Top 10 BJJ Gyms in New York City: Complete Guide (2026)

By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Location Guide | Last Updated: January 17, 2026

New York City hosts some of the world’s most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies, led by Renzo Gracie Academy (Midtown Manhattan—trained Georges St-Pierre, Matt Serra, Chris Weidman), Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu (Chelsea—5x ADCC champion, considered greatest pound-for-pound grappler), and Unity Jiu-Jitsu (14th Street—multiple black belt world champions, founded 2015) offering world-class instruction for all skill levels from beginners to elite competitors.​

NYC’s competitive BJJ scene features over 80 academies across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with membership costs ranging $200-350/month and training environments from traditional gi-focused schools to modern no-gi MMA facilities. The city’s density creates unmatched training variety—practitioners can cross-train at multiple legendary gyms within walking distance, accessing instruction from IBJJF world champions, ADCC medalists, and UFC veterans in a single day.​

This complete guide covers NYC’s top 10 BJJ academies including detailed profiles (location, instructors, specialties, pricing), lineage and competition credentials, class schedules and programs, membership costs, facility quality, beginner-friendliness ratings, and borough-specific recommendations connecting to competition preparation resources and essential training equipment.

Top 10 BJJ Gyms in NYC (2026 Rankings)

1. Renzo Gracie Academy (Midtown Manhattan)

Location: 224 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001 (Midtown, Penn Station area)

Founded: 1995 (one of NYC’s first BJJ academies)

Head Instructor: Renzo Gracie (legendary BJJ/MMA fighter, member of Gracie family)

Lineage: Carlos Gracie Jr. → Renzo Gracie

Why Renzo Gracie Academy is #1

Wikipedia on Renzo’s legacy: “Gracie is the head instructor at the Renzo Gracie Academy in midtown Manhattan. Many well-known BJJ and MMA fighters have been trained by Renzo, including BJJ black belts Rodrigo Gracie, former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre, former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Serra, BJJ World Champion Rafael ‘Gordinho’ Correa, Paul Creighton, David Branch, Rafael Natal, former Middleweight King of Pancrase Ricardo Almeida, Sean Alvarez and former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman”.​

J Murray Athletics: “Renzo Gracie Academy boasts top-notch instructors and a welcoming atmosphere for practitioners of all levels. This gym has produced some of the greatest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes of all time, individuals like Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, and George St-Pierre”.​

Notable accomplishments:

• Produced champions: Georges St-Pierre (UFC), Matt Serra (UFC), Chris Weidman (UFC), Gordon Ryan (ADCC), Craig Jones (ADCC)
• Legendary instructor: Renzo Gracie competed in UFC, Pride, K-1
• World-class facility: Multiple mat spaces, strength training area
• International reputation: Attracts visiting black belts worldwide

Programs & Specialties

Class offerings:

• ✅ Gi BJJ (fundamentals to advanced)
• ✅ No-gi grappling (strong MMA focus)
• ✅ MMA training (striking, wrestling, BJJ integration)
• ✅ Competition team (produce world champions)
• ✅ Women’s-only classes
• ✅ Kids programs (ages 4+)
• ✅ Private lessons

Training atmosphere:
Reddit user feedback: “Renzo’s felt like a dark and serious dungeon. Nobody really chatted much” – intense, competition-focused environment.​

Best for:

• Serious competitors (tournament/MMA aspirations)
• Practitioners wanting MMA integration
• Those seeking Gracie lineage training
• Advanced students (challenging training partners)

Pricing & Membership

Monthly membership: $300-350/month (estimated, NYC premium pricing)

No long-term contracts (month-to-month available)

Free trial class (inquire via website)

Additional locations: Renzo Gracie Upper West Side (246 Columbus Ave)

Hours: 7 days/week, early morning to evening classes

2. Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu NYC (Chelsea)

Location: 250 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001 (Chelsea, near Madison Square Garden)

Founded: 2009

Head Instructor: Marcelo Garcia (5x IBJJF World Champion, 4x ADCC Champion)

Lineage: Fabio Gurgel → Marcelo Garcia

Why Marcelo Garcia is Elite

J Murray Athletics description: “Marcelo Garcia is widely regarded as one of the greatest BJJ practitioners of all time. His academy, situated in the heart of Manhattan, offers world-class instruction and a strong focus on the fundamentals of BJJ. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Marcelo Garcia Academy has classes suited for all. For Brazilian jiu jitsu Practitioners who compete in MMA, this gym has earned a spot on this list of best BJJ gyms in NYC, because Marcelo was once considered the greatest pound for pound submission grappler of all time!”​

Jiu Jitsu Near Me ratings: “Instructors 9.6, Facility 9.1, 126 Reviews – Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu NYC in New York, New York is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier BJJ academies, offering exceptional instruction in a clean, welcoming environment with a strong community of practitioners at all levels”.​

Marcelo Garcia’s credentials:

• 5x IBJJF World Champion (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
• 4x ADCC Champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2011)
• Considered greatest pound-for-pound grappler in BJJ history
• Revolutionary techniques: X-guard innovations, guillotine mastery

Training Philosophy

Focus on fundamentals:

• Marcelo emphasizes clean technique over strength
• Position before submission
• Flow-based rolling (technical over aggressive)
• Beginner-friendly approach (systematic curriculum)

Unique features:

• MGinAction video library: 1,000+ instructional videos (included with membership)
• Daily technique uploads: New content constantly
• Open mat culture: Welcoming to visitors/drop-ins

Training atmosphere:
Reddit user experience: “Marcelo’s felt like a happy place with big windows and nice people enjoying jiu jitsu” – positive, ego-free environment.​

Programs & Membership

Class types:

• ✅ Gi training (Marcelo’s specialty)
• ✅ No-gi classes
• ✅ Fundamentals (white belts)
• ✅ All levels (blue belt+)
• ✅ Competition training
• ✅ Kids programs
• ✅ Open mat sessions

Pricing: $300-350/month (includes video library access)

Facility: Clean, bright, well-maintained (9.1/10 facility rating)​

Best for:

• Beginners seeking world-class fundamentals
• Technical practitioners (not just strong grapplers)
• Gi enthusiasts (Marcelo’s primary focus)
• Those wanting positive training culture

Website: marcelogarciajj.com/nyc​

3. Unity Jiu-Jitsu NYC (Chelsea/Midtown West)

Location: 14th Street Manhattan (between 6th & 7th Ave)

Founded: 2015

Head Instructors: Murilo Santana, Matheus Diniz (2019 ADCC Champion)

Lineage: Murilo Bustamante → Murilo Santana

Rising Powerhouse

Unity website: “Unity Jiu Jitsu is New York’s Premier Jiu Jitsu school, located on 14th street Manhattan between 6th avenue and 7th avenue. We have been providing world class Jiu Jitsu instruction to adults and children in NYC since we were founded in 2015 in a little space in Midtown East and have grown since then to one of the most prestigious schools in the world while staying true to our values and our creed of hard work by good people”.​

Championship pedigree:

• Multiple Black Belt World Champions produced (since 2015)
• Matheus Diniz: 2019 ADCC Champion (99kg division)
• Active competition team: Competing at highest levels (IBJJF, ADCC)

J Murray Athletics: “Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Midtown West, Unity Jiu Jitsu is a highly respected BJJ academy with a strong emphasis on teamwork and community. Led by world-class instructors, including 2019 ADCC Champion Matheus Diniz, Unity Jiu Jitsu offers a conducive environment for growth and learning”.​

Programs & Culture

Class structure:

• ✅ Gi training (daily)
• ✅ No-gi classes (daily)
• ✅ Wrestling (technique-focused)
• ✅ White belt classes (beginner fundamentals)
• ✅ Pro competition training (elite level)
• ✅ Self-defense (practical application)
• ✅ Private lessons (one-on-one instruction)

Training philosophy:​

• “Fun family environment where everyone feels welcome”
• “Teaching Jiu Jitsu at the highest level”
• “Hard work by good people” (team motto)

Schedule: 7 days/week, multiple classes daily

Membership & Facility

Pricing: $250-300/month (estimated)

Facility: Modern, spacious, competition-quality mats

Best for:

• Competitors (world-class competition team)
• Practitioners seeking family atmosphere + elite training
• Both gi and no-gi enthusiasts
• Those wanting active instructors (still competing at highest level)

Website: unityjiujitsu.com​

4. Studio X Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (East Village)

Location: 6 Saint Marks Pl, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003 (East Village)

Founded: 1995 (NYC’s FIRST BJJ academy, opened same week as Renzo Gracie)

Head Instructor: Fabio Clemente (6th-degree black belt, 3x Pan American Champion)

Lineage: Jacques Machado → Fabio Clemente

Affiliation: Checkmat (as of 2017, previously Alliance)

Historic NYC Academy

Studio X website: “Studio X is New York City’s original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Opening its doors in 1995 under the leadership of Professor Fabio Clemente, a pioneer of BJJ on the East Coast and 3x Pan American Champion, Studio X offers classes 7 days a week, brought to you by a passionate team of IBJJF World Champions, active high-level competitors, and lifelong students of the game”.​

Elite Sports on Fabio Clemente: “Fabio Clemente, born in Brazil, is one of the most famous and respectable players and coaches, as he is the founder of the first-ever BJJ academy in New York. He is a 6th-degree black belt under Jacques Machado. Clemente sponsored Marcelo Garcia’s visa so that he could come and train at Clemente’s Studio-X gym”.​

Historical significance:

• NYC’s original BJJ academy (1995)
• Originally Alliance HQ in New York (1998-2017)
• Now Checkmat East Coast headquarters (2017-present)
• Helped bring Marcelo Garcia to NYC (sponsored visa)

Programs & Training

Class offerings:

• ✅ Fundamentals (taught by Fabio Clemente, Sundays 11 AM)
• ✅ All levels gi training
• ✅ Competition team (IBJJF competition focus)
• ✅ Kids programs
• ✅ Open mat sessions

Instructor team: IBJJF World Champions, active competitors​

Training style:

• Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (gi-focused)
• Checkmat system (position, pressure, submission)
• Competition-oriented (team competes regularly)

Best for:

• Traditional BJJ practitioners
• Those wanting historic NYC lineage
• Checkmat system students
• East Village location convenience

Pricing: $200-280/month (estimated)

Website: studiox.nyc​

5. 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu NYC (Midtown Manhattan)

Location: 35 W 43rd St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (near Bryant Park, Times Square)

Founded: 2010s

Head Instructor: Rey “StingReyRey” De Leon (black belt under Eddie Bravo)

Lineage: Eddie Bravo → Rey De Leon

Affiliation: 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu (Eddie Bravo system)

No-Gi Specialists

10th Planet NYC website: “10th Planet Jiu Jitsu NYC is the premier location for NoGi Jiu Jitsu in New York City for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Our head instructor Rey ‘StingReyRey’ De Leon spent many years training and instructing NoGi Jiu Jitsu directly under Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet HQ in Los Angeles. The 10th Planet System focuses on submission grappling in a NoGi Jiu Jitsu environment, which is styled more towards Mixed Martial Arts than the traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu”.​

J Murray Athletics: “10th Planet NYC is owned and led by Rey ‘Stingreyrey’ De Leon, a black belt in the revered 10th Planet System, and offers exceptional training opportunities, accompanied by a great atmosphere for practitioners of all levels. The gym also frequently hosts high-level competitors, making it a prime spot for BJJ enthusiasts”.​

10th Planet System Features

Unique characteristics:

• 100% no-gi (no traditional gi training)
• Eddie Bravo system: Rubber guard, lockdown, twister submissions
• MMA-focused: Designed for cage fighting
• Street self-defense oriented​

Class structure:

• No-gi fundamentals
• Advanced techniques
• Competition training
• Kids classes
• Open mat sessions

Training atmosphere:​

• Welcoming vibe
• Supportive community
• Excellent safety standards
• Mixed skill levels (beginner to advanced)

Membership & Access

Pricing: $200-280/month

Free trial: Available through “Intro to Jiu Jitsu” page​

Location benefits: Near Bryant Park, excellent public transit access

Best for:

• No-gi enthusiasts (rashguard training)
• MMA practitioners (cage fighting application)
• Those wanting Eddie Bravo system
• Practitioners avoiding gi costs (no gi purchase needed)

Website: 10thplanetjjnyc.com​

6. Masterskya (Chinatown/SoHo)

Location: 264 Canal St #2W, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown)

Instructors Rating: 9.81/10​

Facility Rating: 8.4/10

Reviews: 283 (most reviewed NYC gym)​

Popularity: 🔥 Popular in New York​

Community Favorite

Jiu Jitsu Near Me description: “Masterskya in New York, New York, is a highly-regarded BJJ gym known for its exceptional instruction, welcoming community, and well-structured classes, making it an ideal training environment for practitioners of all levels”.​

Why Masterskya stands out:

• Highest instructor rating (9.81/10) of all NYC gyms​
• Most reviews (283) = consistent positive experience
• Welcoming community (repeated in reviews)
• Well-structured curriculum (systematic progression)

Programs offered:

• ✅ Gi training
• ✅ No-gi classes
• ✅ Kids programs
• ✅ Competition team
• ✅ Open mat sessions

Best for:

• Practitioners prioritizing instruction quality
• Those seeking welcoming community (not intimidating)
• All skill levels (beginners to advanced)
• Chinatown/Lower Manhattan residents

Pricing: $220-280/month (estimated)

7. Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro BJJ Academy (Scotch Plains, NJ + NYC)

NYC Location: Multiple locations (check website for current NYC address)

New Jersey HQ: Scotch Plains, NJ (primary location)

Head Instructor: Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro (5th-degree black belt, 6x World Champion)

Lineage: Andre Pederneiras → Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro

Affiliation: Nova Uniao

World Champion Instruction

LinkedIn – Vitor Shaolin: “A six-time world champion, five-degree black belt, and owner of Vitor Shaolin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, I am on the mat actively teaching classes at the Scotch Plains VSBJJA studio each day. I earned his black belt as a teenager and won the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Foundation’s Worlds Masters Championship in 2012, and the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo Superfight match in 2014”.​

Championship credentials:

• 4x IBJJF World Champion (1996 purple belt, 1999-2001 black belt)
• 3x Arnold Classic Champion (2001-2003)
• 2012 Masters World Champion
• Former #1 ranked fighter under 155 lbs (MMA)​

Training philosophy:​

• “Provide students of all ages with a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu foundation”
• Active instructor (teaches daily at Scotch Plains)
• Nova Uniao team loyalty (trained only under Andre Pederneiras)

Programs & NYC Access

Class offerings:

• Gi fundamentals to advanced
• Kids programs (all ages)
• Competition team
• Self-defense (Valente Brothers certified)​

NYC presence: Check bjjnewyorkcity.com for current NYC location​

Beginner program: “Easy Start” – 2 classes for $29.99​

Best for:

• Those wanting world champion instruction
• Families (kids + adults training together)
• Nova Uniao system students
• Practitioners willing to train in NJ

8. Renzo Gracie Upper West Side

Location: Subcellar, 246 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023 (Upper West Side)

Instructors Rating: 9.7/10​

Facility Rating: 8.9/10

Reviews: 129​

Affiliation: Renzo Gracie network

Renzo Gracie Quality, UWS Location

Jiu Jitsu Near Me rating: “Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side in New York, NY is a world-class BJJ academy offering exceptional instruction in a clean, welcoming environment that caters to all skill levels and ages”.​

Why choose UWS location:

• Renzo Gracie lineage (same quality as main location)
• Upper West Side convenience (residential neighborhood)
• Family-friendly atmosphere (less intense than Midtown)
• 16+ class types (most variety in NYC)​

Programs offered:

• ✅ Gi training
• ✅ No-gi grappling
• ✅ Kids programs
• ✅ Competition team
• ✅ Women’s-only classes
• ✅ 16+ total class types​

Best for:

• Upper West Side residents
• Families (extensive kids programs)
• Those wanting Renzo Gracie affiliation without Midtown intensity
• Practitioners seeking class variety

Pricing: $280-330/month (Renzo Gracie network pricing)

9. East Side Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Grapple Box

Location: 66 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038 (Financial District)

Instructors Rating: 9.9/10​

Facility Rating: 8.4/10

Reviews: 22​

Affiliation: Renzo Gracie black belt lineage

Financial District Excellence

Jiu Jitsu Near Me description: “East Side Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in New York, New York, stands out for its technical instruction, welcoming community, and focus on both self-defense and competition techniques, making it an ideal gym for a wide range of practitioners”.​

Key features:

• Highest instructor rating (9.9/10) among smaller gyms​
• Technical focus (precision over athleticism)
• Self-defense + competition (balanced approach)
• Financial District location (convenient for Wall Street professionals)

Programs:

• ✅ Gi training
• ✅ No-gi classes
• ✅ Kids programs
• ✅ Competition training
• ✅ Open mat (5 class types)​

Best for:

• Financial District workers (lunch/after-work training)
• Technical practitioners (detail-oriented)
• Those seeking smaller gym atmosphere (not warehouse-size)
• Renzo Gracie lineage without main academy crowds

Pricing: $200-260/month (estimated, smaller gym pricing)

10. Ronin Athletics (Multiple NYC Locations)

Website: roninathletics.com​

Affiliation: Gracie University (certified self-defense programs)

Founded: 2000s

Specialization: Self-defense + MMA integration

Gracie Self-Defense Focus

Ronin Athletics description: “Ronin Athletics – is a Martial arts gym in New York. We provide Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu, key components of MMA. Our gym is certified by Gracie University proprietary self-defense programs. Join us and become a part of our team”.​

“You’re fortunate to live in New York City because it offers a wide variety of MMA Gyms and Academies – inherent to the competitive nature of Manhattan, the quality of the instructors tends to be of high caliber. Ronin Athletics is considered the best Martial Arts Academy in New York City for those that want to learn: all aspects Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) including self-defense, sport and its concepts on the use of leverage, as well as footwork”.​

Unique offerings:

• Gracie University certified (official self-defense curriculum)
• MMA integration (BJJ + striking)
• Leverage-based techniques (size-neutral approach)
• Footwork emphasis (movement training)

Best for:

• Beginners focused on self-defense
• MMA practitioners (multiple disciplines)
• Those wanting structured curriculum (Gracie University system)
• Practitioners seeking practical street application

Pricing: $180-250/month (estimated)

Website: roninathletics.com​

NYC BJJ Gym Comparison Table

How to Choose Your NYC BJJ Gym

By Experience Level

Complete beginners (white belt):

1. Marcelo Garcia (best fundamentals instruction)
2. Masterskya (welcoming community, high instructor rating)
3. Shaolin BJJ (Easy Start program, world champion teaching basics)
4. Ronin Athletics (structured Gracie self-defense curriculum)

Intermediate (blue/purple belt):

1. Unity Jiu-Jitsu (competition focus + community)
2. Renzo Gracie (challenging training partners)
3. Studio X (Checkmat system, competition team)

Advanced (brown/black belt):

1. Renzo Gracie (train with world champions)
2. Marcelo Garcia (refine technique with GOAT)
3. Unity (active competition team, elite training)

By Training Goals

Self-defense focus:

1. Ronin Athletics (Gracie University certified)
2. East Side BJJ (self-defense + competition balance)
3. Renzo Gracie (street-effective, MMA-tested)

Competition preparation:

1. Renzo Gracie (produced most champions)
2. Unity Jiu-Jitsu (multiple world champions)
3. Marcelo Garcia (technical competition excellence)

MMA training:

1. Renzo Gracie (MMA integration, striking classes)
2. 10th Planet NYC (no-gi MMA focus)
3. Ronin Athletics (MMA + BJJ combination)

Fitness/hobby:

1. Masterskya (welcoming, non-intimidating)
2. Marcelo Garcia (ego-free, technical)
3. Shaolin BJJ (solid fundamentals, relaxed atmosphere)

By Location (Manhattan Neighborhoods)

Midtown Manhattan:

• Renzo Gracie Academy (30th St)
• 10th Planet NYC (43rd St)

Chelsea/Flatiron:

• Marcelo Garcia (26th St)
• Unity Jiu-Jitsu (14th St)

Upper West Side:

• Renzo Gracie UWS (Columbus Ave)

East Village:

• Studio X (St Marks Pl)

Financial District:

• East Side BJJ (Beekman St)

Chinatown/SoHo:

• Masterskya (Canal St)

By Budget

Premium ($280-350/month):

• Renzo Gracie (main + UWS)
• Marcelo Garcia

Mid-Range ($220-280/month):

• Unity Jiu-Jitsu
• Studio X
• 10th Planet NYC
• Masterskya

Value ($180-250/month):

• Shaolin BJJ
• East Side BJJ
• Ronin Athletics

Money-saving tips:

• Many gyms offer free trial classes (test before committing)
• Annual memberships = discount (10-15% savings)
• Off-peak training (daytime classes often cheaper)
• Student/military discounts (ask during signup)

What to Expect at NYC BJJ Gyms

Typical Monthly Costs

Membership fees: $200-350/month (Manhattan premium pricing)

Additional costs:

• Gi: $80-200 (complete gi guide)
• No-gi gear: $40-100 (rashguard + shorts)
• Belt testing: Usually free (some gyms charge $20-50)
• Competition fees: $80-120 per tournament
• Private lessons: $100-200/hour

Total first-year investment: $3,000-5,500 (membership + gear + competitions)

Class Schedule Patterns

Typical NYC gym schedule:

• Morning classes: 6:00-7:30 AM (before work)
• Lunch classes: 12:00-1:00 PM (midday training)
• Evening classes: 6:00-9:30 PM (after work, most popular)
• Weekend classes: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (open mat + structured classes)

Class duration: 60-90 minutes

Typical class structure:

1. Warm-up (10-15 min): Movement drills, stretching
2. Technique instruction (30-40 min): 2-4 techniques demonstrated
3. Drilling (15-20 min): Partner practice of techniques
4. Live sparring/rolling (20-30 min): Free training

NYC Gym Culture

What makes NYC BJJ unique:

Competitive intensity:

• High-level training partners (world champions on mats)
• Fast-paced classes (NYC energy carries over)
• Ego checks (you’ll tap to smaller, more technical practitioners)

Diversity:

• Practitioners from 50+ countries
• All professions (Wall Street to artists)
• Age range: 4-70+ years old

Drop-in culture:

• Visiting black belts train regularly
• Cross-training common (train at multiple gyms)
• Open mat sessions (meet different training partners)

Etiquette expectations:

• Show up on time (respect instructor/classmates)
• Clean gi always (hygiene critical)
• Trim nails (prevent cuts)
• Leave ego at door (tap early, tap often)

Getting Started at NYC Gyms

Trial Class Process

Step 1: Research & contact

• Visit gym website
• Call or email for trial class
• Ask about beginner programs

Step 2: Schedule trial

• Most gyms offer 1 free class
• Some offer week-long trials
• Attend fundamentals/beginner class

Step 3: What to bring

• Athletic clothes (t-shirt, shorts/pants)
• Water bottle
• Towel
• Open mind (you’ll be confused at first)

Step 4: Trial class experience

• Arrive 15 min early
• Meet instructor
• Learn basic positions
• Light rolling (usually with instructor or senior student)

Step 5: Decide & join

• Visit 2-3 gyms before deciding
• Consider: location, vibe, instruction quality, cost
• Sign up for membership

Beginner Tips for NYC Training

First month survival guide:

Physical preparation:

• You’ll be exhausted (normal)
• Train 2-3x/week initially (avoid burnout)
• Stretch at home (flexibility crucial)
• Expect soreness (new muscle groups)

Mental preparation:

• You’ll tap A LOT (everyone does)
• Focus on learning, not winning
• Ask questions (instructors love curious students)
• Be patient (takes 6-12 months to feel comfortable)

Gear acquisition:

• Week 1-2: Train in athletic clothes (no-gi)
• Week 3-4: Purchase first gi (gi buying guide)
• Month 2-3: Add no-gi gear (rashguard, spats)

Social integration:

• Introduce yourself (teammates = training partners)
• Ask higher belts for advice (most are helpful)
• Attend open mat (make connections)
• Join team events (dinners, competitions)

NYC BJJ Competition Scene

Local Tournaments

Major NYC-area competitions:

• IBJJF New York Open (annual, hundreds of competitors)
• IBJJF New York Pro (professional divisions)
• Grappling Industries NYC (quarterly, beginner-friendly)
• NAGA New York (gi + no-gi, all levels)
• Good Fight (local NYC circuit)

Competition frequency: 2-4 major tournaments/month in NYC area

Cost: $80-120 per division entered

Preparation: Most gyms offer competition training classes

Reference: Competition preparation guide

NYC Team Dominance

NYC teams at major tournaments:

• Renzo Gracie team: Podiums at IBJJF Worlds, ADCC
• Unity NYC: Multiple world champions (black belt)
• Marcelo Garcia team: Consistent medalists (all belts)

Why NYC produces champions:

• Daily exposure to world-class training partners
• Multiple gyms = cross-training opportunities
• Competitive culture (everyone pushing each other)
• Access to elite instruction (legends teaching daily)

Brooklyn & Queens Options

Top Brooklyn Gyms

1. Unity Jiu-Jitsu Brooklyn

• Affiliation: Unity NYC (same quality)
• Location: Williamsburg area
• Focus: Competition + community

2. Radical MMA

• Location: Multiple Brooklyn locations
• Style: MMA-focused BJJ
• Pricing: $180-250/month

3. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Location: Park Slope
• Style: Traditional BJJ
• Community: Family-friendly

Top Queens Gyms

1. Studio X Forest Hills

• Affiliation: Studio X (Fabio Clemente lineage)
• Location: Forest Hills​
• Focus: Traditional BJJ, Checkmat system

2. Radical MMA Queens

• Multiple Queens locations
• MMA + BJJ integration

3. Long Island City BJJ

• Convenient for Manhattan commuters
• Growing competition team

Brooklyn/Queens advantages:

• Lower prices ($150-250/month vs $250-350 Manhattan)
• Less crowded classes
• Neighborhood community feel
• Still high-quality instruction

The Bottom Line

NYC = World’s Best BJJ Training Destination

New York City offers unmatched Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training with over 80 academies featuring world champion instructors, Olympic-level facilities, and the most competitive training environment globally. Whether you’re a complete beginner seeking fundamental self-defense skills at Marcelo Garcia Academy or an elite competitor training alongside UFC champions at Renzo Gracie, NYC provides options for every experience level, budget, and training goal.​

Top 3 recommendations by category:

Best overall (all levels):

1. Marcelo Garcia (world-class fundamentals, positive culture)
2. Unity Jiu-Jitsu (competition excellence + family atmosphere)
3. Masterskya (highest instructor rating, welcoming community)

Best for beginners:

1. Marcelo Garcia (systematic curriculum, ego-free)
2. Shaolin BJJ (Easy Start program, champion teaching basics)
3. Ronin Athletics (structured Gracie self-defense)

Best for competitors:

1. Renzo Gracie (produced most UFC/ADCC champions)
2. Unity Jiu-Jitsu (active world championship team)
3. Studio X (Checkmat competition system)

Budget-conscious options:

1. East Side BJJ ($200-260, excellent instruction)
2. Shaolin BJJ ($180-240, world champion teaching)
3. Brooklyn/Queens gyms ($150-250, quality without Manhattan prices)

Visit 2-3 gyms before committing—each has unique culture and the “best” gym is the one where YOU feel comfortable training consistently! 🥋

NYC BJJ resources:

• What is BJJ? (beginner’s complete guide)
• Types of BJJ Gis (equipment buying guide)
• Competition prep (tournament readiness)
• Hygiene practices (prevent infections)
• Rashguards guide (no-gi training gear)

See you on the mats, NYC! 🗽💪

OSS! 🙏