Are you looking to find your next favorite MMA gym in the big apple? Well, look no further.
In this article, I will list 10 of the best MMA gyms in New York. Some are more kickboxing or BJJ-focused, but they each have unique benefits whether you’re trying to go pro or need a gym where you can also take your kids.
Let’s get to the list!
Table of Contents
Ronin Athletics
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 265 Madison Ave FL 5, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Head Coach: Christian Montes
Ronin Athletics is a prominent MMA gym based on Madison Ave in New York City. The gym prides itself on its inclusive environment for learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and empowering the weak against the strong in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu belief system.
While this is a BJJ gym at heart, there are still several other classes for learning Kickboxing and MMA skills. There’s a strong focus on self-defense at this gym to give regular people the ability to enjoy their lives without fear in what can be a dangerous city to live in.
This offering expands into women and even kids’ self-defense classes alongside the usual schedule of BJJ and MMA programming.
Suppose you are looking for an MMA gym focused on the traditions of the Gracie BJJ system while also giving opportunities to expand into striking arts for both you and your whole family. In that case, this is a great location to pick.
Evolution Muay Thai
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5
- Gym Type: Muay Thai/Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: Evolution Muay Thai, 213 W 35th Street Ground Floor – Store Front C, New York, NY 10001, United States
- Head Coach: Brandon Levi
Evolution Muay Thai is a Thai boxing gym that includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Wrestling. It was started by Australian coach Brandon Levi.
Evolution helps you with choosing the right programs for you. Their well-trained, highly skilled tutors will push you to be at your best beyond what you ever imagined.
They have great coaching and a friendly environment for their members. They treat customers like family.
High-intensity workouts are a part of their learning experience and are excellent for weight loss and self-defense training.
Every Evolution coach is an experienced competitor in their own right. They base all they teach on real-world fighting experience. They have schedules that can fit with anyone’s routine. With them, you can become a true athlete.
Radical MMA NYC
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: Radical MMA NYC, 235 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
- Head Coach: René Dreifuss
Radical MMA teaches self-defense based on MMA-oriented Jiu-Jitsu and a lot more. Their academy works hard to help you improve yourself and be the best you can be.
Everyone respects each other and holds themselves to high standards to build a better future.
For best performance, they use a scientific approach to the science of fighting. They see the most effective techniques and tactics for MMA competitions and self-defense, and they aren’t beholden to traditional methods.
All students are encouraged to compete – but no one is required. The true essence of martial arts is challenging oneself, which will help build their courage, spirit, and fortitude.
This is a great gym to learn with if you are particularly interested in the shooting and grappling style of mixed martial arts performing (which is a good idea since wrestlers and Jitsu practitioners are highly effective in MMA).
Mushin Mixed Martial Arts
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: Mushin Mixed Martial Arts, 78 5th Ave 2nd floor, New York, NY 10011, United States
Mushin MMA is a members-only gym and fitness studio that offers martial arts and group fitness lessons. They have an emphasis on the growth of talented individuals as well as maintaining our high-quality community.
Their Jiu-Jitsu program has you covered. They practice both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, providing students with a diverse set of fighting skills.
Functional training emphasizing bodyweight training is the basis of their fitness program, but they also use kettlebells and dumbbells.
While based in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they also borrow Judo, Wrestling, Sambo, Muay Thai, Karate, Kickboxing, and Kali.
Ultimately anything effective in mixed martial arts can be used. Their classes are a combination of both drilling techniques and sparring.
This is a great gym to choose if you are looking for an incredibly dedicated learning environment. Even Georges St-Pierre has walked through their doors to train!
Pure MMA NYC
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: Pure MMA NYC, 104 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
- Head Coach: Matt Derosa
Pure MMA NYC is a direct training program provided by Matt Derosa. Matt has been teaching martial arts for over 15 years.
His goal is to help people learn these skills to protect themselves and their loved ones. He builds up students to be the best they can be – both martial artists and people.
Matt will teach you the mindsets, techniques, and tactics for effectively dealing with real-life self-defense situations. He will help you get rid of your fears and increase your confidence.
Ultimately, you will become an extremely dangerous human being. You will learn highly effective martial arts (MMA) skills within a safe, intelligently designed training format.
This is ideal for someone who wants a personalized experience and wants to use their free time to become an all-around fighter.
Valor Mixed Martial Arts
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.7/5
- Gym Type: Kickboxing
- Location: Valor Mixed Martial Arts, 2067 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, United States
- Head Coach: Master Phipps
Valor MMA is like home for Mixed Martial Arts enthusiasts. They call it home, but students should come to class ready to work hard to achieve the results they are seeking.
Valor’s classes last from 30 minutes to an hour, filled with fast-paced, energetic, and encouraging programs created for all ages, skill levels, shapes, and sizes.
They challenge every student to excel more than ever and take pride in teaching great classes and creating a community that builds lifelong friendships.
Valor MMA was created to provide and teach authentic correlative martial arts styles that can challenge students of all ages and abilities while helping them grow into stronger, more confident individuals.
Students show up for various reasons, often simply looking for a challenge or to learn how to defend themselves. But you’ll come out with so much more, including increased confidence, increased health and fitness, and a new community.
Valor MMA is committed to supporting you at every stage of your fitness journey. This is a great gym to choose if you seek a predominantly kickboxing base for yourself and your kids.
Modern Martial Arts NYC
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5
- Gym Type: Kickboxing/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Locations:
- Upper East Side: 220 East 86th St New York, NY 10028
- Upper West Side: 103 W 73rd St New York, NY 10023
- Tribeca: 78 Reade St New York, NY 10007
- Midtown West: 780 8th Ave New York, NY 10036
- Astoria: 35-08 Ditmars Blvd Queens, NY 11105
Modern Martial Arts NYC has a core vision to change the lives of its students every day positively.
They use tools that focus on the benefits of martial arts in the hope of inspiring people to take small actions that can make a big difference in their daily lives.
Modern Martial Arts provides educational experiences that exceed expectations with passion and pride. The goal is to change the world with every student by fostering an environment of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.
With many years of experience, you can benefit from their knowledge and consistency. Modern Martial Arts NYC knows how important it is to build a sense of community around their teaching and engage with every student individually to help them achieve their goal.
This is a great gym to choose if you need several location options for yourself in kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, as well as having an extensive range of classes for your kids. There is a heavy class schedule for kids of all ages here.
Five Points Academy
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: Five Points Academy, 148 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Notable Coaches: Kevin McGrath, Steve Milles
Five Points Academy is a fully equipped martial arts academy and weight training facility with a reputation for quality excellence achieved since its founding in 2002.
The coaching staff features experienced athletes, award-winning competitors, certified professionals, and elite presenters in their fields.
World-class classes in Muay Thai, Brazilian JiuJitsu, Judo, and Pekiti Tirsia Kali take place on a large mat area.
Five Points Academy is also a professionally equipped strength and conditioning training center. Their equipment range includes cardio machines, free weights, kettlebells, plyometric boxes, power stands, barbells, discs, ropes, tires, and more.
All equipment is staffed by trainers who know how to use it most effectively and safely.
Training here will find you in good company with Muay Thai, Judo, and BJJ professionals to help you on your journey with a very diverse class schedule.
LifeStyle MMA Academy
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: LifeStyle MMA Academy, 30-89 38th St, Astoria, NY 11103, United States
- Notable Coaches: Fabricio Medici
LifeStyle MMA Academy brings the best of martial arts through Jiu-Jitsu classes in the New York area to give you the ability to defend yourself, improve your health and become the greatest version of yourself.
Established in Astoria, Queens in 2013, conveniently located near major regional train stations and a short distance from Long Island City, Woodside, Sunnyside, Lifestyle MMA has gained popularity in New York as one of the best martial arts schools to enrich the lives of its students and empower them to face life with the advantage of the victory.
In addition to coaching excellent competitors who have won 1st place in World Championships and many other tournaments, Fabrício’s number one goal is to help students improve through martial arts principles in a very safe, family-oriented environment.
Today he is considered one of the most famous referees in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Grappling. Currently, Professor Fabrício is one of the leading referees of IBJJF and many other BJJ organizations.
Clockwork Jiu-Jitsu
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: Clockwork Jiu Jitsu, 650 Broadway 2nd floor, New York, NY 10012, United States
- Notable Coaches: Josh Griffiths
Clockwork Jiu-Jitsu provides an ego-free training environment in the heart of New York City where all skill levels are welcomed in.
Most arrive there because they are curious about Jiu-Jitsu. Inevitably, that curiosity turns into a burning passion.
Their inspiration helps them to form a strong skillset. They develop the best version of themselves, not by monotonous exercise, but by doing something they love to do almost every day. This is rewarding for both the student and the teacher, which is what Clockwork BJJ focuses on.
Clockwork is easily accessible in downtown Manhattan, and they offer free introductory classes.
Clockwork believes that you deserve to be treated with respect. They make it clear that sometimes city life can make you a few minutes late to class or that you may have to leave earlier and your teachers won’t shame you for it.
This is a welcoming environment to learn BJJ and develop the next grandest version of yourself.
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