Train under Renzo Gracie black belts in a welcoming, world-class academy. Adults and youth programs for all experience levels.
Visiting NYC? See training passes →
Led by Renzo Gracie
Ownership
Since 2019
Established
800+
Active Members
4.9 ★
Google Rating
Classes for every age and experience level, taught by Renzo Gracie lineage instructors.
All levels welcome
Our adult program includes fundamentals, all-levels, and no-gi classes. Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or preparing for competition, our curriculum adapts to your goals.
Women-only classes
A dedicated space for women to learn jiu-jitsu and practical self-defense in a supportive environment. Open to all experience levels.
Ages 3 and up
Age-appropriate classes that build confidence, discipline, and coordination. Our youth program is structured in three groups to ensure every child trains with peers at a similar developmental stage.
Weekly class schedule at Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side.
All-levels Jiu-Jitsu
90 min · Gabriel Pimenta
Kids 3 to 5
30 min · Mathaus Anderson
Kids 6 to 8
45 min · Mathaus Anderson
Kids 9 and up
45 min · Mathaus Anderson
Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals
60 min · Thiago Saldanha
All-levels Jiu-Jitsu
90 min · Mathaus Anderson
No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu
90 min · Thiago Saldanha
Co-Owner and Head Instructor
Coral Belt · 7 Stripes
Renzo Gracie pioneered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New York, opening his first Manhattan academy in 1996. A UFC and Pride veteran, three-time ADCC world champion, and coral belt, he is one of the most respected figures in martial arts history. Renzo co-owns and leads the Upper West Side academy, where he trains alongside students of all levels — from first-day beginners to competitive black belts.
Black Belt · 5 Stripes · Co-owner and Head Instructor
Founder of Gracie Magazine and Renzo Gracie Online Academy, Luca brings decades of experience in jiu-jitsu education and media. As co-owner and head instructor, he oversees the curriculum and daily operations at the Upper West Side academy.
Black Belt · 4 Stripes · Head Instructor
Professor Rafael "Sapo" Natal is from Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. He started his BJJ career in 2003 and now holds the rank of Black Belt, 4rd degree from Vinicius Draculino and Renzo Gracie. Sapo holds many BJJ World Championship titles in Gi and No Gi both in the US and abroad. He is also a Brazilian mixed martial artist. A professional from 2005 until 2017 with 31 fights, he is a former UFC fighter with 17 fights on the organization.
Black Belt · 3 Stripes · Instructor
Fernando began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in his hometown of São Paulo, Brazil, training under the renowned Fraga cousins. He is an accomplished competitor, having earned medals in numerous tournaments. With over fifteen years as a black belt and six years of teaching experience, Fernando brings both depth and expertise to his instruction. Outside the mat, he is also a skilled portrait and wedding photographer.
Black Belt · 3 Stripes · Instructor
Sean "Shorty Rock" Santella is a highly decorated 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and veteran flyweight MMA fighter who has trained and coached many world champions. A multiple time mma and a no gi world champion, Santella is known for his grappling expertise and his attention to detail. When Sean is not teaching or training he is either on a mountain snowboarding or on the water surfing.
Black Belt · 2 Stripes · Instructor
Thiago Saldanha is a 44 year old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with nearly 21 years of training and eight years of teaching experience, a multiple-time world champion and Pan American champion, all under the guidance of Renzo Gracie. He moved to New York in 2016, where he balances life as an instructor and father of two, living jiu-jitsu as a daily lifestyle!
Black Belt · 1 Stripe · Instructor
Mathaus Moreira began training Jiu-Jitsu at age 11. What started as a sport quickly became his entire life. He stayed committed through the hardest years when no one was watching, earning every belt through relentless work on the mat. Since 2017, he has been teaching and leading a strong kids' program here at the UWS academy. A proven competitor in both gi and no-gi, he has won titles across the United States and Brazil.
Black Belt · Instructor
Professor and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Fred Hoppe began his journey in the sport with the goal of learning self-defense and incorporating a high-intensity activity into his routine. He quickly fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu and decided to dedicate his life to it. In 2024, he was promoted to black belt by Masters Renzo Gracie, Rafael Sapo, and Luca Atalla. As a fun fact, in addition to being a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Fred Hoppe also holds a PhD in Architecture and a Master's degree in Civil Engineering.
Black Belt · Instructor
Floriano Junior is a Brazilian from Belo Horizonte who has trained as a black belt under the guidance of Rafael Natal throughout his entire career in the sport. An IBJJF champion competitor from his days as a white belt to the present day, he worked for 11 years as an architect and urban planner, but today he dedicates himself exclusively to his passion for Jiu-Jitsu, sharing it with both children and adults.
Black Belt · Instructor
Michael Dennis started his BJJ career in 2015 and now holds the rank of Black Belt under Luca Atalla and Renzo Gracie. He is a recently retired law enforcement officer, having served NYC for 20 years. While serving, he was assigned to Anticrime, ESU, the Detective Bureau, and is also a Gracie Survival Tactics (Level 1 & 2) certified instructor. He has been a member of RGA UWS since its creation.
Black Belt · 3 Stripes · Instructor
Raphael Romano is the founder of U.Natural Method and has been teaching Jiu-Jitsu flow at Renzo Gracie Upper West Side since July 2020. Practicing bodyweight training since age 8 alongside surfing and martial arts, he holds a Physical Education degree from Estácio de Sá University. He has coached UFC and BJJ champions including Minotauro, Rogerio Minotouro, Rafael dos Anjos, Vitor Belfort, and Chito Vera, and served as conditioning coach for top WSL surfers such as world champion Adriano de Souza.
“I walked in with zero experience and immediately felt welcome. The instructors break everything down so clearly. Six months later, I can't imagine my life without jiu-jitsu.”
“My son started in the Kids 6-8 program and his confidence has skyrocketed. The coaches are incredible with the children — patient, encouraging, and fun.”
“Best gym on the Upper West Side. The community here is what keeps me coming back. Everyone rolls together regardless of experience level.”
“The women's self-defense class gave me skills and confidence I didn't know I was missing. I look forward to training every week.”
Here's what to expect when you walk through our doors for the first time.
Wear athletic clothing (shorts or leggings and a t-shirt). We provide loaner gis for your first class. No equipment needed.
Your instructor will partner you with an experienced student who will guide you through warm-ups and foundational techniques at your pace.
You'll do light, controlled drilling with a partner. No sparring on your first day — just technique and movement.
After class, meet your new training partners. Most people are nervous before their first class and feel at home by the end of it.
None at all. Most of our members started with zero martial arts experience. Our fundamentals and all-levels classes are designed specifically for beginners to learn at their own pace alongside more experienced students.
No. All first-time visits — trial classes and visitor passes — must be booked in advance. Reserving lets us plan mat space, prepare your locker, and brief your instructor. It also protects the safety and training environment our members count on: jiu-jitsu is a close-contact practice, and knowing everyone on our mats is part of how we take care of the community.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing — shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. We have loaner gis (the traditional uniform) available for your trial class. Remove all jewelry before training. Bring water and a towel.
Absolutely. Our youth program emphasizes technique, coordination, and discipline in a controlled, supervised environment. Classes are grouped by age (3-5, 6-8, 9+) so every child trains with peers at a similar developmental stage. There is no striking in jiu-jitsu.
Adult monthly memberships start around $300, with youth and family pricing available. Your first trial class is free — the best way to see if Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Upper West Side is the right fit before you commit. Come train, then we'll talk pricing in person.
We recommend starting with 2-3 classes per week. This gives your body time to recover while building technique and muscle memory consistently. Many of our members train more frequently as they progress.
In gi classes, you wear a traditional jiu-jitsu uniform (gi) which allows for grip-based techniques. No-gi classes use athletic clothing (rash guard and shorts) and focus on techniques without grips on clothing. Both are valuable and we offer classes in each format.
We're located at the subcellar level of 246 Columbus Avenue, between 71st and 72nd Streets on the Upper West Side. Steps from the 72nd Street subway station (1/2/3 lines). Look for our entrance at street level and head downstairs.
Yes. Our Women's Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense class is a dedicated space for women to learn practical self-defense and jiu-jitsu technique in a supportive, all-women environment. No experience required.
Yes. Visiting practitioners purchase a training pass — day, week, two-week, or month options. Free trial classes are reserved for local residents considering membership. Reserve your mat space on our visitor passes page.
Take the first step. No experience needed, no obligation.
Subcellar, 246 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10023
Steps from the 72nd Street subway station (1/2/3 lines), between 71st and 72nd Streets on Columbus Avenue. Look for the entrance at street level and head downstairs to the subcellar.
Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone: (212) 787-3700
Email: uws@renzogracieuws.com
