Renzo Gracie Academy

I train BJJ in Rio and came to NY for vacation and decided to train some of the days, what an experience, perfect!!! Renzo is a legend, and having the opportunity to learn and train with him by itself is already a privilege, awesome!!! Highly recommended!!!
The academy is great, very well organized and everyone is really attentive to you. The BJJ classes are divided into belt levels, so the techniques and students are somewhat balanced. The classes are also gi and nogi. There are plenty of classes in different time slots in multiple dojos. The mats are huge. There are also other martial arts (muay thai, etc), but I didn’t try them.

This is by far the Mecca/​Vatican/​Holy Land of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu on the entire eastern seaboard!!! If you don’t know about this place — -you better ask someone.

Renzo Gracie is incredible. I did the «tour» of 6 – 7 NYC Jiu-​Jitsu gyms for a month or two (going to all of the free classes they offered) and Renzo’s place was far and away my favorite.
Not only are the instructors top-​notch, but the people that go to this gym are great as well, which is a HUGE factor to wanting to go (I like it so much I go 4 – 6 days a week 1 – 2 times a day). It’s expensive, sure, but it’s 100% worth the money, and is a downright bargain compared to the other gyms in the city.
Whether you’re a white belt or a black belt, you will learn and improve every single day. Their attention to detail and the methods of instruction they use are incredible. I seriously didn’t think this kind of improvement was possible without montages, but Renzo proved me wrong.

Anything less than five stars is simply unacceptable.
Background: I am a mid/​low level blue belt that has trained on and off (mostly off due to injuries) for seven years.
I started training at Renzo’s this past summer and was immediately blown away at the level of instruction here. Classes are taught by some of the best BJJ/​MMA fighters in the world: Gregor Gracie, Igor Gracie, Rafael «Sapo» Natal, John Danaher, and Renzo Gracie himself. Similarly, the skill level of all of the students are high caliber — there is no such thing as an easy roll here (though, like anywhere, you need to watch out for the crazy white belt that rolls like it’s Mundials).
Renzo Gracie Academy offers BJJ, MMA, wrestling and Muay Thai classes throughout the day that can fit anyone’s schedule. A typical BJJ class (1.5 hours) will consist of warming up (jogging, rolls, hip escapes, stretches), then jumping right into takedown and/​or guard passing or other situational live drilling. Then the instructor will show a series of moves which the students will practice, before we get into live rolling, concluding with a cool down and bowing out.
The environment, being surrounded by so much talent (there can be classes with over 4 – 5 black belts), class size, and heat can be a little intimidating at first, but the community that encompasses the sport of BJJ certainly shines through at the Academy as well. You may have to put a little extra effort in compared to a smaller school to ingratiate yourself into the school community, but It is still very easy to make friends with training partners, or to ask questions to instructors or higher level belts, who are always happy to help. My advice is to not be afraid to ask questions or introduce yourself to other students.
At the end of the day, you will get world class training from multiple world class black belts, top quality training partners, in a welcoming, friendly environment. You can’t go wrong here, and if you decide to come by, please say hello!
See you on the mats! Oss!

I gave it 4 stars before because of the poor ventilation, but since then, they’ve upgraded the ventilation and it doesn’t stink anymore. So 5-​stars! Good job.

Awesome to be in the gym with these guys. I got great instruction and a great workout from some of the best.

What a wonderful place for children to train! They stress discipline, respect and humility. Before my son stated training there, he was easily upset by common schoolyard teasing. Now his confidence level is so high that it rarely happens and when it does, he can dismiss it without a second thought. And on the one occasion, that a bully actually physically threatened him, my son ‘s calm demeanor and words caused the bully to walk away. Also, training is great for physics fitness.

Very high level of jiu jitsu instruction. I have been training at Renzo’s every time I visit the city. The professors are top notch and classes are available for all levels. The facilities are great. For all the reviews below criticizing the smell– it’s a martial arts gym! Every single jiu jitsu and Muay Thai academy smells like hard work-​sweat. The mats and training areas are cleaned meticulously. If you don’t like the smell of sweat then perhaps try Pilates.
In response to the complaints about contract issues– discuss with the program director about payment plans and trial periods, they can work with you and answer your questions. Master Renzo Gracie is a legend, this is his headquarters, where champions train…

I came here for a free class (cardio/​kickboxing) and I was confused on where the entrance was. I had to go through a corporate building to get inside. When I walked in it was super hot. It was quite intimating to walk in because no one was at the front. The front desk was actually located in the basement. The space is fairly big, but there was no AC at all. It was stinky pit smell everywhere. They also had an upstairs which was where the free class was begin held and it was hot. Since it was so hot, I was actually sweating just from the heat instead of the intense work out. I never took a class with them, but I think it is some pretty serious training here because everyone was so focus as I was walking around the facility. Not sure how much it cost though.
I think they could have a cleaner bathroom. The toilet seat was missing the cover.

Went for a trial BJJ class today. As a background I have a little bit of BJJ experience (~15 classes) but have over 12 years of martial arts experience including teaching and helping administrate a school and have visited over 20 schools over the years so I have a decent perspective from which to draw first impressions.
The class:
–20 or 25 white belt students (apparently it’s usually closer to 15) with one instructor and one brown belt assistant
10min of standard BJJ warm ups– running, a few calisthenics, rolls, hip escapes
–5 minutes of «practicing take-​downs» for which no instruction was given
–25 minutes of demonstrating a basic side control escape and talking at length about unrelated matters and random class questions
–5 minutes of practicing said escape
–10 minutes of attempting escapes from guard and submission with active resistance (essentially sparring)
–5 minute cool down
I enjoyed class and the people I worked with were good natured but hard-​working. I did not however care for the flow of the class. I hope that other instructors structure class differently and provide more instruction. As well 25-​to-​1 is not an acceptable student to teacher ratio for me (almost no direct guidance/​monitoring). I hope this is an aberration.
Facility:
–2 large mat areas (basement)
–2 separate floors for Muay Thai (this faces the street), ring, cage
–spacious locker room with 4 showers,
–2 water fountains
–Decent weight training area that has a squat rack, bench, olympic lifting platform, olympic barbell and plates, a few kettlebells and dumbbells (available for use w instructor permission except during kid’s class)
–Reciprocal membership with Williamsburg location
Price
(all unlimited BJJ)
–1 year up front $ 2172
–12 month commitment: $ 347 down (reg fee + first month) and $ 179/​month x11 months
–12 month commitment: $ 279 down (reg fee + first month) and $ 199/​month x11 months
–No commitment: $ 295 down (reg fee + first month) and $ 220/​month
–Optional laundry service: $ 50/​month for 2-​day turn around on gis
–Towel rental $ 1.50
–Renzos gis encouraged but not 100% necessary ($ 100 for white, $ 110 for blue)
–Early termination is a two month due penalty (you have to pay for 2 months worth of dues if you cancel before your year is up)
–You can freeze your account with 35 days notice for up to 6 months. Beyond that it’s a $ 40/​month maintenance fee
–Muay Thai is about $ 75 extra per month depending on plan. I did not get pricing for just Muay Thai
Pros:
–Great facility
–15 black belt instructors
–Nice weight training resources
–Option to train at Williamsburg location
–Tons of class times for easier scheduling (although closed on Sunday)
–Easy location
Cons:
–Size of school and classes suggests some anonymity
–Poor student-​teacher ratio (possibly an aberration)
–Classes recorded on a card and number of instructors leads me to suspect rank promotion based on attendance/​dedication to school more than ability/​progress
–Standard high NYC prices but restrictive cost if you want to add Muay Thai
–A little bit of a corporate, over-​branded feel (not totally out of line with BJJ in general)
As for myself I plan to check out a couple more schools first but very well may begin studying here soon. I have concerns but an overall favorable impression based on what I need and my previous experience. I would encourage anyone to try a few schools before settling and a brand new person to consider a smaller school where they’ll receive more attention (Alliance, Clockwork and Marcelo Garcia are all great options). At the end of the day it’s not about «the best school» as some people will try to convince you. It’s about the school that’s the best fit for you.

I started BJJ in Fall 1998. I started at the Renzo Gracie Academy in 1999 and received my Blue belt there. The school has the most students in age, women, belt levels, and weight classes. The advantage of this is the variety of practitioners one trains and spars with. You won’t be stuck training with the same partner all the time. The academy also has many black belt instructors and students. Again, your instruction and practice is on a higher level. There are also all women’s classes and a children’s program. The pace you set depends on you mostly, because there are at least five classes a day for beginners, intermediate and advanced. There is also a strong Muy Thai program. Last but not least several of the instructors, many students are champion competitors. They do very well in grappling tournaments and MMA.

This is the best BJJ school in the world!!! Top UFC fighters train here regularly. The instructors are world class and the facility is exceptional!!! If you want the best you go to RENZO GRACIE ACADEMY

Renzo Gracie Academy (RGA) is, to put it plainly, a New York Jiu Jitsu institution. That is to say it is one of the oldest schools in the East Coast and has done a lot to contribute to the growth of the sport in the area. I believe it has been around for nearly 15 years; that is dog years in BJJ. One of the biggest advantages is that the talent pool is very deep. No other school in the area has the same amount of black belts (and higher belts) that train on a daily basis. Without exaggeration, I’ve been to classes with over 15 black belts in attendance and countless browns and purples. If you believe that you learn just as much from your peers as you do through formal instruction this is a big plus. Further, many of these black belts have either other schools, or affiliations, in the area which give you a ready network of other places to train. I find that in a place like RGA there are many internal camps; many of the more serious practitioners end up forming either friendships or auxiliary schools within or outside the school to focus their training. They have affiliates throughout the area — helpful if you work out of Manhattan.
The school attracts a lot of professional talent that trains there on a regular or semi-​regular basis. To drop a few names: George St-​Pierre, Frankie Edgar, Romulo, Braga Neto, Roger Gracie, etc. Many people say that if you are an experienced player this school is a great fit. Renzo himself is one of the most affable and charismatic people you’ll ever meet, this goes a long way in setting the vibe of the school. He is, of course, also a great teacher.
I train under John Danaher — he has been my primary instructor. Many consider him to be «genius» when it comes to Jiu Jitsu as well as one the best instructors. He is certainly very articulate and of a rigorous, intellectual mind, and has left an imprint on the sport in the many people he’s trained. You can google him for more color. It’s rare to meet one who has such a deep knowledge of the intricacies of the sport coupled with the ability to articulate its concepts. John Danaher’s true instructional genius is best understood over time, years, once you’ve had the time to appreciate his curriculum.
Another good thing about the school is that it also has a very serious Muay Thai program. They of course train, and put out, many professional/​amateur MMA fighters. It also has a small but very functional weights area. The facilities have grown to include 5 mat areas, a ring, bags and a cage. There is a full schedule of classes — which is always good if you have a busy schedule, or if you simply want to make RGA your second home.
Finally, perhaps the most important reason I’ve stayed in the sport is because of the camaraderie I’ve experienced at RGA.

i give this place 2 stars because of the price and the people. If you are looking to learn BJJ and not get your head ripped off then this place is not for you. The class sizes are way to big at one time i was on the mat with 35 guys I don’t think the instructor once came by to see if we were doing the move right. I trained here for a year got my blue belt and felt I had enough. They kept billing even after I canceled my contract. I had to cancel my credit card. This school felt like the mc donalds of BJJ. If they cut their school size in half it might have been a good place. There are many better places to train try Fabio Clemente at Alliance or vitor shaolin. Hope this help some of you.

This was actually my first jiu jitsu school. I trained there years back, left the area– but its a branch that I usually try to go to wherever I am. Because the level and fluency of the institute set up and way things are ran is outstanding
So when I cant acess an actual gracie school I train where I can. Ive been to various gyms internationally with «ex gracie students» that remix the moves & or do them sometimes incorrectly.
Personally training at the academy & learning with some one from the academy is NOT the same thing. You cant guarantee thier level of proffesional, work ethic, nor effective teaching ability that you would get in a proffesional structured academy enviroment.
If you want to be good, you should just directly go there! THATS IT.
My job requires alot of unsceduled travel, so I sort of end up training where I can. If im not already consumed by work obligations (that cuts into my whole bjj time)
When Id initially began– there wasnt a contract obligation. And now IN NYC there is. There isnt at many other gracie schools ive been to, but I live in nyc.
Thats really less appealing/​convienant for me. Thats my only personal downside I must say for me.
Because the rest of everything else I have to say about them is perfect.
Definitely the top
Excellent Knowledgable staff– great facility/​wonderful experience.
Highly recomended for any level/​gender person looking to train

Top BJJ school!

Awesome academy; can’t give RGA enough props. I’m brand new to BJJ/​MMA/​martial arts and the instructors are top notch in every way. The culture /​family atmosphere alone is worth paying for. The positive vibe gets instilled in everyone right away so all your fellow classmates /​sparing partners are super cool as well. Highly highly recommended.

This is a Martial Art’s School not a 5 star restaurant.
I decided back in 2006 that I wanted to dip my hands into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After some research as to what schools were in New York I came across the Renzo Gracie academy. I was always familiar with Renzo since I am fan of MMA (mixed martial arts). The Gracie name is most legendary name in the history of MMA.
So I decided to take the free introductory class. I went one day after work and was just expecting to get an idea of what the academy was. Intro class was pleasant. I had a BJJ (brazilian jiu jitsu) black belt showing me some moves and he himself was trying to figure out if I had any experience at all. I was hooked after that. At that time the academy itself was a nice size. They had a ring and boxing bag ride along side the grappling mats. Now the academy is double it’s original size minus the ring at the boxing bags.
Classes are pretty packed on average. I try to go 3 times a week even though I would like to go more. It’s definitely very physical. Classes start out with a jog and a light warm up. They they have you roll with other classmates and teach you different moves. Each class is different and you learn something new every day. Students are all pretty nice. Haven’t really come across someone who I would say was «disrespectful». Keep in mind though that some people do take it way more seriously than others, so grappling is different with every student.
Most people complain that the price is a little steep. Yes $ 220 is a lot per month but the classes are unlimited for the month. You can go multiple times a day, 6 days a week. The teachers are amazing. My favorites are Igor & Gregor gracie.
If you love BJJ or MMA this is the place for you. It’s about a two minute walk from Penn station. Not to mention you see MMA stars on the regular. Where else can you see GSP, Frankie Edgar, & Renzo Gracie just to name a few.
Definitely worth checking out BUT decide what you want to do before you lock yourself into a contract.

Deep integrity/​ethics problems, deal with school at your own risk.
I was a student for one year, training was fine, you pay a premium for the brand name, which I think is unnecessary for beginner levels
Here are the issues:
* You’re forced to sign a one year contract. This contract is NOT with the Gracie school, it’s with a non-​BBB accredited company that acts as a collections agency and that outsources all their customer service out of the country
* This means that if anything happens during the one year, the Gracie school will conveniently tell you their hands are tied with the contract and to deal directly with this shady company on their behalf. God help you if you get injured or move.
* Your contract AUTOMATICALLY RENEWS FOREVER. Months before my one year was up, I decided I no longer wanted to train at the Academy. This is what I did:
(1) I went to the business office. I told them that my contract was finishing soon and that I wanted to make sure it didn’t auto renew. They made a note and then told me to contact their shady collections agency.
(2) After 5 – 6 calls I *finally* got a hold of a woman at the billing company, who I suspect is based in India (everyone I talked to on the phone had a thick accent). She told me that my account was set to not auto-​renew. I asked if there was anything else I should do and she said no.
(3) I called the Gracie Academy and informed them of what happened. They told me that everything was set on their end and I would no longer be billed.
(4) I emailed the Gracie Academy just to have a receipt in my inbox of all that happened.
As you can guess, my account DID in fact auto-​renew. The Gracie School did *nothing* to help me afterward, constantly telling me it was their collection agencies’ fault and not theirs. I tried to dispute the payments with AMEX to no success (I was fought every step of the way) and am out a lot of money and time.
* During this process the billing company told me that I should have expected to pay 15 months on a 12 month contract anyway because it takes a lot of time for them to process an auto-​renewal stop request. My jaw dropped when I heard this.
* Since this incident I’ve vowed never to join a company that either: (1) Forces you into a contract with an unknown third party, and (2) Does not offer month to month payments.
* It doesn’t matter if a company provides a good service, if their business process are unethical, then they are by definition an unethical business.

Had a strong interest in learning jiu-​jitsu so I called and scheduled an introductory class at 6pm which I arrived early for at 5:45. Place is located in the basement of an office building but is definitely a large facility as far as martial arts gyms goes. After waiting around for a bit with noone at the counter even addressing me I went into a glass office to inquire about my lesson. They seemed unsure who would be instructing me that day but told me to change out and wait on the chairs. I did so until around 6:20. During this time I could see that there was a white belt and blue belt class being conducted in two different rooms and they seemed at max capacity. In a back room there was a muay thai class being held. Locker rooms were spacious almost like you’d expect at a Bally’s.
Finally a young Brazilian guy came out and took one other guy and myself onto the mats. He proceeded to discuss and demonstrate some basic concepts of jiu-​jitsu to us in the best English he could. After a whopping total of 15 minutes max he escorted us both to a membership office where 2 guys at desks told us it would be $ 220 a month to join. Maybe I caught this gym on an understaffed day but the whole experience seemed very unprofessional and very impersonal. Didn’t inspire me to join, just kinda felt like another quota to be met for the month’s membership numbers :/