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Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side
4.9 ★★★★★ 139 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.
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
- 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 3–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 renzogracieuws.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (212) 787-3700
Hours
| Monday | 6:45 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:45 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:45 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5:45 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:45 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–2 PM |
The classes they run
“My fellow students have all been welcoming, anyone nervous about being "the new kid" should definitely come try a class.”
“Whether you're looking for a place to get fit, learn self-defense, or find a supportive community, Renzo Gracie UWS BJJ is the place to be.”
“) to beginner adults, to people who have been practicing this amazing Martial Art for years.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Incredible instruction, fantastic facilities, awesome teammates, multiple class times that fit your schedule.”
“The instructor in charge — a purple belt from Brazil, though I can't remember his name — was very welcoming.”
“The staff is very friendly and encouraging, and the gym seems to be an excellent environment for people just starting as well as experienced practitioners.”
“Fred and Matheus with the kids program”
“Being able to train here and at the midtown Renzo school is an incredible opportunity, since there’s almost always a class that will work with your schedule.”
From the reviews
Renzo Gracie UWS changed my life. I’m a 52 year old man with a hip replacement. If you are of my vintage and/or have a similar impediment and you have ever wondered if this is for you I have an unequivocal answer for you: yes.
Exceptional facilities, great instructors with good character and recognition on the sport! And Renzo Gracie always around! I highly recommend that school for parents who want their child to take the benefits of martial arts, for adults with or without experience!
Couldn't be more excited to have started and continue my BJJ journey here. All the professors are amazing and have outstanding experience. I love the personal feel you get with every class. They really care about helping you get better and are very attentive, readily available to answer any questions.
Incredible instruction, fantastic facilities, awesome teammates, multiple class times that fit your schedule...should I go on?! If you're looking for a place to learn jiu jitsu from the world's best instructors, come to RGUWS...I'm so glad I did!
New to BJJ? Start at Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side
Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side 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 Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side
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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