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Calestine Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Brooklyn, New York
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule calestinejj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“If you want to learn the best no gi jiu jitsu from one of the most patient and technically savvy instructors, train at Calestine Jiu Jitsu.”
“If you want to learn the best no gi jiu jitsu from one of the most patient and technically savvy instructors, train at Calestine Jiu Jitsu.”
“There are high level competitors and hobbyist like me.”
“World class instruction for all levels, Jon Calestine and his team provide some of the most detailed and practical instruction in NYC.”
Other martial arts here
“It’s a great and safe space to learn different levels of bjj and wrestling.”
What members say
“World class instruction for all levels, Jon Calestine and his team provide some of the most detailed and practical instruction in NYC.”
“World class instruction for all levels, Jon Calestine and his team provide some of the most detailed and practical instruction in NYC.”
“He creates a climate that is friendly and welcoming to all, but also is amongst the highest level of instructors.”
“I highly recommend Calestine Jiu Jitsu for anyone looking for a gym with detail-oriented instruction and an incredibly encouraging and warm social atmosphere.”
“There are high level competitors and hobbyist like me.”
“His BJJ lineage is esteemed: He recieved his black belt from Sensei Daisuke, which traces back to the Gracies.”
From the reviews
Coach Jon is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly invested in helping his students grow. Whether you’re brand new to Jiu Jitsu or have years of experience, you’ll feel supported from day one. If you’re looking for high-level instruction and a great atmosphere, this is the place to be.
I've been taking random drop-in classes with John for over 6 years. I speak from first hand experience when i say he is the best instructor i've ever had with BJJ. He has a wide range of battle test technique and a deep understanding of the game and metagame.
I’ve trained in combat sports for over a decade and Jon Calestine is the best coach I’ve ever had. The attention to detail he gives you and community he’s built is something special. It’s rare you get world class training coupled with nice people but that’s the environment Jon has built.
Calestine Jiu Jitsu is without a doubt the best gym I’ve ever trained in! I highly recommend Calestine Jiu Jitsu for anyone looking for a gym with detail-oriented instruction and an incredibly encouraging and warm social atmosphere.
New to BJJ? Start at Calestine Jiu Jitsu
Calestine Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Calestine Jiu Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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