10 Best Martial Arts Schools in New York City

Photo by Ashima Pargal on Unsplash

10 Best Martial Arts Schools in New York City

Martial arts have been used in popular culture like movies and other media. Popular movies like Batman, X-Men or Star Wars movie feature several martial arts moves.

The love for martial arts is not only for young children but adults who want to learn self-defence. This has become extremely popular and people do it for fitness

Most children’s program ties in a mental component for every punch and kicks they learn. It is for this reason that parents will always send their kids to martial arts. It provides the fundamental discipline children need to succeed in school and succeed in life.

Several schools in New York offer Martial arts lessons. Check out below.

1. Active Krav Maga

“Krav maga” lesson in paratroopers school. Israel, 1955. Photo by TZAHAL – Wikimedia

This school in New York offers high-energy programs to children and adults in the Flushing area. The team of instructors offer group classes in Krav Maga, kids’ karate, exercise and aerobics workouts and Zumba.

These instructors are experts in self-defence skills such as strangling, embracing, seizing, defending, attacking, kicking, and defence against physical violence.

This particular institution is affiliated with World Security and Self Defence Academy. It was developed by the Israeli Defence Force and is regarded as the most effective self-defence fighting system in the world.

Practical Information:

Website: https://activekravmaga.com

Address: 16110 Union Tpke, 1st Floor, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366

Classes: Teens & Adults, Kids Martial Arts

2. Amerikick Martial Arts

This Martial Arts school is a national martial arts organization that provides professional instruction and world-class training for students of all ages in the Brooklyn area.

It was established in 1967 and has since offered programs involving sports karate training, weapons training, extreme martial arts, sparring, kickboxing, Muay Thai, modern boxing, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and Filipino Arnis.

The school is highly recommended by former students for cultivating a warm, professional, and productive learning environment.

The team of trainers here are dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching.

Practical Information:

Address: 529 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States

Website: https://brooklynmartialarts.net/

Classes: Kids Martial Arts and Thai Kickboxing, Adult Kickboxing

3. CK Chu Tai Chi

Photo by Kevin Olson on Unsplash

CK Chu Tai Chi is a martial arts school that provides classes and workshops for men and women throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

They regularly offer health and self-defence classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Popular classes offered here include Tai Chi, Nei Kung, Chi Kung, weapons forms, and meditation instruction. Additionally, CK Chu Tai Chi also conducts free basic Tai Chi classes.

This institution was founded in 1973 by Grandmaster C.K. Chu in Times Square, New York City. It has since remained to be one of America’s most renowned schools of Tai Chi.

Practical Information:

Address: 156 West 44th Street, New York City, NY 10036

Website: https://ckchutaichi.com

Classes: Tai Chi, Nei Kung, Eternal Spring Chi Kung, Stretching & Non-Stretching; Advanced Single Class

4. International Martial Arts Centre

Hapkido students practise throws and joint manipulation in a dojang. Photo by : Wikiman86 – Wikimedia

The International Martial Arts Centre is unique amongst organizations which teach martial arts. It was founded in 1995 and unifies different styles of martial arts.

They teach their students according to each individual’s strengths. At IMAC, you will learn Tae Kwon Do as the main art. There are other additional techniques from other Asian arts to develop a complete martial art system.

This school is conveniently located in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan and provides instruction in both Taekwondo and Hapkido.

Sign up to learn self-defence, build confidence, and get in the best shape of your life.

Practical Information:

Website: https://imac-nyc.com

Address: 98 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003

Classes: Juniors Martial Arts (5 – 8)Kids Martial Arts (9 – 14)Teen Martial Arts (15+)Adult Martial ArtsPrivate/ Semi-Private Training

5. Shaolin Kung Fu Training Centre

Shaolin Kung Fu Training Centre’s core focus is to bring this great Chinese martial arts into the 21st Century.

At the Centre, lead instructors Shifu Hengxin and Shimu Arlene, demonstrate movements in great detail and take a personal interest in each student’s progress.

They specifically focus on meditation, concentration and dedication. The instructors believe one can overcome and succeed in anything.

Training for all students begins with external development. Later, physical development is achieved through a combination of conditioning, stretching, learning fundamental techniques and correct breathing.

They also train using traditional weapons to further develop coordination, strengthen the body and further a student’s martial skills.

Practical Information:

Address: 109 W 27th St Studio 2B, New York, NY 10001

Website: http://www.shaolinkungfutrainingcenter.com/

Classes: Shaolin Kung Fu training, Adult Kung Fu, Teen Kung Fu

6. Anderson’s Martial Arts Academy

Kickboxing training in Ebisu, Tokyo. Photo by istolethetv – Wikimedia

This next Martial Arts Academy offers one of the most highly respected, quality mixed martial arts programs in the country. By joining this academy, you will be part of a distinguished, time-honoured martial arts academy.

They have rich in tradition, lineage, and reputation. It was established by Sifu Dan Anderson in 1996 and has continued to grow in size and stature.

Their sole focus is on providing students with the most practical and effective self-defence skills rooted in the principles of martial arts.

The classes here are for people of all ages and they help each student achieve and surpass their specific goals.

Practical Information:

Address: 412 Broadway, 2nd fl, New York, NY 10013

Website: https://www.andersonsmartialarts.com

Classes: Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai, Gracie/Brazilian Jiujitsu, Kids Classes, Kettlebell Kickboxing Fitness, Private Training

7. WuTang Chinese Martial Art Institute

This is one of the oldest and most prestigious martial arts schools in New York City. They have been training in New York for more than 30 years and have not changed location for over 25 years.

They are a traditional style school that has evolved with modern times. There are several different masters and high-level instructors.

The instructors expose students to different training techniques and concepts, while still observing the same underlying philosophy.

You will find classes for all ages, and of varying difficulty levels. Do not worry about being too old, or not being in good enough shape.

Practical Information:

Address: 134-20 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354

Website: http://www.wutang.org/

Classes: Ba Ji Quan, Pi Gua Zhang Styles, Kung Fu, Ba-Tz Tai Chi, Shandong Style Praying Mantis, Northern Style Long Fist

8. NY Martial Arts Academy

This was the first school in the tri-state area to be recognized by the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus (an organization established to preserve and perpetuate the art that Bruce Lee developed).

Their core purpose is to promote the art, science, and philosophy of the founder of JKD (Bruce Lee). They are one of the only schools on the East Coast to teach Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do.

You will get to learn different aspects of Jeet Kune Do (mind, body, and spirit). As well as develop friendships and a common respect for your fellow martial artists.

Practical Information:

Address: 184 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Website: https://www.nymaa.com

Classes: Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Self Defense, Physical Fitness

9. Harlem Tae Kwon Do

Sparring in a Taekwondo class. Photo by VeNoM4004 – Wikimedia

In this school, you will meet Master Fall who is amazing at making sure you understand what it is that he is teaching you in class. His classes are a true workout for the mind and body.

He fully involves you in class no matter what level of experience you have with martial arts. While the classes may seem intense, they are fun. Master Fall also incorporates cardio and strength into the workouts.

There are also group classes for students of all ages throughout the New York City area. Harlem Tae Kwon Do also offers free initial classes.

Practical Information:

Address: New York City, NY 10026

Website: https://www.harlemtkd.com/

10. Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan

Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan is a martial arts academy that provides personalized instruction to children, teens, and adults in the Astoria area.

This school specializes in conducting traditional karate training which involves lessons such as traditional Japanese karate kata, fighting skills, and traditional Okinawan weapons.

Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan’s team also teaches boxing and self-defence programs. They commit to ensuring each student leaves each class with an increased sense of power, confidence, peace of mind and freedom that impacts every area of their lives.

Their dojo classes are family-oriented and deeply connected to the community through their relationships with local schools and residents.

Practical Information:

Address: New York City, NY 10011

Website: https://kenwakan.com