Anderson's Martial Arts Academy

Anderson’s Martial Arts is one of the most established and respected schools not just in NYC, but in the country with one of the most highly trained Sifu’s. They’ve been teaching since 1996 and it shows in the quality of instruction and the culture they’ve built. The community is incredible. Advanced students support beginners, and everyone feels genuinely welcome. Whether you’re brand new or experienced, this is a foundational place to learn real martial arts the right way. The facility has everything you need: spacious training areas, locker rooms and showers, a weight training section, and a comfortable lounge up front where you can work or relax. The atmosphere is welcoming but serious about growth. It’s diverse, inclusive, and you’ll see beginners training alongside professional fighters.

Anderson Martial Arts has been a great experience for our family. The kids program is outstanding and the instructors are patient, experienced, and truly care about building confidence and discipline, not just technique. For adults, the class variety is hard to beat. With nearly 30 years of experience, the quality of instruction and strong community really stand out. Highly recommend.

Anderson's Martial Arts Academy is more than a martial arts school, it's a community and a home away from home. Dan Anderson is the most skilled martial artist that I have ever worked with. His ability to take well-known techniques and transform them into even more effective methods is truly a gift. He is a martial arts prodigy. I have learned so much from him, beyond just martial arts. Lessons about life, business, strength, and courage. While successful in many of his business ventures, Anderson's was created purely out of his passion and love for the art. He cares about students and other people. Throughout the years, I have seen him go above and beyond for his students, often losing money and getting burned because of how much he is willing to give only to receive nothing in return. He is the type of person who would take the shirt off of his back for someone else if they needed it. Despite his busy life and several businesses, he still manages to teach classes and make time for his students and community. Something I've rarely seen head instructors at other academies do. The students at the school are one of the biggest reasons to join. They truly care about one another and want each other to be the best they can be. I feel so privileged to train here.

The five years of training at Andersons Martial Arts has been one of the most impactful chapters and decisions of my life. The training has shaped my discipline and mindset as the instruction has been top notch and consistent from the start. I really enjoy the variety of disciplines offered at Andersons with Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Kail, and Jeet June Do. The people also are what set Andersons apart with a great mix of support and accountability.

It breaks my heart to write this - I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ten years, and trained here for nearly three. When I joined, I instantly found community amongst my training partners thanks to the respect fostered by former coach Max. Ever since this coach left the gym, I noticed a notable shift in the environment, a neglect of the BJJ department by gym owner Sifu Dan Anderson for other more “important” (lucrative) projects. Though I felt attached to the community, I decided to cancel my membership and find a more respectful training space. NOTE: the gym contractually binds members to either 1) pay an immediate cancellation fee of $250 or 2) pay for the following two months… as someone who has trained at several gyms, THIS IS FRAUD, NOT STANDARD as they say. Thus, members must give a two month notice to cancel. It’s been three months since I gave my cancellation notice and staff sent confirmation of my cancellation, yet I’ve been charged every month since. Not only am I beyond tired of disputing these charges, I am also a working student - I work hard to sustain my life in NYC and training is a luxury I can barely afford as it is. Plus, Dasha Anderson, gym co-owner, promised me commission for referring her to teach a self-defense seminar at my school Fordham: both Dan and Dasha have avoided me at every opportunity and never paid me despite my incessant requests. I feel brutally disrespected and exploited by people I looked up to - as someone devoted to training for most of my life, I’ve had trouble returning to the mats because of this awful experience. Though Dan preaches respect on the mats, he and his wife do not respect their students and only see members as moneybags.