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Julio Cruz BJJ Westchester

5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Briarcliff Manor, New York

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule juliocruzbjjwestchester.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (914) 481-2827

Hours

Monday 10 AM–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM
Thursday 10 AM–1 PM, 4–9 PM
Friday 10 AM–1 PM, 6–8 PM
Saturday 10 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Julio Cruz BJJ Westchester, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 2 mentions

“I have passed by the kids' classes with moms & dads watching from the mat, happy, having fun.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Our teacher, Professor Julio Cruz, is by far the best martial arts instructor I have ever had.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Julio provides a welcoming environment for all, and practitioners have a strong family like bond.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 13 mentions

“Julio provides a welcoming environment for all, and practitioners have a strong family like bond.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“Many of Rga westchester’s students have competed and won in various competitions.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 6 mentions

“Studying at Renzo Gracie Westchester is the most positive experience I've ever had for many reasons.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Place is clean and the team in amazing”

From the reviews

A real Jiu Jitsu community with no-nonsense Professor Julio from Brazil. He doesn't care if you're tired and barks commands at you while you're grappling: "Back yo knees! Back you knees! Omaplata, OMAPLATA!" Lots of local police and college students.

★★★★★ — Gideon, Jul 2016

I'll keep it short and simple. Professor Julio is one of the best bjj teachers you will ever find. Also the people there treat you like family. This place is pretty much my home

★★★★★ — Gideon, Dec 2019

I have not been involved in martial arts since I was 15, 26 years ago, and Professor Julio Cruz has created the right atmosphere for me to learn jiujitsu. His classes have helped me get back into shape after 10 years of little to no exercise.

★★★★★ — Adam, Jul 2014

The realist experience and training you will receive of traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the area. Julio Cruz is a seasoned veteran black belt who was born and raised in Brazil and has a mastered knowledge of the art. His resumé can prove it. His school has become a successful place of learning BJJ for all ages.

★★★★★ — Chris, Jul 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Julio Cruz BJJ Westchester

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 when you call. 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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Julio Cruz BJJ Westchester

515 N State Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY10510

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.