Ronin Athletics - Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA NYC

At Ronin Athletics, students encounter a Gracie Jiu Jitsu curriculum that keeps self-defense at the center of every class, from the first Gracie Combatives® lesson through advanced Master Cycle training. The academy is led by Head Coach Christian Montes, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Felipe Costa, with over 20 years of martial arts experience that spans Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, boxing, Muay Thai, and professional MMA. Since founding the school in 2002, Christian has focused on making jiu-jitsu accessible to people of all backgrounds, emphasizing practical skills and personal development over competition results. Classes are organized to reflect the Gracie University system. Adult beginners start with Gracie Combatives®, covering the 36 foundational techniques of Gracie Jiu Jitsu with a focus on leverage and timing, while more experienced students move into the Master Cycle, developing advanced techniques in both gi and no-gi formats. Reflex Development classes help bridge the gap between fundamentals and live sparring. Women Empowered® sessions and Gracie BullyProof® programs for kids (ages 5-7 and 8-12) provide tailored instruction in self-defense, aiming to build confidence and resilience in every age group. Ronin Athletics is the official Gracie Jiu Jitsu Certified Training Center in Manhattan and maintains a central location just south of Grand Central Station. The school welcomes drop-ins, offers private coaching, and has amenities including kids’ classes, parking, and wheelchair accessibility. The teaching philosophy stays true to Grandmaster Helio Gracie’s vision: giving anyone, regardless of strength or athleticism, the skills to protect themselves and thrive on and off the mats.

Amenities