Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai

10/10 experience, Balance has everything you could want in a jiu-jitsu gym. I visited for a week while staying in Philly and was immediately welcomed by Phil, who provided detailed instruction and answered all my questions. The level of hospitality made me feel like I wasn’t just some random drop in, but that they authentically care about everyone who trains there. Balance is a clean and safe gym to train jiu-jitsu with students of all skill level and instruction from some of the most experienced people in the sport. If you’re in the Philly area this is the place to train.

Balance is a such a great place to train! There are lots of options for classes and all the coaches are really knowledgeable and helpful, no matter your level. The training partners you have and people you meet there are the best and everyone seems genuinely interested in having fun while getting better. Lots of people visit as well so you get the benefit of training with people who have different styles. Having trained at subpar gyms in the past, I'm happy to have found a place where the coaches are supportive of whatever goal you have in training there and encourage you to visit other schools. It's also a more laid back gym in terms of the formal martial arts structure, so if that's what you're looking for don't hesitate to try a class!

Every now and then my work takes me to Philadephia. I’ve dropped in for classes at both the Fishtown and Center City locations and have always been treated great by everyone at Balance Studios. The facilities are clean and the instructors are professional. There’s a great mix of beginner to advanced students with plenty of opportunities for good training. I recently met Phil Migliarese, one of the owners. He was very generous with his time and made sure I was welcomed not only at his gym but also to the city. I highly recommend Balance Studios for anyone who trains or is looking to train Jiu Jitsu in the Philadephia area.

I called Balance home for four incredible years while living in Philly and could not be more fortunate for the experience to train with Rick and Phil and the collective Balance Team. I had never previously participated in any martial art before, never trained boxing or anything of the sort and had to work up the “courage” to finally walk in and take the trial class — that day changed my life. Balance provides an incredible atmosphere to learn and grow in the sport and in the bigger picture to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. They have something for everyone, all levels are always welcome and there is an emphasis on humility and always having a “beginner’s mind”. Phil and Rick are some of the original pioneers of BJJ in the US and trained firsthand with the legends of the sport. Balance is a top notch experience and if you’re thinking about taking that first step you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I was bummed to leave Philly for a few reasons and leaving the Balance team was high on the list, I can’t recommend training here enough and if you are someone wondering whether or not this is for you do yourself the favor take the trial class / see what it’s all about firsthand you will not be disappointed!

Balance is a fantastic school for all people. I have trained at a few different BJJ academies for seminars and due to moving. I can attest that Balance is top class. They are here to help, no egos, no rotating door, they want to train hard and safe; help everyone be a better version of themselves. Their coaching is top notch, they will go above and beyond to help anyone that needs to make adjustments due to personal limitations. If I lived in Philly Balance would be my home. I always make it a point to train there when able.