The sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) is an ever growing sport that has captured the interest of many people these days. Some call it brutal but when compared to other sports like football and rugby, it isn’t any worse. In fact, many believe it is the ultimate sport because it takes us back to the days of hand to hand combat. When it was one on one in a ring and the person standing in the end is victorious. You can’t blame a loss on a teammate. It is only you in there so the loss is all yours and the glory is as well.
That being said, many MMA schools are opening up all over the world and to nobody’s surprise, New York City is a major hub for many of these people looking to test their medal in the cage. You have to think with a city as big as NYC, many of the worlds best athletes would come here to train and you would be right. However, these schools aren’t just for the best of the best, they are also intended to give the average person a chance to get in better shape while learning getting some tools that will end up protecting them if they need it.
This list captures some of the best MMA schools in the greater NYC area. We hope by seeing some of these, you can get a better idea of some of the schools that are out there for your disposal. If you have questions, you can reach out to them or just drop in.
Radical MMA NYC
235 W 29th St
New York, NY 10001
(646) 269-6597
radicalmmanyc.com
Radical MMA is based right in the heart of NYC and in this school, they teach the art of fighting. The goal to is to make your mind and body stronger. This academy is a place where every person that joins can eventually be the person they have dreamed they could be. It is a place of hard work and respect.
This school is founded and run by Rene Dreifuss. Rene is the head MMA coach and has the resume to help any would be fighter even better or get any beginner on their way to their goals. Rene is a black belt in BJJ, Judo and Karate. Before he started Radical MMA, Dreifuss was an active mixed martial arts fighter in the NYC area. Dreifuss has been a life long martial artist and is a great instructor in many different aspects of martial arts.
Coach Dreifuss then moved to Japan in 1992 to study different martial arts with an emphasis on Judo. However, he was forced to return to the states in 1998 because of a car accident. This accident left Coach Dreifuss with severe injuries and he almost lost complete usage of his left leg. However, being a strong minded person, he was able to begin to recover with years of physical therapy and surgeries.
After his recovery, Coach Dreifuss became enthralled with MMA and the grappling skills had by the Gracie family. These grappling tools allowed a smaller man to be able to handle a bigger man much easier. This started his love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After many years of training in BJJ under some of the best practitioners like Marcelo Garcia, Lucas Lepri, Rigan Machado and the Santos Brothers, Dreifuss finally received his own black belt from Gracie Barra black belt Alex Chung.
Coach Dreifuss’ love for martial arts and teaching has led him to be one of the premier coaches in the area and if you are looking for someone to get you started on your MMA journey, visit the team at Radical MMA.
Ronin Athletics
255 W 36th St
New York, NY 10018
(212) 564-4153
roninathletics.com
Ronin Athletics is fantastic MMA gym located in NYC that focuses on developing and introducing students of all levels and skill sets to help they reach their goals. Whether you are talking fitness, BJJ, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Submission Grappling or Kickboxing, Ronan has the team and the instructors to help you become the best version of yourself.
Ronin Athletics focuses on providing a friendly and comfortable place to all the student to grow into their MMA skill and get creative while doing it. Whether you are here to simply get into better shape, to learn self-defense or to compete at the highest levels, Ronan’s MMA based curriculum has been created to help even the most novice athlete reach their goals.
They offer classes in the fundamental MMA classes in addition to classes that focus solely on BJJ with and without the gi as well as classes for Wrestling, Submission Grappling, Muay Thai and Kickboxing. The are also believers in the philosophy of open mat training where the students are allowed to test what they’ve learned in classes in more of a live situation against others they train with. These classes are set up for even the busiest of people with many classes offered early in the morning and later in the evening.
The head instructor at Ronin Athletics is Felipe Costa BJJ black belt, Christian Montes. Montes founded Ronin Athletics in 2003 which happened to be the first true MMA school found in Midtown. In learning from his many years of experience in MMA competition and BJJ tournaments, Montes has created a culture or hard work and respect. It is a school that allows every individual that comes in to have the opportunity to inspire themselves and learn what they are capable of. These principles will show up when you train at Ronin Athletics and they will be passed onto you.
If you are looking for a place in NYC to train in MMA, Ronin Athletics can be found in conveniently in Midtown Manhattan close to Times Square and Penn Station.
Modern Martial Arts NYC
103 W 73rd St
New York, NY 10023
(212) 721-2240
mmanewyorkcity.com
If you or your kids are looking to train in the different aspects of martial arts, Modern Martial Arts is a great place to be. They offer classes for kids and adults alike and will build confidence in anyone that is willing to dedicate themselves to the process of learning.
At Modern Martial Arts you are going to get individualized attention. The class size is always at a size where you are going to get individual attention. You are going to see several instructors on the floor at all times so you won’t be going unwatched.
The support and motivation offered here is second to none. It what the coaches at Modern Martial Arts love to do. The coaches, and the other students too, want you to love what you are doing there as much as you do. This creates an atmosphere of family that you may not have experienced at your local barbell gym. They are proud of the environment that is offered. This school is full of compassionate and reassuring people that have the backs of one another. Even on those days you don’t want to train, all you need to do is show up. By the end of your session, you are going to leave feeling energized and empowered.
Then what makes this school even better is the expert instruction you will be given. The coaches are amazing teacher and they know how to break the techniques down do you they are easy to implement and understand. This means that if you’ve been doing this for years or you are just starting, everyone will be working together towards the same goals, learning the same techniques.
If you are wondering what classes are offered, you don’t need to worry because you get a little bit of everything here. These include Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. With classes almost every day, there is something for everyone. In addition, you don’t only have to live in the Upper Westside to go to Modern Martial Arts. They have locations in Tribeca and the Upper Eastside as well.
Renzo Gracie Academy
224 W 30th St
New York, NY 10001
(212) 279-6724
renzogracieacademy.com
The truth of the matter is, we can’t talk about legends in NYC without talking about Renzo Gracie. He is the owner of the Renzo Gracie Academy and is one of the most well-known members of the Gracie family. He is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, who is the founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and is the son of Robson Gracie, 9th degree BJJ black belt and brother to Ryan and Ralph Gracie. Master Renzo Gracie is a 6th degree black belt in BJJ.
Renzo had his first official MMA fight in the Gracie Vale Tudo Challenge when he was 25 years old. He won that match by submission and continued to fight for organizations all over the world and even in the Pride FC and UFC organizations. He is one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the United States when he founded his school in the early 90’s. He was soon known as one of the best mentors and coaches in the sport and has coached big names like 10x BJJ world champion Roger Gracie and former UFC champ Matt Serra. One of Renzo’s coaches, John Danaher also helped coach former UFC champs Georges St-Pierre, Chris Weidman, Ricardo Almeida and Shawn Williams.
There is a plethora of high level instructors at the Renzo Gracie academy including John Danaher, Rolles Gracie, Igor Gracie, Gregor Gracie, Neiman Gracie, Rafael Costa, Jose “Zed” Chierighini and Harley Flanagan to name a few.
In addition to the obvious high level of BJJ coaching at the Renzo Gracie academy, the Muay Thai staff is second to none with high level coaches like head Muay Thai coach Joseph Sampieri, head MMA coach Jamie Crowder, Mike McKee, Elijah Clarke, P.J. McMahon, Joshua Brandenburg and Lucas Noonan.
The great thing about training at the Renzo Gracie academy is that you are going to get the option to train in many different martial arts. In addition to having different options for the adults, the kids program is second to none so if you bring your family there, you know you are getting some of the best coaching in one of the best environments in the nation.
Evolution Muay Thai
12 W 27th St
New York, NY 10001
(646) 649-3976
evolutionmuaythai.com
Evolution Muay Thai isn’t just a school to learn the art of Muay Thai, they also have a complete MMA program for veterans and beginners alike. The program here is growing everyday and they offer classes on multiple disciplines so you can master specific martial arts before you put them all together to form the MMA athlete you are aiming to be.
The MMA program can be broken down into Submission Grappling, wrestling and striking. To become a great MMA athlete, you must train all three of these aspects and the students at Evolution Muay Thai will train expansively in all of these. The MMA program at Evolution is made to make sure you are getting the most out of your training all while making sure you stay injury free.
Evolution offers classes in Judo, Wrestling, BJJ and Muay Thai in their MMA program. The greatest thing about training here is that the instructors and students really embrace a family vibe and they are nerds when it comes to learning this fantastic thing we know as MMA. Whether you are new to this game or have many years in it, Evolution makes sure you feel comfortable and part of the family when you are here. So not only are you going to love how you feel when you are training, you are going to be around people who study the finer points of the martial arts so you get to grow and learn.
They aren’t just a gym but more of a family. The staff and members grow to respect and love each other through the hard work they experience together. By going through the ups and downs of life, bonds are built and friendships are made which can last for the rest of your life. All this being said, we suggest dropping in if you are thinking about starting your MMA journey.
Training Zone NYC
94-00 Liberty Ave
Ozone Park, NY 11417
(718) 529-6999
trainingzonenyc.com
Located in Queens, NY is Training Zone. Training Zone is one of the highest quality and diverse fitness and MMA gyms in all of NYC. Manzur Hussain founded Training Zone in 2009 and since then, the school has continued to grow in ability and capacity which allows the team to offer the most beneficial and efficient skills and tools needed to meet any of the training aspirations or fitness goals that you and your family might have. Self-defense, physical fitness, confidence, core stabilization and mental toughness are just some of the things that can be accomplished through the rigorous and intense program offered at Training Zone.
In addition to the various forms of martial arts that are offered, Training zone is the only and first school in the NYC area that is able to rank and test students in Doce Pares Escrima under Deacon and Grandmaster Dong Cuesta. They also offer classes in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. The team at Training Zone also specializes in Western Boxing, MMA, Ninjitsu, Tae Kwon Do and many other arts. With such a wide variety of martial arts at the student’s disposal, every student has an opportunity to find out what styles work best for them. The student and the coaches can then take those tools and form your MMA style.
In all, the team at Training Zone is really excited to share their knowledge with adults, children, beginners and veterans. The atmosphere is conducive to giving you friendly and focused environment for you to meet your fitness and self-defense goals.
Ultimate MMA Academy
132-29 14th Ave
College Point, NY 11356
(718) 747-3330
ultmmaacademy.com
If you are in the College Point area of New York and are looking for an opportunity to train in one of the fastest growing sports in the world, check out Ultimate MMA Academy. They offer classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Women’s Fitness, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and a great MMA program. All of these classes are taught by some of the best instructors in their fields of expertise including Andy Singh who is a nine time amateur Muay Thai Champ and the lead instructor at Ultimate MMA.
Ultimate MMA Academy offers classes for all skill levels and all ages in a family friendly environment that fosters growth for both beginners and long time competitors. The vision at Ultimate MMA Academy isn’t just about fighting and creating killers in the cage. It is a belief that martial arts can benefit everyone that tries it. The martial arts aren’t only useful for learning a skill that can potentially save your life, but also a vessel for learning more about yourself, building confidence and living a happier and healthier life. MMA is also a way to build self-confidence, concentration, focus and discipline while being in an environment that makes you feel like family.
Brooklyn Mixed Martial Arts
2418 Ralph Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11234
(718) 677-5979
brooklynmixedmartialarts.com
Brooklyn Mixed Martial Arts is the top MMA school in Brooklyn and one of the top academies in New York. If you are looking to get in shape, learn mixed martial arts and potentially become a fighter, this is the location for you. Their team is currently growing and they have a strong amateur and professional fight team.
They also offer classes for women that includes fitness classes and Kickboxing seven days a week. There is a great kids class and that means you and the whole family can come and train together. This adds to the family atmosphere that is already present at this academy. It doesn’t make a difference if you are just trying to be healthier and get in shape or that you are trying to fight in some of the biggest promotions in the company, you can accomplish all these goals at Brooklyn MMA.
Head coach Terry Gold has brought in some of the best instructors and most talented fighters in the world to help you in your MMA journey. Some of these include Dennis Bermudez, Ryan Laflare, Kyra Gracie, Jake Shields, Luke Rockhold, Chris Weidman and Al Iaquinta to name a few. The goal here is give you the best opportunities that you can get in the MMA world and if you train here, you are going to progress fast in an atmosphere that inspires friendship and a team vibe.
Class One Mixed Martial Arts
85 4th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 230-3530
c1mma.com
One of Brooklyn’s premier MMA training center is Class One Mixed Martial Arts located at 85 4th Ave between Warren St and St. Mark’s Place. This is a school that offers a high standard of professionalism and talent all wrapped up into one location.
The team at One Mixed Martial Arts offers classes in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sanda Kickboxing. When training here, you are getting coaching from some of the best in the business. Luis Azeredo is one of the coaches at One Mixed Martial Arts. Azeredo coaches Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai as well as the pro and amateur MMA fighters. He is a veteran of Bellator and Pride MMA promotions and beaten some of the biggest names in MMA including Paul Daley and the legendary Anderson Silva. He is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt and was a fighter out of the Chute Boxe gym in the country of Brazil.
Ken NG is the founder and owner of Class One Mixed Martial Arts. Ng has been a student of the martial arts since 1995 and has experience in different martial arts like Tae Kwon Do, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, Kung Fu, Wrestling and Muay Thai. He then trained under the legend of Muay Thai, Coban Lookchaomaesaitong in 1999 and continued to do so for around 10 years. As he helped teach with Coban, Ng also became friends with Kaensak Sor Ploenjit and they have been close ever since. Ng is also an experienced USA Boxing Coach and he is a brown belt in Judo.
If you come train with the team at Class One Martial Arts you are going to enjoy some of the best coaching in the area in a school that is all about respect and honor.