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

I’ve been training at Ronin Athletics for about six months in their Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives program, and it’s been a great experience from day one. The gym has a warm, welcoming culture. People are friendly and always willing to help or share knowledge, which makes a big difference when you’re learning. Coach Christian is legit. He’s extremely knowledgeable and does an excellent job breaking down techniques in a clear and practical way. I’ve tried other jiu-jitsu gyms in the past, and I could feel the difference here from the very first class, both in the quality of instruction and the sense of community. If you’re looking for a place to learn jiu-jitsu in New York City, Ronin Athletics is a great choice!

I have been a member at Ronin Athletics for a little over 3 months at this point. I really like how everything is structured. You have access to videos so you can watch the techniques before coming to class so that you are better prepared. It is very beginner friendly and great for self-defense. You go through a beginner program which prepares you for defending against untrained opponents. And frankly, you need that in New York city. I have trained in other gyms before and what this gym does better are: - They teach how to perform the movements safely with your partner so that you do not injure each other. - Encourage you to practice the last class techniques with a partner if you arrive early next class. - The attention to detail is next level here. The coaches will actually watch you and correct you if you are doing something wrong. They will even ask you to do the move on them to correct you. This is a game changer in my opinion. And coach Christian is very knowledgeable as well so sometimes, as a bonus, you will also get brief fun facts about the history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and in general MMA :) I would definitely recommend!

If you’ve ever thought about trying a self-defense class, this Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered program is absolutely the best choice in all of New York City! This program has been such a positive and empowering experience for me. From the very first class, I was completely hooked and now genuinely look forward to it every single week. The environment is welcoming, supportive — everyone is there to learn, grow, and better themselves. No matter your background or experience level, you immediately feel comfortable stepping onto the mat. One of the most special parts of this program is the community. I’ve met an amazing group of women through these classes — women who support and encourage one another, celebrate progress together, and have genuinely become friends. Many of us meet up outside of class as well! Christian and Lora are truly exceptional instructors and the best teachers you could ask for. They are patient, knowledgeable, and deeply invested in every student’s progress. They create a space where you feel safe, confident, capable, and motivated, while still pushing you to grow. Their passion for what they do is obvious, and it makes every class something to look forward to. I couldn’t recommend this program more to any woman looking to build confidence, learn real self-defense skills, and be part of an incredible community!!

Ronin Athletics is a great BJJ gym. The coaching makes it easy to learn and improve, even if you’re not on the mats every day. Really welcoming group and a fun place to train.