Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai

"True Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Best in Philly. I love it. Great group of people and great instructors. Lineage is important to me and I am glad that I can continue my Gracie lineage through Rick and Phil. True OGs in the BJJ scene for 30 years now"

"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 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!"

"Phil and Ricardo have been two of the most inspirational people in my life over the past 15 years! Their Jiujitsu studios have served as a safe space for me to develop street self defense, Jiujitsu understanding, and most importantly self-actualization. Balance Studios has also served as a place for what has turned into a lifetime bonding experience with my son. He has been going there for 10 years now and it keeps us close and connected during his teenage years! Only the best things can be said about this place and the people who teach and train there."

"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."