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Daruma Martial Arts
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Daruma Martial Arts

star5.0/5
(43 reviews)Excellent

About

Daruma Martial Arts offers comprehensive training in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, and Karate under the guidance of founders Ewan Niven and Monika Stanislawek. Ewan brings over a decade of high-level private instruction, competitive cage experience, and elite fighter training to his role as a Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, while Monika contributes deep expertise in education, yoga, and MMA. Their combined approach ensures classes are effectively taught, safe, and tailored to individual goals, whether students seek fitness, self-defense, or mastery of the art.

reviewsWhat Members Say

Members describe Daruma Martial Arts as having an unmatched culture that is both welcoming and disciplined, with students helping each other grow in a friendly, respectful environment. They consistently praise founders Ewan Niven and Monika Stanislawek for their professional, clear instruction that adapts to all skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. Reviewers highlight the beautiful, spotless facility with thoughtful amenities and emphasize how both adults and children find classes engaging and enjoyable. Many note gaining physical strength, self-defense skills, and increased confidence through training that challenges them mentally and physically.

rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)

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Gene Byrne

2 months ago

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Such a wonderful environment! Been training for 7+ years at a variety of gyms and def the friendliest vibe in town. My 5 yo daughter also crazy about the kids classes (she’s legitimately upset when we’re traveling and she’s gonna have to miss one). Ewan & Monika are just delightful with the kiddos.

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Samrath Machra

2 weeks ago

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I've practiced BJJ across 3 continents and in dozens of gyms. This is a top gym for me because of its training and culture. Professor Ewan and Monika are pros. Ewan's past in training under elite fighters, experience in the cage, and over decade of high level private instruction mean that he can communicate with students at every level and help them work towards the martial artist they'd like to be. Whether you're coming to be fit, learn self defense, or master the art, Professor helps you be excellent. This high level of instruction combined with Sensei Monika's deep experience in education, yoga, and MMA ensure that every class is effectively taught, exceedingly safe, and centered around an individuals holistic development. The culture here is unmatched. Monika and Ewan are kind and demanding teachers. Their students are no different. Every roll and strike here is thoughtful. Students help one another and level up together. This is balanced with a playful intensity that will expose areas you can grow mentally and physically. Daruma's space is a part of what pushes its culture. From the gold accents placed throughout to the lux toilet paper and imported tea brewed fresh daily, every part of this gym is thought out and taken care of by instructors and students. Culture and instruction are core parts of any martial arts studio's value. Many gyms only do one or the other but neither well. What makes Daruma special though is the love baked into every corner whether it's the beauty of the space, the level of instruction, or the feeling you get when you leave. I hope every martial arts student has the chance to feel what the students feel here.

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Jaime Perea

2 months ago

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The Space: beautiful, well decorated, inviting, and most of all SPOTLESS. It’s obvious that a lot of care is put into it. The Community: friendly, respectful, careful. The members are kind and a lot of fun to be around. The Instruction: clear, intentional, and LEGIT. Ewan and Monika are very professional and very friendly. They run an excellent gym, and the quality of training is high enough to be on the competitive level.

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James Lavallee

2 months ago

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My son (10) started here when they first opened to see if he would like martial arts. He not just loves it, he really loves the teachers. They really know how to teach kids and make it fun for them while they are learning. He’s absolutely bummed when we can’t make it to class. Would highly recommend it for parents looking to engage their kid in martial arts.

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Joseph Klar

2 months ago

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I absolutely love Daruma. It’s more than just a dojo — it’s a true community of incredible people who genuinely want to better themselves. The environment is welcoming and friendly, yet driven by discipline and respect. The instructors are highly skilled and know how to push you while still making classes fun and engaging. The training is challenging in the best way, and every session leaves you feeling stronger — both mentally and physically. Beyond the physical conditioning, learning jiu jitsu here has given me real confidence. Knowing I can defend myself and having heightened situational awareness in potentially dangerous situations has changed the way I carry myself. I literally walk differently. If you’re looking for a place to grow, challenge yourself, and be surrounded by great people, Daruma is special.

Contact

location_on

777 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

scheduleHours

Monday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday: 2:30 – 4:30 PM

groupCoaches & Instructors

person

Ewan Niven

Founder / Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Black Belt

Founder of Daruma Jiu Jitsu. Received his Black Belt from Marcelo Garcia.

person

Monika Stanislawek

Founder