NYC BJJ Academy

Great environment. Instruction was solid, with a superb workout! What a fun class. Can hardly wait for more!

Here in NYC for vacation, I am always grateful to find a BJJ school to train at while away from home. Attended the 7:30-8:30 AM class which is perfect to get your training in and still have the rest of the day to enjoy. Professor Vitor was very friendly and welcoming. Awesome instruction, drills, and training with great people - all you can ask for when visiting a school. Highly recommend especially if you're coming in from out of town!

Vitor Shaolin has a legendary reputation of being a legendary champion and a professional gentleman. Shaolin and his instructors take the time to build relationships with their students and treat them as individual humans not just numbers. Here you will become confident, learn self-defense, become a tournament champion, be a part of a close-knit community and most importantly, Shaolin Jiu-Jitsu will make you a better human being!

I've been a member for two years, and I plan on being a member until I'm not able to be (age/location). Professors are great. Staff is great. Fellow students are great to be around. My time at VSBJJA is the best part of my week.

I have been training with Shaolin for 3 years. I was one of the first students when he came here, and I am very happy with things.

I feel like I got much better, primarily because Shaolin and Loro and other visiting blackbelts are there so often (Shaolin teaches every class and when Loro is not training for pro mma he is there all the time as well).

The prices are also very competitive for NYC. I believe they are the cheapest considering the extremely high level of quality.

I have been a runner and yogi for many years and was looking for a new form of exercise that would help me get strong and double as a hobby. I saw the deal for two trial classes and with a free gi (white top, pants and belt) thrown I was sold. I was a little nervous since I didn't know what to except.

I loved it.

1) At first I didn't like that there were so many people there, but we broke up win to small groups which was perfect

2) I felt like I could keep up with the moves we were learning and had opportunities to practice with a partner

3) You get thrown into rolling where you practice the technique learned during the class.

4) The instructors and friendly and knowledgeable

I'm looking forward to my next class and I am keeping my fingers crossed the cost for classes after the trail are affordable

I've been a member here for a month and so far, it's been great. All the instructors are patient and understand and their explanations for each drill make you understand why the technique is so critical. The other people who take the class are also helpful too. They always let you know where you can improve.

There are numerous amazing choices when it comes to finding an amazing Jiu Jitsu instructor in the Manhattan area. Most with very impressive resumes to back them. If you are new to Jiu Jitsu, just google who Vitor Shaolin is and you will realize that he stands at the peak of the sport's history. This is my go to spot when I am in the New York area.

Facility: Located right by the theater district/ Times square, the gym is on the second floor. You can see it from the street but you it might be a bit confusing to find the entrance. The mat space is quite spacious for being in one of the most expensive places in the world. Plenty of room to roll. There are changing rooms and showers; both men and women's. They have sports drinks and waters for sale.

Impression: Vitor is still hands on with teaching the classes. You will definitely get to check out his infamous half guard. There are enough students to where he can split the classes up to a Beginners, Blue Belt only, and Purple belt above classes. You can really find what ever fits your needs. I have seen and rolled with a wide array of body types on the mats. Common theme here is a lot of top pressure.

Overall: I would and have come back here numerous times while visiting the New York area. I would highly recommend you coming to either join or just drop in. Make sure you check the schedule first and give yourself extra time to find parking.

***** FIVE STARS *****

Don't read my review. Go there, speak to them and sign up for a trial class. Upon registration, you are given a gi (the traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu attire) to train in. The staff are not only helpful and patient with new beginners; they are well trained martial artists. Vitor Shaolin is truly a living legend. If you don't believe me; just Google his name and you will be directed to multiple YouTube videos, his Wikipedia page and legitimate photos of his authenticity in the art of Jiu Jitsu.

It has been almost 6 months since I have been a part of VSBJJA and I cannot speak more highly of the camaraderie, unity, respect, honor and love that I have experienced for the sport of Jiu Jitsu, and for the people I have grown so close with... they have become family; my home away from home.

Initially, I think we all go in with selfish intentions to lose weight, be physically active and healthier... which don't get me wrong! Is a FANTASTIC thing to want. And I absolutely got that. But, what's more rewarding is, I have built a support system within this growing community that I feel will be a part of my lifestyle, forever.

Thank you, Vitor and EVERYONE there that has shown me the way.

Obrigado! Oss! :)

VSBJJ is the place to go if you want to learn from the best. Shaolin, Loro, Alex, Chris, and Van are all great guys and provide a ton of personal one on one attention.
The fact that Shaolin teaches most of the classes is the number one reason to join. I really hate paying for a "name" and then never seeing them (aka the bigger bjj schools).
The second reason to join is the fact is that the classes are small. Within two months you'll easily know almost everyone in your group. The guys literally become extended family minus the awkward thanksgiving dinners.
Lastly, there are no egos. Yes you will get tapped out, but it's never malicious. I've noticed that at other schools and immediately left.

After being there for over a year, i can honestly say this is the best bjj experience for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.