JMA BKNY/Caio Terra Academy Brooklyn
About
This Brooklyn martial arts academy offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, judo, and karate. The coaching team is led by owner and head trainer Joel Burgos, a 5th degree black belt, alongside program director Sebastian Silva, assistant coach Richard Ramirez, and association head Caio Terra, a 13-time BJJ world champion. The facility is consistently described as extremely clean, spacious, and well-maintained with no unpleasant odors, creating a comfortable training environment year-round.
Members consistently praise the supportive and neuro-affirming atmosphere, particularly noting how the staff patiently accommodates students with different needs and learning paces. The gym intentionally limits new student admissions each month to ensure everyone can adjust without feeling overwhelmed. Both children and adults report transformative experiences, with shy students gaining confidence and coming out of their shells through the supportive coaching approach. Training emphasizes technique, accuracy, speed, and safety, with practical advice for real-life combat situations, while maintaining a community-focused environment where students feel comfortable and supported.
The coaching style blends technical expertise with genuine care, as instructors like Joel Burgos and Sebastian Silva provide both in-person and virtual support, maintaining connections even when students take breaks. Reviews highlight how coaches gently redirect students when needed, meet them at their current skill level, and create an environment where friendly students readily share knowledge during rolling and sparring sessions. This combination of world-class instruction and community building makes the academy suitable for everyone from competitive athletes preparing for tournaments to families seeking a supportive environment for children.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the supportive, neuro-affirming atmosphere where staff patiently accommodate different learning needs and paces. Reviewers highlight how shy students gain confidence and come out of their shells through the coaching, with specific appreciation for Joel Burgos's kind, supportive approach and Sebastian Silva's attentiveness. The gym is described as extremely clean and comfortable, with training that emphasizes technique, safety, and practical application. Members note the friendly community where students readily share knowledge, and appreciate how coaches maintain connections even when students take breaks, though one reviewer jokingly complains that the gym is 'too good.'
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Nicole J
10 months ago
My son has been attending for three years, and we’re very happy with the experience. He is on the Autism Spectrum, and the staff here are incredibly neuro-affirming and supportive. It took him some time to adjust to the routine, but they were patient and consistent throughout the process. One thing I really appreciate is that they limit how many new students are admitted each month. This helps ensure that each child can ease into the class environment without being overwhelmed. While my son has had challenges with following directions, the teachers have always responded with understanding and care. They gently redirect him when needed and recognize that some learning milestones are simply not within his control yet. They meet him where he is, and that makes all the difference. Highly recommend!
Christine Hillary Lee
9 months ago
Extremely clean, big and comfortable (and cold for the summer!) Jao is a really cool teacher and genuinely good person. He is interested in providing supportive vibes for a community to thrive, as well as teaching technique and healthily tries to push you. As a new student, I felt very comfortable as I felt I was in the presence of friendly people. Would recommend.
Mahida Kalam
2 years ago
Joel was an amazing instructor to my little brother, he was quite shy when he first joined this facility a couple years ago. But Joel made sure to make him feel comfortable and has always been kind and supportive. My brother has taken a break from here for a few months but even then Joel still supports him virtually and is always ready to welcome him back. This is an amazing facility for all kids and adults, and everyone interested should definitely check it out.
Vladimir Ashurov
a year ago
I’ve been attending this academy for almost a year, great group of people to learn with. The trainer is a multiple-time champion and takes his time to explain the art and gives practical advice for real life combat situations. The other students are friendly, ready to share their knowledge, and are all great rolling partners (BJJ) and sparring partners (kickboxing), with an emphasis on technique, accuracy, speed, and safety. Gym very clean, no unpleasant odors. Highly recommend.
Shmuel Samous
9 months ago
stopped by for summer time BJJ training before my competition, Coach Joel and Sebastian really look out for me and make sure that I'm prepped and ready to kick butt. super welcoming and attentive. Only complaint I have is that its too good haha... Also for anyone looking to sign their kid up, brought my shy 13 year old sister to train here and she loves it, really came out of her shell and is more confident from the training... highly recommend this place
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:32 – 10:01 PM
Tuesday: 4:37 – 10:03 PM
Wednesday: 4:26 – 9:49 PM
Thursday: 4:37 – 9:34 PM
Friday: 4:31 – 9:56 PM
Saturday: 11:16 AM – 2:58 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Joel Burgos (JAO)
Owner, Head Trainer, & Personal Trainer
5th Degree Black Belt
Owner and head trainer. Began training for sport karate and competition in 2009. The Johnny Karate family has been a staple in North Brooklyn, helping hundreds of students reach their full potential.
Sebastian Silva
Program Director, Academy Manager, Assistant Coach, & Personal Trainer
Richard Ramirez
Assistant Coach, Head of AM Training, & Personal Trainer
Caio Terra
Association Head
13x World Champion BJJ
Head of the Caio Terra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (CTA). JMA BKNY is a founding academy of the association. He has been instructing and producing world champions since 2004.