Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

FAMILIES: Two stars due to iron-​clad, year-​long contracts for children and intense bootcamp-​meets-​boy scouts mentality that is not a good fit for everyone. I recommend you read the whole piece, though, to decide if this is for you.
You should know that this is NOT a regular extracurricular organization that runs classes in martial arts for kids and adults. It is NOT a good place to explore a new martial art for a few months and see if you like it. This is a major commitment of time and resources, practically right from the get-​go — a martial arts academy in which teachers are «professors,» and they take the commitment to join (even for children) to be very serious indeed. You cannot keep taking classes beyond an initial one or two unless you sign a contract for an initial six months (which quickly becomes a year, see below). You must attend classes at least twice a week –three is encouraged. They email you if you don’t go. Parents and children need to talk to professors along the way, sign agreements, etc.
If after about six weeks your child wants to continue, you need to sign a year’s contract in order to advance (which overrides the 6 month contract you already signed), and the child is required to write an essay on commitment. It is an expensive program and you are obligated to pay for your entire contract even if your child turns out not to be a good fit with the program.
The professors are nice, and they really do care about the students and about jiu-​jitsu, but the level of commitment (both physical and financial) they demand from children and their families seemed to us extremely intense and perhaps not a good fit with many children’s busy lives and the need to explore a new sport. There is no room here for a child to try out the martial art for a few months without making this kind of commitment.
Our own experience: our 12 year old, who was initially VERY gung-​go about this place for a number of weeks — swept up in the enthusiasm of the likable professors– realized that he did not have a deep interest in the martial art and also felt overwhelmed and stressed by the commitment and requirements to go at least two times and ideally three times a week (especially when he had other interests and schoolwork). It is an indication of the vibe of the place that he wanted to go to classes even when sick, not because he loved it but because he didn’t want to let the teachers down and felt obligated. We actually had to call the Academy at one point to reassure him that they they don’t want sick people attending class.
The Academy believes, I think, that we should have insisted he honor his year’s commitment, but in the end we decided that it wasn’t healthy for him to continue something which was taking so much of his time, stressed him out, and was not enjoyable for him. Often he had to stay up late to finish homework because he didn’t feel he could skip classes. Forcing a child to go to classes two or three times a week when they don’t enjoy it and it is causing him exhaustion — for a year — didn’t seem right to us, so we decided to let him stop going.
We found that the organization held us to the year’s contract, and would neither release us from it or let us use the credit for a non-​family member, so we ended up spending over a thousand dollars for nothing.
You can decide yourselves whether holding a twelve year old (and his parents) to this kind of commitment after six weeks is appropriate or not. Do not sign a contract here, though, unless you are very, very sure.

Absolutely great experience. The instructors get the best out of you and the training partners are amazing and friendly. Whether you’re looking to compete, learn self-​defense or just simply get in shape, you will get something out of the experience. If you find gyms monotonous and boring, give this a shot. You won’t regret it.

PSABJJ is an incredible place. My kids have been training here for over a year and they love it. The teachers are incredibly skilled instructors – to people of all ages and levels of jiu jitsu ability; and they are particularly patient with kids. But I suspect that for most who train here, it’s the overwhelming positive energy that keeps everyone loyal to PSABJJ. You could absolutely not ask for better teachers to instill in your kids a sense of respect for others and belief in themselves. I count myself very lucky to have been brought into the PSABJJ family.

Five stars all the way. Quality instruction from a crew that genuinely cares about the development of their student’s ability and mindset. For anyone new to the lifestyle, PSBJJ fosters an environment based upon self-​ownership, humility and zero ego.

Been here over two years now and it is the best. Very positive, encouraging environment; methodical, clear teaching; and a great group of friendly people to train with.
Could not recommend it more highly.

UPDATE: After nearly a year training at PSABJJ, I wish I could give it a rating of higher than five stars. Improved physical fitness, weight loss, increased confidence, a warm community, and top it off, the benefit of practicing a true art. Can’t rave enough. OSS!

If you’re looking to start Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) training in Brooklyn, look no further. Marc, Steve, and the rest of their crew do an amazing job of teaching. My son has been attending the classes here for about 6 months and loves it. If you have a child who you want to start martial arts and is shy or nervous about it, this is also a great place to start.
The way they run the kids classes here is masterful. As an educator myself, I’ve been impressed by the way they structure and pace the classes, while still allowing the kids to have fun. They’ve built a culture where new students feel welcome and can jump right into the classes, and very quickly pick up on what is going on. Their teen students that help out in the classes are respectful and great examples for the younger students.
As someone who trains BJJ myself, I can also say that their adult classes are great. I’ve had the opportunity to take some of their adult classes also, and was able to pick up on some new things.

My 7 year old son has been studying jui jitsu here for over a year. This is no Cobra Kai. After watching him progress for so long and seeing his improvement as a little grappler, (and his refusal to go to bed one night ended with me in a key lock and tapping) I joined the kick boxing program they just started here with hopes of getting back in shape. I was always interested to try out the jui jitsu and I expressed that to the professors there. In no time I found myself on the mat, thanks to the staff at PSABJJ! The professors are extremely reliable and accommodating and not only that, the students are just as welcoming. Had you told me a year ago I’d be on the mat studying jui jitsu, I would have laughed but this past month and a half have been fantastic! It’s helped me physically as I’ve already dropped 10 pounds but the most beneficial aspect is the mental barriers that this sport casually obliterates! And you get to meet and talk to some really great folks as well. Straight up… Adami, Coscilla, Medici, Carter… Thank you! Come check PSABJJ, you won’t regret it! Oooss!!!

the instructors will go the extra mile to make sure you’re training and also improving, the classes are very intense and ideal to help you reach your fitness goals, the place is always clean as well

After many years of taking time off from the martial arts and weightlifting I’m happy that I found a new passion to train. This place makes you feel like you’re part of the family as soon as you walk through the doors. Even though there’s an obvious hirearchy of skill and knowlegde you’re always treated like and EQUAL, which is something foreign to me from my experience, and it’s a welcome feeling.
Thank you everything, OSS!!!

As a 47-​year-​old who has never done martial arts or frankly much of any sport, I was somewhat nervous when starting to attend classes at this school about 3 months ago, unsure if I’d be able to keep up physically and mentally. I should say that my experiences here have surpassed all my expectations. Joining this school has likely been the best decision I’ve made in years. The atmosphere is very friendly, but also demanding — make no mistake, you’ll have a rigorous workout on every visit, and leave a lot of sweat on the mat :-). The feeling of accomplishment is great, and you’ll be glad you’ve pulled through. But it’s not just hard work — studying Jiu-​Jitsu here is great fun. The instructors here are all amazing, as are my classmates who study here.

The instructors are really cool. This class teaches not only jiu jitsu but also respect. This class teaches kids to stand proud and strong. I definitely recommend this academy to other kids!

I’ve been training here for around 2 years now, I’ve learned more then I could imagine. This place isn’t just about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it’s a bond of sort built out of respect for each other. Professors here, approach teaching with respect, technique, and personality.

I have been practicing in this location since February 2016 and have nothing buy awesome experiences every time i hit the mat. Thanks to all the trainers and staff for making this place a second home.

I’ve been going there for a little under two years. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to keep coming back.

Started training here just over a month ago, even though my personal schedule only allows me two days a week, I have to say they’re the most looked forward to. From the first day, the staff has been very professional and supportive. Everyone in the classes too, from beginners to advanced. Can’t say enough good things about this place. At first I was little skeptical about the five star rating, but in my opinion, this place, staff and students are more than deserving of it.

Jumped in for a trial class. I have a decent amount of experience, and have trained at a fair amount of gyms, so I have a lot to compare it to.
The technique is top notch (which you would expect, coming from marcelos lineage), the instructor is a brown belt but he could easily be a black under someone else. The classes are taught in a way that actually makes sense, which is not always the case at BJJ schools.
Downsides, no wall padding around much of the mats, which seems kinda risky and almost bounced my head off the brick wall a few times. Very very expensive. 250 a month if you dont agree to sign a contract. The class was goddamn huge, maybe 30 people, and just one instructor, so there was not a lot of individual attention, although I did get to roll with the instructor who is very very good.
Ultimately I have decided to train at another school, but for sure these guys know what they are doing and if you train here they will teach you well. I ended up being put off by the price (theres a renzo black belt teaching less than a mile away by the barclays center who only charges 150 a month, and a bellator fighter and black belt who is teaching at a c1 which is also by barclays which is only 200 a month, and they offer extensive striking classes) as well as the class size.
The biggest thing that I didnt like, and this is totally my personal preference and not an objective criticism, is that they appear to have adopted the model of another series of brooklyn gyms called Brooklyn BJJ (a well known Mcdojo and fraudulent biller), and their classes seem to be run in this fashion, with rhythmic clapping, everyone wearing matching rashguards, and a student creed that they line up and recite at the end of the class. Not for me, but probably the best choice in the park slope for technical jiu jitsu instruction. Atmosphere was a little too «boyscout“ish for me, but they seem like good guys and their jiu jitsu is very good.

As a former Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu student, I support Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu for Professor Adami and Crocilla. They were my instructors from my previous school. They are amazing and dedicated to helping people with their fitness and supporting the community. I didn’t get a chance to train there, but heard amazing feedback from my Brazilian jiu-​jitsu brothers and sisters that the school is great. I believe because of the great instructors, Professor Adami and Crocilla. I say Thank You to both and wishing this school continued years of success. I moved to Queens, but miss the brooklyn spirit of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu.

When I first enrolled in the academy, I didn’t know what to expect but I’m happy to know that I picked the best place for me, the instructors are beyond amazing and they have been very supportive.

I’ve been associated with prof Adami and prof Crocilla for 7 years. They were my instructor at a previous school. When they ventured on there own to start PSBJJ I followed. I am no longer a student at PSBJJ because I moved out of state and I must say what they started was a top notch school ! They are a dedicated duo, to insure whoever walks through those sacred doors will be giving the best course of training, sincerity, caring and dedication to all of its students! I miss them both and PSBJJ.
It truly makes all who decide to take that first step in BJJ feel like a black belt which is a rarity. When I come to visit Brooklyn I make it a point to come in and Roll. I advise those who decide on Training in the wonderful art of jiu jitsu to go to PSBJJ train and learn from Two of the best ! Roll on Roll on!
Frank the mortician !

Both of my children (girl, 8, and boy, 13) attend Park Slope BJJ, and they love it! It’s a fantastic workout, they have fun, and also learn discipline and respect. The schedule is extremely flexible, and we love all of the instructors.

Great school and the instructors are awesome!

I just started training in BJJ because of injuries (and boredom) that were being caused by traditional cardio and weight training. I am amazed at how quickly the practice has had a positive effect on my life, and am so honored to be a part of the PSABJJ family. Professors Crocilla and Adami treat every student with equal respect, and take an immense amount of pride in the function and presentation of their academy. I would, without hesitation, recommend Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu to anyone looking for a positive, intense and balanced workout or practice.

Great place to learn BJJ. In general, this sport is pretty intimidating but the coaches here work hard to make the academy an open and welcome place to everyone. It’s a great workout and a fun way to get in shape. I highly recommend that you give this place a shot. They have a pretty good introductory deal.

I picked up BJJ almost two months ago using a Groupon deal. The workouts/​warm ups are great and the guys in charge live and breathe BJJ. The result is a fun and constructive environment for anyone coming to get in shape and learn something along the way. The weight loss aspect of BJJ is better and more fun than any treadmill at a gym, try it once and you will be hooked. Your health and fitness is an investment in yourself and there is no better way to keep in shape than learning and training in a martial art. All ages and abilities are welcome at PSABJJ, try it — you won’t be sorry! OSS!

I have known Marc and Steve for years and I can assure you that training here you will get 3 things: 1. quality instruction with high level training, 2. a friendly atmosphere where you will be welcomed, and 3. opportunity for success on and off the mat. These 2 individuals know what it takes to build a thriving environment for all levels of fitness and personal goals. If you want to learn a new art, enhance your JiuJitsu game, get in shape, lose some weight, feel confident or simply have fun … whatever it is … it can be met here. There are very few instructors around where you will get top level instruction which was learned, absorbed, and reeducated down from Marcelo Garcia himself as these 2 are students of his as I am too. I can personally assure you they are at the MGA HQ daily (I know because I train with them), in the grind, and gaining all the knowledge that you guys will be learning. If you live in Brooklyn and looking to either learn JiuJitsu, or have a fitness routine that is different than just tossing around some weights and riding a bike then this is the spot for you. I can assure you that after you give JiuJitsu a try you will be instantly hooked and the only regret you will have is why you didn’t start earlier. With that said, stop reading and just go! You will thank me later.

ParkSlope Bjj is ran by an awesome instructor under the tutelage of Marcelo Garcia. Enough said!

You have no right to list my personal medical issues in a public forum. I provided you that information purely for legal purposes. Please remove this information immediately.

I moved out to Brooklyn pretty recently and was looking for a new academy to train at and I found that at PASBJJ. Everything about this place is great: the students are all warm and welcoming, classes are given for students of any background, the instructors are all really great, fun, awesome and knowledgable (the instructors are great with kids too) and the mats are always nice and clean. I would recommend this place to any of my friends. Awesome academy!

I started training here a couple of months after my eight year old daughter started. That was about a year ago. Now we are a mother/​daughter jiujitsu grappling duo!
Seriously, after trying all sorts of exercise over the years, this has been the most fun, with the best results in terms of fitness, and just a fabulous community of people. Now that I am approaching middle age, my body started to rebel against running on hard pavement. Yoga is good, but doesn’t have the same energy. Jiujitsu has combined cardio, fitness, and muscle training in a way that I have found very satisfying. It’s also pretty intellectual, so it keeps you interested, focussed, and eager for more. I can’t say enough great things about the instructors, either. They are skilled, patient, and dedicated — just a great group of guys.
For me, the bonus has been that my daughter is also gaining tremendous confidence and fitness, and it’s something we can share and connect about. She may have been the impetus for me starting training, but now we push each other to achieve more all the time.

I cannot speak about this place highly enough. I walked passed it every day for years and never thought twice about it. About eight months ago I was looking for some sort of activity to get myself in better shape. I used to go to a boxing gym, but that, combined with an intensive desk job, was beginning to take its toll on my hands. So, I decided to check this place out. After one lesson I was immediately into it. The facilities are great and the professors are first rate. They are extremely knowledgeable, but more importantly, they really take the time to make sure everyone understands and can execute the concepts properly. (How often do you find a place where the staff will stay late, answer questions, and work with the students well after the class has ended?) In addition, the community of students there is exceptional. Everyone is willing to help one another out and there is a consistently familial vibe in the room (i.e. I have yet to meet some overeager jerk trying to prove something).
Anyway, one can only say so much. I highly recommend anyone even remotely interested in BJJ to come check this place out.

Hello All,
I have been training at PSABJJ for a couple months now and for the most part I really like the gym:
Pro’s
–Great Location, Very accessible by train and if you drive, you can almost always find parking
–Instructors are very friendly, knowledgeable and hands on, very cool people indeed. Always looking to help you out and give positive encouragement!
–Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere!
–Lots of cool seminars you can attend to learn more
–Overall I would highly recommend this gym
–Team atmosphere for competitions
–Just an overall fun and great workout!
Middle Ground: Pro/​Con
The head instructor has been doing BJJ for 7 years (Started in 2007 according to bio)
Cons–
–Expensive monthly membership, its understandable because of the location, but you start off in the range of $ 200 a month and then it gets even more expensive after you graduate to the advanced class… but you never pay for belt fees (for those who don’t know belt ceremonies can get really expensive at other gyms)
— If your looking to get into BJJ for self defense, you might want to think again, we strictly only work in «GI’s» which most the time if you ever have fight someone on the street your not going to be able to grab their Gi’s. This gym mostly focuses on competition BJJ… you won’t learn striking or anything like that or stand up… (but BJJ is mostly for grappling and the ground game)
–No morning classes, No Showers either… A 5:30am-6:00am class would be awesome
–YOU can only wear their gear and clothing for «Insurance purposes»… there is plenty of great MMA/​BJJ gear on the market and for the students to be simply limited to the gear and clothing of gym really sucks…
— At the end of every class it seems, we get handed the scholarship cards which gives you the ability to allow a friend to join the gym for two weeks free… this is cool every once and awhile… but we get these cards constantly and it’s a little annoying. I understand you want recommendations to build the business, but if I am pretty sure most people would just ask you for a scholarship card if they knew someone wanted to try it out…
I recommend this gym definitely!

Marc and Steven are excellent teachers. Always smiling, friendly, helpful and very supportive. The curriculum and techniques that are taught are excellent. The atmosphere is always upbeat and positive, classes are always fun and the facilities are great. An awesome place to train jiu-​jitsu (BJJ). Highly recommended!!!

Hands down the BEST Jiu Jitsu school for young kids. We have experienced Jiu Jitsu schools in Brooklyn and in South Florida for our sons, and I can’t say enough about Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The instructors are engaging, motivating, dedicated, patient, energetic, and positive. I would recommend this school to everyone who is looking for a great environment, with highly skilled, and committed instructors for themselves or their children. You won’t be disappointed.

I had been wanting to try martial arts for a long time and after a lot of research I chose to try Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu here at PSABJJ. I can not say enough about the friendly, helpful, and patient staff members. It’s truly a community of quality people and patrons and a pleasure to participate in the classes. I come from a yoga background and everyone was extremely helpful in making me feel comfortable and supported — I was completely out of my comfort zone. The people are great, the work out is great and I always feel strong and powerful after every class!

If you are looking to try something new, improve your physical fitness, master an intriguing form of the martial arts, or strengthen your self-​defense abilities in a fun, cooperative, and SAFE environment, look no further than PARK SLOPE ACADEMY BRAZILIAN JIUJITSU, or as we students call it PSABJJ.
This barely one-​year old facility has all new equipment; the professors and instructors are respectful, cordial and dedicated brazilian jiujitsu practitioners who guide students through each technique. The class structures ensure that each student learns and advances at their own pace. The warm-​ups in each class provide rigorous exercise but the group setting almost makes working out fun — so you will lose weight and get into the best shape of your life and have fun whilst doing it.
The professors often say that anybody can do jiujitsu: it is true. Their approach to instructing — teaching students fundamentals and gradually accelerating students to more advanced techniques — is something anybody can do. The academy also holds occasional seminars in such things as women’s personal safety and yoga; yoga course and strength and conditioning course are also offered through the academy in tandem with the jiujitsu courses, so there is something here for anybody aged 8 — 100.
If you think you can’t do martial arts, have no experience or no fitness, this place is for you! Come in and see the professors and instructors for more information!!!

Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu is both a fun and amazing way to stay in shape, gain confidence & self discipline, and learn a highly-​effective and practical martial art – and these guys do it the best. Super-​professional yet welcoming, PSABJJ welcomes practitioners of all strengths (I had never once grappled/​wrestled before). The instructors really know their stuff & are eager to share their knowledge and the advanced students are patient & willing to work with beginners in a comfortable & chill way. The studio is beautiful and the facilities are clean – they even use some high-​end antimicrobial mats! I also really appreciate the self-​defense seminars which are typically open to the public – they are indeed valuable community resources.
PSABJJ is to doing it right. I can’t recommend this place highly enough. If you’re in the ‘hood, definitely come check it out!