Modern Martial Arts Vitor Shaolin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

I have been a runner and yogi for many years and was looking for a new form of exercise that would help me get strong and double as a hobby. I saw the deal for two trial classes and with a free gi (white top, pants and belt) thrown I was sold. I was a little nervous since I didn’t know what to except.
I loved it.
1) At first I didn’t like that there were so many people there, but we broke up win to small groups which was perfect
2) I felt like I could keep up with the moves we were learning and had opportunities to practice with a partner
3) You get thrown into rolling where you practice the technique learned during the class.
4) The instructors and friendly and knowledgeable
I’m looking forward to my next class and I am keeping my fingers crossed the cost for classes after the trail are affordable

There are numerous amazing choices when it comes to finding an amazing Jiu Jitsu instructor in the Manhattan area. Most with very impressive resumes to back them. If you are new to Jiu Jitsu, just google who Vitor Shaolin is and you will realize that he stands at the peak of the sport’s history. This is my go to spot when I am in the New York area.
Facility: Located right by the theater district/​Times square, the gym is on the second floor. You can see it from the street but you it might be a bit confusing to find the entrance. The mat space is quite spacious for being in one of the most expensive places in the world. Plenty of room to roll. There are changing rooms and showers; both men and women’s. They have sports drinks and waters for sale.
Impression: Vitor is still hands on with teaching the classes. You will definitely get to check out his infamous half guard. There are enough students to where he can split the classes up to a Beginners, Blue Belt only, and Purple belt above classes. You can really find what ever fits your needs. I have seen and rolled with a wide array of body types on the mats. Common theme here is a lot of top pressure.
Overall: I would and have come back here numerous times while visiting the New York area. I would highly recommend you coming to either join or just drop in. Make sure you check the schedule first and give yourself extra time to find parking.

Went to the 7:30 am class this morning visiting from the Bay Area. Shaolin was teaching himself which was awesome. I was expecting one of his students to run such an early class. The class runs real smooth, the students were all respectful and he has a great teaching style. I loved how at the end of class he gave a summary of the positions he went over and gave his advise on how to make it work on our game. Will be back for sure.

I’ve never been a full-​time student here but I have tried a class as well as dropping in for their Sunday open mats. Everyone here is super friendly. Solid mat space available. Locker room is reasonably sized for the school. Overall solid gym. Some of the best vibes at any gym I’ve seen.

Came in for a private session and was very happy with vitor’s professionalism and advice. The man is a legend and i highly reccommend his school.

I moved to NYC about 1.5 years ago and was looking for a new gym to join. I did the usual rounds at the other places and found Shaolin’s to the best fit. You get world class instruction from the man himself and Loro, not to mention many other visiting black belts from time to time. The classes are just the right size and everybody is willing to help out. You will get pushed mentally and physically. If you are looking for a team atmosphere and want the best out of your Jiu Jitsu or just get in shape while having fun, I would definitely check Shaolin’s out.

***** FIVE STARS *****
Don’t read my review. Go there, speak to them and sign up for a trial class. Upon registration, you are given a gi (the traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu attire) to train in. The staff are not only helpful and patient with new beginners; they are well trained martial artists. Vitor Shaolin is truly a living legend. If you don’t believe me; just Google his name and you will be directed to multiple YouTube videos, his Wikipedia page and legitimate photos of his authenticity in the art of Jiu Jitsu.
It has been almost 6 months since I have been a part of VSBJJA and I cannot speak more highly of the camaraderie, unity, respect, honor and love that I have experienced for the sport of Jiu Jitsu, and for the people I have grown so close with… they have become family; my home away from home.
Initially, I think we all go in with selfish intentions to lose weight, be physically active and healthier… which don’t get me wrong! Is a FANTASTIC thing to want. And I absolutely got that. But, what’s more rewarding is, I have built a support system within this growing community that I feel will be a part of my lifestyle, forever.
Thank you, Vitor and EVERYONE there that has shown me the way.
Obrigado! Oss! :)

Shaolin is an amazing individual. Being around him since he is in the gym teaching classes all the time, you can tell he cares for his students and their progress. His accomplishments as a competitor are amazing. 3X black belt world champion and one of the top mma fighters of his time has given him so much to teach to his students.
He is passionate about his students and his level of commitment to their improvement is inspiring. To see someone care so much makes you put in just that much more effort on your own.
He is very professional in his training and the environment in the school is very positive and comforting. The senior students there are very helpful and are a huge part of the friendly atmosphere of the school. Private lessons are also available here with any of the instructors at very reasonable prices. Whether you want to take your training to another level, looking for a place to start training, or just visiting town, you owe it to yourself to at least take a look here.

World class instruction by legends of the sport. Shaolin’s promotes a friendly enviroment while still maintaining a competitive spirit for those who like to test their skills at the competitive level. A tight nit family of martial artist who can really bring out the best in anyone. Every once in a while you get to meet some of MMA’s biggest stars when they are looking to hone their skills. I would very highly recommend this academy to anyone lookin to get in shape, make some new friends, or compete in tournaments.

I’m not much of a writer but I can say this school is the best thing that ever happened to me. Words can’t describe how much I’ve learn from Shaolin and all the instructors at the gym. I’ve been studying under VSBJJ for about a year and a half and every time I go to class I’m learning something new. Not only do you learn to become better Brazilian jiu jitsu martial artist but also to become a better person. You learn to become a humble person based on Shaolin and other instructors teaching and not only that but you also become a CONFIDENT person.
People at school are always open to share knowledge with one another and help each other better their game in BJJ. We train hard but never to a point where we try to hurt each other. We’re all here to get better and learn the art of BJJ. If you come and train hard then you’ll see your results.
If you’re looking for a BJJ school that has a friendly environment with tough training partners, then this is the place for you to go to.

Shaolin, Loro and their excellent staff gave some of the most incredible instruction in Jiu Jitsu I’ve ever received. You have a LOT of choices of Jiu Jitsu Schools in New York, but in this blue belt’s opinion, this one is the best.

I have trained BJJ at many gyms in NY, FL and CA and VSBJJ is definitely one of the best for anyone that is looking to learn or improve their BJJ. The classes are broken up perfectly by skill level (white belt classes, blue belt and up classes, and individual blue and purple belt classes) and there’s even a class for 30+ (all levels) which is great for me. The class sizes are usually perfect with many people to roll with without the room getting too crowded, and the staff here is 100% one of the best in the city. Shaolin teaches most of the classes, but all of the other trainers are amazing as well. Feel free to direct message me if you have any questions, but if you’re looking for the best BJJ spot in the city, come over to VSBJJ on 8^th between 47^th and 48^th and take a class or 2.

VSBJJ is a great place to start your adventure with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I had a chance to train at two other BJJ academies in the NY area prior to joining VSBJJ and I’m very happy with my choice.
I’ve been with the academy for nearly three years. From the very beginning I really enjoyed the size of classes and individual attention that you get from all the instructors during the class. It is nice to see that head instructor teaches all the classes. Very often we have guest Black Belts from other courntries and academies.
Everyone at VSBJJ is very friendly and willing to help you with improving your BJJ ‘game’.
While evaluating BJJ academies in the NY area make sure that you stop by VSBJJ.

VSBJJ is the perfect place to train bjj. I’ve never walked into a gym on the first day and felt as welcome as I did when I first joined here a year ago. I am a huge fan of Shaolin, so naturally, I had to pay a visit and try it out. I tried out their 2-​classes trial and even though I got tapped way too many times to count, I was hooked. VSBJJ has this unique friendly atmosphere that I’ve never felt in the other gyms I have tried before. This says a lot about Shaolin and how he runs his gym! In my experience, Shaolin teaches most of the classes. And if he can’t make it, their kickass brownbelts (Alex & Van) will take his place. You will also meet Loro and Jen who are both great.
I also fell in love with the way the classes are conducted. Shaolin breaks everything down. He is really a great teacher/​coach and I am fortunate to have him teach me bjj.
There are a lot of really good guys here so everyone will be kicking your ass! And they’re all also willing to help you out. I’ve been a member for over a year now and it has been an adventure.

I made my start training BJJ here while on a year long working stint in New York. Had an absolute blast. Having next to no athletic history made joining BJJ a bit daunting but Shaolin and his school were extremely welcoming. I only have positive things to say about training here.

When you decide to start at a gym or any type of martial arts, you scout the gyms/​dojos and even do a trial or two to see if you find a good fit for yourself, and then you commit yourself. That’s what I did when I decided to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (with no previous martial arts experience), and after checking out a couple of places, I was told by a good friend to check out the academy who’s lead instructor was Vitor «Shaolin» Ribiero. After a trial class, I was sold and I signed up. That was 4 years ago now.
This school offers many different things for just about everyone. If you want to learn BJJ and want quality instruction, without over crowded classes and instructors that know how to take time to teach and assist with answering questions, you will get that here. Whether it is World Champions Shaolin, and Marcos «Loro» Galvao, or Alex Ecklin or Van Allen Flores teaching the classes, they go step by step, give great tips and work with everyone. They also provide a friendly environment and everyone there from the instructors to the other students are welcoming and easy to get along with (great place to meet new friends!).
BJJ is also a great way to improve yourself, and through what I have learned and done here in the past 4 years, I have definitely improved myself, from physically (went from 200 lbs to 165 lbs in 2 years, and now weigh 155 lbs and have never felt better!), and improving self esteem and confidence.
This school isn’t just a Jiu Jitsu school, it becomes a second home and a family, and it certainly has become that for me.

I first checked visited this school because a friend of mine wanted to get into BJJ so I was helping him out and we checked out this one and some of the other big name schools. I had already trained No Gi in the past at another school, but never with a GI.
After visiting the other big name BJJ schools my friend picked this one and I agreed with him that it was the right choice, and then I ended up joining about a month later because we really like the vibe in the school. Also we loved the fact that Vitor Shaolin actually teaches all of the classes starting from beginner and so on. I didn’t see that in those other schools, and I loved the area its in, the students and staff are always friendly and trying to help.
You can’t get any better than this. Vitor Shaolin is a World Champion Black Belt BJJ champ, fought in MMA, cornered UFC fighters, What I love also is that hes a very nice guy, and a great teacher. He explains every technique hes teaching you, so well, and I personally pick up on it so much easier because of that. Not all BJJ teachers can do that. My old No Gi teacher didn’t explain things as well, and I’d be lost at times. I now love training with the GI, and Vitor has corrected a lot of things that I was doing wrong, and taught me way more stuff, to make me so much better.
You can also get great help from another instructor there who is also a Black Belt and fights in Bellator «Marcos Galvao.» Then you have Alex, and Van who are Brown Belts and instructors who also explain everything so well that its easy to pick up. I really do like it here, and am honored to be one of Shaolin’s students now. It helps me stay in shape also, and given me that grappling strength that I need.
There are also No GI classes as well, and classes for kids.

VSBJJ is the place to go if you want to learn from the best. Shaolin, Loro, Alex, Chris, and Van are all great guys and provide a ton of personal one on one attention.
The fact that Shaolin teaches most of the classes is the number one reason to join. I really hate paying for a «name» and then never seeing them (aka the bigger bjj schools).
The second reason to join is the fact is that the classes are small. Within two months you’ll easily know almost everyone in your group. The guys literally become extended family minus the awkward thanksgiving dinners.
Lastly, there are no egos. Yes you will get tapped out, but it’s never malicious. I’ve noticed that at other schools and immediately left.
After being there for over a year, i can honestly say this is the best bjj experience for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.

I recently had my 2 year anniversary training at Vitor Shaolin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (VSBJJ) and I absolutely love the academy, my teachers and my fellow students. I had zero martial arts experience when I walked in the door and now I’m winning competitions. Shaolin and Loro provide the finest instruction and my training partners are second to none. The culture of the academy is very inclusive and I truly feel like VSBJJ is my home away from home. Regardless of your goals, I would recommend VSBJJ to anyone who is interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I have been training with Shaolin for 3 years. I was one of the first students when he came here, and I am very happy with things.
I feel like I got much better, primarily because Shaolin and Loro and other visiting blackbelts are there so often (Shaolin teaches every class and when Loro is not training for pro mma he is there all the time as well).
The prices are also very competitive for NYC. I believe they are the cheapest considering the extremely high level of quality.