Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

My son attends class here and he loves it. I like the way the instructors take the time to sit and talk to the parents and children if there is a concern. The staff members are always polite and welcome each person as they arrive. Even the students with higher belts are very respectful. My son is still a bit of a beginner (training for 6 months) and has challenging behavior but Ive never had a problem with the way it was addressed in his class. Price wise its up there but are the techniques and discipline worth it for my sons future? very much so. I definitely recommend the classes here for all ages.

I was a part of BBJJ for about two and half years and really wish that I still was. I was in grad school for Physical Therapy at LIU and felt that I was missing something in my pursuit of health and fitness — I found out that I was missing fun! From the first time I stepped into their doors for my free intro class, I loved the energy that Professor Lynch, Mr. Burns, and Ms. Nova had, as well as the safe environment that the school offered. Like everyone, I started in the beginner’s program and transitioned to the expert program. Classes were fun and physically (as well as mentally) challenging. Unfortunately I did not continue training because I moved out of the neighborhood — although I think about my training often and still practice some of the movements regularly. Professor Lynch and the instructors at BBJJ are excellent. If you ever need anything at all, they will be happy to help you. The way their school is set up is to best help you reach your goals. If you’re looking for a place to practice BJJ in a fun and safe environment (and make some friends along the way), you’ve found the right place.

In no uncertain terms, this place profoundly changed my life for the better and I am forever grateful. I kind of fell into the martial arts accidentally, but it turned out to be just what I was looking for. Prior to training I was depressed, lethargic and overweight, having little sense of purpose or direction. Through the highly philosophic approach to training, I was transformed both physically and mentally and my whole outlook and way of life have changed as a result. Places like BBJJ are few and far between and they are an essential part of what make being part of a community such a wonderful thing. I highly recommend checking it out and giving it a try. While learning new skills can be quite challenging and overwhelming at times, the community of instructors and training partners make this an ideal place for anyone to develop themselves. I can’t say enough good things about this place and hope that you are able to experience it for yourself.

Full disclosure, I haven’t written a review in many years but after stepping out of my comfort zone and trying a new martial art I was so motivated that I’ve decided to once again pick up my «yelp pen» and write a review.
After many years of lifting weights in addition to practicing a martial art that focused solely on striking I decided to try a more grappling based art. Enter Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu.
This school emphasizes the «martial arts» side of training, which means that the students are there to *learn* instead of seeing who can do the most damage to one another. What they’re teaching is not just the physical techniques, but an overall approach to a safer and healthier way to live. (In some other schools I’ve been in, it’s the opposite.)
And because there’s a structure to the class I feel like I have a direction I’m heading in. Like most people in NYC I have a lot going on, so to have a place where you feel like there’s a system and a format is comforting: I can focus on the training without having to manage people’s egos or attitudes or competitiveness, thereby creating a fun and safe atmosphere.
The instructors are always attentive and want the students to do well. And the students are supportive of the culture. For me, training here has been a great stress-​reliever, one that’s allowed my brain to reconnect with my body, something that I felt I was lacking in the monotony of weight lifting. I feel more physically and mentally aware of my body’s capacity to perform certain techniques, not to mention feeling challenged when learning something new. I’m not exhausted after class, but energized and amplified.
I recently recommended this school to a friend who was having trouble finding motivation with her fitness regimen. She was looking for something different, above and beyond running, Zumba or the many spin classes she’s taken, and this place’s approach to Jiu-​Jitsu seems to have been the answer. It can be somewhat intimidating for people to walk into a martial arts room for the first time but she’s learning something she never thought she would ever do and she’s having having a great time doing it.
While I have many years of martial arts experience, I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface in the expansive martial arts world that is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Based on my years of training a very different martial art, I feel like this place supports the best side of a journey that will be long and can be dangerous if its not done right. The fact that this school emphasizes safety, community and learning above everything all the while keeping the classes fun are the reasons I’ll keep coming back. I’ll still be lifting weights from time to time but I’m really excited to supplement my lifting with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

One of the best decisions I have ever made. The instructors are committed to your advancement, not only as a martial arts practitioner, but as a human being.
Professor Lynch has a way of letting you know that no matter what you are dealing with outside, the answer is on the mat! There are so many times where Professor has taken time to review my progress outside of the dojo, my goals in life, review my challenges, and work toward solutions.
BBJJ is NOT just a place to get in shape and advance in the martial arts. It is a way of life and the connections I have made there have impacted me in an extremely positive way. I look forward to returning to the dojo soon!

As a life-​long martial arts practitioner, and instructor, I wanted to round out my skill-​set and have been nothing but happy, practicing at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I started out just as any other student would, as a white belt. No special considerations given, and that I appreciate. The other students are helpful and there is a true sense of community here. The instructors are on point. Shihan Dunn is the real deal. I’ve known him as a long time karate guy who spent years developing his skill as an all-​around martial artist. Learning a martial art is a life-​long endeavor. I think many of the negative comments stem from a lack of discipline. There are no quick fixes or short cuts in proper training. I’ve been nothing but impressed by the product they offer on the mat. I guess some people should just stick to being keyboard warriors, rather than real-​life warriors. who actually test their fortitude and experience the gift that martial arts can offer.

I have been training at the Myrtle Avenue school for over a year and a half and could not say enough nice things about it.
The instructors are caring, positive kind individuals that enjoy teaching and bringing out the best in each student.
This school is focused on self improvement through the martial arts. They are not training MMA fighters, there is no grand champion at this school or competitions. They focus on martial arts, physical fitness, self improvement and community service.
Everyone that I have trained with has been dedicated, kind, helpful and a great person. No matter what kind of day I have had, going to class and training always makes my day better. There are no meatheads, no bullies, no egos everyone is treated equally. Senior students are always willing to help junior students. The focus for everyone here is to be the best martial artist you can be and being the best training partner you can be.
Yes, this does involve a commitment and there is an expectation that you are committed to becoming a black belt. You can not just pop in and take a class, it is not that kind of school and would not be safe for you or your training partner. This is martial arts training without care, and patience you can hurt someone.
So this school is not for everyone and that’s fine because it is a big commitment. This is NYC and there are 1000 different places to go to and I am sure you can find the one that fits you. But, if you are dedicated to yourself and your martial arts practice and want to train with the nicest people in Brooklyn I can’t recommend this school enough.
You also get a lot for the money. Unlike a gym the instructors want you to train, they want you to succeed and they want to see you at class at minimum twice a week. Once you are in the advanced program you can take as many Jiu Jitsu and kick boxing classes as you want. You will see results and it will have a positive impact on your life.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu has been both a unique and unexpected journey for me. Having a somewhat extensive involvement in competitive team sports, both in high school and on the collegiate level, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I signed up for my first few classes. My brother, who had been training at the time for a little over a year and a half, described to me the experience as ‘different.’ At first I pretty adamantly didn’t want to go because of my recent hiatus from a highly competitive environment (College Lacrosse). However, my experience at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu could be nothing further from what I expected. On a basic level BBJJ has provided me with a consistent athletic release. Allowing me to stay active and work out 3 – 5 days a week has been one of the key components to my success as a full-​time student and artist. On a deeper level BBJJ has helped me see a different way of living. Under the guidance of great peers and Professors, I have become a happier and more open person. The competitive nature that I had grown so used to in sports, which helped to fostered such stressful environments for me, have been completely negated by BBJJ. Over the last year and some change my perspective on what it means to be an athlete, a citizen, and a human, have all developed and progressed. Ultimately, BBJJ may not be the place for you, especially if you’re walking through the doors looking for a ‘beat em’ up’ dojo. But if your open to a new experience, one that will almost undoubtably make you a happier and better person, while simultaneously learning BJJ from high level practitioners, it is probably just right.

I started with BBJJ in ⁸⁄₂₀₁₃. I had no Martial arts background at the time. When I started, I had all kinds of doubts about what I was getting myself into but, at the same time I was optimistic about the experience. There were questions about financing the school, the progressions of the classes, and the long-​term commitment. Being part of BBJJ for almost two years now and looking back at my personal evolution as a person and martial artist (never thought I’d be calling myself that) I have to say that I am very happy that I have chosen to stay with BBJJ. BBJJ has taught me so much about what it means to «engage» as a martial artist and as a person. I am a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer and Nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and can say with confidence that BBJJ has improved my physical well– being, my mental –well being, and challenged some of my beliefs about fitness and in life… this has carried over into my career and my relationships. There is no doubt that BBJJ is an investment, will be very challenging, and you may even feel like crap at times but, the staff are knowledgeable, they offer great insight, and what has impressed me the most is the continued support, and high quality instructions day in and day out. When I say day in and day out. I mean everyday. There was not one day that I did not receive support and/​or encouragement. Like many things it is the commitment and time that unveils the gifts. Our society sometimes supports the immediate gratification or quick results that come easy but, with commitment and disciplined action we can realize our higher self and what we are capable of. As I write, there are more and more things that I would like to mention but, to sum it up, BBJJ will challenge you to step up and be your best version. Lastly, I wanted to mention their leadership courses which helped me take action on some things that I have always thought about but, never seemed to find the time. These actions were based on improving our involvement in our communities such as various volunteer efforts or just plain interactions with neighbors/​strangers/​homeless people that gets so easy to ignore in a big city. When you find yourself saying, «I wish I started this practice earlier in life» you know it’s a great place.

Updating this as I’ve committed to the advanced program and I’m now a blue belt with my first stripe on the way. This place has truly changed my life. Like I said before, I’m not the kind of person who can get into the gym regularly, so I need a structured program like this to keep me training and keep me healthy, which is something I’m willing to pay a little extra for.
I could get a 40 dollar gym membership and use it occasionally, or I could pay more to join a program with instructors that keep me coming back and to learn a martial art that not only disciplines my mind but also my body, which definitely feels (and looks) a LOT better since I started. I go in, and once I get on the mat, everything I’ve been stressing about all day is gone. The instructor takes me through the workout so I don’t need to think about that, all I have to do is learn and sweat and feel great at the end. Its a fantastic part of my week.
A lot of other reviews on here take issue with payment. Understandable. Its definitely more than a gym, and way more than a pay-​what-​you-​want yoga joint. But for some people, like me, committing to a martial arts program as a way to condition their body is the best way to get healthy and stay healthy. So I did. And I’m happy I did.
And yes, it does involve a contract. If you don’t want to sign it, just say no, and if you’re about to commit to something, ask a LOT of questions. When YOUR money is involved you can’t blame anyone else for how it is handled.
See y’all at purple belt!

WARNING!!! DO NOT GO TO THIS GYM! DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! I tried this place out back in February 2011 bc of my brother I went a couple of times and did not like how pushy the «instructors» were they stalked me on fb about coming back in when I called to cancel bc I did not have a job they claimed it was okay and when I started working again I could come back in … well now 3 years later I get a summons to appear in court bc I supposedly owe these people money… u people should be ashamed of yourselves this is what u do when someone is down and out in a crappy economy? Ive called several times and no one has gotten back to me so now I have to take time off work to go to court.

I was hesitant to go to this school based on the reviews. I actually visited other schools before coming to Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu (BBJJ). To make this somewhat short and to the point — I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL.
My experience has been nothing but positive. The instructors are knowledgeable and want you to do well. Walking into class today, I know they have my best interest at heart.
I intend to bring my young daughters in for Karate shortly. If they like it, they will also become a part of the family. I use the word family because I feel BBJJ welcomes you in as family and treats you as such.

There will always be people who will walk in to Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu on Myrtle Ave. and be turned off by one thing or another, walk out and write a crappy review based on that first impression. Then there are those who get through the initial sales pitch, overcome whatever prejudices they may have brought in, start training and don’t stop.
It generally doesn’t occur to the latter category (in which I belong, as you’ve surely surmised) to take to Unilocal to tell the world how we feel about our school. Instead, we tell our friends, family, neighbors, roommates, coworkers, etc, to come and join us. And they generally do, which is exactly how the school has grown so strongly in its three years despite the hard knocks it’s taken on this site.
The thing is, the curriculum at this school isn’t designed for the dilettante or to be consumed in small doses. It’s designed to last one’s entire life. That can be a terrifying prospect for some people. For those who just want a place they can pop in and pay a daily or monthly fee for a quick work-​out, it must be as baffling as it is frustrating. However, for those who wish to learn the almost infinitely complex art of BJJ in a safe and non-​judgmental atmosphere, one could not ask for a better environment.
The staff is highly skilled, accommodating and attentive. Classes are expertly organized to maximize the time within the allotted hour. To this end, a premium is placed on discipline and protocol. While that last part might sound like a bummer to the uninitiated, imagine you are learning and drilling a technique which, if performed improperly, could easily dislocate your shoulder. Now, aren’t you glad that all of your classmates are sitting silently and respectfully while it’s being demonstrated piece by piece by the instructor, making it very easy for you to take in everything? Yes, you are very glad about that.
Safety is paramount at BBJJ. We’re learning a contact sport. We’re learning how to fight. We’re learning how to break people’s bones if, god forbid, we ever need to. Go to almost any other dojo, BJJ or otherwise and you’ll hear horror stories of smashed noses, snapped femurs, gouged eyes, all kinds of disgusting stuff. You won’t hear any of that about this school. We’re taught to train thoughtfully and carefully, always valuing our partner’s safety above all. Meatheads looking to smash brutal arm-​bars on to hapless opponents are run right out the door — told to go to one of the dozens of other schools in town where that sort of barbarity is de rigeur. I’m a 30 year old, 190lb man. I regularly roll (spar) quite productively with males and females half my weight and/​or age. The only reason this is possible is due to the respect for technique and discipline inculcated in every student from the second he walks on the mat for his first time.
I’d go on about the cleanliness of the facilities, the quality of the students, the convenience of the schedule and a million other things, but I think this review is already quite long enough. I will say, though, that this place has changed my life and it’s changed the lives of a hundred or so people I now feel lucky to call my friends. I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been in. I’m more focused and productive at work. I’m a better friend, son and colleague. I hold my head a bit higher than I ever have. Hell, I doubt I’d have quit smoking if I hadn’t started training here.
But that’s just my story. I only hope it’s a bit more compelling than the guy who didn’t like the «red-head’s» sales pitch.

My husband has been training at this school for a little over two years now and I have watched numerous classes, as well as talked with many of the students and instructors here. I actually attend BJJ classes (I am a blue belt) at another school (in Manhattan) so I can offer a bit of comparison.
Yes this place pushes the «hard sell» in the beginning. You do have to sign a contract and they really do a lot to make sure they lock you in. Students seem to spend about 4 – 5 months in the «beginner program» before they are given the opportunity to move up to the advanced one, and with this move comes a new time and money commitment. They are honest about everything, it just comes across as a bit pushy. My advice is to ask a lot of questions before you sign up so nothing takes you by surprise.
So I could understand why some reviewers might see Brooklyn BJJ’s business practices as a bit questionable, especially if you are used to a more casual payment structure.
BUT PLEASE LOOK PAST THIS!
The actual jiu-​jitsu practice in this school is fantastic, especially for beginners. The instructors are extremely attentive and encouraging. BJJ can be a bit intimidating at first, and the teachers here do an excellent job of making it accessible to everyone. They always greet people by name (even my five year old who doesn’t even train there!) and they really seem to genuinely care about each student’s total development, not just who is going to win the next competition.
If you are looking to be the next UFC champion, this is not your place. However, if you want to learn jiu-​jitsu in a safe, friendly environment where the teachers really care about your development, then give Brooklyn BJJ a try. As someone who has been involved in the martial arts for over 20 years (I run a karate dojo), I know a genuine place when I see one. Ignore the business stuff and just get on the mats! I promise, the juice is worth the squeeze.

So terrible. I walked in asking for monthly prices because I didnt want to waste their time or mine. They wouldn’t give me ANY information until I paid $ 20 for a «private lesson». Don’t believe what they tell you. You pay $ 20 for a sales pitch. It’s despicable. The main instructor (the redhead) seemed really conniving and money-​hungry. Also, the gym floor was packed full of people and the ventilation was lacking. Smelly and full of sleazy salesmen. Stay away.

Stay away from this place! I was so excited about this studio when they first opened in the neighborhood as there is nothing like it right around here. Yet, as soon as I walked through the door I regretted it. Everything they said to me felt like it was off a traveling salesperson’s script. When I mentioned I was on a budget (as most of the world is) the guy told me, «You can’t put a price on your health.» Maybe not, but I can put a price on how much I spend per month on fitness. They were relentless, switching salespeople to try «new» tactics to get me to sign. The second person had all of these charts that were somehow supposed to convince me to sign a six month contract.
And on top of that the main guy was very rude. He told me it seemed like I wasn’t really committed and then turned his back to me. I felt like I was in the Cobra Kai School for Vacuum Salesmen. I really expected to be asked to sign up for a credit card or maybe to buy some knives on the way out.

i have been a student at this school for almost 6 years. Its a great place. The instructors are great and the students are awesome. I have friends and family members also training there and they all love it. As i sit here and read the other reviews I’m laughing. Here are some funny ones.
The last one i read was by a mother of a student named Ms. C. hahah. a negative review on Unilocal by a child… maby if the school would have given out gum and cookies in a pirate ship the kid would have given a better review.
the other one i read was by someone named P D. — This person clearly said they never even stepped foot in the school. Really? a negative review from someone who never even been to the school. How dose that work ?
unfortunately Unilocal is like driving, Most people don’t scream at the top of there lungs, about how great someones driving is on the highway. But there really quick to do the opposite.

Scam, scam, scam!!! I wish I would have read the other reviews before getting manipulated into signing my son up for this! Not only were we misinformed about the contract, but my son got bored after 3 weeks. He wasn’t being challenged nor was he learning anything valuable. What’s worse, is that they had the audacity to tell me that other sports my son was involved weren’t valuable and then was told how I should raise my son! One review said it seemed like a cult and I agree! In the end, these people are socially awkward, made my son feel uneasy and he quit after 3 wks! I never got my money back, but I’d rather be out over $ 1000.00 than expose my son to the horrible teachings of Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Please pay attention to these reviews! STAY AWAY!

After calling them this place seemed VERY shady to me as well. They won’t give you a price for lessons without first paying for a $ 20 ‘consultation’- a practice that has scam written all over it. Thanks to the first poster for verifying my concerns. People send their children here? Scary…
Its just too bad we still don’t have a decent bjj gym here in brooklyn.
Note that this business posts fake reviews and flags all negative warnings against it.

WARNING: Do not pay up front. Before you sign anything, ASK ABOUT FUTURE COSTS and CONTRACTS. GET THE PRICE QUOTES AND FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO PAY IN ORDER TO ADVANCE AT THIS CLUB. Otherwise, do not waste your (or your child’s) time.
Here’s what happened: I was sold a six month membership with absolutely no info about future payments required if I wanted to move up from the beginner class. The beginner classes are not a workout, are not legit.
I am an athlete and also a very busy law student. I was hoping for this place to be my neighborhood spot for exercise. I was interested in learning Jiu Jitsu as a hobby outside of school.
This place is a cult-​like, insincere, pyramid business that was so absolutely not for me. People do go, so I can’t say hands-​down people are unhappy, but not me and not other families I’ve spoke with.
First, the schedule was completely inconvenient. Second, the beginner classes were over-​crowded, run off of a script, and not very challenging. You must complete 20 beginner classes in order to move up into the more challenging advanced class. After each class you recite in unison a motto read off a wall. There is no discussion of money or future costs.
I could not always make it home from school to make it to the limited amount of classes on their schedule. When I would go, I would hope for a good workout. However, the classes are scripted and mundane. The classes were always annoyingly overcrowded, the mats were dirty. There was hardly any room to practice moves with your equally inexperienced partner. Because there are so many people the instructors can not keep track of everyone which could lead to serious injury as some people are more excited about the fight than the work out.
With the crowd, people also bring guests: there were constant cell phones blaring, kids screaming & running across the mats as we’re all crowded in there, and loud conversations from those watching the class. It was hardly where I wanted to be when I was not studying or in a lecture hall. My workouts needed to be hard, focused, and personal. Here they were sloppy, rushed, irritating, insincere, and kind of creepy with all the chanting. I’ve been to other Jiu Jitsu clubs– none that I have seen in Detroit or in NY force their students to recite a «creed.»
The real problem arose when I asked to move up to the advanced class. I figured I could overlook the chanting and the over-​crowding and the inconvenient scheduling if I could get a more rigorous workout during a scheduled time that I actually could attend more often. To discuss the advance class, an instructor sat me down, did her spiel of asking me questions off a script and then told me I would need to sign another contract (within the 6 month period my initial contract was for), pay another deposit, and sign this new contract for 24 months. I was stunned. I knew that to advance I’d have to drop a little extra cash (new uniforms, etc.) but I had no idea that the $ 80/​mo I was sold for 6 months would become $ 140 a month for 2 yrs plus a $ 200 deposit. I expressed that as a student it was way out of my budget. I asked if there was any financial aide or scholarships offered from the school. Instead the instructor offered I take out loans (on top of my already massive student loans?) or ask my parents for help (a completely inappropriate suggestion).
At BBJJ paying more money is the only real requirement for advancement. If you cannot afford it you do not advance which means for the six months you paid for you can continue going to the same crowded beginner classes doing the same moves over and over. I was not paying $ 80/​mo for that so I asked for the remainder of my contract to be canceled and my money returned (I prepaid). No hard feelings, I just wanted my money back. The contact states you can cancel if you are «unhappy with the classes.» But good luck canceling! I got a run around– I was told to call a rep at a gigantic martial arts managing corporation (It’s called Education Funding Company, google it) and BBJJ refused to cancel my contract. This is BBJJ’s practice — lock you in, take your money, and if you don’t like it SOL.
I took them to small claims court for my refund. I end up not receiving it because they played the whole ‘a black belt doesn’t happen overnight’ to make it seem as though I was the one who didn’t commit enough. Fine. But a black belt should be earned from a club that has integrity! BBJJ is hardly a Jiu Jitsu club that’s worth $ 140+/mo as obvious by its fraudulent business practices– WHAT integrity? It’s sad to see a place like this move into this neighborhood and scam people. I’m a student, but what about struggling families? It’s appalling to not let people know what they’re signing UP FRONT. This club’s overall approach to students and Jiu Jitsu is questionable, misleading, and insincere.
Lesson learned: never pay up front, always ask questions, and if the business seems shady it is. Stay away!