NY Martial Arts Academy Astoria — Local services in New York

I brought my stepfather by the academy, as he has had a 39 year affair with kung fu... I've heard stories from his childhood friends, who explain of how long they recall him fighting. Most say even before they knew of the Green Hornet show and of Bruce Lee. He is known as the silent master, sensei gunn, general, or just coach; in the 2nd largest housing complex in NYC; Having the most dangerous police precinct in the city's five boroughs. He has spent years instructing youth, women in law enforcement or anyone wanting to learn. He always stated that what he did was taught from early and by third grade the family moved and he could not continue lessons. He continued his daily practices, while sharing ideas with active friends and school classmates. He always said that bruce lee clarified alot of things for him. His older friends say he was the kid that fought "funny, strange". Decades of street testing his style and much older, although he looks like mid- thirties; I thought he'd get a thrill to bring him by. When we arrived, I explain that it's cool and to go in... talk to someone, check it out. He occasionally talked of obtaining certification in JKD to instruct, since thats what has always been most requested of him. So, I'd just go shop the neighborhood until he'd call to let me know he was done. I just knew it would be all morning, as he is Forever available to talk martial arts. However, after just a few minutes , he calls me to say visit over. When I later asked how'd it go?... He said he felt unwelcomed... He further explained that he was given the subtle "this not for you" vibe. With the cursory, " this is that"... "that is where"... This is what"... "Yea, ok... Like you gotta go now"... I sat silently for the rest of the long trip home. I Suggested maybe another location. He just said, " Cooky Cutting".. Whatever that means... But as you can see, I have been strongly moved to write this review because he may have been a nobody to you, yet, humble and known with reverence on the most dangerous streets of the city; how much he loves this art and has actually bled for its progress; to be treated as such was an afront to all those claim to be true martial artists. The knowledge you let walk out that door that day was priceless! Its about the art, not the class he would always say... Though, as he remains one of Master Moses Powell's earlier child students; he had the greatest respect for Sifu Lee and his ideas of how one expresses oneself through movement. Not being very large or tall himself, Sifu Lee he says, showed how to flow thru whatever techniques one understood. I am truly sorry that he was treated as such... But, yea he's a nobody.Wow, He probably could teach these instructors some Real World Applications of JKD, defenses and evolutions of ... considering its now more widespread interest and use. Im still badgering him to go to the main source locale, because his love for JKD is remarkable. So, I suggest the next time an seemingly older gent comes strolling in, think about opening your mind... Martial arts have existed and practiced long before Sifu Lee! ... You might just...

Update* Right after the pandemic, I found myself in need for a change like many others. I was determined to upgrade my quality of life in all aspects and I understood that change comes from within. I looked up many martial arts schools and gyms not knowing what to go for in terms of what style(s) or system(s) to learn (you could say I didn’t know what I was looking for). I knew I was not looking to compete or anything like that. But I was inclined to learning how to move should an altercation happen in the streets since I was not confident in myself, just yet. I found NYMAA 3+ years ago, I signed up and remained consistent for the most part. Training 4 to 5 days a week, taking 2 classes per day, assisting seminars, fundraisings, events, etc., without realizing, I found myself in a new home full of friends and family; always helping each other to be better to say the least. In a nutshell, NYMAA provided me a safe space to grow as an individual by showing me Bruce Lee’s art of Jeet Kune Do. JKD cannot be summarized in a paragraph but all I could say is that it has the art, science, philosophy, discipline, integrity, spirituality, and by being simple, direct and non-classical, it’s proven that it will be effective out there in the streets. I could say that I finally found the truth and I’m immensely grateful to my instructors and...

I joined NYMAA in 2017, my sophomore year of highschool, and I have absolutly no regrets. It is such an amazing and welcoming atmosphere to build confidence and better yourself.

All the instructors here have an abundance of history learning martial arts and will tell you that there is no substitute to what you will learn when training here. What you are taught here is real combat, tailored to be as kinetically and physiologically effective as possible.

New martial artists will have no problem getting up to speed with the rest of the class. All the instructors are extremely careful to make sure everything they teach is crystal clear. Ask a question and the instructors or other students will help show you what to do, why you do it, and when you're likely to see it being used.

Experienced martial artists will also find a wealth of information learning here as well. JKD teaches principles of moving as simply and effectivley as possible. It is an art that gives you the complete freedom to express yourself by constantly drilling and refining so that you're always getting better.

NYMAA is an incredible place to learn and I could not reccomend this...