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Upper West Side Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in New York, New York
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 4) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule uwskenshikai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 212-222-1172
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | 3–6 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | 1–3 pm |
The classes they run
“I listen to the teacher when talking to other children, when they don't know I'm listening.”
“BJJ class - was very accommodating to all skill ranges and had a great community vibe, would recommend to anyone from no experience to higher belts.”
Other martial arts here
“Nice friendly community of Karate and Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioners.”
What members say
“Also very technical and knowledgeable instructors.”
“Nice friendly community of Karate and Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioners.”
From the reviews
June 2018.... Our 5 year old has been attending class here for 2 years. We can assure you, the teaching that happens in this dojo, is exceptional. It is unique. And very special. I listen to the teacher when talking to other children, when they don't know I'm listening. They challenge the students who need it.
Nice friendly community of Karate and Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioners. You'll come to an environment where you will learn and improve, whether it's just Kenshikai karate, Brazilian Jiujitsu, or both!
I did my first ever bbj class here with Matthew. He was fantastic, very knowledgeable and patient. My friend who was more experienced was also challenged and Matthew provided us, and everyone else in the class, with specific feedback.
I recently had my first trial BJJ class here led by Matthew, and had a very satisfactory experience. Matthew is a knowledgeable, patient, and kind instructor. Additionally, I got individualized attention from a teaching instructor, CJ, who was also very pleasant to work with.
New to BJJ? Start at Upper West Side Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Upper West Side Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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 Upper West Side Brazilian 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 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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