Alexander Wang

This journey, if you choose to take it, is a life changing one. For me, getting into the Intermediate class is when I really got the high of jiu-jitsu, becuase thats where essentially all sparring happens and you really start getting in touch with the art, the people, and the work.

Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ari Duenas

Great jiu jitsu gym, instructors are all knowledgeable and seasoned. Great kids program, can’t say enough good things about this gym.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Kyle Sefcik

Amazing place! My kids trained there while we lived there. The instructors were awesome and my kids had a blast.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Kaila Foresta

10/10 best gym around

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Paul H

I called Balance home for four incredible years while living in Philly and could not be more fortunate for the experience to train with Rick and Phil and the collective Balance Team. I had never previously participated in any martial art before, never trained boxing or anything of the sort and had to work up the “courage” to finally walk in and take the trial class — that day changed my life. Balance provides an incredible atmosphere to learn and grow in the sport and in the bigger picture to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. They have something for everyone, all levels are always welcome and there is an emphasis on humility and always having a “beginner’s mind”. Phil and Rick are some of the original pioneers of BJJ in the US and trained firsthand with the legends of the sport. Balance is a top notch experience and if you’re thinking about taking that first step you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I was bummed to leave Philly for a few reasons and leaving the Balance team was high on the list, I can’t recommend training here enough and if you are someone wondering whether or not this is for you do yourself the favor take the trial class / see what it’s all about firsthand you will not be disappointed!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jackson Duncan

I have been training with the Migliarese Brothers now for almost 15 years. I have trained at BJJ schools across the country, and nothing quite compares to the atmosphere and vibe that Balance offers. The comradery, sportsmanship and love of the sport brings out the best in each and every person that steps on these mats and is a testament to the highest level of instruction and training balance studios offers.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Danielle Godjikian

Balance is a such a great place to train! There are lots of options for classes and all the coaches are really knowledgeable and helpful, no matter your level. The training partners you have and people you meet there are the best and everyone seems genuinely interested in having fun while getting better. Lots of people visit as well so you get the benefit of training with people who have different styles. Having trained at subpar gyms in the past, I'm happy to have found a place where the coaches are supportive of whatever goal you have in training there and encourage you to visit other schools. It's also a more laid back gym in terms of the formal martial arts structure, so if that's what you're looking for don't hesitate to try a class!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Paul Domenick

The best Jiu Jitsu school around hands down. High level instruction and an environment that is welcoming to everyone. I highly recommend Balance Studios to anyone taking their first steps on their Jiu Jitsu/Muay Thai journey.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Amanda Porter

The absolute best place to train. It all starts from the top and the Migliarese brothers are great mentors to aspire to. Demonstrating their love for jiu jitsu makes Balance a fun environment to learn and make mistakes. Love being part of the Balance family!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Adam

Phil and Ricardo have been two of the most inspirational people in my life over the past 15 years! Their Jiujitsu studios have served as a safe space for me to develop street self defense, Jiujitsu understanding, and most importantly self-actualization. Balance Studios has also served as a place for what has turned into a lifetime bonding experience with my son. He has been going there for 10 years now and it keeps us close and connected during his teenage years! Only the best things can be said about this place and the people who teach and train there.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Place of Peace BJJ

The best place to learn & train in Philadelphia. Ric & Phil are the best in the business. Proud to be apart of the team.

Instructors Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

ThatDudeDez

Friendly environment great for kids and adults to learn and get in shape. Ricky, Phil and the other teachers are the best! Definitely recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jason Sargus

Balance Studios has a long and established record of success at the highest level. Ricardo was in my corner for my first Grappler's Quest title. Phil is one of the sharpest minds in the game. Beyond rivalries and heated competition - there is respect and admiration that has been earned throughout their two decades in business. Balance is definitely worth it!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ryan Lynn

10/10 experience, Balance has everything you could want in a jiu-jitsu gym. I visited for a week while staying in Philly and was immediately welcomed by Phil, who provided detailed instruction and answered all my questions. The level of hospitality made me feel like I wasn’t just some random drop in, but that they authentically care about everyone who trains there. Balance is a clean and safe gym to train jiu-jitsu with students of all skill level and instruction from some of the most experienced people in the sport. If you’re in the Philly area this is the place to train.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jimmy Cerra

Balance Studios is my favorite place in Philadelphia. Everyone is always friendly and helping everyone else get better at jiu-jitsu and mma. Thanks to their support, I did things I never thought I could like fighting in a cage or competing in a world championship thanks to their training. Phil and his brother Ric are both a great teachers but very different in styles. You get the best of both worlds. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to fight, compete, learn how to protect yourself, or just feel happy and enjoy training!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Yulia Malkova

I love Balance with all my heart. I mostly trained in Center City, but sometimes visited Fishtown location. This place literally became my home. I did both, bjj and Muay Thai. I endlessly grateful to best of the best mentors and teachers. They made me better, the push my limits, they believed in me. I’m so happy that this school introduced me to martial art amazing community. I had that feeling that I belong to something more than my job/school. Unfortunately, I had to move out of Philly due to job, but if I have a possibility to come back to Philly, I always end up at Balance. I respect that this school has place for everyone: children, women, people w older age, this is very rare based on my experience. Here you can learn whatever suits you best: self defense, MMA, improve mobility/ endurance or progress into higher level and participate in various competitions. Miss you!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Stephen Peragallo

I started visiting Balance studios center city in 2013 as a blue belt who would visit from an affiliate school from time to time. The training, skill, and professionalism was on another level. It motivated me to become as best as i could. I have since moved to philadelphia in 2017 and was awarded my black belt under the Migliarese Brothers in 2022.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Max LaBranche

Every now and then my work takes me to Philadephia. I’ve dropped in for classes at both the Fishtown and Center City locations and have always been treated great by everyone at Balance Studios. The facilities are clean and the instructors are professional. There’s a great mix of beginner to advanced students with plenty of opportunities for good training. I recently met Phil Migliarese, one of the owners. He was very generous with his time and made sure I was welcomed not only at his gym but also to the city. I highly recommend Balance Studios for anyone who trains or is looking to train Jiu Jitsu in the Philadephia area.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Brent Riley

Balance is a fantastic school for all people. I have trained at a few different BJJ academies for seminars and due to moving. I can attest that Balance is top class. They are here to help, no egos, no rotating door, they want to train hard and safe; help everyone be a better version of themselves. Their coaching is top notch, they will go above and beyond to help anyone that needs to make adjustments due to personal limitations. If I lived in Philly Balance would be my home. I always make it a point to train there when able.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

James Chiariello III

I’ve been training with the Migliarese Brothers since 2003. I came after a year of training at another facility. I joined Balance at the recommendation of a friend an former teammate. I remember stopping in to check out a trial class while I was still a student at the other school. Phil told me to come train for free and pay the other gym until my contract ran out. That was a true testament to his character. I’ve since earned my black belt from Phil and Rick in 2013 and continue training there until today. I always learn something new whether it’s a completely new technique or some subtle detail that I had been missing. I wouldn’t have remained here almost 18 years if I didn’t believe in the product.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Gabriel Glenn

If you want amazing instructors who really care, this is the place for you. When I first started I felt really involved. You will get down technique perfectly at this gym.

Instructors

Posted 4 years ago

Deen Meah (DK)

I thought this place place not having glitz and glamour would make it bad. Boy was I wrong! I got a Balance family that I miss! Judah, Saudi, Angie, Josh, George, Phil, Ric, Sal, and Michael are all amazing instructors! Supportive people that know their stuff and will help you succeed in martial arts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Deen Meah

I thought this place place not having glitz and glamour would make it bad. Boy was I wrong! I got a Balance family that I miss! Judah, Saudi, Angie, Josh, George, Phil, Ric, Sal, and Michael are all amazing instructors! Supportive people that know their stuff and will help you succeed in martial arts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

savage gangser boys wertz

Its a great place to learn and make new friends the instructors are very friendly and good teachers

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Nav Singh

Angie and Josh are the best jiu jitsu coaches one could hope for! So glad I found this amazing gym to train at in Philly. Definitely recommend this gym for anyone looking to get into BJJ or Muay Thai!!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Nick Chunk

The instructors are all top quality, and everyone is respectful and friendly. Would give this school 6 stars if I had the choice.

Instructors

Posted 6 years ago

Andrew Rose

Making the decision to train at Balance was probably the smartest thing I've done as an adult. In addition to world class instruction from a great group of teachers, training at Balance also brings students into a friendly and supportive community for life.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

A. Jordan Rushie

Balance is the best. Lots of membership options, classes offered, and an absolute world class staff of instructors. The best part of my day is hitting up Balance after work or early in the morning. Really good group of people who train there, and classes are offered morning, afternoon, evenings, and weekends.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Andrew Higgins

Great place to train. Lot's of super talented people and great instructors. Everyone is made to feel welcome.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Blaine Guenther

Great spot and really nice staff/students. Dropped in when i was in Philly. Would 100% join if I lived in the area.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Syed Qadri

Trained here whilst on business trip from London. Everyone's friendly and welcoming esp Phil. All the guys I sparred with are very tough and technical. Will defo return here again on my travels.

Instructors Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Japheth Brubaker

Spectacular place to train whatever your skill level! The instruction is technical, the environment is friendly. They integrate yoga approach and philosophy into the BJJ classes to make an even greater experience. I would have my wife take self-defense classes here, I would have my kids take classes here. If you are in town, do yourself a favor and check this place out!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Connor S

All the instructors are fantastic. You won't find a more friendly place to learn Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. Nor will you find more high quality instruction. my favorite place to get choked out on the whole east coast!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Sean BG

Great place for genuine Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Kellyn Smythe

I dropped in here for two classes during a recent visit to Philly. After visiting many JiuJitsu schools across the country, I've got a good eye for quality of instruction and culture. I'm happy to report that this place hits the mark on both counts. Great vibes, excellent instruction (Both at an advanced level and beginner).

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Jay Weinberg

With the encouragement of my instructor Brian Katz, Advanced Martial Arts, North Brunswick NJ, I visited the Balance headquarters in Fishtown area of Philadelphia recently. I highly recommend Balance Studio for BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai and Yoga. Phil and Ric Migliarese are knowledgeable and helpful with very high level skills, as is their cousin Frank Amifri, head instructor at the northeast location. These are very special guys who have trained very hard for many years and they are superb, as are their assistant instructors. If you live in the area sign up here, if your visiting train here.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Charlie Vinch

Let me first off say that when I walked in the doors for the first time I was treated like Family! The instructors are Top notch and The friendly atmosphere is more then welcoming! I've been here for 5 years and highly recommend anyone interested in JiuJitsu or Muay Thai weather beginner or Professional to stop in !

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

R. Deichart

Best team in the U.S

Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Joseph Fiorilli

Where do I start? The staff at balance is some of the most friendly, helpful and dedicated people in the business. Coming from a different place when I started out, I was shocked at how nice everyone is from Phil, Josh Vogel, Rick, etc. Rick is one of the most knowledgeable and patient instructors I ever had and taught me so much in great detail week after week. He was never frustrated when I couldn't get a move down, and always did everything above and beyond with a smile. I read some people saying it's expensive, but my response to them would be, You Get What You Pay For.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Nick Campbell

Phil and his team are absolutely top notch! I was in town on business and they welcomed a guy from South Carolina like I was from South Philly. From the second I walked in I felt like I was home. The technique taught each class was fantastic. The training partners were awesome to roll with and learn from. The mats were clean and the atmosphere was always upbeat and positive. Drew and Josh are tremendous Black Belts that spent extra time with me and sent me home a ton of new techniques. Take it from a purple belt that has rolled from coast to coast, you will not find better gym anywhere. Balance is the perfect place to start or continue your BJJ Journey.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

中国有习蛤

Awesome dojo, nice people, nice mentors, nice techniques, nice environment, reasonable price, nothing to complain.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Ali Eslami

Been training at Balance for a few years. Great place to train being a dentist is very stressful and bjj is my solidarity. Everytime I do tournaments I place. Great place to train highly recommended.

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Lex Fridman

Balance is welcoming to everyone. Whether you're a competitor looking to win double gold at a jiu jitsu tournament or just someone looking to get in better shape in a friendly learning environment, you will find that Balance is the right place with the right people and tools to get your goals accomplished. I'm a jiu jitsu competitor, so I can speak specifically on that aspect. Many classes have 10+ black belts on the mat. If you want to be challenged to go beyond your limits and grow as a competitor, the coaches and training partners here will help you do just that. Balance has helped me become a better grappler and a more well-balanced human being.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Zach Askin

After bouncing from multiple bjj/mma gyms I found myself at Balance Studios. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by two staff members and then multiple students greeted me. I immediately noticed how clean, organized and well run Balance is. Throughout the time I have been training at Balance (6 months) I am impressed with the curriculum and flow from the talented, black belt instructors. Each class builds off the previous class, the techniques are well covered and easy to learn and the vast amount of high levels students are always helpful. When I started bjj 4 years ago, I was looking for a cheap place to take classes. I realized like in anything else, you get what you pay for. I had low level instructors that had not competed or trained in the art long enough to understand it let alone teach others. I wasted a great deal of time and money. To conclude, if you want to learn real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from world champion caliber instructors, in a clean and organized facility hit up Balance Studios.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

lonnie beck

I have been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a few years now and I have come to love Balance Studios. I have trained in Brazil a few times over the past couple of years and I can confidently say that they are indeed one of the best Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world. I currently travel 2 1/2 hours (round trip) every week to train with Ricardo Migliarese who is one of the best teachers I have encountered in my twenty-four years of martial arts. Phil and Rick have built their school to embody the "Gracie System" and the quality of their students reflect that. So, if you are looking for a place to train in Philadelphia consider this, shopping for price, convenience, closeness to home or trying find a teacher with a cool accent will only deprive you of making you the best version of yourself. Nothing in life worth having is easily obtained. If you want to be the best you have to train with the best. That is Balance Studios.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Yin Yin C

Balance is a great place with awesome teachers. It was a bit intimidating at first, having such close contact with strangers in sweaty gis. However the atmosphere at Balance helped a lot, between the amazing teachers at Balance and the great camaraderie between the students. As a girl, having a great women's group at Balance made me feel safe too. We have an awesome group of women who train at Balance regularly. And I met my penguin at Balance, I consider her one of my best friends, without Balance we never would have met!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Clara Green

This is the place to go for top notch instruction. The instructors are not only very skilled practitioners of the art but masterful teachers as well. It's one thing to be very good at jiu jitsu and another to be able to translate that into detailed and comprehensible instruction. It can be tough sometimes, as a woman in the sport, to get the attention to your game that you need. The focus at other schools might be on just the men and women are a secondary consideration. I have never stepped through the doors at Balance and felt like I was anything other than just another person on the mat struggling to improve my game. Ultimately, I think that is what women are looking for and they can find it here.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Daniel Shpigel

Couldn't ask for more out of an MMA gym. The best Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai trainers and a bunch of friendly but experienced killers that have endless knowledge.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Marc Kravitz

For Philadelphia parents looking to instill their kids with discipline, self-confidence and the ability to protect themselves, the children's JiuJitsu program at Balance Studios is unparalleled. Both my son and daughter have gone through the program and LOVED the way they were taught. Sign up NOW!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Jooyoung Lee

This is an awesome school. Phil and Rick are black belts under Relson Gracie (the second oldest Gracie son). I've had the great fortune of training at multiple gyms in the US and Canada and have nothing but the highest compliments about this gym. Once you walk in the door, you will get the feeling that this is a school run with a family vibe. Your instructors and training partners will become your friends and you'll be rushing back to take more classes. There is a no meathead rule here as well. The people are respectful, collegial, and fun to train with.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Phillip Nguyen

Awesome school and even better people. Me and my brother both train here and have a phenomenal experience. First of all the pricing is on par with most schools in the city. We have checked literally every school in the city and no one has the amount of black belts that can teach you and that you can roll with. Ever since we started Phil, Ric and Frank have treated us like family. All the students there are genuine and helpful as well. Of course you will have the exception but that is at every gym. Overall I will promise you that this is def the place to go if you want to learn the art of BJJ. They even brought in Andy Russell as a Muay Thai Coach...he is a monster!!! I get training from Ric, Phil and Frank literally almost everyday, so i don't understand why this guy wrote they are never there. Love this place and hope this helps...im in there everyday if you ever want to honestly here my opinion in person....lol

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Justin Sugars

Nice but very expensive.

Facility Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 13 years ago

Christina

I did a free trial day to see if I liked the dojo. Overall I found them (staff and students) to be very friendly and knowledagble about their. I ultimately decided it wasn't for me as knowing how to do something is different than knowing how to teach something. The classes seemed unorganized and unplanned (I took a Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu class). The Jiu Jitsu class felt very unprofessional, the instructor, while a very cool dude, was chewing gum, cussing a lot and literally spent half the class talking about what advanced students can do instead of just running through drills and having us trying them out. I know not everybody cares about those things, mainly wanted to write this to let beginners know they should check out multiple places and not just assume how things are run at one dojo are how they are run at all (I found another one that I like more)

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Akmal Shabazz

This place is located in Center City, no free parking. If you have experience an want to test your self this is the place to be! But if your a beginner ,there are better detail orientated places you should start with first.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai

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Deen Meah

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