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Renzo Gracie Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 224 Google reviews · BJJ gym in New York, New York
Part of Renzo Gracie Academy
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.
Classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsui, Muay Thai & mixed martial arts, from beginners to black belt.
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $45/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 6–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule renzogracieacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (212) 279-6724
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“I peeked my head in and saw the foundations class was well-attended and organized in the other room adjacent to us, and the Muay Thai mat was high-energy!”
“There is also an expertly run women's program as well.”
“I said I'm from out of town and would like to take a no gi class with John Danaher.”
“Had a very positive experience dropping in for one gi class (Monday morning) while travelling for work.”
“I love going to Renzo Gracie’s HQ to train for competition at Professor Thiago’s competition class.”
“Students were super cool and it was an amazing experience to walk into the World Headquarters of the Renzo Gracie Academy for the first time!”
Other martial arts here
“I peeked my head in and saw the foundations class was well-attended and organized in the other room adjacent to us, and the Muay Thai mat was high-energy!”
“This is the location of the famous “blue basement” where that created many world-class instructors, and MMA and BJJ world champions.”
“Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Boxing… I love this gym!”
“Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Boxing… I love this gym!”
What members say
“This is the location of the famous “blue basement” where that created many world-class instructors, and MMA and BJJ world champions.”
“Students were super cool and it was an amazing experience to walk into the World Headquarters of the Renzo Gracie Academy for the first time!”
“I was welcomed by very friendly staff at the front desk, introduced to the instructor and given a tour.”
“I very particular style of teaching with a step by step approach while constantly being on the cutting edge of the latest and newest techniques.”
“In conclusion: good technique, good cardio, but too many Instagram black belts.”
“His knowledge within the competition square is unmatched and he explains concepts in a way anyone can understand.”
From the reviews
Brother, this jiu-jitsu class… good, but too much drama. Coach say “relax,” but how I relax when small guy try choke me like he want inheritance? I tell him, “Brother, this only training,” but he squeeze like I owe him money.Rolling session? Everybody think they lion. Nobody want to tap.
I don’t often give reviews but felt compelled to after reading a few negative reviews. I was a bit shocked at how clean the gym was and how friendly and helpful the people were. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with a big smiling hello by a Muay Thai instructor.
Great place to learn bjj, a ton of competitive jitsers, great teachers and facilities. Mats are clean and training places are well air conditioned. Felt at home there.
A great way to spend a Sunday morning in Renzo's Academy in NYC. Nice technical session and sparring, Professor was very welcoming, as were the students. Thanks all 🥋🙏👊
New to BJJ? Start at Renzo Gracie Academy
Renzo Gracie Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Renzo Gracie Academy
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.
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