Earl Small

Short and simple—it doesn’t get any better than this! Clean and friendly; all skill levels welcome!

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Berry St

Stop in for open mat… great atmosphere and rolling. Son had a great time. Berry Ali .

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Joe Skats Schiavo

Rick and Phil help change my life inside and out there’s no doubt!!! The mats better place with you on it Give jiu-Jitsu a try!!!! They have an amazing team at Balance

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Rich Komar

The finest Jiu Jitsu schools in the northeast

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

This is the best jiu jitsu gym I’ve been to! All of the instructors are incredible and everyone is kind and helpful. I’d recommend anyone who is interested in practicing jiu jitsu or Muay Thai to come here.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jamie Steinberg

Phil, Rick, and the whole team are great! Team Balance or bust.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ari Duenas

Great program for kids, love this place so much.

Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Stephen Peragallo

Phil and Ricky Milgarese have created a a fun professional, and welcoming gym. Top level instruction and friendly members!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Max Glassner

True Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Best in Philly. I love it. Great group of people and great instructors. Lineage is important to me and I am glad that I can continue my Gracie lineage through Rick and Phil. True OGs in the BJJ scene for 30 years now

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

zachary romeo

Balance studios changed my life for the better. I look forward to every class. This gym became family. There's nobody like Phil and Rick.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Yehuda Sichel

Best jujitsu school in the world!! Great teachers and friendly students! So much knowledge in one room

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Kyle Sefcik

As a fellow MMA gym owner and professional fighter, I am very specific of where I train. This place was incredible and I felt like a true student of the art again. Everyone was so awesome in character and skill. Thank you Phil and Ric

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Kaila Foresta

Hands down the best BJJ and Muay Thai studio around! Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Eric Eysenbach

My daughter attended a trial class with Steve and quite a few neighborhood kids who attend. Nice clean space, Steve was very nice to the newcomers. It would appear that my daughter will be attending classes here now. And she loves it so far....

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ted Shoemark

Balance Studios set an amazing bar for quality of training and teaching in Martial Arts! As an out-of-towner seeking a good place to train, I was welcomed with smiles and good will, not to mention a plethora of excellent training partners with a wealth of experience and skills. Whether you're a new or experienced student, roll into Balance Studios for a first class lesson!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

eric stafford

I started training with the Migliarese brothers in 2006 and found the community to be very welcoming. as a new student I was given time to grow my skill and confidence before actively training with the more experienced students. I thought I was just joining a gym but I got a wonder community of friends that have to this day!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Sean Robichaud

There's no way I can say enough good things about balance in this review. The instructors are all top notch, the training is world class and, most importantly, you'll never meet a more welcoming and inviting group of straight up killers. I've trained at a lot of great BJJ gyms all over the country and there's a reason balance is my home gym. I've met some of my best friends training here and the community is so top tier that when my wife was interested in starting to train, I didn't think twice about bringing her... that was 2 years ago and she's been training at balance ever since. If you're interested in competing, the competition training will get you where you need to be and then some. If you're interested in learning self-defense, the balance curriculum keeps true to the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and focuses on real, proven self defense. No matter why you're interested in training, I guarantee you'll get what you're looking for here.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Paul Domenick

I drive 45 mins up and back to get to Balance 4x a week. There are plenty of other Jiu-Jitsu schools minutes from my home, but none of them match the quality, environment, and high level of the teaching that Balance Studios provides. Phil and Rick Migliarese are hands down the best in the business. I highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Isaiah Baylor

Balance is the best. It is a very competitive, but a true family for many. If you are in the Philly area, stop by and come get some rounds in. All the instructors are great! Phil and Ricky are always there to help and the experience has always been an experience worth the time.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

robert blumenthal

Best BJJ in philly.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Andrew Rhoades

I couldn't even imagine a better place to learn jiu jitsu or muay thai.Thai.. I absolutely love this place...I love the easy to understand teaching from Rick and Phil. This is totally a team atmosphere. The black belts will help you when they are training with you...very very rare....I love the coaches, I love the men and women on the mat. If you even have a tiny interest in martial arts go to Balance and see your interest blossom...and bare fruit!! I've trained at a lot of gyms....no more this is my home Andy Rhoades

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Place of Peace BJJ

Great people and great training. They are the best in Philly for a reason. What more is there to ask for?

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Wesley Showalter

Phil, Rick, and everyone at team balance is top notch! If you are looking for a solid community and learning experience, go to balance for BJJ or Muay Thai!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Timur Dunaev

Long winded review coming through. If you are in for short review - here it is: go join Balance. If you want to hang around, keep on reading. As a black belt in two traditional martial arts (aikido and kendo) I came in to Balance in order to find that evasive “real life” training experience most people talk about. Instead I found a way of life, a community, and a life long pursuit, well worth time spent doing it. First of all, as far as lineage goes - it is as legit as it gets, literally first hand Helio students. You want world champions? Also here! But much more importantly- life long committed martial artists. Both Phil and Rick inspire you through action. Living and teaching BJJ live stile is not a gimmick for them, it is what they do. And if you do not find perfectly matching personality in them, there are literally dozens of student and instructor black belts who are always more than happy to support you. Flexibility in training locations is unmatched, and all facilities are world class through and through. Come join on all the fun. It is well worth it!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jennifer Mathes

Balance Studios is the best! Great instructors who want each individual to achieve their very best. All locations have amazing kids classes with safety as a priority while teaching applicable and age appropriate self defense. They take the time to know all of their students!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Michael Ranalli

The best training in Philly! Phil and Rick are world-class teachers, but so are so many of their staff and students. My jiu jitsu has improved immensely, and the optimal class timing means i get to train BJJ and Muay Thai. Lastly, the kid’s class has also been an incredible environment for my 2 sons to learn and train.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Yulia Malkova

I was in this location for bjj women class, beginners class and I love this place. Super beginners friendly, I liked how classes was structured. If you want you can roll with higher belts and learn from them too. Love the atmosphere

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Nicole Quattrone

Thank you for an amazing intro to Muay Thai, coach Dylan!! I took Dylan’s Tuesday 6pm class and was blown away at how kind and welcoming he was. He is extremely knowledgeable and patient despite me being a newbie surrounded by high level athletes. Dylan took the time to explain the mechanics of the move and he waited until I executed to move on. I encourage anyone who is interested in Muay Thai to check this class out. Even if you don’t fall in love with Muay Thai, you will at least have gotten an awesome workout in and gained some knowledge!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Sean BG

Great place for genuine Gracie Jiu Jitsu. As close to the source as you can get.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Troy X. Musto

This studio is world class.

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Atom Olson

Great Place to get some quality Brazilian Jiujitsu Training, Phil and Rick are great instructors, and the level of athlete in the gym is very high. Expect, good challenging rolls as well as a friendly environment to learn in.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Kevin Patrick

Super cool, everyone was really easy going and helpful.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Ernie Coney

I loved my visit there, i will be back asap

Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Nav Singh

This location is full of amazing high level athletes who are humble and willing to help you reach your potential in the art of BJJ. One of the best BJJ gyms I've ever been to, highly recommend!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Enrique Reyes

If you’re interested in jiujitsu for exercise, self defense, or even making a career out of it, the Migliarese brothers are amazing instructors. You’ll be able to learn jiujitsu at your own pace and in a very clean and safe environment. I would give 6 stars if possible.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Devon Thomas

Awesome group of people, and the level of talent in the room in second to none.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Jujitsu Americas

These guys are the real deal, Legitimate Gracie Black Belts; Organized Curriculum; terrific facilities. Truly world class. Go now.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Erik Schulte

Incredible people and community. A great place to learn Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Wendy Taylor

This gym is pretty awesome! Instructors are on point with detailed instruction and very professional. The muay thai workout is pretty intense but its exactly what I need. Overall great vibes!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

TD

Did a drop in class here last night and I can’t say enough good about this gym. Staff was incredibly welcoming, polite, and professional but laid back. Gave instruction in a clear and easy to understand way. I’m still relatively new (just getting back after a long hiatus) but there was no “meathead/smash everything” attitude in the gym, just hard technical rolling/drills. Many of the higher belts made it a point to offer helpful advice and pointers for me which was very helpful (shout-out to purple belt Ben). If you’re interested in BJJ, I strongly recommend training here, great place to learn for all skills.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

A. Jordan Rushie

Balance is the best. Great instructors, zero drama, and an awesome group of people to train with. Couldn't be happier.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Hoyeol Choe

I trained Jiu Jitsu at several different gyms and Balance Studios is the best experience I've ever had. From the passionate and dedicated instructors, the endless amount of talented training partners, and the family like atmosphere is what sets Balance Studios apart from the rest. Literally from the day I came to Balance Studios to the day I left, Phil and Rick Migliarese have helped me out a lot. These experiences will never be forgotten and I will be forever grateful.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Pedro R

January 2017 was the first time I stepped into Balance Studios. I had made up my mind to do something I had always wanted to do. So one morning as I was driving up Frankford, Balance Studios, caught my eye. I was a bit nervous, but after the first class I knew I was in good hands. I found myself looking forward to class everyday. All the coaches are amazing and dedicated to helping you improve. Whether you’re looking for self defense, competition jiu jitsu, MMA, or Muay Thai, Balance is the place to do it. I was fortunate in having found the best place in Philadelphia that day. With the best instructors Phil and Rick Migliarese, who have 30 plus years of experience combined. I am truly grateful to have teammates and instructors who are passionate to teach and help others and for that reason I can say I love Balance and I know you will too.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

mark likosky

I trained at the Center City location for a few years. Would even ride my bike n the freezing cold so I consider myself extremely lucky they opened a gym in Fishtown. The Migliarese brothers treated me like family the day I walked in the door and all the other instructors are super passionate and knowledgeable about Jiu Jitsu. This is one martial art where your gym really matters and these guys make sure the environment is safe and fun to learn in. Phil and Ric are some of the most experienced instructors on the East Coast. They learned Jiu Jitsu directly from Helio and his family who brought the art here from Brazil. They've been in the scene since before UFC and stay up to date with all the new techniques while continuing to emphasize basic self defense. They also have a solid back ground in striking, fitness and yoga so this is a place where all your bases are covered. It's been amazing to see so many people start at this location and progress into great grapplers while getting into awesome shape. If you're on the fence about checking out Jiu Jitsu, don't wait like I did. The best day to start is today so grab a coffee on Frankford Ave at Cake Life or La Colombe then pop in and say hello!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

William Algeo

Favorite time of the week

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Stic Dan

Great place to train with great people ....TEAM BALANCE is great 👍🏽

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Charlie Vinch

What an incredible school to learn authentic Gracie jiujitsu in a safe and friendly environment ! Highly recommend this facility for pros and beginners. Phil and Rick are great instructors and it really shows.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

gregory johnson

I have been fortunate to train all over in my travels for work. The Migliarese brothers have always been the stop to make when I'm in the northeast of the country. When I finally made the move to their school full time. I have to say they have been the most welcoming and truly made me feel like family from the beginning. Here and the famous Gracie Academy of Torrance,Ca have both made me feel part of a family. Which is fitting because of the common quality they share. The level of Jiujitsu, atmosphere, and instruction is fantastic. In Jiujitsu it is common for schools to develop a family feel. But few truly are and look out for each other. Phil and Rick model that behavior and are the real deal. Their training experience at the Original gracie Academy has led them to foster an east coast version of the same. If you're in Philly check them out. If you're looking for a place that will provide legit self defense and do so in an amazing atmosphere and you live in Philly this should be home.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Vu Scooby

Legit instruction not only from the instructors but from the students as well. A vast majority of the students have been there since the beginning. Great all around environment, never a shortage of training partners and access to Center City, Northeast, and numerous Balance affiliates.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

David Lent

Balance Studios is the best place for jiu jitsu, mma, and kick boxing in the Philadelphia area for EVERYONE from beginners with zero experience to trained fighters they will make you feel comfortable and welcome at all times! Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

thehasuprobe

Love training here! Everyone is awesome.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Dina Yarmus

I started training jiujitsu about 3 years ago and I happen to google best places at the time and came to Balance Studios. I quickly fell in love with training even as a beginner. It has nourished my confidence, put me in great physical shape and connected me with a beautiful diverse community of dedicated practitioners. Rick and Phil are amazing martial artists and people to learn from and have so many black belts and advanced belts to train with its unlike any school or learning environment. The people run the gamut from students, working folks who train on their time off to professional fighters. Even the kids who train are amazing! This location is clean, friendly and worth the investment! Can't rave enough about Balance Studios - Fishtown and how it has impacted my life for the better!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Judah Ciervo

Although I began training at Balance Studios in March of 2013, Ricardo recently reminded me that I have been a part of the Balance family since they first opened their doors in 2002. The past four years have been the most challenging of my life but having Balance Studios as a part of my daily life during this time has enabled me to become stronger by giving me the opportunity to continue my martial arts journey through the study of Gracie Jiu-jitsu under the world class instruction of the Migliarese and Vogel brothers as well as the other wonderful, friendly, funny, tough and knowledgeable instructors such as Aldo, Angie, John, Mauro, Paul, Ricardo, Steve, etc., who teach every Balance Studios class. Lastly on a personal note, training at Balance Studios allowed me to reconnect with my "Fight Father" Ajarn Andy Russell and to continue and deepen my study of Muay Thai under his expert guidance. 🙏

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Bryan Bentley

Balance Studios HQ carries on the same spirit that started with Balance Center City back in 2002. That spirit being one of "balance" between world class instruction for the elite athlete all the way down to the most beginner of beginners and everyone in between. A professionally operated and clean place for people of all different backgrounds to come train comfortably without ego. If you live in Philadelphia, the surrounding area, or are visiting, do check out Balance Studios.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Gary I

If you're serious about getting in shape, competing in a martial art, learning self defence, or all three, Balance Studios is for you. At Balance you'll learn and train with legends and high level athletes in the combat sports and Jiu Jitsu world. My Jiu Jitsu has greatly improved in the time I've spent here. Through training I've made friends with awesome people all across Philly, the country, and the world. The HQ is the newest addition to the Balance Schools so all the training equipment, mats, changing rooms, and everything else is all new. I highly recommend this school, best place I've ever trained.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Jay Weinberg

If you're interested in starting martial arts, or experienced looking for something better, Balance Studios is the place to join. Work, life and distance keep me loving Advanced Martial Arts in North Brunswick, NJ, but when I have time I travel, with my instructor Brian Katz's encouragement and blessings, to train at Balance headquarters in Fishtown Philadelphia or one of the other Balance locations, under Phil and Ric Migliarese. I've got black belts in other martial arts, Kung fu helped me focus my life decades ago, and I'm a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I've met a lot of great martial artists and instructors. Balance is at the top of the mountain. Phil and Ricardo are the real deal, balanced with self defense, sport, health and nutrition - yoga permeates the program with Phil a master yoga instructor too. They are Balanced also with humility and a passion to see you improve using their guidance. They have a platoon of experienced black belts who carry on excellence in the practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as an art, with the respectful and caring attitudes forged from years training under Phil and Ricardo. I tapped not because they are more brutal than guys I survive with, but because their BJJ is smoother, they are more slick. There are so many levels of Jiujitsu; you will find those levels at Balance. Make no mistake, these guys are fighting killers who greet you with a handshake not a fist. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an amazing martial art. If your a parent looking for something positive for your child, looking to train as an adult, or you're a UFC level fighter, call or visit Phil and Ric.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Evan Zaremba

Such a great place to train, great environment, great instructors.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Bill T

Balance Studios offers excellent instruction in authentic Gracie Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, and Yoga. The instructors are the best I have seen. The environment is always positive and friendly. I have noticed that the students and instructors make it a point to make new people feel comfortable and welcome. I highly recommend training here! Best in Philly!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Paul Moore

The reason why I chose to train at Balance Studios is simple, family. When I first walked into Balance I was greeted right away by Ricardo Migliarese who was teaching a noon class. We talked about a few things and I told him that I trained, and he let me know that the door was always open for me to come in when I liked. Well one night after work I took him up on his offer and I was thrilled with the great instruction and training. I then met Phil Migliarese, and I had never experienced classes the way he runs them. People like to say that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. I would say this. Jiu Jitsu is for everyone, if you have an instructor that gears his class for everyone. No matter weather you are a recreational player, someone in for self defense, a tournament compeditor, or pro or ammature MMA fighter Phil knows how to teach it with all of these people mixed in as one group. None of these guys knew me, but they all treated me like I was one of them. Whenever someone walk through that front door someone greets you, weather it is an instructor or another student and they are always happy to help you and point you in the right direction. I have done this more than a few times myself in the past 7 years there, and I realized it’s something that just happens because you take pride in saying that you are from Team Balance. As a friend, and jiu jitsu mentor of mine always says, “That’s how we do!”

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Balance Studios HQ: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai

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