learn. Everyone in the class (Combatives and Master Cycle) is super friendly and not looking to kill each other (when rolling in master cycle).In my opinion, even other CTCs have a hard time competing with Ronin Athletics.
My friend suggested to try Jiu Jitsu when I was looking for a different workout. He referred Ronin Athletics. After receiving the first trial, I fell in love with JJ. Ronin Athletics is brilliant in allowing me to feel confident with my moves. They make it so easy for me to follow. Everyone is so friendly and always helpful. The classes are easy to follow and the logic behind the moves is so practical.
It’s been an awesome experience learning Jiu Jitsu here at Ronin Athletics! Its a very welcoming and positive atmosphere and the instructors are top notch! They are insightful, have great attention to detail, give everyone great feedback, are very patient with the students & leave no stone unturned when discussing the techniques and all the intricacies within them. There are a lot of great people from all different walks of life learning Jiu Jitsu here, and with all the Jiu Jitsu options out here in the New York City area, Ive got to give myself a huge pat on the back for joining Ronin Athletics! Definitely made the right choice!
Ronin Athletics provides excellent instruction and recognizes the individual progress of each of the students who participate in the Gracie Combatives program. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone who would desire to learn. The facility is also very importantly family friendly. Programs for men, women, and children are available. Much appreciation to Head Instructor Christian Montes and his staff. Thank You!
Nowadays, self-defense is a necessity, especially in a city like New York. So if you’re looking for self-defense training, there is no better place to start than here. The instructors are helpful and professional, the gym is clean, and the environment is welcoming. Everyone is here to help each other, everyone is dedicated to bettering themselves and their training partners. Simply put, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life!!
I live in NYC and wanted to improve on my self defense, looked for Gracie Jiu Jitsu style and found Ronin Athletics, tried them ou and the way they teach is very professional, respectful and with patience. Its great training with them where I go 4 to 5 times per week. By Shalom
Ronin Athletics is the certified training center for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in New York City. Minutes from Grand Central Terminal, this gym prioritizes self-defense over competition-based training, and welcomes practitioners of all genders, ethnicities, ages, and skill levels. The instructors are warm, welcoming, professional, and ethical across all training levels. In contrast to the show and roll style common in many jiu-jitsu gyms, the beginners program at Ronin Athletics emphasizes technical application and collaborative practice. No less important: the bathrooms are immaculate, which is—and I speak from experience here—rare for NYC gyms!
Been training here for over a month now and absolutely love the place, coaches and overall environment! 100% would recommend to anyone looking for a mix martial arts gym, or even just looking to learn self defense in a friendly environment. I go to both the kickboxing and the jiu jitsu classes. Perfect for beginners and more advanced people.
This place has become a second home for me I just love training here! this ain’t no gym ronin is a school! Here you learn the ART! Of jujitsu and then sport. Self defense first! Is what’s makes this place so special and different from many others. Chris,Bart,and Johnny I dnt even know where to begin you guys are some of the best teachers!! your passion, patience, and attention is rare
I searched for a Jiu Jitsu School near me and found Ronin Athletics. I’m a beginner and really appreciate how organized they are in teaching Jiu Jitsu. Lessons are numbered and they post their lesson plans for the month in advance as well as online. JiuJitsu was intimidating to me at first but Ronin mapped out a plan for me to follow. It doesn’t make the work any easier but it gives me a lot more confidence knowing what I’m working towards each time I show up for class! The place is incredibly clean (I was told they use hospital grade filters for ventilation), people are very respectful and the training is challenging. It’s super close to my home in Murray Hill and I couldn’t be happier finding this place!
I’ve been to several martial arts dojo’s in New York City and there’s a level of care and attention to detail that stands out at Ronin Athletics. It’s a positive, family friendly environment that’s focused on learning. The facility is incredibly clean and the staff are organized and professional. The instruction is high quality, the curriculum is well designed, and the instructors truly care about the growth of their students.One thing that sets this school apart from other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Self-Defense schools is the culture. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu seems to cultivate and foster a wholesome, safe, uplifting environment for all to learn, and their consistency is something I can count on. If you’re looking for a high quality Self-Defense program, I would highly recommend trying a class at Ronin Athletics.
Always wanted to learn self defense as well as MMA fighting. Never got a chance to learn it properly until I came across Gracie Jiu Jitsu academy here at Ronin Athletics. It really changed my life!
I was looking to develop my self defense skills. Im so glad I can train Gracie Jiu-Jitsu here in New York City. The environment is welcoming and everyone wants to help each other grow.
The kids program is definitely the best place to have your kids to learn not only about jiu jitsu, but self-defense, discipline and respect. Very knowledgeable & professional trainers/staff. Highly recommend this place!
Gracie Jiu Jitsu teaches one the essential techniques needed for street survival. If one is interested in developing their grappling skills, and becoming street ready then this is the place to be.
Hello everyone looking to start working on themselves and get trained in self defense. Ronin Athletics taught me so much as I worked with the trainer Christian. I’m just a couple of classes I was able to learn and construct many different types of submissions for real life situations people get put in everyday. I really liked training since I’m not the biggest guy. Anyone can do it and learn how to use your mind and body to prevent yourself from getting injured. I highly recommend going to start training for self defense no matter who you are. The best place to do that is at Ronin Athletics in New York City!!!
Ronin Athletics, has hands down one of the best women’s self defense programs out there. The Gracie Women Empowered program is one I recommend to all young and older women. What I love about this program is that you don’t have to have any experience with martial arts to quickly pick this up.The instructors are patient and break down every step. I attended a free Gracie Women Empowered seminar at Ronin Athletics and Chris and Lora were amazing! 2hrs later I felt empowered! I will admit, I felt intimidated on my ride up the elevator, as I was not sure what to expect. As soon as I walked into the gym, the staff was friendly, laid back and extremely welcoming. I did not feel embarrassed to put myself out there knowing I didn’t have experience. The class gave me a boost of confidence, especially Chris’ ability to breakdown each move, making them extremely easy to follow, as well as repeat them various times to ensure everyone got it.What I love about this program, is that it is geared to teach me specific self defense moves to help me get away from a predator no matter what size.I felt some comfort with the fact that there’s a program out there geared specifically for women’s self defense against predators. I’m a working mom in NYC, therefore I feel that I have to constantly be vigilant and prepared for any situation. Getting myself out of a bad situation and self preservation is one of my top priorities.I am signing up for the Women Empowered Program, as learning how to defend myself and get out of a bad situation will give me piece of mind when I am taking the train or the bus whether at 8 in the morning or 8 in the evening. I definitely recommend this amazing program.
Im really happy with finding Ronin Athletics from all the Jiu Jitsu schools to choose from in New York City. I currently work in midtown Manhattan and not only was this a convenient location, but happens to be the only gym in NYC authorized to teach Gracie Universitys system of learning Brazilian Jujitsu (also called Gracie Jiu Jitsu). Specifically Im participating in the Women Empowered (Self-defense) program which emphasizes on a focused set of techniques that are used to neutralize the most common scenarios that we face as women. What I like about this program is that it doesnt only teach you to defend yourself when youre attacked, but helps you to identify and set your boundaries (both physical and mental) and then they teach you how to defend your boundaries using Jiu Jitsu. If you engage the class, the Jujitsu techniques are quite intuitive once you learn them and you really feel a sense of security because you have a better understanding of how assaults and fighting work and a real game plan on how to respond to each scenario. Im really enjoying the process and working on attaining my Pink Belt this year so I can teach my daughter. Ive also watched their Gracie Combatives class which is their fundamental class for learning BJJ. Its structured really well, and I can see how Id be able to follow the progression. Im super excited that this is something I can attain, given Im not really a person who is physically active. For all the ladies out there comparing different self-defense programs, you should pay this place a visit before you make your decision. Personally, I think its a game changer for me.
My mom and her friends took me to a free introductory class at Ronin Athletics in New York City for the Gracie Women’s Empowered program with Chris and Lora. I am a dancer and martial arts is not my thing, did it for a few years at around the age of 6, definitely didn’t take to it and found that dancing was more my thing. Now at 15 my mom thought it would be good for me to learn some self defense classes. I wasn’t super thrilled to go, because when I looked this place up on-line, it talked about Jiu Jitsu, and had pics. of people grappling, so I was a bit scared. Once I got there, it seemed pretty chilled and it didn’t look intimidating at all. Once I took the class and listened to Chris and Lora speak, I understand why My mom was pushing me to go and why it is important for women to learn self defense, especially at my age.I was really nervous at first because I thought it was going to be too tough or hard for me to learn. I felt that the instructors were very clear and showed each move in parts, so that everyone could pick up the move and understand how to apply it.It felt good to be able to apply the move with a partner. We are joining this program and I’m super excited as it made me feel good and gave me confidence to know that I am learning how to defend myself. I am thankful that my mom brought me here and look forward to starting this great program for women. Here’s a cool pic of me learning a self defense move.
Excellent service and efficient teachers that care ! Love the instructors Bart and Johhny 🦍💪🏽🌱🚀Gracie jiu jitsu is an amazing place to learn self defense in New York City , and kickboxing overall. I love it here because they make me feel like part something amazing!can’t wait to try out jujitsu here at Gracie jiu jitsu to excel and learn the fundamentals 🧘♂️🏄🏽♂️❤️❤️Love you guys
Travelled from out of town to train with the only Gracie University Certified Training Center. What I like most about training at a CTC, is the way the classes are broken down and structured so that it doesn’t matter if it’s your first class or 100th class, you’re going to take something away from it leave feeling more confident.The staff is very knowledgeable and professional. The studio is clean and well organized. Matts were cleaned between classes.I highly recommend Ronan Athletics to anyone looking for a place to train. They prove that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone.Look forward to my next trip to NYC.
I have been a Robin athletics member (on and off) for over five years, and my opinion of it didn’t change. If you’re looking for the best BJJ/Muay-Thai/MMA gym in the area, then your search ends now...This is it.They were great five years ago, but with the addition of Gracie combative & women empowerment programs they’re absolutely phenomenal now.The gym is conveniently located minutes away from all major stations including pen station, they also have an afternoon (12:30pm) class that I attend during lunch breaks...so this is a huge plus for me.But more importantly the quality of the instructions are top notch, and Christian Montas’s (Head coach) focus on helping you safely perfect the technique and all corresponding counters and “what-ifs scenarios” is unparalleled. I can go on for days about his dedication to the sport...He’s truly a wealth of knowledge.
If youre looking for real, applicable and practical self defense or just trying to get into Jiu jitsu I highly recommend Ronin Athletics. As an affiliate school to the Gracie jiu jitsu program they go above and beyond in teaching bjj. Their gracie combatives program is stellar for self defense and covers all types of real life situations. The structure of the class is easy to follow and the coaches break down every movement step by step. The coaches also demo the movement from different points of views so you know what the movement should look like from the defender & aggressor. Throughout the class the coaches walk around the mats answering any questions as well as working with you directly to help you troubleshoot any steps that you might have trouble getting. You also get a card with a list of all the techniques that they go over in the gracie combatives program so you can keep track of your progress. The space itself is clean, hygienic, and well lit as well as having spacious locker rooms. Highly recommend this place!
I highly recommend Ronin Athletics for Jiu Jitsu within the NYC area. Family feeling gym- with very kind and patient instructors. Not only am I able to get after it each training session, but I am learning at a great pace.
I’ve been training at Ronin Athletics under Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for about two months and I am hooked. There are many YouTube channels of people competing and being thrown into a group of higher ranking belts, which discouraged me at first. After further researching, Gracie Jiu Jitsu focuses on self defense and I was fortunate enough that Ronin Athletics was only 4 minutes from my work.The trainers, Christian, Bart and Johnny, have been very helpful in teaching the techniques of self-defense. I feel more comfortable to be able to defend myself in a real life situation and I have Ronin Athletics to thank for. The classes are fantastic and if you have questions about a certain move, Christian, Bart or Johnny will be there to go over it until you get it.If you are reading this review, and wondering if BJJ is right for you, I’d ask yourself a question. Do you want to learn self-defense or do you want to be a part of the sport? If its self-defense, then I recommend to give Ronin Athletics a try as NYC is FULL of interesting people.
I recently decided to join Ronin after doing a few trial classes, where I was pleasantly surprised by the attitudes and vibe of the whole gym (starting with the instructors).Bart and Johnny teach most of the classes I’ve done so far, but Christian has still been around offering some advice.Bart is great as an instructor and spends time with students and really makes sure they get the fundamentals of each lesson, which is something I really have appreciated thus far.Johnny is probably the reason I decided to join. He is a newer instructor (blue belt) but has an infectious personality filled with positivity and smiles. Literally, have met few people who seem as nice as Johnny!That’s pretty much the whole gym...hope that’s helpful...will report back with results!
I had a superb first class experience. Nothing but great things to say about instructors Bart and Johnny. Based on my experience I plan to continue classes and sign up full time. The curriculum is extremely systematized and rigorous to ensure that nobody leaves the program without extensive experience in the 36 fundamental gracie jiu jitsu techniques. Unlike other martial arts schools Ive visited, this one is very attentive to making sure that students do more than just show up and practice without a clear test of their abilities. The classes are also structured so that beginners can pair up with more experienced practitioners who carefully watch their moves and correct mistakes. This is also a detail that was often absent from my previous martial arts experiences. Combining the two strengths I mentioned above makes this dojo truly excellent and well worth enrolling in. The introductory program is also generous, uncomplicated, and geared toward student satisfaction. I can feel how much the instructors care about making their dojo shine every time I visit. 10/10
A couple of months ago I walked into Ronin Athletics looking for a form of self defense. I never heard of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and didn’t know what to expect. Fast forward to today and I can’t express how happy I am that I joined. The Gracie Combative program has definitely changed my life in so many ways. Not only is it an amazing workout but I’ve never felt more confident when it comes to street readiness and self defense. The techniques you learn are unmatched and relevant in real life scenarios. Not to mention the amazing coaching staff and friendly environment that comes with Ronin Athletics. My only regret is not starting earlier! See you on the mats...
The coaches are amazing and the community has some of the nicest people Ive ever met in a gym/training environment. I struggled learning bjj at first at another gym and now I have been going to classes at Ronin for almost a year now. I really appreciate the Gracie Combatives program as a new beginner and look forward to continuing training here.
Ronin Athletics has a welcoming atmosphere! It is great for people who are new to BJJ and are nervous about attending their first class. And with this being a CTC, the Gracie curriculum is easy to follow and organized.I personally have been training here for over a year and I am thankful I picked Ronin Athletics to invest my time.
Christian is a great Mentor and knowledgeable Gracie Jiu Jitsu Instructor. Definitely recommend Ronin Athletics for their attention to detail. Their facilities are clean and the patrons are as welcoming as their instructors.-Dom Green
I was pretty intimidated watching Jiu Jitsu Videos and visiting the different Jiu Jitsu gyms in the city. I really appreciate the practical approach to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, applying leverage-based techniques to subdue your opponent. The problem for me was that I had a hard time understanding how I can get to some level of proficiency where I can train safely. Im in my mid-40s, work in an office in midtown manhattan and have a wife and a small child, so any injury would seriously throw a wrench in my work/life obligations. But at the same time, I heard so many great things about BJJ that I really wanted to try it. After trying the different gyms in the city, I found Ronin Athletics through the Gracie University website. I watched the Rener Gracie videos (called Gracie Breakdown) on the Gracie Jiu Jitsu approach to learning Ju Jitsu. It was really well organized, methodical and complete with curriculums and offered online learning to supplement their in-school training. I searched for a Gracie certified training center affiliated with them and fortunately came upon Ronin Athletics - their official training center for all of NYC. My introductory lesson was with the head Coach and Blackbelt, Christian. The first lesson really helped me reconcile how I would get from point A to point B, in a safe way. I dont have any interest in competing at my age, but definitely would like to get to the point were I can spar with someone constructively in the advanced class and just make it part of my lifestyle. Anyway - if anyone has similar concerns as I did, you should definitely give this place some consideration - curriculum and how it is taught is really empowering. The atmosphere has been super welcoming and supportive, and the coaches lead by example - you can feel the same cool vibe from the members as well. It was self-evident from my first lesson and continues to be really motivating to see how I can improve without fear of getting hurt, until this whole COVID-19 situation. I dont really write reviews, but (aside from being home all day) what prompted me to write this is the fact that after the required closure of the gym, their online curriculum is still very helpful for me to continue towards my first Belt rank.... I hear a lot of other studios doing Zoom classes etc... but its really impressive that they created this online university a while ago and I can continue training my basics, since the same lessons we go over our class is also presented identically online, with additional details.... also a big bonus was that Rener and Ryron Gracie, has been doing live seminars every weekend since closure for all of their training Centers all over the world. I dont know how long well be self-quarantining, but I definitely have a home with Ronin Athletics and cant wait to get back to regular practice. I wish them all the best during this hardship in their business. Im really lucky I found this place.
Ronin Athletics/Gracie Jiu Jitsu creates a judgement free environment, empowering women like myself to get out of my comfort zone to learn self-defense techniques. Christian is kind, patient and skillful at his craft. I highly recommend training with him in New York City.
I have been training at Ronin Athletics for over ten years. The quality of the instruction is top-notch. The gym is clean. The sparring is spirited but also friendly, a great environment for hobbyists and competitors alike. The owner and Head Instructor Christian Montes is enormously invested in the safety of his students and their overall growth in martial arts. You should check it out.
I started at Ronin Athletics for Kickboxing. As a lifelong runner and weightlifter, I found that the training I received from Bart and Christian helped me break through plateaus in my strength, endurance and mobility.I was so hooked on the intense kickboxing workouts coupled with a friendly atmosphere offered by Ronin Athletics that after a few months, I knew I had to join the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program too or else I would be missing out.After almost a year of Jiu-Jitsu, I feel like even more of a well rounded athlete with confidence on and off the mats. If you are interested in trying out martial arts in NYC then look no further than Ronin Athletics. The coaches are accomplished martial artists and teachers that will welcome you and empower you to be a better athlete and person.
I am so happy I started to train at ronin athletics. I absolutely love the women’s empowerment course and highly suggest everyone to give it a try. Trust me it will change your life, as it has mines. I feel more empowered and confident regardless of the situation and threat level. I love that if I miss class Gracie jujitsu provides us with online access to videos breaking down the techniques in a easy to follow way. The space is very clean and welcoming. as a beginner there was absolutely no judgement and everyone was so helpful. Everyone knew my name and greeted me which made me feel at home. It’s a safe environment to learn and pink is power! Women, we all should learn self defense especially techniques that work regardless of size, height and strength. Honestly can’t rave about this place enough!
I am currently taking the Gracie Womens Empowerment self defense classes at Ronin Athletics. The classes are truly empowering and prepare you for any scenario where your safety is compromised. For any female looking for a self-defense course or wants to try Brazilian Jujitsu, this is where to start. The instructors are very welcoming, patient and knowledgeable in BJJ techniques. The program the best way to be introduced to BJJ that is the least intimidating. If you have the chance to attend the free bi-annual womens empowerment seminar I100% recommended that you do it!
Watching MMA fights like the UFC and Bellator, Ive always wanted to learn Jiu Jitsu. Googled Jiu Jitsu gyms in midtown and did some trial classes from the different gyms here in New York City and they all seemed really knowledgeable. Heres 2 main reasons why I decided on Ronin Athletics:Orgranized - Specifically for the way they teach Jiu Jitsu. I was really impressed that they had a very methodical approach to bringing me along as well as an actual curriculum they work off of. This was especially true after taking class with their different coaches - no matter who was teaching, the Jiu Jitsu Classes were numbered by Lesson# and theyd picked up right were the other one left off.Not Intimidating - I signed up for the 10-day Free Trial. By the time, my trial week was up its as if Ive been training with them for a year. The coaches like Christian, Bart and Jonny new my first name, say high and shake my hand when I arrive and leave. I already made friends with other members, which made partnering up less awkward.I watchd the advanced classes afterwards and noticed that everyone had a good sparring work-out but it was definitely less aggressive than the other gyms I tried. I saw on their social media that some folks here compete, but they dont really stress the need for it. Seems like everyone is here to enjoy the training.I havent tried Kickboxing yet, but looked like a lot of fun and the same members I train Jiu Jitsu with enjoy the fact that they can mix in some punches and kicks with their Jiu Jitsu.Ill be making this place my home for a while. Between the Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing classes, I dont see how Ill ever get bored learning here. Glad I found this place.
Ive been training at Ronin for 2 years, starting with fundamentals BJJ and kickboxing 101. Christian and his assistant coaches have always provided me with detailed instruction and the encouragement to build a solid base of fundamentals and explore my own style.The gym gets busy on weeknights, but theres always a great cooperative environment where students work together to share the space and work through the material.
Women Empowered introduction seminar was a great way to learn more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu lineage and basic strategies of self-defense. Ronin Athletics facility was clean and the staff was knowledgeable and welcoming. The group of women in the seminar was very diverse and eager to participate. I liked that the program is designed with specific structure and coursework and that the schedule is flexible to accommodate working clients. My overall experience was positive and I would recommend this seminar and program to my female friends.
I have nothing but good things to say about Ronin Athletics. I have been training here for over 2 years and always enjoy my time at the gym. The coaches know how to work with people with all different skill levels and do their best to make everyone feel welcome. Prior to finding Ronin, I was trying classes all over Manhattan looking for the right balance of serious, but still enjoyable. Ronin fit my requirements perfectly and have been great ever since. I would definitely recommend Ronin Athletics to anyone who wants to try MMA for the first time or to expand on an established skill base.
I have been going to Ronin since December 2017 and it has been a great experience so far. The coaching stuff are very friendly and helpful, and they helped me to get better quickly considering I have never learned Kickboxing before. Bart is always helpful when I have any question, and he even invited me to start attending level 2 classes when he noticed that I have improved enough. I plan to start taking jiu-jitsu soon. I have talked Christian who is the head coach for BJJ classes, and he was very welcoming.
I spent a week at Ronin Athletics in their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. The instructor was a truly fantastic person and his instruction was awesome! At the time, no sparring/rolling was permitted to students who did not complete a list of pre-requisites and I was told that it typically takes 9 or so months to finish and progress to the next level where you are allowed to spar and roll.The instruction was great, but the school just wasnt for me. I would definitely recommend checking them out if the sparring/rolling isnt a deal breaker for you!
Ronin Athletics has been an awesome place to learn Jiu Jitsu safely and without judgement. It’s such a positive environment for beginners, and I really love it. I’m taking the Gracie University Jiu Jitsu Women Empowered class, and I would recommend it to any woman living in NYC!
Training at Ronin athletics has been Absolutely amazing and fun . I was very nervous to start the Gracie combatives program because I have never trained martial arts in my life and I have really bad coordination but the coaches are extremely patient and help me a lot with learning the techniques correctly . I HIGHLY recommend ronin athletics for anyone who wants to learn Brazilian Jui Jitsu / Gracie Combatives and self defense !!!!!
Ive been training at Ronin Athletics for a little over 2 months now and have had a great experience. Christian is a great teacher, patiently and clearly working through each move in a way that makes it clear and easy to understand. He teaches Gracie Combatives BJJ which is more structured than other jiu jitsu gyms which I find particularly helpful. It also is more focused on practical self defense as opposed to scoring points in competition which was exactly what I was looking for. And unlike what Ive heard anecdotally about some of the other larger gyms in NYC everyone there from Christian on down have been super supportive and welcoming from day one. I couldnt recommend it more!
I trained at Ronin since 2011 and have nothing but positive things to say about the gym and instructors. The head coach/owner, Christian Montes, is an amazing coach. Hes great at breaking down movements and positions down to the finer details, and knows how to explain a concept based on the individuals skill level.The gyms culture is very positive and not pretentious at all. I built many friendships over the years with students and instructors at Ronin, and you will always catch a group of students hanging out after class.Ronin has classes based off skill levels, so youll be training with people who have roughly the same experience. The workouts are extremely challenging. I remember finishing the warm-up and thinking that was enough of a workout for the day.Ronin has a special place in my heart. When I first went to train, I had no athletic capabilities and no real fighting skills. Christian and the other students were welcoming, patient, and supportive as I grew in the sport.Other gyms tend to have a more aggressive approach to training, which works if you are looking to be a fierce competitor but doesnt leave alot of room for positive interactions or just fun training. Every now and then I would visit another gym to train with new bodies, but each of those visits reinforced how special Ronin was. At Ronin, we would train hard and help build each other up.
I have been training at Ronin Athletics for over a year now and it is one of the most respectful and welcoming gyms in the city for Martial Arts. The instructors are highly skilled across all platforms of martial arts and are incredibly knowledgeable about teaching in a professional way that’s both challenging and fun. I began at Ronin Athletics in training Kickboxing and found it to be a great balance between technique and cardio. Classes combine partner pad work and drills as well as conditioning. I recently started training in Jiu-Jitsu as part of the Gracie Combatives program offered with Ronin’s Head Coach and Black Belt, Christian Montes. As a woman in new york, I felt that it was so important to have knowledge of self-defense and combatives. Christian is incredibly skilled and excellent for breaking down each movement and thoroughly explaining the reasoning behind them. I always leave class feeling empowered and more confident that I am learning the right skills to be in control of any situation. The Ronin team has made it a comfortable and enjoyable environment to work with all partners of all levels across all areas of martial arts. Ronin definitely inspires a unity within the group but also individuality for you to get what you are looking for out of it, whether that’s perfecting your technique, a great work out, or life skills.
I do kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Women Empowerment classes at Ronin Athletics. As a woman it isn’t easy to break into male dominated sports like MMA. I feel really lucky to have come across Ronin Athletics. I first stumbled upon Ronin when I was looking for a gym that offered sparring classes for kickboxing. Most other gyms that I found pandered to women by promoting weight loss and featuring cheesy photos of ripped models in kickboxing gear. One of my favorite aspects about Ronin Athletics is that their classes actually focus on learning real fight technique and skill building (in addition to the good source of exercise that comes naturally with MMA). It’s an environment where the coaches support women and men alike to grow, develop their skills, and advance into higher level classes whether that be sparring for kickboxing, or master cycle for BJJ. I highly recommend checking out Ronin Athletics for anyone looking for a quality experience in a supportive environment!
I really enjoyed my time at Ronin. Coaches and trainers are great. No ego, hard work, no bow to your sensei stuff. People there are also very nice. I have never boxed before and picking it up was really easy. Great structure of different level for classes as well that really eases you into fighting and sparring shape if you want to. If you want to stay in basics you can also do that as well. Really enjoyed my time and hoping I can find something like this gym in LA. Thank you Ronin and students at Ronin for making my experience here awesome!
Ronin Athletics is a great environment to start or restart your Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing or MMA journey. Christian Montes is a natural and highly skilled teacher and my fellow students are a friendly and inviting group to train with. If you have been thinking about getting started or getting back into training. Come to Ronin Athletics you will know you made the right choice once you walk thru the door. We look forward to seeing you soon!
I am truly impressed by the self defense program at Ronin Athletics! My son attends the Kid’s self-defense class at this school and he really enjoys it. To him it’s a lot of games and activities and other fun social interactions with kids his age. But to me it reminds me of the Karate Kid when Mr Miyagi teaches Daniel-San Karate through a series of subtle unassuming activities and empowering interactions. The coaches here have a well organized curriculum and series of fun activities that develop my sons self-defense movement. I was most impressed with how they interact with him and the rest of the kids in such a way that empowers them - they really understand the psychology in empowering kids. I was originally considering a tae KwonDo class where he would learn to kick and punch, but my cousin told me about this Gracie Bullyproof program and I’m so glad I tried it out. It just makes sense. If a kid is forced to defend himself, it would be a messy ordeal if he had to kick and punch his way out. But to be able to pin a kid down and negotiating to stop. That’s just awesome. If you’re a parent that’s looking for a way to have your child defend him or herself. Research Gracie Bullyproof on YouTube! You’ll see what I’m talking about. Well done Ronin Athletics, I love the environment you’ve created for these kids!
If youre scared to try jiu jitsu or looking for a place that will help you with self defense, you need to come to Ronin. Christian is an amazingly kind instructor and very detailed. I grew up doing 5-6 years of training judo and also trained at the popular jiu jitsu schools in New York. I never felt quite confident to defend myself on the street till I started training with Christian in his Gracie combatives program. Also most schools throw you in the gauntlet on day 1 and have you sparring out of the gate. Ronin builds a foundation of techniques in a safe atmosphere. If youre slightly interested, just try it out. Its free for 10 days so why not.
I can’t say enough good things about this school and its owner (Christian Montes) and his team. I am there to learn Jiu Jitsu, but they also offer kickboxing so this review is based on the former. If you are interested in learning Jiu Jitsu but have no experience, I highly recommend Ronin Athletics. They are the only school in NYC that is based on the Gracie system that requires mastery of the essential 36 techniques before live sparring is allowed. This is compared to pretty much every other school out there that throws beginners to the wolves on their first day, which can lead to injury and frustration. Yes, it’s gonna take a while until you are live rolling, but by the time you get there you are going to have a rock solid foundation to build on as you continue your journey. Getting back to the actual school, the facility itself is kept clean and neat and the atmosphere is extremely positive. Every time I go to a lesson, I am paired up with a member a little bit more experienced than I am so they can teach me a bit...and now I am even being paired up with members that are newer than I am (something that sort of snuck up on me the other day!). Christian and his head coach (Bart) know every single member by name and every time I walk in the door, Christian (or Bart) drop whatever they are doing (unless they are sparring with other members of course), walk over and shake my hand with a smile. I wish I got that kind of treatment ANYWHERE nowadays! The other members are super enthusiastic about being there and they are all there to learn, so this all adds up to a really great time and let’s not forget a pretty efficient and safe place to learn a very technical skill.
I dont usually write reviews but since it took me such a long time to find a good martial arts gym I will write one. Ive been training at Ronin Athletics for 3 months now and I am very satisfied. I trained Krav Maga for 6 years and I was looking for a place to improve my sparring Kick Boxing technics. This is the place. You can get from cardio training to full contact training. I recommend the place for those who want to learn martial arts. Be careful youll sweat like crazy :)
Been training here a bit under a year now and i have to say, i refuse to train anywhere else. The atmosphere here is great and the training partners are fantastic. Their is a wonderful mix of competitive athletes and BJJ enthusiasts. Everyone has been really supportive and has helped me progress along my jiu jitsu journey.While my main focus was to learn jiujitsu, i have to say that the other disciplines at Ronin Athletics are top notch. The kickboxing class for beginners is great. If you are like myself (an out of shape and slow learner), you dont have to worry about not knowing anything, the members at Ronin will make you feel at home and work with you. In no time, you will find yourself on the other end of the spectrum; helping out new members with their first kickboxing class!In addition, my second favorite discipline at Ronin Athletics has been the wrestling. I always look forward to the wrestling class at Ronin. It will break you down physically and mentally; and yet i find myself loving it even more. The wrestling coaches at Ronin are very knowledgeable and have designed their curriculum to help you with the stand up aspects of jiujitsu.Update: Been a member for a little bit over two years and the gym is a great training environment. Ive met many new friends and have formed strong bonds with all my training partners. If you are new to the city, Ronin Athletics is a great way to meet new people and get in shape. If you are new to the world of kickboxing/jiujitsu, you can always count on your training partners here to help you out. I can not stress enough how great the atmosphere is.
Ive been in Ronin since I was 16 (21 years now) and i have nothing but compliments for this gym. The staff is patient and knowledgeable with getting your technique down. The students range from all sorts of martial art background experience, friendly, and willing to help you if needed. The classes are very detailed with new combos/moves as well as hell of a cardio workout. All around great gym with great people in a positive environment to get healthy, learn and grow as a martial artist.
I’ve wanted to try Bjj for years; I finally decided to pull the trigger a few months ago by taking a trail course at Ronin Athletics, and my decision to do so has proved to be an excellent one. Christian is an excellent instructor and does a good job of making the complexities of jiu Jitsu plain for even the most inexperienced student (such as myself!). I was delighted to discover that the climate of the gym was characterized by comradery and support. I also like the Combatives approach to teaching Bjj: As a person who has not been physically active in years, and is in many respects out of shape, I was afraid that Bjj would be too much for me; however, the combatives approach allowed me to establish the foundation necessary for engaging in the more gnarly aspects of BJJ without having to be a beast from the start. I strongly recommend Ronin Athletics for anyone interested in learning Bjj, getting in shape, or simply looking for a good reason to get out of the house and meet cool and interesting people.
I took the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Combatives program here at Ronin Athletics for about half a year, and I don’t believe I could have found a place with a better training environment. The atmosphere is always friendly and cooperative. Christian is an impressively fine instructor who really knows the details and the principles of the techniques that he teaches. Bart, who is also an instructor here, is likewise excellent in teaching the course material and at diagnosing and refining his students’ techniques. Two minor drawbacks are that the space gets slightly over-crowded or warm / humid now and then.All in all, not only did my time here provide me with self-defense skills, but it also inspired me to continue learning martial arts. I’m immensely gratified that I trained here.
Instructors were very friendly, helpful and talented. The gym was not intimidating for a first time client like myself. I walked out of the gym feeling better about myself and excited to come back and learn more. Thank You Ronin Athletics for sparking my interest in Grace Jiu Jitsu!!
Ronin Athletics is an awesome location to train in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Christian Montes leads an exceptional group of students who were all very humble, steadfast and focused in the art. There’s no better environment to train in. Thank you for allowing me to come through.
Ronin Athletics is a fantastic place to train Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. I had been training in kickboxing for a while and was curious about adding Jiu-Jitsu into the mix. My trainer recommended Ronin, and I could not be happier. Even with knowing very little about the sport, I was immediately welcomed and made to feel incredibly comfortable. The coaches are knowledgeable and talented. Furthermore, the community is very positive and supportive. Ronin strikes a great balance between training hard and pushing to develop ones skills while creating a program that works for you. It is wonderful being part of the Ronin family.
I have received Gracie Jiu Jitsu training at Ronin Athletics for almost two years. I find value in the entire Gracie way, but found the Combatives Program and Gracie University Online particularly helpful for beginning the BJJ journey.I worked in law enforcement for more than 10 years. I have learned more about self defense learned at Ronin Athletics than from all of my law enforcement training.Christian Montes is an excellent instructor. I feel that he always knows exactly where my progress is at. Most classes seem like a private lesson with Christian because of his attention to detail. Christian is very personable. Im confident anyone would feel comfortable and safe in his classes. I doubt there is a better overall value/experience in NYC.
Ive been training at Ronin Athletics for over 5 years now. Head Coach Christian Montes teaching techniques allow students of all levels to fully understand each lesson. The gym has a great atmosphere and diverse group of students. There is a place for everyone from the casual hobbyist to serious competitor.
I’m so grateful that I found Ronin Athletics! It has been a blessing in my life for the short amount of time I have been there. It has a safe, fun, collegial environment that is directly attributed to the owner and head instructor, Christian. Not only is he world class in BJJ and a great, detail-oriented instructor, he is also one of the most humble, friendly and welcoming human beings I have ever met! This is what sets the tone for the gym! It is a dream of mine to learn Jiu jitsu and take it as far as I can. But I thought I was too old to start given my age and the toll years of other contact sports have taken on my body. However, the systematic way Christian teaches you before you roll has helped me learn and feel confident that when the time comes to roll, I will be able to do so. Yes, you do have to wait to roll, but by the time you start to roll you will have a solid foundation! The safe, collegial environment Christian has established allows everyone to roll with intensity and to push one another to become better without intentionally trying to cause injury. This is not always easy to find in a Jiu jitsu gym! The other instructors there such as Bart are also incredible martial artists and friendly, awesome human beings! I cant recommend it enough! It’s a great gym!
I’ve been training BJJ at Ronin for about 6 months now. I recently upgraded my membership from BJJ to MMA which gives me access to kickboxing/muay thai classes as well. I live in New Jersey (Monmouth county) and work in NYC, so I try my best to come every day that I can (~4 x week). I used to goto the gym on my lunch breaks, now I come here. Sometimes I’m back after work for the night classes 😂 I love it! I can’t recommend this place enough! Christian and Bart are the best!
Ronin not only produces an extremely productive training environment but a competitive one as well. All the other students that I train with are friendly and most importantly SAFE. The trainers are very approachable and are always willing to answer any questions that you may have. Ive trained here for quite a while and the energy just seems to grow each and every time. For those of us who work full time, the training hours work very well. I highly recommend Ronin for a good place if you want to stay in shape, learn the fundamentals of BJJ, and be a part of a great atmosphere.
Ronin athletics provides some of the best jiu jitsu instruction you will find anywhere. NYC has plenty of options, but Ronin is by far the best in teaching both street self-defense and sportive jiu jitsu in a collaborative, safe, and ego-free environment.Head instructor Chris had already established himself as a great instructor and now that they have come under the Gracie Jiu Jitsu system, with the Combatives program, Women Empowered and Master Cycle they have taken it to a whole new level.#Gracieuniversity #Graciecombatives #mastercycle #keepitplayful #womenempowered
My girlfriend was the one who found this gym. I had been into health and fitness for a while but my hectic schedule was starting to wear on me. I had minimal motivation to go workout for the sake of working out. Anyway, my girlfriend bought me a 2 week trial membership and I was instantly hooked. I cant say I was particularly skilled when I started out but everyone was so nice and so helpful. It became very clear to me that in becoming a member I wouldnt be joining just another martial arts gym but more of a martial arts family. The teachers and other members work hard to make sure Ronin Athletics provides a welcoming environment that focuses on the development of the individual without sacrificing the intensity most people seek in their MMA training. Seriously speaking, I have partnered people that have put me through the ringer in wrestling and kickboxing!Becoming a regular member is among the best decisions I ever made.On a side note, it is worth pointing out that from my job it takes me about 2 hours to get to the gym on public transportation. From home is takes about an hour. I would not take such long trips for meager physical activity. I really consider Ronin like a second home and its members as extended family.
I was introduced to Ronin this past February by a friend and I was hoping to find a fun martial arts class to supplement my normal workout routine. After nine months with the school (and being a part of their kickboxing and BJJ classes), I have to say that Ronin has now become a major part of my life. Christian Montes and the rest of the coaches have created a welcoming, but still challenging environment that appeals to members across skill levels. Ronin really focuses on fundamentals across the disciplines and Ive seen tremendous improvement in my technique in the time Ive been part of the gym.My wife is also a member of the gym and always remarks how Ronin far surpasses any of the other boxing/kickboxing fitness gyms shes tried in the past.So if youre interested in serious training or fitness/conditioning, Ronin is a great place to hone your MMA skills.
Cant say enough good things about this place. Its an intense workout, sure- but its also a welcoming environment that allows you to improve your skills in both kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The coaches/trainers really know their stuff and do a great job of teaching it- circulating through the classes and giving individual tips and adjustments. They are practitioners but also skilled teachers. Finally, the place just has a good vibe. Not too macho, welcoming to new students of all skill levels, but with a level of expertise inherent in the culture that allows you to grow and grow. Give Ronin a try.
My previous workout routine had always involved going to the gym and lifting weights/running; I started training at Ronin about one year ago not knowing what to expect, but was blown away by the kindness and patience of the staff as well as the structured classes that were always fun and challenging. Even more important are the values of perseverance and humility instilled in my by the instructors - I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone interested in martial arts, getting fit, and becoming a better version of yourself!
I first heard of Ronan Athletics while researching Jiu Jitsu in New York ahead of trip to the city I was planning in May. It sounded like a friendly gym with first rate instruction organized around the Gracie University curriculum. What I found exceeded my expectations. Christian is a gifted teacher who has created a rigorous yet low-key vibe that makes it easy to focus on learning. My wife was in the city with me last week and came to group and private classes with me at Ronin, giving us something new to share as a couple. We will be right back in class with Christian the next time we are in Town.
Ronin Athletics is a great gym for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and MMA with classes that are accessible for complete novices and helpful for experienced martial artists. The coaching staff is friendly and personal, and the head coach is directly involved in training students of all levels.
Hands down, this is one of the best MMA location you can join without feeling like your instructor only saw you once or twice in the day. For months I’ve searched for a location that taught “stand up” and “ground fighting” without feeling like I’m surrounded by 30-40 people. The quality of teaching is perfect with several high belts on the floor to guide you through the process. As a beginner, I found myself going through other schools and being put to spar or roll with experienced people without having any prior experience to my name. Most of the times, it was a waste of time because if I’m a beginner, why would I need to go through a live session?? It’s like taking an Aerial Space Engineering placement exam and expecting to do well without any prior knowledge on the subject... I have a higher chance of hitting the lotto as a first time user. Overall, at Ronin’s Athletics, I love that there is a system of education one must follow in order to proceed to the next stage. Depending on the discipline you chose to learn, you’ll get a tracking sheet that marks down all the lessons and movements you’ve learned on your prior classes. Be sure to ask about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu now that the school is qualified to teach, besides competitive (sports) BJJ. Everyone and their moms can pass on by for a free class to get a better feeling of the area. You can ask for Christian (head coach), Bart, or anyone of the instructors for more details about the memberships they provide. Cheers!
I’ve always wanted a CTC to open up here in NYC and once I found out one opened I didn’t hesitate to go! The atmosphere at Ronin Athletics is amazing, it feels like a family all here to learn and practice Gracie Jiu Jitsu in a safe and respectful manner. Christian and Bart are amazing teachers who breakdown a technique to smallest detail so you can’t miss anything! Highly recommend checking the school out! You won’t be disappointed! Jiu-Jitsu is indeed for all!
Amazing environment, knowledgeable instructors, excellent culture of learning with great organization and the home run of high quality customer service. I’ve been in martial arts for over 27 years and recently joined and my ideal school in my head matches what this place and people do. I’m always excited to come and though commuting from Jersey is no easy task, it’s a no brainer for the wonderful and well-rounded experience they give you here. Highly recommended to anyone of any experience.
As a girl with absolutely no background in combat sports, I was definitely intimidated by the prospect of starting out at an MMA gym, but I couldn’t have chosen a better-suited place to learn. Christian (Head Coach) and the staff are amazing teachers – patient, knowledgeable and so personable, and their enthusiasm for martial arts is encouraging and infectious. The students are friendly and reflect the welcoming spirit of the gym, and the result is a fun and comfortable environment where anyone can train at whatever level of intensity matches their interests.The gym has become a highlight part of my week, and I’ve gotten way more into my training and progress than I originally expected, a true testament to:a.How fun and engaging the classes are, andb.How well the instructors build confidence.On top of this, prices are reasonable and there’s a good selection of classes to fit your schedule and skill level. I couldn’t imagine training anywhere else in the city.
An absolute amazing experience! I was invited from friend to attend the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Womens Empowered seminar. Christian and Lora were the two instructors leading the seminar and they were fantastic! Lora and Christian not only empowered the group with educating us with the Grace Jui-Jitsu philosophy , they also empowered us with their lessons and were absolutely open to suggestions and discussions. I see myself becoming a part of this organization in the future because its a positive space. I highly recommend this place as it is made to help you grow and empower you in many levels.
Great place and instructor! I stopped in while in town and the school was very welcoming and open. I really like the type of no ego instruction and overall approach to jiu jitsu.
I have been training at Ronin Athletics for almost 10 years. The coaches provide fantastic atmosphere with no egos or cliques. Everyone is friendly, respectful and eager to help each other improve. I have trained at other gyms, but always end up making my way back to Ronin.
As a former government employee who has completed three intense training academies, I can say with full confidence that this school offers the highest quality training. I attend the school for the combatives program and it has truly reignited my desire for jiu-jitsu. I previously trained at two other schools in NYC and between getting hurt from rolling with poorly trained students and the lack of learning structure, my love for the sport started to die.Christian and Jasper have been amazing to work with and are super down to earth with no egos. I have the pleasure of training with Christian twice a week and can say his knowledge matches his love for jiu-jitsu.I highly recommend this school, Gracie Combatives, and Christian to anyone who is looking for a strong learning structure and amazing coaching.
Ive been coming to Ronin since this January and Ive had the absolute best experience here. All of the coaches are willing to help with anything you ask, the quality of people that come in everyday is great. No big egos found in here. I can not recommend this place enough to everyone. Because of Ronin Ive found a competency with my body that I wouldnt have gotten by just going to a routine/conventional weight lifting gym. I thank everyone who works there and whove ever partnered with me in helping me learn and grow in my athletic journey!
Our CEO wanted the ladies in the office to take a self-defense class and we all went to Ronin Athletics and met with Christian and his assistant, Lora. We didnt know what to expect but this class exceeded our expectations. We had a blast learning to defend ourselves and get away from any attackers looking for trouble. Christian and Lora were able to explain each step very well and then we were paired up to demonstrate and practice. Each lady in the office left feeling empowered and able to take down anyone that crossed our paths. 10/10 would recommend taking this.
Walked into Ronin December of 2018 and havent stopped since. The Gracie Combatives program has helped me become much more confident as well as build a beautiful foundation towards my self defense and jiu jitsu journey. Thanks to Coach Christian and Bart for being great instructors as well as the amazing enviroment at ronins. Ive become part of the team and am very grateful !!!
I attended the women’s empowerment seminar and was immediately feeling empowered. That day I signed up to continue training and I highly suggest everyone to attend! Everyone at ronins is welcoming and I have a pretty tuff name which everyone remembered and greeted me from day 1. It is beginner friendly and a clean environment. They have multiple courses to take but I love how the women’s empowerment course is solely women. We all feel united and help each other out. I even had my teenager sister sign up and with her going to college soon we are so happy with everything she has learned so far and the confidence it has given her.
I have been training here for about 8 months. Christian, the head instructor, combines a deep knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu, self defense, and combative concepts with a knack for teaching and conveying information in an intelligible way that is easy to grasp. The facilities are clean, the atmosphere is inviting and welcoming, and the instruction is superb. Give it a try!
Ive tried out different TMA/MMA gyms in the city and Ronin is simply the best. Even after trying a range of styles, traditional karate, Krav Maga, other BJJ gyms, etc, Ive always ended up back at Ronin. The training is good from a physical fitness perspective, as well as for self defense/competition. The environment is one of a friendly community of people who are always supportive of each other and willing to teach and learn from each other. For anyone who is interested in trying out any combination of boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and/or MMA, I highly recommend Ronin.
I was looking for a gym in the city that offered a great atmosphere, where your training partners are nice, respectful people and where the quality of the instruction is top-notch. I must say Ronin Athletics has all of these qualities. The workouts you get are second to none. I have learned so much more about the intricacies of BJJ coming from a stand-up martial art background that I just want to learn more and more.
Ive trained at Ronin for 5+ years and I highly recommend it. Its a great group of athletes to learn from and train with.Christian and the other instructors really take an interest in your progress.There are people at all skill levels and levels of training, from once-a-week to serious MMA/BJJ competitors who train every day.Theres always someone there whos better than you, which you need in order to improve, but afterwards they will EXPLAIN how you can do better next time, or show exactly how they did that cool move.Everyone is super friendly and very respectful. They take their jiu-jitsu very seriously but theres such a cool attitude at the same time. Great place to train in NYC!
I trained at Ronin for several years and it was my second home. I was there almost every day and loved both the classes and the people so much. Everyones always got your back there; its a very low key atmosphere that I immediately felt comfortable in, even being one of the only 2-3 girls on the team (when I started anyway; many more women came later). I had to take some time off this past year but am finally starting up again and am absolutely thrilled. Wonderful gym for both standup and grappling, and you couldnt ask for better people to train with!
I could truly say that Ronin Athletics is by far one of the best gyms in NYC! Ive been attending Ronin since I was sixteen years old, and not only did they treat me as one of their own, they showed me that neither size nor strength was necessary. Fast forward five years later, I am twenty one years old and still attend Ronin. Staff is patient, friendly, and relatable, you could truly sense that theyre there to help.
Each time I visit NYC, I stop in at Ronin Athletics for a great workout/training session. Christian Montes and his group of teammates provide a welcoming environment, offering high level instruction with a smile :) If youre ever in the NYC area and you need your martial arts training fix, this is the best place to go, guaranteed fun and a solid workout!
Ive been a student at Ronin Athletics for years and will continue to do so for many more. Head Coach Christian Montes is a skilled BJJ black belt who is able to teach techniques with a clarity that reaches competitive athlete and hobbyist alike. The students are a diverse mix of people with the like-minded goal of helping each other improve. The positive and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for anyone who wants to learn Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and/or MMA.
Ive had an incredible experience with Ronin and training here has quickly become my favorite part of every week. The atmosphere is very welcoming, and Christian and the staff are all knowledgeable, supportive, and patient. Ive learned so much from the kickboxing classes and I would recommend Ronin to anyone who wants to learn kickboxing and get a great workout!
I wholeheartedly recommend Ronin. Ive been a member over an year and love the school, other members, and the coaches. The environment is welcoming to all levels and interests, from fitness seekers to serious competitors. The head coach, Christian Montes, enjoys teaching and its infectious during the classes. Training has been challenging, but always a blast. If youre looking for a school, give Ronins intro class a shot and I think youll come away wanting to be a lifelong member.
I originally chose Ronin because it was convenient for me locationwise. I was looking for Kickboxing classes and came across them as a Mixed Martial Arts Gym - so I ended up scheduling one of their Intros anyway - like I said, it was very convenient for me and it was free anyway so why not. Ive been attending their Kickboxing program for about a year now and its awesome! My intention was to try something different besides my previous membership at a NY Sports Club, to lose weight and learn something along the way. What Ive found is that I got more focused on the skill development that my level of consistency came naturally - I wasnt forcing myself to go to the gym, I was looking forward to my next class and improving my skill. Before I knew it, I was lean and fit and had a blast along the way. As for the class, its very interactive and requires focus and timing because youre paired up with someone and simulating actual fight movements using a variety of training pads. What stuck out for me as a newbie was that they brought me along at a great pace, I didnt feel at all like I was slowing anyone down or being left behind. I guess youll have to try the intro class to know what I mean. Its a boutique gym so youll get to know the owners pretty quickly and theyre easily accessible. The culture is great and everyones really friendly, I got that sense from day one and is probably why I signed up pretty quickly. Youll definitely sweat a ton working out here and I think the staff does a great job ventilating and cleaning their equipment. All-in-all I really enjoy Ronin Athletics and have recommended it to all my friends.
Ronin Athletics is definitely a highly recommended gym if you are interested in starting up kickboxing or jiu-jitsu. Not only that, if you are looking to burn some calories, lose weight, and get one of those I really got some intense cardio today feel, the kickboxing classes will be satisfying. I can vouch for this since I lost about 20lbs in less than a year, going to class about 3 times a week.I only took the kickboxing classes, but the teacher/coaches, mainly Bart, Dom, and staffs like Anthony, have been nothing but amazing. I joined in 2017 not knowing a single thing about kickboxing and while I still have plenty to learn, even the simple jabs and hooks, Ive improved quite a lot.Christian always greets everyone, and you can tell that he is a very respectful and honorable owner. Hell be watching the classes and on occasion, hell throw in some tips. When he does, you can see that everyone is watching closely. Christian does teach KB, however, its later in the day, which Im not able to go to.Overall, its a great environment for anyone to join. If youre the type that is looking for some intense training, or a serious fighter, then I couldnt comment on the validity of the classes, but for beginner to intermediate level, or those that are just looking to burn some serious calories, this is a great place to do just that.As far as my experience with KB:Beginners are warmly welcomed by everyone. There are days when you have 2-3 people, to the busier times with 10+ more, but everyone is in different stages. The advanced members are happily engaging with beginners, and while Bart or Anthony cant focus on each and every person on the busier days, you have other members who can fix or show movements that have been there for a while. Its truly a family community and when Im there, Id be happy to partner up with anyone.About 6 months in, Bart allowed me to join the 201 classes (more contact and 1-on-1). To be honest, it was a bit nerve wracking putting on shin guards, mouth piece, and facing an opponent, but once again, the experienced members were not uptight about a new member and gave plenty of great tips. The occasional sparring was intense, but nobody is there to give you a good beating.Currently, Im limited to attending class, due to my wife recently giving birth to our daughter, however, I intend on returning as soon as my schedule free up a little bit.
I could not have happened upon a better place to learn and train. Jiu jistsu/kickboxing/MMA are sports that just happen to attract more males than females. Being a female minority in any gym or sport can be an intimidating, frustrating, and lonely experience. I was a Div I athlete in college and I know first hand how hard it is to train with bigger, stronger people. From the minute I walked into Ronin to do my intro class and till this day seven months later, I can say that the coaches and people have made this place the most welcoming and encouraging place for female practitioners. I started out doing jiu jitsu once a week but the inclusive and energetic atmosphere here got me hooked and now Im on an unlimited program doing 3-6 classes a week. In addition to excellent instruction (youll sometimes see the black and brown belt coaches staying late after classes for up to one or two hours just to help one student!), everyone feels like a family. We have a great group of females - one more badass than the next, and a group of male students who are nothing but supportive and inclusive with us. After class, everyone sticks around to help others, chat, or just hang out. No egos, no pretentiousness. Its just a great place to be.
Christian is an outstanding instructor who focuses on technical details and a thorough understanding of jiu jitsu. His class is welcoming and always enjoyable. Highly recommend Ronin Athletics.
Fantastic gym. Ive been training BJJ now for ~5 years and have been to many different gyms to take classes and train in both California and NYC. Ronin has both the best instruction, and most friendly atmosphere -- quite a unique combination.
I trained at this gym for several years before moving out of New York. Christian Montes is the head instructor/owner of this gym and is one of the nicest guys Ive ever met. Along with his other instructors, you can expect to get top-level training in BJJ, boxing, muay thai, and wrestling in a relaxed environment. Oftentimes gyms will give off an intimidating aura to those who are brand new to martial arts, but this gym is the exception. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. Every time I visit NY, I always stop by to roll and catch up with people. Be prepared to gain a new hobby/skill along with some new friends.
I Use to train at ronin few-years ago when I was living in the city. Was visiting NYC last week and trained there for a few days. As always, had an amazing time. Everyone is friendly and respectful. Christian and his team take the time to explain drills and techniques and are very articulate in their instructions. Anyone looking to starting jui jitsu or kickboxing in NYC, Ronin is the place to be! As a white belt, let me tell you, with these guys you dont have to feel intimidated at all. They make you feel comfortable and welcomed always!! Keep it up guys!
While on a trip to NYC, I had the chance to check out a fundamentals class taught by one of the purple belts. I have been training a modern style of karate for a little more than three years and have always been intrigued by BJJ. Its quite different from my practice.Ronin Athletics did not disappoint. The instructor articulated the techniques clearly and had a good command of the room. He had a keen eye and was able to give me pointers on how I could better execute the techniques. He broke the multistep tactics into short single words - gather, grab, etc - which is an effective teaching device from my own experience teaching karate white belts and as a tutor. Christian, the head instructor, had the same quality I respect and depend on in my own Sensei: the ability to observe the whole room while seemingly focused on something else, then provide advice that everyone can use immediately.The class was conducted in a respectful atmosphere, and the students were genuinely welcoming. It was a great experience, and I would definitely study at Ronin if I lived in NYC.One other note: I saw a few minutes of the Muay Thai class, and the drills they were conducting were legit, with emphasis on focus and getting reps in.
This is a great gym for MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitzu and Intro to intermediate Muay Thai. What makes it unique is a culture of mentorship, where more advanced students help out more inexperienced ones, and where everyone, coach or student is constantly improving their game together. Everyone is welcoming and supportive of each other. Which is contrary to my experience at boxing gyms that I have been in so far, where the only way to learn is to get your butt kicked, or to find a superstar coach. If youve never touched martial arts, this is the place to learn, whether you want to become a pro one day or whether you want to just keep in shape while learning the art. Going to the gym used to be a pain for me -- now its one of my favorite things to do! And Ive lost about 20lbs. :-)
The staff is welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable.If youve been thinking about learning jujitsu but dont want to commit on day one then do the 10 day trial and check out the Combatives program to see if its the right fit for you! 🤙🏼
I can honestly say that Ronin should be considered a hidden NYC gem. Its not a fight club or a place where wanna be tough guys go to pose and act badass. Its rather an MMA gym that still holds the values of the martial arts in as much a premium as it holds the techniques.The training is of the highest level and the instruction is patient, progressive and focused on bringing out the very best in the students and whether your goals are to lose a few lbs, learn to defend yourself or step into the ring and compete, there is something for you here.If youre thinking of training BJJ/MMA (and especially if youre new to the game), I couldnt recommend a better place to get started.
Fantastic school! They teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a well organized and safe way.
This marks the begginning of my 5th year at Ronin, and I still cant imagine myself training anywhere else. What sets Ronin apart is the ecclectic mix of serious BJJ competitors and more casual hobbyists like myself - you can get whatever you want.Ronin as it stands in its current form might not be for you if youre looking for a plush or luxurious experience, which I get the impression some past reviewers here might have been. Its locker room smells like a locker room, and theres sweat on the mats much of the time (kind of unavoidable if youre using them). What you do get is a personalized approach to Jiujitsu, and Christians awesome teaching style. Having trained with and under a whole host of other coaches, I can attest that hes the best Ive ever seen in terms of making complicated techniques feel simple.
Best coaches. Best training methodology. Great workout atmosphere. Friendly pool of attendees from all background. Strong culture built on 14+ years of teaching Kickboxing, BJJ, MMA. This club is the absolute real thing and has been a life changer for me. Christian, what you have achieved with Ronin is remarkable. Recommended+++
The environment and instruction at Ronin Athletics made it the first and only gym I visited when I decided to start training. From the coaches to the members, every one is relax and down to earth. Ive joined nearly two years ago Ive been comfortable since day one.
I am so lucky to have stumbled into Ronin Athletics, and I cannot recommend it enough. After bullying all of my friends (unsuccessfully) to try it, I have now resorted to trying to convince strangers on the internet. So please read on!After a quick search on the internet for MMA gyms due to a recent Ronda Rousey obsession, I decided to try the free intro class. It was incredibly intimidating just opening up the door, hearing people hitting the pads and being told to take my shoes off, but I promise, its worth it. Everyone at this gym is incredibly nice, friendly, and willing to help you learn. Its a wonderful community of people, and hanging around after class to chat is encouraged. You definitely do not have to know anything before showing up, all I knew was that I hated running on the treadmill.Six months later, I am obsessed with this place, the people, and BJJ (thats Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for anyone like me who has never heard of it). I could not be having more fun. This place is fantastic for anyone interested in BJJ, MMA, self-defense, kickboxing, or just getting fit and learning something new in a safe environment. It is also a great place for women to try out these traditionally male-dominated sports, the supportive and friendly environment guarantees that youll have a good time (pro tip: try out Lizs BJJ fundamentals class on Wednesdays at 8!). Please come and try it out, and be sure to say hi to me when you do!
The instructors were so nice, Bart Christian and a third guy whos name I cant remember. So helpful and encouraging. I felt I got individual attention despite a room full of people. Also very clean environment
First and foremost, this is a great community of great people - zero egomaniacs that are looking to tune people up. This is the perfect environment to get introduced to MMA/BJJ/Kickboxing because of its non-intimidating atmosphere. Its also awesome for people that are already more experienced in the martial arts, as the instructors have a curriculum to challenge students at all levels.Ive been going here for a little over a year at this point and look forward to attending for many more.
When I started looking for an MMA Gym, my priorities were a convenient location, great coaching and a good atmosphere. Ronin has had all three.Over 4 years in and Im beyond satisfied. The coaching is top notch and the culture is tremendous.
Great place to learn defensive techniques! I came here at the suggestion of my husband and at first I thought it would be hard but all the instructors are very thorough when they teach you and super nice! Highly recommend!
This is a fantastic MMA school to train at because of its absolute efficiency and great atmosphere. The instructors are very knowledgeable and the students are very accommodating and helpful. Christian Montes the head coach is an exceptional teacher with knowledge approach and patience beyond expectations. I highly recommend the school because you will not waste your time there.
I dont work in Manhattan anymore so I do most of my training where I live out in NJ now. When I occasionally do get into NYC I either get in some training at Ronin or at least stop by to say hi to guys that are still there from when I started training under Christian Montes more than 10 years ago. I thought it would be good to get my start in jiu jitsu with Christian because he had been dedicated to jiu jitsu way before most even heard of it in this country. I remember feeling really stressed ahead of attending my first day at a jiu jitsu/mma place. Because of the environment and culture that Christian fosters I was totally at ease withing 20 minutes of my first day. If it wasnt for Christian I dont think I would have fallen in love with Jiu Jitsu, eventually gotten a black belt, and still be training to this day 3-4 times a week at the age of 50.
Ive been training at Ronin for 4 years now. Its a great welcoming atmosphere with top notch instruction. Would recommend anyone interested in learning bjj, striking, or self defense to stop by and try it out.
Ive trained at a lot of places all over the city and his place is excellent for anyone who wants to train and learn MMA regardless of age or skill level. All the students i have met were friendly and respectful, and the head coach Christian Montes is a phenomenal teacher; hes extremely patient,knowledgeable and breaks techniques down so you understand them better.
Been going to Ronin for the past 8 years or so... Fantastic gym. Love that they offer an assortment of classes (BJJ, muay thai, MMA, etc..). The people are great as well. Everybodys friendly and are great to train with. Makes for an awesome training environment.
I am presently taking the Womens Empowerment course at this dojo. It is based on jui-jitsu. I love what Im learning and the people teaching it. The moves Im learning are based on real life scenarios. Laura and Christian make it a point for us to learn every nuance of every move. This is a defensive martial arts program and I can tell you from experience, these moves work, they really work.I also like the comraderie. I look forward to going to class. Any women reading this. Take a chance, stop on in. I feel great knowing that I can defend myself. Worth every penny. You will not regret it.
Update:Thank you for responding and your offer. I understand now your point of view. I guess I was just frustrated that evening. Your gym was clean and appeared to have a good group of students rolling while I was watching. Next time I am in town, I will try to stop by. I do recommend though that you update your web site with a bit more direct language to avoid stranger drop-ins (maybe invitation only). Wish you the best with your academy.....So their web site says that the head instructor needs to approve visitors training. No problem, I thought that the class is for higher level competitors which is not a problem since I am a black belt. Anyways, I call mid day to get it approved since its walking distance from my hotel. No one answers so I walk to the gym an hour before class starts to get it approved, but the gym operator says only the head instructor can approve it. So, I tell him that I will go ahead and come back at 6 when class starts with my gear on. Get there right at 6 and the instructor is not there. Sit patiently for about 15 minutes and the gym operator comes up to me and says the head instructor is running late but also you need to leave. The guy doesnt even have the courtesy to tell me in person. What head instructor turns down a paying visitor anyways? I have never seen that before for a normal scheduled class. I can see if it is more like a private session but there other people there that I could have trained with. I was very nice to everyone but the guy justs says I need to leave and no drop ins allowed. Uggh, wish I could give 0 stars. I question the validity of this gym. I am thinking the instructor doesnt want to get tested with visitors especially since there are other world class gyms in the area. The only saving grace was a visit to radical mma a few blocks away and they allowed me to train with them. Turned out to be a great training session. I do not recommend Ronin Athletics to any serious BJJ student.
I believe theyre actually one of the longest running MMA Gyms (if not the longest) in NYC from back in the day according to some of the forums Ive been on. People here are really down to earth and train hard. Personally I like the fact that the head instructor Christian is the head coach of every discipline MMA, Kickboxing & BJJ taught at the gym, which really shows shows in the Gyms Fundamentals program. Hes amazing at bridging the standup, clinch and ground game together... most other MMA gyms (at least the ones in NYC that Ive seen) are usually focused on a single discipline like Muay Thai and then hire a BJJ coach to teach grappling (or vice versa) and call that MMA. Pricing is definitely one of the better of the gyms in Manhattan. For a gym that doesnt advertise much, theyve been getting pretty big. They just moved to this bigger studio last year.
I was a bit hesitant to go to my trial class at Ronin - I pictured a rough crowd and as the smaller, new guy I wasnt sure how I would fit in. Two years later, Ronin is my home away from home. Everyone has fun and trains hard under their superb coaches and egos are checked at the door. To me, the best thing about Ronin is the people. No matter your skill level, you are treated in a friendly manner and with respect.
I trained for a number of years at Ronin Athletics before moving out to California, and Ive known Christian Montes, the head coach, for well over a decade. You can count on -a) a welcoming environment free of meatheads and open to men and women of all ages and with different goals;b) a broad curriculum that includes Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts;c) sharp technical instruction across all arts (theres a reason world-class athletes like jiu-jitsu coach and fighter Ryan Hall stop and train here when they are in town); andd) a supportive culture that will challenge you and help you grow - in the arts, and as a person.Affordable, high level instruction in a supportive atmosphere. What more do you want?
Great safe training environment in which to learn a variety of martial arts disciplines including Gracie Jitsu and kickboxing. Christian has tons of experience. Give them a visit!!!
I am part of the Women Empowerment program at Ronin Athletics. This program is perfect to learn how to defend yourself and will give you a boost of confidence! I recommend this program to all of the females in my life.
Well, what do you say when youre excited but dont want to sound like a lunatic blinded by some sudden urge to share your emotions with the world?Ive run into this guy (Christian) about 20 years ago while in college. Back then I was mostly interested in Thai boxing and JKD. Did it for about 2 years and then life happened (career, family etc.) so time was really scarce commodity and it still is. But I was very impressed with his humility and skills and ability to teach both (sort of a 3 legged stool). Mature beyond his years, completely immersed into martial arts before it was called MMA he was a very good instructor/coach and so I remembered.Fast forward to the present: for about 5 years now Ive been going to different places once or twice a month when I can squeeze out an hour or two without disrupting the family life. And it happens that Ronin is close to my current job and the schedule was spot on. BJJ became a necessary addition to the repertoire and as addictive as it is the need for mat time became obvious.So I went to give him a try again. He remembered too and let me join a more advanced class which was tremendous for my game since Im working hard on getting my white stripes (have you ever rolled with a black belt? if not, then you dont know what youre missing).I try to stick to my schedule and divide the time between Ronin and other places so I actually can compare what I see/feel/get for my time and money.Thats about it for the story of my martial-arts life.Now about Ronin:pros:theres a positive vibe in the air, i call it radiance, i dont know why or where it comes from (small room? nice people? dunno, its there)i have never seen anyone being disrespected there by any instructor or other guys/gals (no nasty comments, no teasing, no nonsense) and being crushed/submitted is enough of a reason for soul searching without some hurtful and discouraging opinionsi have never seen ego trips, nasty submissions, growling monkeys, meat head neck cranks or dazed and semi-hypnotized fighters-in-training-for-their-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-at-six-figure-UFC-contract (i hate those)i have never seen cult like leader worship or heard of claims of superiority in every minute aspect of life with everyone scared to call out the crap for what it is (you get those quite often in this business)I just found out last week, quite by chance actually, while stumbling on an instructional youtube video that Ryan Hall started his journey here: you see, the guys at Ronin are really humble, they dont boasti have seen people being attended to, cared for, noticed and guidedi have seen above average instruction and techniques (for my level obviously), Christian competes regularly and you can see his matches, no bullshit thereyes, I think anyone can learn something here and maybe make some friends but its ultimately your journey, you have to walk it and accept your weakness and insecurity as necessary ingredients for growth and improvementCons (semi):it.s a fight gym not a spa, so dont expect septic environment: it gets sweaty and stuffy superfast but it.s not bad, be realistic. I am taking one star off for no shower s (out of principle)are you a weirdo? If yes, then stay away, dont ruin it for medo you have an insatiable need to win and dominate? If yes, then stay away, dont ruin it for me and go to some gladiator school
I attended their Women Empowered seminar on 1/12/2020. The class was amazing! Very informative and gave me a basic understanding of self-defense. Would highly recommend to anyone interested!!
Ive been training at Ronin for 4 months now and have to say its amazing. Since day one I was hooked. The first day showing up they treated me like they knew me for years. If youre looking for a great place to train; Ronin is that place.
I was looking to into MMA, and found this place via google. Absolutely DISGUSTING. I went in for a trial class and the smell even upon walking in was horrendous. Not to mention how old the mats looked, they were taped together! I tried to observe during my trial class, the people were friendly… but I could tell the place looked pretty rundown and not taken care of. It didnt look nor felt sanitary, the only cleaning equipment that I saw was the SWIFFER! What exactly could that even clean? Pools of sweat were everywhere and no one there to clean it up. The place is overcrowded for kickboxing, it didnt seem like a gym where a competitor or serious athlete should train at. If you are looking for a laid-back, hobby atmosphere then this might be for you, but not if you want to compete or get serious. They dont even let you roll when you sign up. I saw someone coughing all over the place -- it is common gym etiquette to stay away from activities such as BJJ where you are in immediate contact with others when you are ill. Im really disappointed in the gym, I would have signed up had it been clean and not full of sick people.
One of the few MMA schools that teach from standup to ground in the same class. Which is the way MMA should be taught. If you want the specific modules, bjj, wrestling, clinch, muay thai, you can take those classes as well. All around good school, good rate.
Highly recommend Johnny and Bart !! Great instructors, very informative and has lots of patiences. I learned a lot today and definitely excited for my next class 😊
Great training atmosphere with good people to train with. The details in the techniques that was taught by the instructor is amazing. Definitely helped out my game. Very happy with my visit here and will drop by again whenever Im in town
Instructors were great and friendly. Classes are highly informative as well as practical, cannot recommend it enough.
I visited NYC while on vacation and was welcomed with open hands by Christian Montes and the other instructors/coaches at the academy. Great staff, great students, great training and a great academy, definitely recommend.
Women empowered seminar event was very organized, amazing environment and the professors were super professionals. Every women should take this program to learn self defense.
Great instructors, great environment and Jiu jitsu for self defense philosophy is exactly what Ive been looking for
Great atmosphere, friendly environment, and very knowledgeable instructors! Had a great time training - cant wait to go back.
If you want to learn self defense Ronin Athletics is the right place with the Gracie Combative Program.
Very attentive service, and friendly, non-threatening atmosphere. Great introductory class; Christian is a very knowledgeable coach/ instructor.
Ronin is an amazing gym with an amazing staff! I miss being able to attend classes and hope to return as soon as I am able...
The team at Ronin makes you feel at home from the first moment you step in. Its a great place to learn self defence or BJJ.
Best gym in NYC!!!! Learning is fun in an ego-free atmosphere :-) if you are in NYC, you owe it to yourself to visit.
Warm environment to train in, everyone is very friendly, instructors take the time to explain the techniques, definitely a place I will try and visit soon!
Ronin is the perfect environment to learn, consisting of amazing students and even greater teachers.
Amazing instructors - they not only share they how-to, but also explain why you do specific moves in a particular way (so that you really understand what you are doing).
Best place in NYC to learn traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!
Professional presentation. Valuable techniques were shared that the class can easily remember and do.
Best self defense and Gracie jiu jitsu in NYC.
Instructors are awesome. Big shout out to Bart and Johnny!
Welcoming and very positive vibe...patience thoroughness of Coach Christian is motivating...deff coming in again next when in NYC
Fantastic venue and instructors!! Absolutely recommend it!
Being a Gracie CTC makes all the difference in professionalism and school atmosphere
Felt like a great environment, positive culture, and the lessons are thorough, clear, and supportive.
Great instructors, good structure of curriculum. Lots of fun!
Great Instructors, Very Informative, Clear and Patient, Hands On
Great instructors, awesome training environment.
I was impressed with the level of professionalism and diligence. Im staying long term.
Great people and instructors.
My in-laws
Fantastic gym
Total reviews rating 5
190 Reviews for Ronin Athletics - Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA NYC 2023:
Review №1
2021-12-31I went to a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Women Empowered self defense class at Ronin Athletics in NYC and really loved the structure of the class. It is clear that Christian is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about what he does as he teaches with patience, clear instruction, and a smile. Lora teaches the class alongside Christian ensuring each student gets individual attention on their technique. I recommend anyone to try it out as the environment was very welcoming and the techniques were appropriate for beginners and intermediates alike.
Review №2
2021-11-11I am currently a student at Ronin athletics in Midtown. I joined the school to participate in the all women’s self defense program created by the Gracie Family, Women Empowered.At first, I was very intimidated by the school and the program, but the instructors and the students were very welcoming to me as a newcomer. Christian Montes and Lara are really great instructors. Since I started my time in this program they have been very informative and they really take the time to coach and guide us through all of the techniques in great detail.Since the day that I was randomly attacked near my home, I have been reluctant to go out anywhere by myself. Participating in this program has slowly helped me to become more confident in walking around by myself again. My husband still picks me up when I am coming home late, but its nice to know that I am learning how to defend myself. I really like coming to the school and drilling the techniques with my training partners.We train in a very safe and friendly environment. Each class we are taught a new technique from the Gracie program and take turns drilling them with each other. Unlike most BJJ programs out there, we DO NOT free spar or roll in this class. It is geared specifically for women and designed to prepare us specifically for the kind of scenarios we may encounter on the street.After completing my first training cycle, I have earned one stripe on my white belt. I believe there are 15 classes and you have to take each one 3 times. Then at the end of the program I will be able to test for the Women Empowered Pink belt.Ladies, if you are reading this, don’t wait around until you are attacked by some low life on the street to start training. Start learning how to protect and defend yourself now, BEFORE anything bad happens to you. Ronin Athletics provides a free trial class so don’t hesitate to go over and give it a go. You will not regret it. If you do go, tell them that Christine sent you!
Review №3
2022-01-27As a mom of two boys ages 6 and 10. I put my kids in different activities and none have made an impact on them like Ronin Athletics. My older son during quarantine was reluctant to do any sports. It was a hassle to get him up and out. I was very lucky a family member of mine told me to do a trail class for the Gracie Bullyproof Program. The boys tried the class in August 2020 and they immediately asked me to sign them up. We have been a member ever since.The staff is so welcoming, show so much patience and run their class so smoothly. My older son is in Junior Grapplers program and has formed a bond with his teammates. He will be soon traveling alone to middle school in NYC and I am pleased to see the confidence he has built during his time a Ronin.My 6 year old is in Little Champs program he is very shy but week after week, Coach Christian and his team have been able to bring him out of his shell. I am so pleased they have found something to look forward to in jujitsu. My husband and I go 4x a week to Ronin Athletics but it is worth it to see them learn and grow all while having fun.
Review №4
2022-04-27I joined in February and I’m extremely happy I enrolled in this school. They offer great self defense classes for all ages (perhaps the best in New York City) and their instructors are fantastic. The instructors are patient, motivational and inspiring. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic work out. Not only has Gracie Jiujitsu helped me physically (down over 20 lbs now), but it has also helped me mentally. It helped me be more confident with decisions in life and how I view the world from a different perspective. The students are very accepting and helpful with training. I have a great time and lots of fun with them. It’s like having a second family. I highly recommend this school, their curriculums and the instructors.
Review №5
2021-10-11The trainers are friendly, professional and maintain a positive decorum. Safety is prioritized and the gym is clean. I have been training here for about 100 days now, and have experienced no issues. It has been a wonderful experience. If anyone is looking to train in jujitsu in a non overzealous environment, this gym is for you! #Jujitsu #Safety #MMA #Selfdefense
Review №6
2021-12-29If you are looking for self-defense in New York City where is the statically Gracie Jui Jitsu, Ronin Athletics is definitely the top place. Christian, the head coach, is top notch and what he does. And able to explain things in the world versus the teacher can. The facilities are clean and crisp in the atmosphere is friendly. But don’t fool yourself you’ll get a great workout. It is nothing short of exhilarating
Review №7
2021-12-18I’ve been an on and off again (travel due to work) student of Christian’s for about 13 years. During that time I’ve trained in martial arts gyms across the country including Washington DC, Chicago and San Francisco and I can confidently say that Ronin Athletics is one of the best martial arts gyms in the country and definitely the best gym in NYC for Gracie Jiu Jitsu and self defense. Every time I’m in town I have a private with Christian and drop in for some classes. The warm and friendly environment along with world class coaching makes it a great choice for all skills levels from beginners to long time martial artists. I’m grateful to know Christian and have a home for training whenever I’m in NYC. Oss
Review №8
2021-10-28I was introduced to Gracie Combatives thanks to my stepfather who knows the head coach at Ronin Athletics which is the only Certified Training Center in New York City. When i first started I was a bit nervous because of not knowing how the experience would go but thankfully the staff and other members have made the experience great. I went from having fear to actually being excited for class due to the structure and beginner friendly environment at Gracie Jiu Jitsu NYC/ Ronin Athletics. I will recommend everyone no matter the age or background to join Gracie Combatives and even cooler the BullyProof program for kids which i’ve had the pleasure to watch and help out with 🥋👍🏻
Review №9
2021-10-25I work in midtown and fortunately I found Ronin Athletics because: one - they have amazing online reviews and two - I couldnt have asked for a more convenient location. Im taking their beginners jiujitsu class (about 6 months now) and it is EXACTLY what I’ve read on the reviews. These guys are really organized, clean, friendly and the instruction is extremely professional. The instructors are prepared for every class because the lessons are planned out. What I thought was a fight gym, is actually more of a college class for fighting but with submission holds. I have a performance card to help me track required techniques I should know, the lesson plans are posted monthly so I can manage my schedule to attend my required class, the environment is the perfect balance of challenging and cooperative since it is partner-based. I watched the advanced classes also and they’re really technical. No aggressive behavior but tough sparring matches. I havent taken their Kickboxing classes but u... I can say that if youre new to Jiu Jitsu and want your hand held through the process. This is the place to be. The name of the program Im enrolled in is Gracie Combatives you can YouTube it as well.
Review №10
2021-08-01I don’t really write reviews but I have to share this with all the ladies that are looking for an effective self-defense class. Ronin Athletics is the only self-defense school in NYC that offer the Gracie Women Empowered program. What I especially like about this program is that they provide a clear path to learning how to defend myself. I would sum up their program simply: Well organized, structured and empowering! I’m grateful Ronin Athletics brought this program to NYC! If you’re curious about the program, just YouTube Gracie Women Empowered and you’ll see for yourself.