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Balance Studios HQ: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
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Balance Studios HQ: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai

star4.9/5
(79 reviews)Excellent

About

Balance Studios HQ offers comprehensive martial arts training in Philadelphia, specializing in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai while also providing instruction in boxing, kickboxing, judo, karate, and MMA. The gym is led by founders and head instructors Phil Migliarese and Ricardo (Rick) Migliarese, both Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belts who learned directly from the Gracie family. They are supported by a large team of experienced head instructors including David Todd, Laura Aiken, Erik Faust, and many others, ensuring diverse expertise across disciplines. The facility is described as clean and well-maintained, with additional offerings in fitness and yoga to provide a complete training experience.

reviewsWhat Members Say

Members consistently describe Balance Studios as the best place for jiu-jitsu in Philadelphia, praising the world-class instruction from founders Phil and Rick Migliarese and their team of experienced black belts. Reviewers highlight the welcoming, family-like atmosphere where newcomers feel immediately comfortable and long-term members develop deep connections within a diverse community. Specific praise focuses on the authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques, the positive training environment that balances competition with support, and the comprehensive approach that covers striking, grappling, and fitness. No concerns are mentioned in the reviews, with members emphasizing how training here has improved their confidence, physical shape, and overall quality of life.

rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)

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Dina Yarmus

8 years ago

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I started training jiujitsu about 3 years ago and I happen to google best places at the time and came to Balance Studios. I quickly fell in love with training even as a beginner. It has nourished my confidence, put me in great physical shape and connected me with a beautiful diverse community of dedicated practitioners. Rick and Phil are amazing martial artists and people to learn from and have so many black belts and advanced belts to train with its unlike any school or learning environment. The people run the gamut from students, working folks who train on their time off to professional fighters. Even the kids who train are amazing! This location is clean, friendly and worth the investment! Can't rave enough about Balance Studios - Fishtown and how it has impacted my life for the better!

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Bill T

10 years ago

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Balance Studios offers excellent instruction in authentic Gracie Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, and Yoga. The instructors are the best I have seen. The environment is always positive and friendly. I have noticed that the students and instructors make it a point to make new people feel comfortable and welcome. I highly recommend training here! Best in Philly!!!

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Chuck Glass

a month ago

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I’ve been training at Balance for about 15 years and I can easily say it’s the best place for jiu jitsu anywhere! Rick and Phil are amazing instructors and treat every student with up most respect. Their instruction is world class!

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mark likosky

8 years ago

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I trained at the Center City location for a few years. Would even ride my bike n the freezing cold so I consider myself extremely lucky they opened a gym in Fishtown. The Migliarese brothers treated me like family the day I walked in the door and all the other instructors are super passionate and knowledgeable about Jiu Jitsu. This is one martial art where your gym really matters and these guys make sure the environment is safe and fun to learn in. Phil and Ric are some of the most experienced instructors on the East Coast. They learned Jiu Jitsu directly from Helio and his family who brought the art here from Brazil. They've been in the scene since before UFC and stay up to date with all the new techniques while continuing to emphasize basic self defense. They also have a solid back ground in striking, fitness and yoga so this is a place where all your bases are covered. It's been amazing to see so many people start at this location and progress into great grapplers while getting into awesome shape. If you're on the fence about checking out Jiu Jitsu, don't wait like I did. The best day to start is today so grab a coffee on Frankford Ave at Cake Life or La Colombe then pop in and say hello!

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Isaiah Baylor

3 years ago

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Balance is the best. It is a very competitive, but a true family for many. If you are in the Philly area, stop by and come get some rounds in. All the instructors are great! Phil and Ricky are always there to help and the experience has always been an experience worth the time.

Contact

location_on

1314 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA

scheduleHours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

groupCoaches & Instructors

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Phil Migliarese

Founder / Head Instructor

Black Belt (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)

Co-founder of Balance Studios with over 30 years experience in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing. Extended family of the Gracie family.

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David Todd

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Sentry Jiu-Jitsu affiliate in Gilbertsville and Boyertown, PA.

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Laura Aiken

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Ataraxis BJJ affiliate in Ambler, PA.

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Erik Faust

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Berks County Brazilian Jiu Jitsu affiliate in Reading, PA.

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Ricardo (Rick) Migliarese

Founder / Head Instructor

Black Belt (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)

Co-founder of Balance Studios with over 30 years experience in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing. Extended family of the Gracie family.

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Damione Puopolo

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Gracie 717 affiliate in Lancaster, PA.

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Steve Austin

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Sion BJJ affiliate in Southampton, PA.

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Brian Antonelli

Head Instructor

Head Instructor for Balance Nomad private location.

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Andrew Glass

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Reality Martial Arts affiliate in Quakertown, PA.

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Randy Aiken

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Ataraxis BJJ affiliate in Ambler, PA.

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Tim Hart

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Hart BJJ affiliate in Conshohocken, PA.

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Frank Ambrifi

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Balance Studios Northeast location in Philadelphia.

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Jackson Galka

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Northstar MMA affiliate in Germantown, PA.

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Frank Alogna

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Scranton MMA affiliate.

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Bryan Boyer

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Berks County Brazilian Jiu Jitsu affiliate in Reading, PA.

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Tim Carpenter

Head Instructor

Head Instructor at Hellfish MMA affiliates in Chalfont and King of Prussia, PA.