Clockwork Jiu Jitsu

Friendly and technical teachers who foster a great, safe environment to learn BJJ.
The way the class structure and curriculum are set up is well thought out. The policy towards lateness allows students to train even through crazy work schedules and late trains.

I’m new to BJJ, but trained in boxing for about three years. In that experience, I’ve been in my fair share of martial arts gyms, and I’ve always been frustrated by the showboating and intimidation that accompanies the experience of being a newcomer in most of these places.
Clockwork was a completely different experience. I was thrilled to see that there was a «Free class» option online, so I signed up and within minutes got contacted via email by the founder of the gym, Josh. He connected me to a trainer, Sebastian, who I texted to set up my free session. I ended up scheduling for the same time as an existing class: not only did Sebastian let me join it (and focused on helping me with the gi and lessons), but he also let me set up an additional free personal training session with him! I was hooked right away not just by BJJ, but also by the culture of the gym. Everyone is very friendly, and always willing to teach newcomers the ropes. No one is impatient and everyone focuses on remembering each other’s names. In my first week, I took a Mixed belt class, where a purple belt spent all of his time making sure I was catching on. I felt a bit badly that he didn’t get his best training in, but he seemed incredibly happy to be able to help me out. It was amazing.
I decided to sign up for a six month membership and take personal training classes with Sebastian. He’s an incredibly committed teacher. He really teaches you the nuances and small changes to your form that make a real difference. He cares about what you want to learn but also makes sure you nail down the basics. He noticed I was a certain kind of learner and began tailoring my training to suit that. He even sends me write-​ups of every move we learned in a session so I can review it when I’m home! That’s a level of personalization that I haven’t experienced with my other coaches, and I now understand why everyone always says «If you train with Seb you’ll be amazing!» They make you feel like you’re their core focus. That’s an amazing feeling.
Clockwork is one of the best finds in the city. There’s no pretense or showboating. They are super responsive and willing to accommodate you (they let my friend come to a few free classes as well as she was gym-​shopping). They constantly tweak your form and help identify errors — even when you don’t think the change is that significant, all of a sudden you’ll try it and realize it makes a world of difference. The gym is very clean and they take pride in that (which is also critical in a BJJ facility). The trainers are world class, patient, and very disciplined. Everyone is friendly and kind, and I feel like I’m making a ton of new friends in addition to advancing my training. I go about three times a week (2 classes per time) and will definitely be increasing it to more. I can not recommend Clockwork enough!

I went in while in town visiting family. First time rolling and really happy with the experience. Clockwork has a great facility and the staff was welcoming and willing to work with those of any skill level. Great environment to improve. I highly recommended them.

Haven’t had a chance to train here yet because of my schedule :(But I did get a chance to stop in and check the school out. The facility is very clean and well kept. I was greeted properly and felt welcomed by the staff and students here. I watched their class for about a hour, everyone seemed very skillful and cooperative with each other. I look forward to taking some classes here once I’m ready.

I just recently moved out to NY and this BJJ gym was the 1^st 1 I was able to come check out. From my experience in Jiu Jitsu one of the most important things any gym can offer is a friendly ego free environment. All the staff was of great help and of course real welcoming to my friend and I from California. I would recommend this gym to anyone interested in BJJ! It’s huge, one of the biggest white belt classes I’ve seen in a while, and they have showers which is HUGE :). Thanks Clockwork!

Great gym. Came in for a trial class and everyone was very welcoming. Instructors are top notch and all the members are extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend this gym for every skill level. It was only my second jiu jitsu class, but I learned a lot. One of the students even stayed after the class and helped show me a few guard passes.
Can’t say enough about this gym, and definitely one of the best group of staff and instructors I have ever had the privilege of meeting.

Beginner-friendly…advanced-friendly…overall just a really welcoming, cool place to train BJJ. Will probably send my kid here (if he wants) when he’s old enough.
There are many good BJJ gyms. This one has specific white & blue belt-​only classes that make the learning curve much smoother (I like to do mixed belt classes as well, but it’s nice to have the option of either/​both). It also has many high level-​students who don’t mind taking time to teach, and nice showers & mats. I like the size of this place because you can get to know individuals, without feeling lost in a crowd (if a gym’s too big) or shorthanded for classes or different sparring partners (if a gym’s too small). Most importantly, I like the instructors and the other students, and am getting better at BJJ quickly.

I was traveling to NYC for work, and wanted a place to stop in and train. The gym is *very* responsive in replying to inquiries (I’d emailed 3 others, got no word). Drop-​ins are free for the first, and $ 40 thereafter. I’d confirmed that this was the case even for out-​of-​towners like myself, and indeed it was (you may want to confirm, as it may change in the future). This compares equally to Vitor Shaolin’s school, where it also cost $ 40 the last time I came — however there was no freebie first class. The school is big as far as NYC is concerned (or hell, even outside of the cramped city). There are showers, separate bathrooms, and cubbies for clothes. Bring cold water unless you want tap from the bathroom.
I stopped in for the mixed-​belt class. Technique started *right on time*, and lasted approx. 30 minutes, no warm-​up, no fluff. I prefer this route, but YMMV. Aftewards an hour of training/​open-​mat. I’d gone to the 7pm class, got off the mat at 8:30, sweaty and drained — just how I like it.
Josh, the head instructor was very helpful, and comes off very warm and welcoming. All the class-​members were super-​nice, and welcoming as well — this is usually normal with a well-​run school — meatheads get filtered out pretty quickly. I’d definitely recommend coming to this school if you’re looking for good technique, a considerate instructor, and an overall good attitude.
Thanks for being nice to an out-​of-​towner!

Stopped by here for tournament prep. Russ and his crew are awesome people! If you’re looking for a school in the NYC area please consider clockwork BJJ. Not only is the gym in a wonderful area but the instruction at this school is superb.
They have showers in the locker room which is great if you want to train before work. If you happen to be on the road and want a place to train definitely consider stopping by CLOCKWORK BJJ.
Definitely a place I will go back to again when I come back to NYC

Having only started learning and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Clockwork a few weeks ago, I could not be more impressed. As daunting as trying to pick up a new martial art can be, Josh, Russell and everyone else could not be more great in their laid-​back attitude, open communication and (of course) top notch classes and instruction. If you’re looking to give BJJ a try in NYC. look no further.

I have been training at Clockwork for nearly 3 years after training at several other BJJ schools in the NYC area. By far, Clockwork goes above and beyond what I could ever want in a jiu-​jitsu school. The school provides a very welcoming environment that is full of positive energy and this is reflected from the staff to the students.
Josh (the head-​instructor) provides a very well-​structured curriculum that focuses on drilling and improving techniques down to the smallest detail. Josh has a very solid understanding of the sport and this is reflected in his teaching style. The classes are always fun and laid back. Since joining Clockwork, I felt my game has improved by leaps and bounds. I have a more positive attitude towards training and look forward to attending class every day.
I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to train BJJ, whether it be your regular gym, or if you are just popping in town.

As a beginner, I wasn’t sure what to make of my first BJJ class but everyone at Clockwork made me feel right at home. The facilities are immaculate and instructors go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
The other great thing is the people you get to learn alongside. All the students I’ve met have been super easygoing, friendly and helpful.
Josh and everyone at Clockwork have made an environment conducive to learning and growing with the martial art.

This is my first shot at Jiu Jitsu and I wanted something casual and competitive as I work a 9 – 5 job as well. I read some reviews on Unilocal and decided to sign up for a free class on their website.
Almost immediately, I get a friendly email /​follow up on what I’m looking to do and day I can come in to give BJJ a trial. From there I get another follow up and set up a time with Russ.
Once I get into Clockwork, I get greeted by Russ and Jarrod, and everyone else is pretty much all smiles.
The class structure pretty much works like this:
— Stretch before the class starts (I would recommend this)
— Warm ups
— Learn some new techniques (usually 2 — 3) and practice them
— Sparring
Everyone is super friendly. The instructors and owner made an effort to meet all new students. If you’re looking to start BJJ this is the place to do it.

The coolest jujitsu acadamy in nyc. I’ve been training for a while back in los angeles and sat in on a class. Great instruction and curiculum. Russ (blackbelt) was super nice and showed me amazing hospitality. When i return to the city ill be back. Thanks again guys for being so nice. Awesome place!

So after 2 years at clockwork I am still here and growing strong… Working with everyone at clockwork has been amazing and because of my training here I was able to change my life and loose 120lbs! Check out clockwork!!!

I’m a Jiu Jitsu brown belt who was visiting from out of town and looking for a good place to train. Stumbled upon Clockwork Jiu Jitsu and decided to check it out. I’m SO glad that I did.
I was immediately welcomed with open arms by not only the instructors but all of the students. The whole place had a very friendly, open and down to earth vibe. Nice clean facility with lots of mat room and showers in the locker rooms.
The Jiu Jitsu training was great with multiple black belts. I learned an awesome spider guard pass I’d never seen before. Lots of technical rolls with all different belt colors, good movement and fun.
I would highly recommend checking out Clockwork. I’m very happy I did and if I lived in NYC, I would likely train there.

Normally I hold back writing a review without having comparable experiences in which to gauge, but in this case I felt my experience warranted posting this.
I had never experienced BJJ prior to coming here, my roommate got me involved, and after 2 months of training I can safely say I am incredibly grateful I was given the opportunity to learn this sport, but more importantly learn from this gym.
The instructors Josh, Russ, and Sebastian all take their teachings very seriously. You can tell they are there for their passion and love of the sport and that they genuinely care and take constant measures to foster a productive, welcoming learning environment which caters to all levels.
The gym is well maintained, classes are small enough that you can ask for direct feedback whenever you need, and there’s a wide range of folks from several blacks who go here down to white belts that you have as options for training with.
Overall another huge bonus is the level of relaxed, fun, overall chillness they really push within the gym. Every time I went to class, it was a lot like heading over to a buddy’s place to hang out and catch up, I’m always excited to be here. I look forward to future years training and learning from these masters in this great place and would encourage you to check them out if looking for a place to learn and roll.

I started at Clockwork Jiu Jitsu two months ago as a complete beginner. I had never trained a martial art in my entire life, and hadn’t been to a gym in months.
Before attending class, I was very nervous and had no idea what to expect. But, the second I walked through the door, I was welcomed immediately. My nerves were gone, and replaced by readiness and excitement.
Every one of the trainers here are incredible to work with, patient, and great teachers. The environment is very laid-​back and non-​judgmental. The space is clean and there is plenty of space to train during class without being crowded. I immediately got hooked and started coming three to four times a week.
Ever since I have started, I have been trying to get all of my female friends to try it out. It is such an important skill to learn as a woman. I would recommend Clockwork Jiu Jitsu to anyone!

Ladies and gents, if you have any, and I mean the slightest interest in Brazilian Jiujitsu, and you live in the city, you owe it to yourself to check this spot out.
I first met Josh (head instructor) in 2008, we became friends and training partners. I cant say enough good things about the guy, he’s not only a great instructor, but a great friend as well. Under his tutelage I became a purple belt, won more medals then I can fit in a closet drawer and met some awesome people who are now my friends.
The structure of the class and the detail oriented teaching get you better fast. The great atmosphere makes the hard training fun and the results speak for themselves.
Come check out clockwork, and get your jiujitsu on!

I’ve been training at Clockwork BJJ for almost 3 years now. Its facilities are hands down the best in the city. Most other gyms barely have enough mat space for you to hold class, but Clockwork’s spacious SOHO loft can support tons of students of varying skill levels per class. There are 3 showers each in the Men’s and Women’s locker rooms as well as ample cubby space for students. The environment is very professional and caters to working professionals wishing to include Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu into their lifestyle.
All the instructors are very helpful and step aside with you to address any questions you may have. Instruction is done very technically with sufficient drilling time before sparring starts.
Overall, Clockwork BJJ has done a great job improving my skills as a martial artist and connecting me with professionals from a variety of different backgounds.