NYC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

780 8th Ave #302, New York, NY 10036, USA

4.9 (66 reviews)

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Vitor Shaolin's BJJ Academy is NYC's premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school for kids and adults. We offer flexible memberships under expert black belt instruction, and with our Easy Start program, students get 2 classes for $29.99!

https://www.bjjnewyorkcity.com/

(212) 957-4045

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Reviews

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Filip Vulic

Phenomenal club, great coaches!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jim

Started taking class with Jefferson (the handsome fellow in the first pic) a couple months ago. Came in totally new and out of shape. Jefferson has done a great job walking through techniques in a controlled space. The space is clean and well maintained. The staff(shout to Norma and Aaliyah) are friendly and personable. If you’re interested in trying out bjj I cannot suggest this place enough!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Parker Pridgen

Jefferson and his team excel at guiding students through the learning process, ensuring that each step builds on the last. Their expertise and dedication are truly unmatched. When I started, I had little to no experience, yet I never felt out of my depth. The supportive environment they create has deepened my appreciation for the art. I highly recommend anyone interested to give it a try—it's a transformative experience.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Adrian Valentine

Started doing BJJ a few months ago here at NYC BJJ Academy, with Professor Jefferson and couldn’t be more satisfied/happier. The professor if the man, great teacher on and off the mat. One of the best things about this gym is the community. Everyone’s very welcoming and supportive no matter what your skill level is. Got a couple of my buddies to join and the classes are a blast. I’m looking forward to coming here for years to come. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jason Hyun

Great place to start jiu jitsu. Learning from the best prof(Jeferson). He’ll teach you step by step so don’t be afraid to try it out

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Brandon Sardine

NYC BJJ has been an amazing space to train. Professor Jeferson creates a welcoming environment encouraging to newcomer, but also for more competitive practitioners like myself. Jeferson’s instruction is thorough but not rigid and he always gives individual attention when needed. Since training here I’ve won one tournament and placed at another. Excited to keep growing and learning.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
BS

Stopped in for a class when I was in the area. This place is both welcoming, clean, and talented. If you are looking for a place to start your BJJ journey, they will take you in with open arms and you will walk out with confidence you never knew you had. Vitor is a great professor and if you are reading this, sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Tom Morgan

Great school, very professionally and safely run. Elite, patient teachers and a warm and respectful crowd for beginners and experts alike. I get 3-4 bouts of euphoria guaranteed every week. Can't say more than that.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
A. Oliveira

Jiu-jitsu raiz! Shout out to Mauricio Fernandes!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
MarioMurray TV

I love the atmosphere, and even after being away for almost a year due to injury it felt like I never left. Love the support and would recommend that to anyone!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Sanair Cato

Awesome staff and great instructors. The attention to detail is world class

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Kevin Kim

I started my training here and have learned so much from Shaolin, Silvio, Mauricio and Andres, in addition to the tough, but humble training partners. The culture is incredibly accommodating here for students of all levels. Highly recommend considering Shaolin as your instructor. His training is highly focused on mastering fundamentals, and he is there to teach beginners, intermediates and advanced classes with equal level of dedication and passion. Students who show up consistently improve quickly, and it motivates others to keep showing up and working on their technique.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Alex

The gym is always very welcoming. I love that I am motivated to get better and better every time I come. We learn a technique each day, and we drill the move, then we roll. The rolling is great. If you are rolling and you are really eating it, many higher belts will try to coach you through effect moves while rolling, and these tips generally follow you as you are rolling in future sessions. You also get to see how other people roll and develop in their technique which is a great study tool as well. I've learned at least one or two techniques from each student I've met, and these are techniques that they've either perfected or are practicing to perfect. Finally, there are two showers, the soap is plant based and it smells great. The grind is real, so make sure that you come out, have fun and roll with a purpose. - Alex

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Kevin Mathew

Great time! I was afraid because I was coming in from a small gym to big time Manhattan gym. But the team their was extremely helpful. Would recommend any body to come if they can.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Benjamin Adams

I am a brand spanking new white belt from Cleveland Ohio who is traveling to New York on business. When I say brand spanking new, I mean almost translucent! I called, ask the woman who answered the phone if it would be all right if I dropped in for a class. I told her I’m in my 50s with Knee injuries, I’m only coming to learn, Would it be all right if I dropped in for a morning 7:30 AM class? She was so nice and welcoming, and it was even nicer when I got to class this morning. The other students were super patient with me, took time to teach me a few things… Including how to roll (which I did for the very first time). The teacher was the nice nicest guy! A really great instructor who is super patient and Clearly loves the sport. For sure I’ll keep coming back every time I’m in New York City. I am very lucky to have a similar gym with a similar approach in Cleveland - North Coast BJJ. - terrific culture and attitude and nothing short of inspiring! THANK YOU!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Liz Suzuki

I've been going to VSBJJ for years, and even when I have had to take breaks in training (for injuries, to have babies, or because of COVID) I am always welcomed back with open arms and like no time has passed. I love the community at VSBJJ

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Patrick DiDomenico

I've been training with Shaolin for about 13 years now and all I can say is that I wish I had more time to train. Shaolin's instruction is top notch!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Pedro Araujo

World class BJJ taught by a legend of the sport, assisted by top tier instructors

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Aaron Jones

Great gym — space is awesome, always a good amount of people at all ranks, and high level competition. Of course all of the professors are world class including Shaolin himself who teaches regularly. Would recommend checking out the open mat on Sundays!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Edric Zheng

Dislocated my shoulder during a class and these guys didn’t care or say anything. It’s like they were afraid of legal ramifications, so they didn’t offer or provide any help or advice. Getting PT now, still unhappy about what happened, but at least they responded.

Instructors Facility Classes
Posted 5 years ago
Nicole Kaplan

so this popped up in my feed today and it's 4 years later and my boys are still training here. September starts the third year that my two boys have been taking kids classes here. they love it. that's really an understatement. we have been coming five days a week for the last year and soon it will be six. that's a pretty big commitment from an 8 and 10 year old. all the teachers are great and know how to get the best out of kids. the heart of the school is to teach technique and knowledge of the sport. the kids learn self discipline, motivation and pride. we highly recommend it to anyone interested in martial arts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
CeeJay Seales

Amazing and knowledgeable team in there. Highly recommended

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Christopher Lewis

I’ve been a member for two years, and I plan on being a member until I’m not able to be (age/location). Professors are great. Staff is great. Fellow students are great to be around. My time at VSBJJA is the best part of my week.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Vince

Top notch jiu jitsu instruction, a great group of students, respectful and positive environment, solid facility, helpful services such as laundry and showers, and having a legend like Shaolin at the helm is special (the fact that he's also a great teacher and a great person puts it over the top). Great BJJ gym. Highly recommended to those of all levels.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Ben Rosenblum

The school is extremely well run. Firstly, it starts with Vitor Shaolin; his attention to detail on the mat is incredible which provides for a first rate learning experience. He is also constantly working on improving the facilities to make for a better trainng experience. He is dediicated to the students and is always willing to help after class. Some other great parts of the school include his emphasis on safety, his ability to not only instruct but to train instructors, his desire for all the students to know each others name, which encourages comraderie both on and off the mat. I signed up a little over three years ago after researching a bunch of schools and I truely believe that i made the right decision. I have learned a lot, gotten in better shape, had a good time training and made some good friends.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Uri Nemirovsky

Everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful towards my goals in jiu jitsu. Great instruction and phenominal coaching.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Andrew Strobert

Amazing instruction. Definitely great spot for youth BJJ - show great respect for all the kids. You can see they want each of them to achieve and enjoy. Also have a location in scotch plains NJ

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Kimberly Burgess

As a woman starting Jiu Jitsu in my 40's and never having done anything like BJJ before was a scary thing. But at VSBJJ I feel nothing but safe and secure. I am supported and encouraged by my instructors and training partners who have become my friends and family. Vitor Shaolin BJJ is the best place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Womens self defense. I can't imagine learning Bjj from anyone other then Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro and André Motta!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Arjeta

I was very nervous to do Jiu Jitsu before because I wasn't in shape and was very intimidated about the sport. But starting off, you quickly learn that's not the case at all.Everyone is soooo nice especially the instructors. I have never felt safer in an establishment before. While doing Women's Self-defense and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I find myself feeling strong, brave, proud, and loved. It gets hard at times but its worth it, trust me. I love the friendly environment the women and men have to offer and all the instructors there as well. Shaolin is like a father figure to me and I couldn't be more happier at any other place. Great job!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Monica Dolack

I’ve been training BJJ for a year and a half with Vítor Shaolin and Andre at the RT. 22 location in NJ. It’s changed my mind, body and attitude about contact sports. So much so that I have gotten my entire family to do it; my husband, 16 year old daughter and 7 Year old son. We now have what we like to call our BJJ family. The environment is one of safety, trust, understanding, comaraderie, support, fun and tons of exercise. I count Vítor Shaolin, André Motta and my training partners as my friends. The sport itself has become my personal therapist and healer. Being a woman in her early 40’s that never liked contact sports; I was welcomed and given encouragement and support from day one. Everyone is so nice. If you want to learn the gentle martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there is no better, safer, more knowledgeable place than Vítor Ribeiro Shaolin’s BJJ at YETI MMA, Rt 22, Scotch Plains, NJ.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
ken iachio

Fantastic bjj gym. All the instructors are top notch and the people are very friendly.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Jason Freymann

I had the opportunity to train with professor Marcos “Loro” Galvão during the 7:30 a.m. class while visiting NYC. Loro was very welcoming as were the students. Great instruction and awesome academy. Oss

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Gustavo Dantas

Great variety of classes, friendly and World Class staff! 5 Stars!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
akil dasan

We fell in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after our daughters first class. The adult classes are tailored to your needs; they train world class competition grapplers, beginners and everything in between. The instructors are knowledgeable and thorough. Shaolin teaches class himself regularly and is one of those amazing people that can not only win championships but also impart his passion for the sport and knowledge of the game to his students with as much finesse. The children’s classes, taught mainly by black belt Jen Sung are really fun. Kids walk away with amazing friends, an amazing self defense skill set that promotes an active lifestyle as well as important life lessons and tools to help learn at home or in school. Check out our academy! Drop in! Take a class! Thank you for reading my review and all the best to you on your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
A Fig

I have been practicing different arts for some time and this is the real deal. Shaolin has created an atmosphere supportive for new and experienced students.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Rene Ram

You learn from the best Victor is there looking at what you do he's a good maestro.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Brenton McKiterick

Vitor Shaolin's club had a great vibe and I thoroughly enjoyed training there - plenty of good training partners and Vitor is a classy guy whom I hold a lot of respect for.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Fernando Reals

Training with Vitor Shaolin and Marcos Loro has been life changing - seriously! I've grown up a lot as a result of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under their tutelage and with the community they have created. I've seen the cocky become humble and the meek find more bravado. The young grow up and the older find their youth. I'm infinitely healthier for my experience on the mats - both in body and mind. I recommend it for everyone to try!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Nuno Fernandes

Hands down the best BJJ school, super professional staff and teachers, great integrity with a clear c community feel. Highly recommend it!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Edward Gonzalez

At VSBJJ we are all family first and jujitsu is our common love. Great white belt class and great instructors. The higher class never have a problem showing the lower class pointers to better their game. Vitor is a mastermind in understanding and teaching what a person can do with his particular body type and Brazilian jujitsu. If you want to lose weight, learn Brazilian jujitsu, or get in shape the fun way this is the place to be.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Steve Rap

I starting training with Shaolin in March of 2013. When I began training, I was 35 years old. I never had any sort of "fighting" or martial arts training before. I was weighing about 235 pounds, was definitely not in good shape, smoking a pack of American Spirits daily, along with a ton of other questionable habits. WIthin the last 8 months, Ive done a complete 180. I just turned 36. I'm weighing in at 203 pounds, I havent smoked a cigarette since my 3rd week of class (I never thought Id quit after 17 years smoking), and I've never been more physically and mentally conditioned in my life. I absolutely fell in love with the sport and lifestyle. I always tell people how lucky I am to train with Shaolin at his academy. Not only is he one of the best in the world in the BJJ game, he truly has a gift as a teacher/instructor. He has been blessed with that rare ability that very few have to bring out the absolute best in you. Shaolin is a true leader, coach, and motivator. Anyone who has ever trained with him would attest to that. I highly recommend the academy to anyone with experience to anyone without. If you are looking to improve your BJJ game, find a new sport to play, or if you're looking for something a bit more exciting than a spin class. Look no further.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Kipp Sorensen

Shaolin's is one the best schools I have ever trained and would be training there today if I still lived in New York City. In fact, whenever I am in NY for work and always adjust my schedule to get some training in with the old team and my professor Shaolin. If I had to summarize the best aspects of this school they would be the following; 1. Shaolin cares about your success. He is truly your coach and learns your weaknesses and strengths and teaches you want you need to do to become better. 2. It is a Team/Family. The culture at at Shaolin's is excellent. The team is uplifting one another and supporting each other. 3. World Class instruction. Of course this is the case, you are learning from a BJJ Legend.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
bigkeoni64

For as long as I am living in NYC, Shaolin's BJJ dojo will be my second home. It is quite the treat to be training under one of BJJ's best in the business. All the instructors are highly trained and skilled, along with the desire to see the students succeed and grow.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
paulo queiroz

Hi folks I just want say it Jiu Jitsu is the best sport I ever I done it , Vitor Shaolin is one of the best Jiu Jistsu fighter that I seen it and the best teacher ever and all the instructors are amazing they always there to help with any question !

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
TeamKralj MMA

Training at Vitor Shaolin's BJJ is an awesome experience! There is never a day that you'll leave the floor without breaking a sweat. Professor Shaolin and his instructors encourage their students to perform at their best. Each class you attend is a better experience than the previous one. So whether you are looking to stay in shape or learn martial arts VSBJJ is a great decision.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Angelo Cruz

I've been a student of Shaolin's for almost 4 years and although there are other schools closer to my job in NYC and in my home in NJ, I choose be part of VSBJJ academy because of its friendly atmosphere and high-level of Jiu-Jitsu. ATMOSPHERE. I tried other BJJ schools in NYC before going to VSBJJ and I immediately knew that I wanted to be part of this school. Shaolin knows almost all of his students in a first name basis and the staff is very helpful and accommodating. The students are very respectful of each other and welcoming to other students regardless of rank. It's a very friendly environment in VSBJJ where everyone jokes around with each other but trains hard. HIGH LEVEL OF JIU-JITSU. Shaolin teaches about 85% of the classes from white belts to advance ranks. Yes, his name is not just a fixture in the school - he actually teaches there! What's unique about Shaolin is his ability to connect with his students.He has a very technical style of teaching and encourages students to ask questions. Shaolin's assistants are all world class and helps out during class to correct positions and address questions. They all have an impressive resumes of their own: Marcos "Loro" Galvao - BJJ Black Belt and Bellator Bantamweight Tourney Champ Alex Ecklin - IBJJF #1 Ranked Brown Belt in the Light Featherweight Division Van Flores - Multiple IBJJF medalist at the Brown Belt Division BONUS. The school is frequently visited by elite MMA fighters. Some of the fighters that I've met in person are Jose Aldo, Leo Santos (TUF Brazil Winner), and Marlon Sandro. Other fighters that have visited the academy are Anderson Silva, Mauricio Shogun Rua, Jim Miller, Big Foot Silva, Paul Daley and BJ Penn. Overall, my advice to anyone looking for a place to train BJJ is to find a school that you're comfortable with. Although I have to go out of my way to travel to VSBJJ, I think the sacrifice of convenience is a small price to pay considering the atmosphere and elite level of jiu-jitsu at this academy.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Dan Hoerst

I have been training here for about 4 months and love it. While it was definitely intimidating to join as someone with no martial arts experience, all of the staff and students throughout the ranks have been very helpful and friendly. I've made some new friends, lost over 30 pounds and am now in the best shape of my life and feel great. Shaolin teaches pretty much every class - beginner through advanced. The instruction is definitely a bargain for the price. I would (and do) recommend everyone to give Shaolin's a try.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Nicholas King

I was visting NYC from Europe and was very happy to find Shaolin's bjj school, by chance actually. For $35 for a day I took 3 top quality classes with techniques, positional sparring and cardio. Everyone, and not least Shaolin, was very friendly and welcoming. I can highly recommend visiting this bjj school.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Anthony Vargas

Great gym with great instructors but you need to sign a 1 year contract, the website said it offers MMA training, but they don't, it's purely a BJJ gym. Lastly, they don't really have a freeze policy. They will charge you for the month and that payment will roll over to the next one.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Jay Torruella

Please be aware of this academy i try to sign up they wouldn’t let me very rude & unprofessional.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago