Ronin Athletics MMA NYC - Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense

"I have been training at Ronin Athletics for just under 5 years. I began on the Combatives program and it provided fundamentals that I still use to this day regularly. Each technique is broken down in a structured way, perfect for any beginner. I have been in the advanced class (Master cycle) for several years and the environment is also really welcoming and there is no ego in the room. I travel regularly for work and train in other gyms around the world. I can say two things: 1) The teaching at Ronin Athletics is world class. 2) Everything I have learned I use wherever I go to train and my ability is on par with others at my belt rank, from local schools to competition focused schools. The head coach Christian’s years of experience across MMA, Sport Jiu Jitsu and self defense, means the coaching is as legit as it gets. He explains techniques and concepts in a way that caters for everyone and helps troubleshoot individual issues as they arise, helping the person that asked, as well as the whole room. The school has a thriving community that keeps growing. I can wholeheartedly recommend Ronin Athletics!"

"I could not recommend Ronin Athletics enough, especially for women. I was thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu for a while and finally went to the Ronin Athletics Women’s Empowered seminar in January and was immediately hooked. Since then, I’ve been taking their Women’s Empowered course and loved it so much, I recently started their Combatives program as well. I’ve loved seeing how many women are part of the Ronin community, not only for the Women’s Empowered class, but for the Combatives program and even the Master Cycle classes. The idea of starting a new sport in a new gym can be intimidating, but the coaches, members and environment at Ronin are very welcoming. Coach Christian, Coach Lora and Coach Aidan are not only incredibly friendly but most importantly, knowledgable and passionate about the sport. The teaching format for the Women’s Empowered program and the Combatives class are very similar, which is one of the reasons why I decided to do both. Each class begins with a thorough and in-depth instruction and demonstration of the day’s lesson from the coaches then moves on to drilling that lesson while the coaches guide you through it and answer any questions. If you’re thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu, Ronin Athletics is the community and gym to join."

"As someone in my mid-40s balancing family and a career, I’ve always wanted to learn Jiu-Jitsu. I’d heard so many great things about the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)—from self-defense and fitness to stress relief and confidence. But every time I tried a free trial class at other Jiu-Jitsu academies, I never quite felt safe. While the schools were respectful and cordial, there was always an underlying intensity that made me hesitant to continue. I decided to give it one more try after learning about Gracie Combatives through YouTube and various podcasts. That’s when I found Ronin Athletics, the only Gracie University Certified Training Center in New York City. From my very first class, I noticed the difference. The environment at Ronin Athletics is structured, organized, and incredibly beginner-friendly. The focus on safety, collaboration, and controlled class energy makes it the perfect place for someone like me—starting Jiu-Jitsu later in life. The techniques they teach are the same fundamentals you’d find at any quality BJJ school, but the Gracie University system is uniquely designed for safety and real-world self-defense. Every class is thoughtfully managed, so you’re building skill and confidence without ever feeling overwhelmed or at risk. If you’re looking to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense or just want to try something new in a safe and supportive environment, I highly recommend Ronin Athletics."

"Ronin Athletics is a fantastic place to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills. Coach Christian creates a welcoming and respectful environment that makes it easy to feel at home from day one. The Gracie methodology is well-structured, practical, and focused on real-world application, which really helps you progress with confidence. One of the best parts is the community — you get to train with a wide range of people, which keeps things dynamic and helps you grow faster. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and there to learn together. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for quality Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a great atmosphere."