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Ronin Athletics MMA NYC - Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 291 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in New York, New York
Affiliated gym — reviews and the gym's own info suggest it belongs to a known kickboxing or boxing-fitness franchise or network (think 9Round, iLoveKickboxing, CKO, TITLE Boxing Club or Jabz). Franchise gyms run a consistent class format and are often a friendly, familiar place to start. If a specific brand matters to you, confirm it on the gym's own site.
Simple studio with padded mats & walls, offering martial arts sessions & a free intro class.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule roninathletics.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 212-564-4153
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–3:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter Sophie and I attended your Women Empowerment self-defense class, and I just wanted to thank you for such a powerful and inspiring session.”
“As a woman, I was immediately greeted by other women and ended up training with them for the entire class, which felt intentional toward helping me to feel comfortable.”
“In contrast to the "show and roll" style common in many jiu-jitsu gyms, the beginners program at Ronin Athletics emphasizes technical application and collaborative practice.”
“Unlike most BJJ programs out there, we DO NOT free spar or roll in this class.”
“This class is a wonderful example of how teens with autism can benefit from learning self-defense thru Jujitsu and feeling strong in their bodies and minds.”
Other martial arts here
“A friend and I both had an amazingly positive experience at Ronin Athletic MMA NYC taking a trial session for the Women's Empowerment Program.”
“It was obvious that I am a white haired senior and they didn’t mind the white hair and were very encouraging and praised us for having the courage to start Jiu Jitsu.”
“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!”
What members say
“Christian Montes and Lara are really great instructors.”
“The adult classes cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced BJJ practitioners, ensuring a well-rounded and challenging experience.”
“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.”
“I currently train jiu-jitsu at another great gym, but I’ve always wanted to visit a Gracie CTC to experience the Gracie Combatives teaching method.”
“I first came to Ronin Athletics when a friend invited me to the Women Empowered seminar, which is offered a few times a year as an introduction to the program.”
From the reviews
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.
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.
I started my BJJ journey when I attended a Women Empowered seminar and never looked back. The team at Ronin Athletics is professional, kind, and creates a safe learning environment. The facilities are absolutely beautiful, very clean and well-lit.
As a father and husband who's not getting any younger—let's just say the creaks in my joints are now my morning playlist—finding a supportive and enriching environment for physical and mental growth is like discovering a rare gem.
New to kickboxing? Start at Ronin Athletics MMA NYC - Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense
Ronin Athletics MMA NYC - Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Ronin Athletics MMA NYC - Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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