Modern Martial Arts – Upper East Side

My daughter and I have been training at MMA NYC for years, and it has truly been an incredible experience for both of us. My daughter has been taking classes for nine years, and I joined the adult kickboxing program three years ago. The adult kickboxing class gives me a full-body workout and elevates my heart rate in just 45 minutes. The instructors are exceptionally talented and deeply knowledgeable in their craft, but what really sets them apart is their ability to connect with students. They know how to push you while also building confidence. Watching my daughter grow through this program has been amazing. She earned her Black Belt last year, which was an enormous source of pride for our family. The discipline, perseverance, and confidence she’s developed extend far beyond the mat. MMA NYC isn’t just a martial arts studio — it’s a community that brings out the best in both children and adults. We’re grateful to be part of it.

My son has been a student at the MMA UES location for 10 years, since he was 4 years old. He loves the MMA community. In addition to the kickboxing, jiu-jitsu and defense skills he has learned in class, he has benefited a great deal other life skills, e.g. perfecting oneself, perseverance, self-control, discipline and taking care of each other in the community. All of this training has given my son the greatest confidence in life. He has also built some great friendships over the years. It’s truly a great community.

Excellent program. Every coach is knowledgeable and attentive, the classes are structured and each participant is closely attended to and coached in the correct poses and moves. The workout is excellent for the children, and the foundation philosophy is discussed each class, underlying the importance of discipline, integrity, self control. Topics like altruism, and self defense are discussed during class in a way that is appropriate and inspirational to students. Overall a wonderful activity for boys and girls in a safe and caring environment

*UPDATE To Response* I am disappointed at this response. The fact you sided with the teacher stating false accusations, and did not even reach out to my family to apologize or ask for our experience, is insane. This teacher mistreated my child on multiple occasions. They had an issue because we were late as we were on the other side of town coming from another class, yet a lot of parents were late often (who were not black). I feel our family was judged because of our race and was viewed as the “black family.” What you need to do as management is get your staff cultural competence training ASAP, because another family may not be so nice! If I could give zero stars, I would. This is our experience with the children’s program: What started as a good experience turned into a nightmare once my son moved into the next level of this program. He was mistreated by a teacher — something I personally witnessed. My child, who once loved coming here, began telling me he no longer enjoyed the program. The teacher even admitted to what had been happening. That was the final straw. We pulled our son out immediately. No parent should have to watch their child suffer at the hands of someone entrusted to teach them. Please think twice before enrolling here.

We started coming here since the fall. We came from the other branch. My son really enjoys the kids BJJ class. The staff and instructors are great. Some we know for many years. They are truly the best. My son is learning a lot at this school.