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The kids and adults martial arts school in Fresh Meadows, NY. See why hundreds of Fresh Meadows residents love our martial arts classes.
Reviews
SARMED Yokhana
Love the level of attention and care my son is having here at Bushidokan. The Staff is professional and caring. wonderful experience so far!
We have been very happy with Bushidokan! It’s been a great experience for our son. Alex has been very helpful and is always very responsive. The instructors are patient and great with the kids. They are very encouraging which I can tell makes a big difference for the students. I also love that it’s reasonably priced and there are 2 classes per week instead of just one. The consistency is helping our son.
I can’t say enough good things about Professor Alex Szygowsk and the curriculum at Bushidokan. The instruction is top notch, the techniques are effective, and approach of discipline and respect puts it all together for the students.
I started my Jiu Jitsu journey with a trial at Bushidokan in Sept. '23 as a 53 year old. Ever since, I've been all-in because: I feel it's the best full-body work out, I'm constantly learning and since I joined I've lost 25lbs. Additionally, I feel stronger, younger and Jiu Jitsu for me is cerebral because of the constant situational problem solving.
Bushidokan, as a school is great!
- It's clean, welcoming and inviting
- The members are diverse from all kinds of backgrounds and they're all supportive
- The instruction and techniques taught by the professor and instructors are well explained as they care about everyone getting elevated
I highly recommend Bushidokan for a place to learn self-defense, get a great workout in, and for all (kids and adults) to become better versions of themselves.
*2 Month Update: joining and sticking it out has been an awesome experience. If you decide to do BJJ, this is a great school to start. However, commit to at least one month/10 classes. Set your expectations that this is difficult, and the process is the experience. I've already seen several people come and then quit. The first 3 classes are the hardest it will ever be, so stick it out. Your development comes just from showing up again so don't quit on yourself.*
This is a great school and the people are great! It’s very welcoming for beginners and it's great training from the best BJJ lineage. I’ve been to a few schools and am happy I found this one here in Rochester.
I've been training here for a year, and it's been an amazing experience. The instructors are highly skilled and truly dedicated to helping every student grow. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Highly recommend this Bushidokan Martial Arts school!
My son has been going to Bushidokan for 2 months and has been enjoying the fun and challenge of learning Jujitsu. Sensei Alex and his staff have been instrumental in his skill development and character building. They've created a fun, safe, and inviting environment to learn self defense, discipline, and commitment. I would highly recommend this dojo.
I recently joined Bushidokan Martial Arts for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, providing clear, detailed instruction that caters to all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner, you’ll find the training challenging and rewarding.
The facility itself is top-notch, with clean, well-maintained mats and plenty of space for rolling. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, making it easy to connect with other students and feel part of the community. Everyone here is passionate about BJJ, which creates a motivating environment to train and improve.
What sets Bushidokan Martial Arts apart is the emphasis on technique and safety. The classes are well-structured, ensuring that we learn proper form and avoid injuries. The instructors take the time to provide individual feedback, helping each student progress at their own pace.
I’ve seen significant improvements in my skills and fitness since joining, and I look forward to every class. If you’re looking for a place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I highly recommend Bushidokan Martial Arts. It’s a fantastic investment in your physical and mental well-being.
If you're looking for a place to train Brazilian jiu-jitsu in a welcoming, supportive environment, look no further than Bushidokan. I've been training here for the past year and a half and it's been a totally positive experience.
I wanted to pursue a martial art for the first time in my 30’s to stay fit, improve my mental health and learn to defend myself. I didn’t want a competitive, tournament driven environment - but something more practical and functional, and thats what Bushidokan teaches through its Moreira lineage.
Sensei Alex and the other instructors here are knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to help you improve. Whether you're just starting or you’re an experienced practitioner, they'll take the time to work with you one-on-one to make sure you're getting the most out of each training.
I can say without a doubt that my fitness and self-defense skills have already improved dramatically since I started training here. If you share those goals, and want to be part of a supportive community, this is the place to be.
It was my very first session last night. Sensei is very calm and composed, looks very disciplined. Got a fresh new pair of uniform and let join the class right away -- learning by doing 👍. Current students are very friendly -- many thanks to Myles and Bill who partnered with me and taught me the exercises with much patience👍! I thought how Myles and Bill took me in speaks of the good culture in the dojo 👍! The mat is in very good shape too 👍! Before my class started I had opportunity to see young boys and girls doing sparring in jiu-jitsu -- it was fun, makes me recall my boyhood sparring with my friends at school playground during recess 🙂👍!
This is a great place for kids to learn solid martial arts technique in a friendly environment. Bushidokan Martial Arts was recommended by friends and we couldn't be happier. Sensei Alex is able to run a fun class while commanding respect and discipline from his students. We would highly recommend this for others looking to get their kids moving in a fun way.
I have been training BJJ here for just under two years. Sensei Alex, the instructors, and everybody else have been extremely supportive the whole time. If you’re willing to put in the work they’ll give you whatever help you need! I highly recommend this Dojo if you’re looking for a great place to train.
My son has been doing jiu-jitsu for about 3 months now and he absolutely loves it. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and great with the kids. They have created a fun and safe environment to learn self-defense, discipline, and respect. I highly recommend Bushidokan Martial Arts to any parent looking for a great martial arts program for their child.
I highly recommend Bushidokan academy for kids. My son loved going there for almost a year, but unfortunately we moved quite far away and we couldn't continue attending. My son was always excited to earn a "character stripe," which is part of the "Character Development program" implemented by Sensei Alex to develop strong Social-Emotional Learning and growth mindset skills.
Fantastic place for kids. Sensei Alex and the other instructors are fun and loving but firm and expect students to grow. They teach not just the martial art on the mat but how to bring the virtues of confidence, discipline, courage, persistence and respect to daily life.
Sensei Alex and all of the students welcomed me right from the start. From the highest ranked student to your own rank or below, everyone helps each other to have better, stronger techniques.
That said, Sensei Alex has some special skills assessing the whole student and encouraging them to grow from the inside and allow Aikido to be the vessel of self growth if you will.
I know that sounds strange, but I am more impressed with Sensei’s insight to his students the more I train Aikido at his dojo.
My girls have been taking classes here for about 6 months now and they LOVE it. I have noticed a significant change in behavior at home as well as watching them grow at the gym. Sensi Alex is like no one I have ever met before. He cares so much about the students, but he is also teaching the kids to show respect for not only him but themselves and the other students. He truly cares and that is what caught my attention when we started our trial run there. I also must call out SenPi Russell. I feel blessed that he is not only a teacher at my kids school but also an instructor here. He also cares so much about the students and giving them confidence to be the best they can be. He takes time to talk to the students when they’re having a difficult moment and I appreciate everything he has done for my kids as well! We love this gym!!
Sensai Alex knows what he’s talking about in bjj and in other mmas also is a great instructor. Very friendly environment and a great place to learn bjj.
Our children have been training at Bushidokan Martial Arts for 3 months and love it. The program that Sensei Alex has put together has provided a place for our children to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and grow as people. The children's classes are well structured with a good balance of instruction, practice, and fun.
My son has been a student at Bushidokan for almost a year and he loves the classes.
We have definitely noticed improvements in his behavior at home, which I believe has a lot to do with the character development stripes that can be earned (or taken away) by parents.
The physical component to the class is great since we have a very active boy but the main reason we signed up is the mental/mindfulness advantage it can give your kids - staying calm and collected in stressful situations is an art and we’re very pleased that Sensei Alex incorporates mindfulness.
If your family is new to martial arts like we were, I highly suggest coming in - your kids will love it!
This place is amazing, I let them know what I wanted out of the program for my son and they are in line with that. Sensei Alex is GREAT! The students are great also, so willing to help my son even on his first class, I'm very impressed and happy my son looks forward to going each week. I would highly recommend!!
I cannot overstate the immensely positive impact Sensei Alex and his team have had on helping to build up my child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Even after just a handful of sessions, the difference in his confidence level is night and day. The Kids Jiu Jitsu classes are so engaging, welcoming, fun, and packed full of great training, that Tuesdays and Thursdays are now his favorite days of the week!
What a great gym to start training at! The staff and main instructor Sensei Alex really make you feel welcome. I signed my 8 year old son up for the kids program last year and after watching a few of his classes I decided sign up for the adult class. They have programs for all levels of BJJ so as you progress you can move into the more advanced classes.
My son loves it! Sensei teaches kids life lessons, discipline, integrity, respect and provides parents with resources to help children grow. Highly recommend!
As a BJJ student from another school in Texas, I was looking for a place to learn technique, train hard, and have fun with others.
After trying a few other schools here in Michigan and sustaining a few injuries that kept taking me off the mat, I stumbled across this school.
I loved the you break it you buy it policy. Don't hurt others, or else you pay for their school costs.
This sets the stage that we are here to train, we are here to learn, and most importantly, doing so in a safe environment.
Well, as safe an environment as martial arts can be. I have loved coming here to train and hope to see new faces, be prepared to sweat and have your personal space invaded!
I have been training BJJ here for several months now, and i must say the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Sensei Alex is patient and more than willing to explain techniques if a student is having trouble understanding a movement or concept. the other people that train here have been incredibly welcoming and make you feel right at home.
I have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here for 6 months now. You will find it to be a very clean, positive, and welcoming atmosphere for students of all levels. Sensei does an excellent job of identifying student's strengths and areas for improvement in order to deliver effective coaching. If you are looking to try something new to develop both physically and mentally, I recommend trying a class.
I came to this gym for BJJ for several months in 2019. Sensei Alex is professional and will accurately gauge your knowledge of the subject and adjust his instructions appropriately. If you’re a beginner Sensei Alex and your fellow students will make you feel at ease. I got a promotion through work and had to move away otherwise I would’ve stayed here. I would highly recommend.
I have been training here for about 6 months now. Sensei Alex, as well as everyone else who trains here is super welcoming. You can expect consistent growth with an atmosphere that makes training exciting. I would definitely recommend Bushidokan Martial Arts, ecspecially if you are new to BJJ.
Have been attending classes here for about 2 years, always felt welcome with the desire to train. As a slow learner, I get to work and learn at my own pace. Sensei Alex has always been supportive and patient, he helps with our progress and focus to learn and become mentally stringer. Very friendly environment, you get all the help you need to learn. Always grateful that this place helped learn and grow with good experience.
I have been training Jiu Jitsu at MAABJJA since September. This is a great way to learn some basic self defense, keep in shape, and/or add some full body training to your existing workout schedule! Sensei Alex is very talented, and the other students are fun and diverse. Truly any age, gender, or weight can do Jiu Jitsu and have a great time! Hope to see you there!
MABJJA is the most fantastic Martial Art school, the instructor Alex is amazing, everybody on the Dojo is respectful and awesome, We are a really family.
Wonderful place for kids to develop their physical skills and mental discipline. My two daughters ages 9 and 11 are part of the kids jiu-jitsu classes and the love it. Twice a week they get to practice their skill and get their heart rate up a bit and get some exercise. The instructor is wonderful. He is at the same time strict and warm toward the kids and reinforces the keys to proper etiquette in the dojo, and what it means to be respectful towards others. We have been going over a year now and we love it. When the time allows I'll join the adult classes.
MABJJA is a great place for people of all ages, genders, and abilities to train martial arts. I have trained BJJ here for over 2 years, and as a woman, I have always felt included and treated with respect from my male training partners and instructors. If you are interested in martial arts, this is an excellent place to start your training!
Great class and great teachers. I have been coming here for a few months and loved it since my first day! It is the perfect place to relieve stress and get into shape even if you don't work out at all. It is also a great place for girls and guys to build up confidence, and grow physically and mentally. Everyone I have met here is extremely nice and it is always a great vibe in each class! I would highly recommend it!
Our kids joined the Academy over a year ago and really enjoy it. I am a former Martial Arts instructor who was picky choosing a school that had a great kids program. Sensei Alex does a great job teaching important skills in a fun way.
Before I started my Aikido training I was going through some major changes in my life. Some good some not so good. This is of part of life. I woke up every day feeling stressed and had high anxiety. I could not focus on a single task, and that would cause frustration and lead to anger.
This year I started my Aikido training with Sensei Alex. My first night I was being my usual high stressed self, and I will never forget what Sensei Alex said to me. He pulled me aside, we sat down and he said, “Don’t compete with the other students compete with yourself and be patient”. This started my path to a new way of thinking. It hasn’t even been one year since I started my training, and already I have noticed some major changes in how I deal with life. I am more relaxed, which allows me to focus. Now I find myself not getting so easily frustrated and letting go of my anger. After every class I feel relaxed and full of energy at the same time, but most importantly I feel true happiness.
Aikido for me is not about violence it’s not about competition. Aikido is about valuing life, being patient with yourself. Learning to relax and to live in the moment.
Everyone at this Dojo is extremely helpful. There is a feeling of community and not competition. Starting my training was the best gift I could ever give to myself.
Regards,
Igor Djordjevski
Sensei Aleksander Szygowski is an excellent teacher and motivator of the martial arts. His classes are set up in such a manner that no student gets left behind. His advanced students are given the opportunity to show case their knowledge by helping those grades under them while under the direction of Sensei. New students are walked through techniques and are provided with attention and access to ask questions whenever the need arises.
Sensei Alex has attributes that promotes discipline and respect it is shown in how clean his dojo is kept by not only him, but by us students as well. These qualities are shown more so in how everyone treats one another coming into, during and after classes.
Michigan Aikido Academy is an open and welcoming dojo with space provided for family to watch (and join!) As well as being a positive space where one can let go of their troubles of the day and just be a martial artist.
If you are interested in Aikido or Brazilian Jujitsu, this is the place to be. Alex is a wonderful instructor who takes the time to make sure each student knows what they are doing. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging no matter their rank. When I first started I was very nervous to be mixed in with higher ranks, but I quickly noticed the very respectful atmosphere of the dojo and I felt very comfortable. I enjoy my time here very much.
An outstanding place to train. The dojo is very clean and uncluttered. The class atmosphere is disciplined and respectful but at the same time the students are happy and very willing to help each other. Aleksander Szygowski Sensei has not only great credentials, but brings a teaching style that is very accommodating to all; no matter their age, fitness level or experience, he shows us that we all can learn. I am 65 years old and feel very comfortable training here. I highly recommend the Michigan Aikido Academy.
This place is truly amazing , i have learned so much in such a short amount of time here and will continue to do so. Sensei Alex Szygowski is a great teacher and its a great learning environment am thankful to be learning from some of the best here ! OSU
I have wanted to get into a Martial Art of some sort for about 6 years. After finishing up my schooling, I decided that it was time to finally do something about it and get going. After looking at the reviews online for various dojo around Shelby Township, I decided to give Sensei Alex a call.
From the first interaction, Sensei takes the time to show you what you're interested in. Whether it be Aikido or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he goes through a personal crash course to see what you prefer. From there, you can pay for a 6 week trial, which is very reasonable, and can show up to as many days of the week as there are classes.
Having signed up for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I attend Tuesdays and Thursdays (Friday also has class, but my schedules are booked), and have thoroughly enjoyed the professionalism, passion, and dedication that Sensei Alex and Senpai Romeo have shown. It is a great experience, and the people are all very welcoming. There is no pressure to jump onto the mat and have to "prove yourself"
This is a fantastic place to learn aikido or BJJ. Sensei Alex is very thorough, patient, and encouraging, and you never feel dumb or intimidated while training. It's a very relaxed environment for students of any skill level.
I've been training in aikido for around 6 months, and I absolutely love it. I started training to help ease PTSD symptoms (severe anxiety and depression), as well as to help improve my self-confidence. It's been slow, but I'm definitely noticing a change in myself. I'm more confident and dedicated, and am able to better manage my anxiety and depression. And better yet, it keeps improving the longer I'm attending class.
The aikido we learn is a good balance between tradition and practicality. We learn some traditional techniques and some practical techniques geared toward real-life scenarios. Aikido is not an "aggressive" martial art - it's defensive. We learn a lot of pins and joint locks - ways of escaping an assault or incapacitating an attacker. This makes it ideal for smaller students or those without a lot of muscle - you don't have to be big or strong to effectively use the techniques.
I'd also like to comment that the dojo is always clean (students help with the cleaning) and it doesn't have a "foot" smell like some dojos.
My daughter and I have been training at the Michigan Aikido & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy for about 3 months now, so far the experience has been great. My daughter looks forward to attending the children's classes, Sensei Alex makes learning martial arts both fun and educational. The adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes I'm taking are awesome, I'm learning something new everyday, and it's a great workout. Another aspect I like about attending this academy and Sensei Alex is that the main focus is put towards learning martial arts and not a lot focus towards the business side.
My son and daughter have been going to jujitsu since the academy opened and I can honestly say that the classes have taught my children how to defend themselves, how to discipline themselves and a self worth that wasn't there prior to the classes. Thank you Alex, you truly care about our children in every sense of the word.
Sensei Alex runs a fun and disciplined dojo for both Aikido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
This is a great place to study martial arts as it is very clean and professional. I am currently the only woman in the adult BJJ program and think it is a very welcoming and friendly place to learn how to roll. The other students here take their training seriously and classes are always fun. I studied Ryokukai Karate Do for several years in Downriver as a child and feel that the Aikido that Sensei Alex teaches naturally compliments my former training.
Not only will taking classes here improve your fitness levels but you will also learn how to defend yourself in real-life situations. I often travel alone for work and when I mentioned that to Sensei Alex he spent the entire class period teaching us self-defense techniques that can be used in elevators and crowded bars. I feel that my training here has increased my confidence and my awareness of what is going on around me; since beginning my training here in BJJ and Aikido I have yet to receive any further trouble while traveling for work.
Sensi Alex is a good teacher and focuses on more street oriented jujitzu so if you come here to train self defense this is the place for you. We also have some people who compete in tournaments.
Michigan Aikido Academy is great martial arts school. I have been training with Sensei Alex for almost two years now. My previous martial arts experience includes more than 10 years of Kyokushin Karate training, Special Forces hand-to-hand fighting and Sambo. Some years ago I moved from practicing hard fighting styles to soft fighting styles link Systema and Aikido. It takes way more skill to apply Aikido to real life situations because your timing has to be perfect for your technique to work, but when you get to the level when you timing becomes more accurate and your movements more relaxed and precise, you can truly start appreciate art like Aikido and Systema. Sensei Alex has helped me a lot with understanding principles of Aikido. He always has positive attitude towards his students and life in general. It does not matter if you have previous martial art experience or not, you will be welcomed by Sensei Alex and you will feel as home in his dojo.
A good, clean, effective Aikido school. Sensei Alex is very patient and takes the time to explain the finer details of each technique, and is a highly skilled practitioner in Aikido and JiuJitsu.
The sensei's respectful attitude is also reflected in the other students, creating a safe non-ego environment to improve my art. I have trained here since 2015 (and have 20+ years experience) and highly recommended this dojo.
If you are considering training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu read this review fully!
This is a great place to learn BJJ! I signed originally for the 6 week trial period to get my feet wet and fell in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the training.
As a beginner I highly recommend this class because Sensi Alex focuses on the basics and building you from the ground up. Sensi told me a great analogy that has stuck with me to this day, "right now you are learning letters, soon you will be making words, before you know it, you'll be creating sentences..." this was a great teaching lesson and a beautiful example of the care and effort Sensi Alex will put into your training.
If you want to compete, learn BJJ for self defense, or just get a great workout this is the spot for you. I would highly recommend that if you have any interest at all, stop in, meet the family and have some fun!
I have been attending Michigan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a year now. I can say with out a doubt, that ever since I met Sensei Alex, I knew I found the perfect school for me. He has an amazing kids program teaching them how to defend themselves against bullies and gain confidence in a fun environment. The adult program he has is top notch. I am proud to be a student of this amazing school! Thank you sensei Alex
Sensi Alex is an amazing teacher. He really takes the time with every student individually showing them little techniques that will help them master the craft. If anyone wants to learn any specific move he is always willing to work that into class to teach it. I have learned a lot from him this school is defiantly one I highly recommend.
I've only studied with Sensei Alex for about 6 months, but every class I've attended has been great. Most of us are of lower ranks, but Sensei throws (literally) in advanced techniques during the Friday classes. No big egos from the higher rank students, as has been my experience in past martial arts training. As a member of the military, we receive no type of defense training, Aikido is extremely practical to both my everyday and my deployment life. I wish I would have started training with Sensei Alex years ago! OSU!
Being in Law Enforcement I feel that Aikido is an essential skill to have. Sensei Alex uses traditional techniques with practical application. Having previously studied in Aikido, I was looking for an instructor that embraces "old school" etiquette and Dojo discipline, Sensei Alex does both. I have even started my kids in his kids Brazilian Jujitsu class. Sensei Alex is very patient and makes training fun for the kids while teaching them valuable defensive and protective tools. Stop in and watch a class for yourself!
I always admired Steven Seagal movies and his Aikido moves until I found out about the Michigan Aikido Academy and Sensei Alex. Now I’m not only admire, but also learn and practice these and other Aikido techniques in his newly opened dojo and it feels real good. Domo arigato, Sensei!
Sensei Aleks is amazing he has a lot of knowledge on what he teaches , he perfectly teaches Aikido and Brazilian Ju Jitsu and these styles compliment each other a lot. He makes sure each and every student understands the lesson by checking up on every student one by one and asks if we have any questions on the technique. He is amazing with kids and they love him, he teaches them in a way that they understand using things that they are familiar with. I am hooked on him for life.
