Kaijitsu

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a black belt Judoka from Peru who has competed internationally, I’ve trained at many dojos around the world — and Darfight Martial Arts in New York City stands out as one of the best Judo schools in the USA. The level of instruction here is truly elite. The coaches have deep competitive experience, and every class is structured for serious development, whether you’re just starting Judo or already competing at a high level. What really impressed me is the discipline, focus, and unity of the entire team. The culture here pushes you to grow both on and off the mat, with a strong emphasis on technique, conditioning, and mental toughness. If you’re looking for authentic, high-level Judo training in NYC, with world-class coaching and a powerful team environment, Darfight is the place to be.

Noza Zhumanova

We’ve had a wonderful experience at this judo club. The coaches are highly skilled, patient, and genuinely care about each student’s progress. They strike the perfect balance between discipline and encouragement, helping kids build confidence, focus, and respect both on and off the mat.

Eszter Székelyhidi

My review is happily bifold. On one hand, I come here as a parent to a 6yo little girl. And all I can say to anybody: do it, come! She participates in the judo classes. And for the first time in our history of sports here I feel satisfied. The classes comprise of 1 hour of technique and skill learning along with a ton of conditioning exercises - and then 1 hour of instructed sparring. The senseis and coaches are a fine mix of child-oriented kindness and fun as well as expectation and discipline. I appreciate this balanced approach. They are knowledgeable and very experienced, they give detailed showcased instructions and then help the children carry it out. In my opinion their instructions and care not only train the children, but facilitate them for such confidence that will be a boost in any walks of life. (Not to mention that I have a daughter - so knowing self defense confidently is something I can only be grateful for.) As for myself, when she started judo, I started bjj - after a long 7 year of sports-hiatus. It is brand new for me, it is like a restart, and as such it challenges me in every way physically and mentally. However, doing it here in this team of wide variety of belt levels of men and women gives me such satisfaction and promise of growth that I would not want to trade it for anything else. I appreciate that our senseis exude such confidence and technical knowledge from decades of their practicing this martial art, besides welcoming and kind, that at the end of the day it enables me to learn and better myself - for which I am here for. I feel we found a place to belong to - and I invite anybody to be a part of it regardless of any of your attributes and background in sports or else. Just come, try it out! :)

Dmitry Bokun

100% Recommend! About 4 years ago we signed our son Maxim up for his first judo class. I’m extremely happy that we got to the right place from the first try. Our son has been taught focus, discipline, and a growth mindset, all while experienced fun and enjoyment during each session. Experienced and extremely qualified instructors make training fun and enriching. Young athletes appear a good example for the kids and their support is priceless and encouraging, especially at the tournaments. Darfight athletes compete in all levels of judo tournaments starting from local to regional, national, international and all the way up to the World Championships. Thank you sensei Artur! Thank you sensei Pavel and Elena! Thank to all Darfight team!

Natka Michaelova

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Truly Life-Changing – Thank You, Darfight! After two very disappointing experiences at Judo clubs in both Queens and Brooklyn, my son was starting to lose faith in the sport he once loved. He had two years of prior training but never felt supported, connected, or even excited to go to practice—until he found Darfight. The difference has been absolutely incredible. In just one year at Darfight, not only did he take home a medal at Nationals, but more importantly, he found a true community. He’s made real friendships, grown tremendously in confidence, and developed a deep love for training. He literally races to practice every day, excited to improve and be with his teammates. As a parent, there’s no better feeling than seeing your child light up with passion and purpose. I finally feel like he’s in the right place—with instructors and teammates who believe in him, push him, and give him the tools to excel. Thank you to the entire team at Darfight—you’ve completely changed the trajectory of my son’s life, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Dmitry Kondratev

Darfight is a top-tier judo club with skilled coaches, a supportive atmosphere, and great training for all levels. I’ve made real progress and always look forward to every session. I’ve been training here for almost 6 years and I have seen not only huge growth in my judo career, but also I grew as a person myself. The coaches have amazing skills and are always supportive! Kids and adults LOVE being there for every practice. Highly recommend!

Mark Libes

DARFIGHT is an amazing club! I’ve had so many great experiences here with my training partners, my coaches, and everyone around me. The atmosphere is super supportive, and the coaches always help me get better. This club helped me become the best judoka I can be, and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. I’m so glad to be part of this team!

Nastya Volk

Amazing gym and top-notch coaching! Coach Ahmad is incredibly skilled, motivating, and genuinely cares about your progress. The facilities are great, and I’ve seen my strength and confidence improve steadily. Highly recommend to anyone looking to get fit and learn MMA in a supportive environment!

Ian Leffler

What a great atmosphere for my kids! The Judo is taught at a level your kids will be able to understand and they will progress as time goes on...100% recommend! PS if your kids play other sports it will transition and make them better!

Uliana Pryimak

I would like to share my impressions of my son's judo lessons at Darfight. We are very pleased! During the training, he became more confident, learned discipline, respect for others and the ability to work in a team. The coaches are professional, attentive to each child, able to motivate and support. It's especially nice to see how my son has a real interest in sports, how he looks forward to every training session. Thanks to judo, he has also become more resilient, attentive and focused in everyday life. Thank you for the quality classes and good atmosphere! We recommend it to anyone who is looking for not only sports but also character education for their child.

juan zevallos

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a black belt Judoka from Peru who has competed internationally, I’ve trained at many dojos around the world — and Darfight Martial Arts in New York City stands out as one of the best Judo schools in the USA. The level of instruction here is truly elite. The coaches have deep competitive experience, and every class is structured for serious development, whether you’re just starting Judo or already competing at a high level. What really impressed me is the discipline, focus, and unity of the entire team. The culture here pushes you to grow both on and off the mat, with a strong emphasis on technique, conditioning, and mental toughness. If you’re looking for authentic, high-level Judo training in NYC, with world-class coaching and a powerful team environment, Darfight is the place to be.

Maria Olonicheva

We tried different styles of wrestling, but judo was the one my son truly connected with. It helps him grow stronger, more focused and more confident. Big thanks to the coaches — we’re happy to be on this journey! They are the best!

inna litus

HANDS DOWN THE DARFIGHT MARTIAL ARTS IS BEST PLACE TO TRAIN YOUR KIDS JUDO IN THE NYC AREA! ALL INSTRUCTORS GIVE ELITE LEVEL COACHING AND TRAINING WHICH CAN NOT BE MATCHED OR FOUND ELSEWHERE. THE INSTRUCTORS ARE SUPER WELCOMING AND ATTENTIVE, AND WERE QUICK TO MAKE MY SON FEEL WELCOMED. EVERYONE IS SUPER FRIENDLY AND THE VIBE IS VERY RELAXED AND NOT INTIMIDATING. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

After 3 years of Judo at another club, my son Gavril came to Darfight Martial Arts—and the difference was immediate. Within just a few months, his progress skyrocketed. Not only did his technique sharpen dramatically, but his confidence and intensity on the mat transformed. For the first time ever, he started competing at a national level—and with real success! The coaching at Darfight is on a completely different level. They know how to bring out the best in every athlete. If you’re serious about your child learning real Judo, developing discipline, and reaching their potential, Darfight is the place to be. We wasted time elsewhere—Darfight got results fast. Brooklyn’s best Judo school. Hands down.

Had a great session! What I really appreciate about Ahmad is that he doesn’t just push you hard - he intelligently balances intensity with recovery, knowing exactly when to ramp up and when to ease off. His professional, personalized approach really shows. He’s great at helping you rediscover forgotten skills while keeping you motivated to improve. You finish each workout feeling properly challenged yet energized to come back for more! 🔥 Perfect for anyone looking to make real progress without injury while actually enjoying their training. Highly recommended!

Joining Darfight Judo Club has been one of the best decisions of my life. Over the past two years, it has became a second family for me with a bunch of top ranked, world-class training partners that helps me grow everyday. It helped me to improve my judo skills, mindset and ability to work hard. The coaches are incredibly dedicated, not just to improving your skills on the mat, but also to helping you grow as a person.

I started judo because I wanted to try something different, and now I can’t imagine not doing it. It has become my passion and goal in life! The instructors here are amazing. They’re super knowledgeable and really good at teaching, not just how to do the moves, but why they matter and how to improve. They push you to work hard but are always respectful and encouraging. They treat you like a real athlete, not just a kid. Classes are a good mix of technique, drills, sparring, and conditioning. It's definitely challenging, but that’s what I like about it! It makes me feel stronger and more focused, both physically and mentally especially when I compete at the tournaments! I’ve also made great friends here. Everyone is supportive, no matter your skill level. There’s a strong sense of respect and discipline, but also a lot of fun! Judo has helped me become more confident and disciplined, and it’s taught me how to stay calm under pressure, not just on the mat, but in school and life too. If you're a teen looking for something active, challenging, and meaningful, I’d definitely recommend Darfight!

The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and genuinely care about every student’s progress. The environment is both challenging and supportive — perfect for beginners and experienced martial artists alike. I’ve seen huge improvements in my fitness, confidence, and technique since joining. Classes are well-structured, with a great balance of discipline, conditioning, and real-world application. Highly recommend Darfight to anyone looking to train in a serious yet welcoming atmosphere.

Darfight is one of the best things that happened to me. When I first came there I had no friends and honestly didn’t know what to do then I made some and started involving myself in their activities and even judo it’s self. They have an amazing afterschool and judo club. It is a lot of fun there and I have already been going for 6 and 1/2 years and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. It is a great place to send your kids after school whether it is for judo or afterschool. In top of all that they have an awesome summer camp that has new activities and a lot of fun everyday, they make sure everyone has a good time and enjoys their summer. They take care of the kids there very well thanks to the work of Artur, Lena, and Pavel Lanchinskas. Darfight changed my life and in many ways that I am very grateful for.

We had a wonderful experience with this family-owned judo school. Everything is incredibly well-organized and professional, yet the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. From day one, my daughter was deeply impressed by the trainers—their skill, encouragement, and dedication to each child stood out immediately. The classes offer much more than just judo techniques; they teach discipline, respect, and confidence in a truly supportive environment. Even after my daughter stopped taking classes, she continued to stay in touch with her senseis and classmates. That speaks volumes about the sense of community and lasting bonds created here. We’re so grateful to have been part of it.

My kids love Darfight. The Darfight is truly exceptional. The instructors are not only highly skilled but also incredibly patient and encouraging. They create a positive and respectful atmosphere where both kids and adults can grow in confidence, discipline, and technique. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, this is the perfect place to train. The community is welcoming, the training is professional, and the progress is real. Highly recommended!

I’m new to martial arts, and this school has been a perfect place to start. The coaches are awesome - very knowledgeable and patient. Great at identifying your strongest assets and maximizing on them. The gym has an amazing atmosphere where people come to learn and improve together. Everyone I’ve trained with has been really welcoming and helpful. Great place whether you’re a beginner looking to start or someone looking for a place to train with awesome skilled partners. Highly recommend!

Olga Yefimova

We had a wonderful experience with this family-owned judo school. Everything is incredibly well-organized and professional, yet the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. From day one, my daughter was deeply impressed by the trainers—their skill, encouragement, and dedication to each child stood out immediately. The classes offer much more than just judo techniques; they teach discipline, respect, and confidence in a truly supportive environment. Even after my daughter stopped taking classes, she continued to stay in touch with her senseis and classmates. That speaks volumes about the sense of community and lasting bonds created here. We’re so grateful to have been part of it.

Elizabeth Kershteyn

I’m new to martial arts, and this school has been a perfect place to start. The coaches are awesome - very knowledgeable and patient. Great at identifying your strongest assets and maximizing on them. The gym has an amazing atmosphere where people come to learn and improve together. Everyone I’ve trained with has been really welcoming and helpful. Great place whether you’re a beginner looking to start or someone looking for a place to train with awesome skilled partners. Highly recommend!

Justin Verger

The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and genuinely care about every student’s progress. The environment is both challenging and supportive — perfect for beginners and experienced martial artists alike. I’ve seen huge improvements in my fitness, confidence, and technique since joining. Classes are well-structured, with a great balance of discipline, conditioning, and real-world application. Highly recommend Darfight to anyone looking to train in a serious yet welcoming atmosphere.

Shavkat Mirzonajotov

My kids love Darfight. The Darfight is truly exceptional. The instructors are not only highly skilled but also incredibly patient and encouraging. They create a positive and respectful atmosphere where both kids and adults can grow in confidence, discipline, and technique. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, this is the perfect place to train. The community is welcoming, the training is professional, and the progress is real. Highly recommended!

Alina Mints

After 3 years of Judo at another club, my son Gavril came to Darfight Martial Arts—and the difference was immediate. Within just a few months, his progress skyrocketed. Not only did his technique sharpen dramatically, but his confidence and intensity on the mat transformed. For the first time ever, he started competing at a national level—and with real success! The coaching at Darfight is on a completely different level. They know how to bring out the best in every athlete. If you’re serious about your child learning real Judo, developing discipline, and reaching their potential, Darfight is the place to be. We wasted time elsewhere—Darfight got results fast. Brooklyn’s best Judo school. Hands down.

Vladimir Banchevski

I started judo because I wanted to try something different, and now I can’t imagine not doing it. It has become my passion and goal in life! The instructors here are amazing. They’re super knowledgeable and really good at teaching, not just how to do the moves, but why they matter and how to improve. They push you to work hard but are always respectful and encouraging. They treat you like a real athlete, not just a kid. Classes are a good mix of technique, drills, sparring, and conditioning. It's definitely challenging, but that’s what I like about it! It makes me feel stronger and more focused, both physically and mentally especially when I compete at the tournaments! I’ve also made great friends here. Everyone is supportive, no matter your skill level. There’s a strong sense of respect and discipline, but also a lot of fun! Judo has helped me become more confident and disciplined, and it’s taught me how to stay calm under pressure, not just on the mat, but in school and life too. If you're a teen looking for something active, challenging, and meaningful, I’d definitely recommend Darfight!

Aldar Tugulchiev

Joining Darfight Judo Club has been one of the best decisions of my life. Over the past two years, it has became a second family for me with a bunch of top ranked, world-class training partners that helps me grow everyday. It helped me to improve my judo skills, mindset and ability to work hard. The coaches are incredibly dedicated, not just to improving your skills on the mat, but also to helping you grow as a person.

Sueann S

A recruiter reached out to me to set up a free trial session for my 6 year old son. He corresponded with me all the way until I told him im on my way to the class. He even sent me reminders of the session. We got to the class and there was a session going on with kids that's already enrolled with them. Another lady and I inquired about the trial class and was told to come back on another day at 5pm. The lady mentioned that she isn't coming back and that her son's appointment was today so they reluctantly let us stay. The first 10 minutes was fine, an instructor showed both of our son some beginner moves. Then they integrated them with the other kids. They left both of our son on the mat "watching" the other kids perform for the rest of the class. My son cried because he wanted to "do the actions the other kids were doing". Not one person came and spoke to me or the other lady about the class, signing up, payments...NOTHING. It was a waste of time. On top of that the recruiter was no where to be found or could be reached. The next day, I contacted him and told him about his unprofessionalism and the class...and he responded "sorry to hear that" and asked if i did attend the 6pm class. He was only concerned that I attended. I can bet that he gets an incentive for recruiting kids for the trial class. Very unprofessional, very unorganized. Oh and we are black, not sure if that played a role. There were no other melanin kids there. The other lady son looked biracial....says a lot.