Semi-Charmed Life

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in NYC

For anyone interested in taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the following are some places that offer legit, quality instruction in the New York Area. Anyone who wants a good work out and a fun and practical way to stay in shape, give this a try.

For those who are unfamiliar (taken from my Academy's website):

Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. Due to the fact that control is generally easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the technique of Brazilian jiu jitsu is centered round the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless. To control and overcome greater size, strength and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of the sport. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip and position upon your opponent. Students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body. This knowledge can be used to subdue and control an opponent with whatever level of severity the student chooses. The path to this knowledge is physically and mentally demanding. Students benefit from greatly increased physical fitness, problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their body and mind and the many social benefits of working within a large group of like-minded fellow students as you learn and have fun together.

Long Island

Serra Jiu Jitsu - Run by Matt and Nick Serra (Huntington and East Meadow)

Redboy BJJ - I hear about them alot.(Port Jefferson)

Soca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy - Run by Alexandre "Soca" Freitas (Bellmore)

Scarola BJJ - Run Joe Scarola. Used to roll with Matt Serra but split from him. His school is now a Gracie Barra affiliate. (New Hyde Park)

D'Arce BJJ - Also run by a Renzo black belt. (Bay Shore)

Queens

Magno Gama BJJ - Magno is an instructor at my school (RGA) and now teaches in Astoria, Queens on certain days. The link I posted is to his Myspace. I don't think his website is up yet because his school is pretty new. He is an EXCELLENT teacher.

Staten Island

Codella Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Run by a Renzo Gracie black belt.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn BJJ - This place is highly recommended for Brooklyn.

Lotus Club Brooklyn - Run by brown belts. Sounds like a legit place.

Manhattan

JiuJitsuInc (I think this was formerly known as Studio X) - Run by a Kenny Florian Black Belt.

Alliance NYC - Run by Fabio Clemente. Top notch school. It seems they consistently do well in competitions.

Renzo Gracie Academy - My academy. Great facilities. Good instruction. Lots of class times offered for flexibility. Downside is that it's a big academy, so it's a bit impersonal at times and also tuition is a bitch. This is probably true of all Manhattan schools though.

By no means is this a comprehensive list of schools in the NYC area. It's just what I was able to think of off the top of my head.