I worked today from one of the places I love the most, in Williamsburg, when two guys arrived and sat beside me, at the bar. I’m great at starting conversations with random strangers and this time, it lead me to learn more about Renzo Gracie Fight Academy NYC where world famous fight experts meet.
I always say that every cool girl, is half boy. Impossible not to agree, right!? While I was working today from Beco Bar, today I started a conversation with two guys.
These guys were Daniel Gracie and Nica. They start telling me about their Fight Academy just around the corner called Renzo Gracie Fight Academy.
I was crazy looking for a good place to go back to practicing Muay Thai, which I practiced for over 1 year back home. So, I’m definitely signing up with them later today for classes!
Their 1st academy was Founded by the famous Renzo Gracie 20 years ago. It opened right across from the Madison Square Garden where they still are today.
Many of their students were based in Brooklyn, so in 2011, they opened the Williamsburg location. There they have modalities like the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, but they also have spaces dedicated for weight training. Classes are not only for adults, but also for kids!
It’s surely one of the best fighting academies in NY and I knew about them from back home in Brazil. Famous guys like Anthony Bourdain and Guy Ritchie have trained there too!
Daniel told me one of the funniest stories that happened with him and Guy Ritchie.
He was always training with Guy, and one night Guy asked “Do you want to come with me tonight to my wife’s show?”, and Daniel answered “Yeah, of course!”.
They got into Guy’s car and when Daniel noticed, they were entering Madison Square Garden. So, he asked Guy, “Wow, your wife must be pretty famous to be singing here!”
Obviously, Guy thought that Daniel was joking and he called Renzo Gracie telling what had just happened. He handed over the phone so Daniel and Renzo could talk, when Renzo said, “Daniel, that is Guy Richie!”
Daniel had no idea that he was THE Guy Richie, even though he loves Guy’s work as a movie director. He turned in amazement and said, “No way! I love your work! I think you’re one of the best film directors in the World!” Hahaha…
Well, obviously they still train together and are close friends today.
Daniel and Nica, thank you so much for a great “bar talk” and see you guys soon on the fighting floor!
Oh! If you like UFC, on November 12th, the 1st UFC will be hosted in NYC at the Madison Square Garden. Their academy will have 5 students fighting the Championship!!
If you’re interested in booking a private class or activity, let our experts help you out! If you’re a company, and would like a unique team building experience, contact us!
Hours:
See hours for different classes online.
Locations:
100 Bayard Street, Williamsburg
224 West 30th Street, Chelsea
Videography: Renata Meirelles
Photo Credits: Renata Meirelles and courtesy of RGFA
*Last Update on March/2020.*
Fê is our Founder & CEO! She’s Brazilian (Yup! Not a New Yorker!), but her indescribable passion and curiosity for NY makes her a New Yorker by heart. Fê worked in companies like Kimberly Clark, Quintessentially, Vogue Brazil and Iguatemi Group, and after 12 years of working for these fantastic companies, she decided to go solo and move to NYC!
She lives in Brooklyn since April of ’15 and has been tirelessly working on BTSNYC, working with huge companies on corporate projects, practicing her Arhatic Yoga meditations, finding time for gym and friends! Phiuf!
