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BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU FUNDAMENTALS
Learn the 36 foundational techniques of Gracie Jiu-jitsu to defend yourself effectively.
Schedule your trial class today!
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KICKBOXING
Develop your fitness level and enhance your striking skills
Schedule your trial class today!
RONIN ATHLETICS
Ronin Athletics gym has been a pioneer in the education and training of Mixed Martial Arts, comprised of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing in New York City since 2001. We are the official Gracie Jiu Jitsu® Certified Training Center in all of Manhattan, New York City area.
We are located at 265 Madison Ave - 5th Floor, which is 3 blocks south of Grand Central Station and 2 blocks southwest of the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. Our building entrance is on the North East corner of 39th Street.
You’re fortunate to live in New York City because it offers a wide variety of MMA Gyms and Academies – inherent to the competitive nature of Manhattan, the quality of the instructors tends to be of high caliber. Ronin Athletics is considered the best Martial Arts Academy in New York City for those that want to learn: all aspects Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) including self-defense, sport and its concepts on the use of leverage, as well as Kickboxing techniques and footwork.
Contrary to how the sport of MMA (made popular by the UFC), Grappling Competitions or Kickboxing events may appear, the ‘full-contact’ aspect of these events only exhibit a very small portion of its benefits. Fighting has always been an entertaining spectator sport but those who compete typically train at academies who specialize in developing professional fighters – we do not. We believe we are the best Mixed Martial Arts Academy for the individual who wants to learn BJJ and Kickboxing to compliment and balance their lifestyle.
Self Defense at Ronin Athletics
While some people appreciate the spectacle of Mixed Martial Arts in a professional sport setting, many seek out these practical skills to defend themselves, increase their confidence and enhance their quality of life – especially here in New York City.
Navigating through the endless options of Self Defense classes in NYC can be daunting for any newcomer. The range varies from traditional martial arts like Tae Kwon Do to military style martial arts like Krav Maga, or even modified self-defense training that use ‘padded’ instructors to simulate assaults. >
Ronin Athletics offers a unique approach to Self Defense training, providing the individual a DIAL rather than an ON/OFF switch solution. The dynamics of urban living is complicated and require countermeasures that is appropriate from low level threats to high level threats. Military style countermeasures may not always be the solution.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the best Self Defense solution for someone living in an urban setting like New York City because the principles of its techniques have built-in scalability. Examples include: a child being bullied by another child, can be resolved though non-violent Jiu Jitsu holds that neutralize a situation until a teacher arrives, or unwanted flirting in a network setting can be avoided with basic wrist escapes, or in extreme instances where an assault takes place, one may be able to use leverage to escape the threat or counter it with a choke hold, putting the attacker to sleep.
Self Defense is not only about learning the mechanics of how fight, but also about a mindset that you adapt to daily life and empowered through skill development in leverage and timing. As Grand Master Helio Gracie said, ‘Jiu Jitsu is the triumph of intelligence over brute strength.’
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Ronin Athletics
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is arguably the most important skill to any MMA fighter’s arsenal. It was originally created by Helio Gracie for self-defense. Grandmaster Helio modified the techniques used by Judo practitioners to fit his needs. He was a frail man and was considered too weak to practice Judo, which relied on athleticism with some amount of leverage. He modified his self-defense system by finding the most efficient way to ‘weather the storm’ to be in the best position to respond at the right time, with the right technique, with the greatest amount of leverage (Gracie Jiu Jitsu Philosophy) – he called his art Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Gracie Jiu Jitsu is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in its complete form, as it was intended by Grandmaster Helio. While the techniques taught share those with other Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools, the differentiating factor is its emphasis on Self-Defense as its guiding principle during the students development. Without the Self-Defense principle to guide the practitioner, he/she can easily waste valuable time practicing techniques and concepts effective in competition but useless in practical application.
Present day – BJJ Academies abound in New York City. However they have evolved to primarily focus on the sport aspect, almost similar to high school wrestling training with submissions and reliance on a point system. It’s a new sport for the few strong and athletic type. Ronin Athletics enjoys the sport aspect as well but maintains the teaching methodology used by Master Helio.
The Jiu-Jitsu I created was designed to give the weak ones a chance to face the heavy and the strong
So why is Ronin Athletics the best Mixed Martial Arts Gym in New York City? Because if you are the smaller less athletic individual looking to even the field, you are the person Grandmaster Helio Gracie created this for and we are the exclusive certified training center in New York City that follow his approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu as preserved by his grandsons Ryron and Rener Gracie and Gracie University.
Kickboxing at Ronin Athletics
Kickboxing is probably the most varied and obscure Martial Art offering in New York City. Kickboxing is a single classification but can be organized into so many different experiences. From cardio/aerobics type classes, to a high intensity heavy bag hitting session, to shadow boxing paired with kettlebells or to the more ‘hard-core’ Muay Thai fight gyms complete with bruised shins.
Our Kickboxing program was originated by the gym’s founder, Christian Montes. Replicating the training methods he used during his years of experience fighting professionally in Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. It is a blend of three types of striking disciplines: incorporating modern concepts of Western Boxing, Muay Thai and Dutch Style Kickboxing.
What sets Ronin Athletics Kickboxing program apart from all the Kickboxing Gyms in New York City is its perfect balance in applying the striking concepts: Technique, combinations, distance management, dynamic movement and timing – essential skills needed when training for a fight competition -without actually going to competition. Simply put – we do not train fighters.
Ronin Athletics provides the best Kickboxing training environment for individuals that want the middle road. We appeal to those that have interest in learning the technical concepts of Kickboxing and sparring in a safe environment, while not having to move towards the extreme fight gym environment. The technical aspects of the class is mentally challenging while the application of the techniques at a consistent pace is physically challenging. This approach to training Kickboxing provides sustainability in consistent practice – consistency is the key ingredient to proficiency.
Mixed Martial Arts at Ronin Athletics
Understanding the approach to the individual disciplines we offer: Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing, it is a lot easier to grasp why Ronin Athletics has a unique approach to training Mixed Martial Arts.We are not simply teaching you how to wrestle while punching – each dimension of fighting come with its own set of principles and having them come together cohesively require in depth knowledge. Our founder and head coach, Christian Montes is the only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt in New York City with Professional Kickboxing Experience and the only Kickboxing Coach in New York City that has competed as a BJJ Black Belt at the national level. His commitment to teaching every day individuals is the reason he established Ronin Athletics.
FAQ
I'M VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN. WHAT'S YOUR 'DROP-IN' POLICY?
Given that NYC is a major travel hub, we limit our visitors to Gracie University affiliated members only. Which means you're a member of an Academy that is a Gracie Certified Training Center. If so, you're welcome to train up to 30 consecutive days (per year) for free. Just email us (info@roninathletics.com) your full name, rank and which Gracie Certified Training Center you train and we will reply with a link to schedule your first visit.
Please note, you must have a Gracie University branded uniform to train with us. We offer Gi rentals for $10.00 if you don't have one with you.
WHAT IS YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF CLASSES?
For our weekly class schedule CLICK HERE. You can filter by class type and if you want to know the lesson plans for our Jiu Jitsu programs, it's at the bottom below the table.
Do I need to be in good shape or have any experience?
It depends on the martial art. Some disciplines have a higher barrier of entry than others. Jiu Jitsu, is by far the lowest barrier of entry as it was designed for the weaker and smaller individual to develop their strength and confidence.
Can I teach myself self defense?
Yes, it is possible to learn basic self-defense on your own. However, practicing on a non-cooperating partner allows you to sharpen your technique and push yourself to further development.
Is self defense necessary?
Self-defense is a necessary part of human development. In one's life time physical, mental and emotional assault will happen and learning to respond with equal force is a necessity. While we live in a more civilized world today, there are always different challenges and pressurs we face. Learning self-defense not only teaches one about enduring physical pressure, but also mental and emotional ones as well.
How long does it take to learn self defense?
It's depends on the system of self-defense being practiced. If the curriculum is focused on identifying and neutralizing high probability assault scenarios, then it would only be a matter of weeks to learn. One does not need to achieve mastery or a 'black belt' in a martial art to be self-defense ready.
Blog
31 May
Self-Defense Mindset: Don’t fight the attack, Fight the attacker’s objective
Jiu-jitsu has an extremely long track record of helping smaller and less physically strong people in a fight. From its inception, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has been conceptualized as a complete martial arts system based on technique rather than raw strength or speed. While jiu-jitsu has evolved as a martial art in its 100-year history and become far more popular in mixed martial arts tournaments, it continues to be a highly effective and universal method for self-defense.
19 May
In Jiu Jitsu – Don’t trust your instinct
When you watch people using jiu-jitsu, you may see a lot of holds, chokes, and the occasional strike, but at its core jiu-jitsu is a technique of self-defense. The theory underlying this technique is based on conserving energy, waiting for your opponent to make a mistake, and most importantly survival. This obviously requires patience, but it also means you need to feel comfortable in a defensive position so that you can weather the storm of your opponent’s offensive without panicking and slipping up.
26 Apr
How Habits Shape Our Jiu Jitsu Training
No matter what kind of skill, talent, or ability you’re trying to develop, it takes time. You need to put in a lot of effort, and this means doing the same thing over and over and over again. Repetition allows you to develop muscle memory and to perfect technique. For a musician, this means running a lot of scales in different positions. For a bodybuilder, this means doing a lot of lifts that target different muscle groups. If you’re trying to learn jiu-jitsu, this means doing the same moves with different partners.
14 Apr
How Jiu Jitsu Can Be a Force For Change for Police and Our Community
Police reform remains a hot-button issue, but there are two general premises with which most people agree:
- Police should only use force as a last resort.
- If police are going to use force, it should not be excessive or result in serious injury anyone involved in the incident.
Reviews
Angel R.
TLDR; If you have been on the fence about trying BJJ cause you have been afraid of getting smashed, crushed, beat up, hurt, humiliated or whatever. Maybe...
Christopher S.
I learned about Ronin Athletics while researching jiu-jitsu programs for my young daughter. Co-owner Jasper spent an hour on the phone with me to explain...
Christine N.
I am currently a student at Ronin athletics in Midtown. I joined the school to participate in the all women's self defense program created by the Gracie...
Stephanie
I went to a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Women Empowered self defense class at Ronin Athletics in NYC and really loved the structure of the class. It is clear that Christian is extremely passionate and...
Christine Ngai
I am currently a student at Ronin athletics in Midtown. I joined the school to participate in the all women’s self defense program created by the Gracie Family, "Women Empowered." At first, I was...
Crystal Rivera
As a mom of two boys ages 6 and 10. I put my kids in different activities and none have made an impact on them like Ronin Athletics. My older son during quarantine was reluctant to do any sports. It...
Luis Andino
I joined in February and I’m extremely happy I enrolled in this school. They offer great self defense classes for all ages (perhaps the best in New York City) and their instructors are fantastic....
Christopher Medina
The trainers are friendly, professional and maintain a positive decorum. Safety is prioritized and the gym is clean. I have been training here for about 100 days now, and have experienced no...
Karan Singh
I have been training at Ronin Athletics for over a year now. The faculty here is fantastic in teaching you gracie jiu jitsu. I’m a big fan of structured learning and progression in martial arts and...
Matthew Davey
Ronin Athletics is the only Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified gym in New York City. The school offers a systematic approach to jiu-jitsu with an emphasis on self-defense. Kickboxing is also offered as well...
Mauricio Munoz
Great place to learn and/or enhance your self-defense capabilities with Gracie Jiu Jitsu in NYC. Coaches emphasis on technical skills while fostering a safe training environment creates the perfect...
This Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center is independently owned and operated. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu®, Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof®, Women Empowered®, and Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center®, are registered trademarks used under license from Gracie University.
