Modern Martial Arts NYC Eastside

Awesome experience today! Staff was very kind and welcoming. I had my first session (beginner level) and although I’m extremely out of shape and believe I did terribly (despite how great the instructors said I did) I felt so encouraged and motivated to continue on. Even the students were super friendly. I noticed that although there were a few beginners, everyone seemed to know eachother pretty well. This made me skeptical at first but I can’t say it enough– I felt so welcomed and the instructors were extremely patient. Loved the experience… Will definitely go back!

While I’ve always been an active person, I’ve also always HATED the gym. I find it SO BORING I thus frequently lapse into long periods of couch-​potatodom. On my 25^th birthday, looking for ways to be more like my childhood hero Lara Croft, I found myself at the Yorkville Modern Martial Arts studio. It was about a year ago, and since that day, I’ve never looked back!
This studio is a true gem. The instructors are absolutely incredible – people I’d like to have for friends (if only they weren’t too cool for me).They are all extremely patient and encouraging with beginners, but always know when to push you. They definitely push you! I’ve never sweat so much in my life. Thankfully, they are all so funny that I find myself laughing through the pain of the killer workouts they put me through.
Since beginning my training, my quality of life has gone way up. I have lost weight, toned up, and become surprisingly flexible. I can run faster for longer, and I feel empowered by my ability to defend myself physically. My balance has improved, and my reflexes are out of control! I literally drop things and catch them in midair! It’s not only an intense, varied, and rewarding workout, it’s also a wonderful way to get in touch with your inner strength — the principles of martial arts extend beyond fitness.
As a newbie, I was intimidated on my first visit. But the studio is a community of supportive, enthusiastic people who make classes a true pleasure. The flexible schedule allows me always fit in a workout, whether in the evening or the afternoon.
I can’t express how much finding this studio has improved my life. It is filled with passionate, skilled, supportive people who inspire me every class. I would absolutely recommend this studio to anyone with an interest, regardless of age, fitness level, or prior experience. Kiiiiyaaahhh!!!

Tried out the Hip + Fit kickbox bootcamp class they recently started offering via groupon. Group class size ~20. It’s basically a cardio kickbox/​kickbox class you’d find at a big box gym, but perhaps a bit more intense than you’d normally have (depending on instructor). No need for gloves, etc. Cardio session (kicks, punch sequences, high knees, squats, mtn climbers, burpees, etc) followed by circuit training (squats, kicking bags, push ups, etc) and/​or core focused exercises (leg lifts, scissors, plank variations, crunches, etc). Classes are 45 min.
Good workout session but if you have a normal gym membership it’s not much different than a group class you could take for free — except the floor (mat) is nice and soft (which my joints like at least).

I began training at Modern Martial Arts about four years ago. At my first class, the students were extremely welcoming, introducing themselves and telling me about the program. At 25 years old, I thought I was in shape, but Modern Martial Arts takes the meaning of «in shape» to another level. The instructors were very patient and encouraging as I learned but always pushed me to my limits. Mr. Sevilla, the head instructor, makes class enjoyable with his unique sense of humor.
In the coming years, I trained hard, increased my fitness level, and refined my martial arts skills. I attend class frequently, as the school has classes seven days a week at various times each day. The instructors really care about their students. Recently they took time out of their own schedules to train a group of kids and adults for a citywide tournament and accompany us there. With the help of their expertise and hours of hard training, I placed in sparring. I am now a candidate for black belt and plan to participate in more competitions.
Over my four years at Modern Martial Arts, new faces have become friends, instructors have become trustworthy coaches and mentors, a workout has become a skilled art form, and I have achieved more than I ever thought I was capable of.

I needed a new, different work out before I went crazy from too much time in the gym. This place is just the ticket. They have separate classes for kids and adults, and since I don’t have any kids, I’ll leave that part for someone else to review. Their classes finish up right before the adult classes start, and I have to say that the cute little rugrats look like they’re having fun.
The instructors are all really, really nice and very encouraging for the most part, although one or two of them occasionally lapses into drill sergeant mode. I like to be pushed but, given that this isn’t boot camp, I find that part more annoying than inspiring. Others in the class seem to like it though.
However, that’s pretty much my only criticism. My schedule flips around pretty much every week and sometimes every day. Luckily, they have daytime, evening and even weekend classes. You don’t have to sign up ahead of time, which is critical. I often don’t know which class I’m going to have a chance to go to until about an hour beforehand. In addition to regular martial arts class, there is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class during the week as well
As for the work out itself, you will sweat. A lot. My arms are way more toned and I’ve definitely slimmed down. I can even do a few push ups now. And while I was initially a little put off by the idea of wearing a martial arts uniform and a belt, but now I like it (well not so much the uniform as the belt) because it gives me a goal to work towards. Lastly, they are careful here to keep the workouts varied, which prevents boredom — always a huge impediment to sticking to any workout plan.
They charge a flat monthly rate, and you can go as much or as little as you like, so I guess how expensive it is sort of depends on how much you train.

This is a great place to learn martial arts and get into great shape for just about anyone.
I had 5 years of martial arts experience prior to starting @ Premier. My background was mostly from a Japanese mixed martial arts system that combined traditional shotokan karate, judo, and japanese jujitsu. I also did about a year at a Tae Kwon Do /​Hapkido school. But that was 15+ years ago! My goal at Premier was to get back into shape. I was looking for a school with athletic adults who like to train hard.
Premier’s curriculum appeared attractive online — blending boxing, self defense, thai kickboxing, and focused BJJ sessions. This is the right combination that a modern martial artist needs to be competitive. But when I visited, I wasn’t sure at first if it was for me at first. It seemed like the school’s student base was much too diverse to create the right environment of intensity for me.
Then I took a practice class, which changed my mind.
I realized Premier’s secret to success: (A) they have first class teachers who can teach *anyone*, from pros to 3 year olds; (B) they push every student as hard as that individual student can be pushed, and enable each to refine technique and fitness according to potential.
I’ve been there for almost 2 years now and it’s really changed my life for the better. I’ve got a long way to go before I’m satisfied with myself, but I’m in much better shape now, I feel better, I look younger, my technique has improved a lot, and I’m just happier overall. I notice other students feel the same way.
The financial cost of the training is reasonable. The mix of aerobic exercise, full contact sparring (with head and leg strikes allowed, with protection), and technique-​sharpening drills is great. As with any contact sport, people occasionally get injured but no more than I observed in adult soccer leagues… probably less here, actually.
From my perspective, other forms of exercise just aren’t as fun or as valuable… Check this place out if you’re interested in getting into better shape or if you’re remotely interested in marital arts.