New York Martial Arts Academy

The environment is inviting and pleasant. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Rates are good in comparison to places that I have trained at before. If you’re seeking a belt and a reason to show off, don’t come here. It’s not appreciated.

I love JKD! As a little person, I’ve always known that if I ever took a punch from someone who was trying to mug me, I wouldn’t even stand a chance. This place teaches you to avoid getting hit and honing your reaction time to hit first (and run). Obviously I have my favorite instructors and times to go, but I think overall everyone here is friendly and helpful. I’ve only been going for about 2 weeks now, but I’m loving it!

Let me first say, when I visited the Sifu I worked with was extremely nice and knowledgeable. I was all set to sign up after that first trial class. However, from there it went downhill. I found out that I would not be able to afford beginning classes for a month or so and told them this. Then the «car salesman» came out. I was repeatedly called and demanded explanations for why I was backing out. My finances were picked at and I was even told to get money from friends and family so that I could afford their services. I found this to be blatantly disrespectful and will be taking my training elsewhere.
There ARE good teachers here. The problem that I encountered was that they are a BUSINESS first and foremost. You will be required to sign a legal contract that commits you to paying for 12 months of classes. If you can afford them, they seem like a good school. If money is tight, I would suggest training elsewhere.

NYMAA covers all aspects of martial arts including striking, grappling, and trapping, plus provides perspective on why certain maneuvers are used in different situations. Great studio!

There are a few places I’ve been to with such a dedicated staff, diversity of class offerings, and availability of those offerings.
NYMAA is truly the one the best places I’ve ever been to an effort to get me physically fit, and physically disciplined when learning self-​defense.
The trainers work with you as though you’ve known them for years, even if you haven’t. Their dedication comes through in the way that they speak about their training, the way that they command our classes, and the way they teach us, often times in smaller groups to get us to improve our weaknesses.
Their patience and professionalism are second to none.
Bravo, NYMAA Team, and thanks!

Seems like the negative reviews are from people that haven’t even taken a single class here. Also, ²⁄₃ are from the same person. If you don’t have time to schedule a free session, you don’t have time for JKD. It’s not something you do once a week, try Zumba. I train here and love it. JKD is the martial art developed by Bruce Lee himself by taking the most effective techniques from virtually every fighting style and then incorporating footwork from fencing. It’s a remarkable art and cannot be explained by a receptionist, on the phone, and THAT is why they want you to come in for a free lesson. Also, Deno Orfanos, the head instructor/​owner, studied under 2 different instructors that both were trained directly by Bruce Lee himself. I don’t know of any other JKD or JKD Concept school that can say the same.

What a great group of instructors! This place is the REAL DEAL! If you’re looking for a serious MA program, this is it!

Love it!!! Just Joined… Instructors and staff were very professional and knowledgeable… Will keep you posted in a few months…
David

Learn mma skills, from the best! At the same time get in great shape, as u improve strength, flexibility, endurance agility and speed… Improve attention span in children and self esteem, help them succeed in school and life in the future

LOVE this place! Super friendly staff & teachers, tons of classes on most days of the week, they are very up front about costs unlike some other martial arts schools I’ve experienced, and students truly enjoy the experience. My young son has been going 3 (sometimes 4) times a week for 5 months now and he really enjoys it despite needing to work hard and focus… as it should be. In the previous martial arts classes he took elsewhere, they weren’t serious at all about training children and it was basically fooling around. Very pleased with NYMAA as a parent because my son is truly learning the art, there is a «parent lounge» where I can watch comfortably without distracting the class and classes are almost daily so I can balance our schedule easily as things pop up. The venue is huge, well maintained and offers great adult classes too (JKD, Yoga). What’s not to love?!

This place is great.
When you walk into NYMAA they give you a tour of the facility and give you an opportunity to try a few classes for free. If you decide its not for you then its not for you, you walk away with nothing lost. If you do like it you pay 250 down to cover equipment and insurance and 189 a month for unlimited classes, NOT 250 for 2 or 3 classes a week.
I’ve been training there for 6 months now and when I go a few weeks without showing up they are calling me to make sure I’m ok and to encourage me to return. I’ve never experienced this with any martial arts school or gym. They can easily take their payment and go about their business without a care in the world.
The instructors know their students and go out of their way to help in any way possible. During classes you can ask questions and they will answer them in a way that makes sense. You walk out of there with a clear understanding of what you learned.
My 5 year old son also trains here. Their little dragons program, which caters to 5 & 6 year old children, focuses on physical fitness and discipline not just material arts. The program is designed like a game so kids are focused and paying attention to what they are doing, while having fun.

I am extremely disappointed with these people. They make me disappointed in humanity because now even the spiritual/​philosophical is packaged and sold. I understand that they are running a business, but nothing about my interaction with them relayed anything close to a spiritual or philosophical approach to martial arts which is ultimately what I was seeking. And this is despite their use of Bruce Lee cliches, Bruce Lee cardboard cutouts, or their pointing to a yin/​yang poster on their wall. The cliches were clearly just selling points for people who can’t tell the difference and who want to think they are inside a Bruce Lee movie.
I went for a «free week intro» type deal through their website. Turns out you have to «prequalify» in order to see or do anything more than walk around the medium sized empty floor. «Prequalify» means you can pay $ 250 down and $ 250 per month for 2 or 3 classes a week on a 1 year contract. If not, they politely tell you to go f* yourself. Given the way many other spiritual/​physical practices work in NYC where students are evidently cared for by their instructors, their approach strikes me as extremely unconcerned for anything other than a stable cash flow. I am glad I got to see this side of them because otherwise I might have been duped as well.

I have been a member of the NYMAA family for about 9 years now. The best art, unlimited attendance, great instructors and a great atmosphere makes this school the best place to learn. Sifu Dino Orfanos is very knowledgeable and always willing to teach. If you are looking to train in authentic JKD, I highly recommend the school, and guarantee you will enjoy it.

I have been training martial arts for 10 years. The instruction and environment at NYMAA is top tier. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient. The classes are intense and address every aspect of street combat. Moreover, the instructors take pride in developing each student on the spiritual and philosophical meaning behind being a true martial artist. Every other school that I have trained at has failed to give the total approach to martial arts. Lastly, let it be stressed that Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do is the ultimate interpretation of martial art, especially when it comes to street applicability. Other schools that claim to teach Jeet Kune Do are suspect based on their lineage and philosophy. True Jeet Kune Do is taught at NYMAA as perpetuated under Sifu Ted Wong and Sifu Chris Kent. There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who is serious about developing their martial art combat, philosophy and spirit will be more than happy with New York Martial Arts Academy.

I’ve been training here for about 6 years now and I couldn’t be more happy. I have been training in martial arts for about 24 years in 5 different arts and never found what I was looking for until I came here. New York martial arts has something to offer to everyone, not to mention the only school in the tristate that continues to teach the true art science and philosophy of Bruce lee, jeet kune do. Come give us a try and I guarantee you’ll be happy.