Balance Studios

Philadelphia, United States

5

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
By Appointment Only

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 215-636-9661
Website:
www.balancestudios.net
Address:
108-114 S Bonsall St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
450 ftWalnut St & 23rd St
900 ft22nd Street
0.2 miWalnut St & 21st St
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Good for Kids
Yes
By Appointment Only
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Philadelphia) 09:48 Friday, 29 November 2024

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Gracie Brazilian JiuJitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Women and kids self defense and yoga

History

Established in 2002.

Balance Studios is a multiple time winner of «Best of Philly» and is Philadelphia’s première instructional source for Gracie Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Kids Martial Arts, Women’s Self Defense, and Yoga for Fighters.

The Migliarese Brothers are the owners and head instructors of Balance. They have been involved in the arts of Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu, Muay Thai and Boxing for over 25 years. Both are considered «extended family» of the Gracie’s and expert instructors/​coaches. We know that the words «world renowned» and «world class instruction» get thrown around a lot in the martial arts community, but these brothers are the real thing. And lucky for you, they live in Philadelphia!

Meet the Business Owner

Phil M.

Business Owner

Phil «Jiu-​Jitsu Matrix» Migliarese (born Philip Migliarese III, January 11, 1976) is a 5th degree Relson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu Black Belt with over 20 years of experience in BJJ and Mixed Martial Arts. A Gracie Worlds and National Champion, Phil is a trainer, training partner and coach to UFC and MMA fighters as well as World and Pan-​Am Champions. Phil is also a Master Level Yoga Instructor, author/​creator of Yoga For Fighters and has many years of training in Judo. He is the founder of Jiu-​Jitsu Share Online Community [1], Jiu-​JitsuMatrix [2] (a video newsletter and online learning community) and one of the co-​founders/​co-​owners of Matrix Fights Promotion Company [3]. He currently lives in Philadelphia, PA where he teaches at Balance Studios [4] which he co-​owns with his brother, Ricardo Migliarese. Phil is the Head of Team Balance International.

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21 reviews of Balance Studios

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
After my first intro jiu jitsu class this past week at Balance, I was thoroughly impressed in many ways. As a female and a beginner, trying out a sport like jiu jitsu can be intimidating, but the staff at Balance made me feel at home from the moment I walked through the door. Extremely knowledgable staff, a family-​like atmosphere, and students who are eager to learn and help each other, set this school apart from the rest. There’s a reason why this school is ranked so highly, and I look forward to learning as much as I can as a new student at Balance. I would highly recommend Balance studios to anyone interested in physically and mentally challenging themselves.
Place rating: 5
Lakeville, MN
Out of towner just around for the day, and had a chance to get some Jiu Jitsu instruction to feed this new addiction of mine. Thanks to the instructors for making me feel at home and welcome here! I got to take a Gracie 101 class that included some self defense application of the art to add to my background in the sporting aspects. Friendly instructors and students who clearly have a passion for sharing this wonderful art. I will be back next time I visit Philedelphia!
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
Love this place!!! The instructors here are really great patient and care about what they are teaching. I felt comfortable and very welcomed, but more importantly I felt empowered after just one visit! I recommend this place to anyone wanting to learn self-​defense, discipline and or even get in shape. I am trying out the free trial and hope to officially become a member.
Place rating: 5
Pittsburgh, PA
This place is really great. They are consistently highly ranked and after visiting, I see why.
I went for self defense classes and found them to be dedicated to helping me get what I wanted. I attended a first session that happened to be fairly advanced. They followed up with me afterward and I told them that I was looking for something different, so they invited me to try another class the next week, and offered to work with me individually before the class too. I was so impressed by that personal touch, as well as how knowledgable and dynamic all the teachers are. I would absolutely recommend this place.
Unfortunately I am unable to commit at this time because they charge by the month, not by class, and they want a 6 month commitment for self defense (which makes sense, to make you learn it well). Because I travel for work and am not in town all the time, it doesn’t make sense financially, but if I were around and really wanted to get into it, it would be a great deal: for the flat fee, you can attend as many classes as you want. It’s a great community of people there, and I really do hope to have the opportunity to take classes there if my situation changes.
Place rating: 5
Baltimore, MD
Wow, what a super cool school. I was visiting Philadelphia and they completely welcomed me in, no fuss. I didn’t even bring a gi, and everyone I rolled with was more than happy to go no-​gi with me. Several black belts on the mat at once, which is always a plus. Definitely check this place out and sign up!
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
Top notch place, great atmosphere, excellent attitudes. Balance has a very healthy environment that’s conducive to learning.
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
I finally decided to sit down and write a review for this place. I moved here from Canada three years ago for work, and I’ve been training here ever since.
Since I’ve moved around so much, I’ve trained at a bunch of gyms over the years. I would say that this place is one of the best. If you’ve never stepped foot into a place like this before, you might be intimidated at first, but the atmosphere is very inclusive and welcoming. Most importantly, the people who train here have a great attitude, and come from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels. You’ll be hard pressed to find the same caliber of teachers, students, and competitors anywhere else in Philadelphia.
Also, all of the instructors are friendly, technically sound, and are awesome human beings. Props to Steve who teaches the morning classes!
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
The highest level of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Philadelphia is right here at Balance Studios.
Couldn’t be happier with the 5+ years I’ve been attending classes and sparring sessions here.
The variety and caliber of students is unmatched. Black belts of all sizes that are well versed in teaching and training. Everyone has a great attitude and very positive.
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
Great teachers, lessons and community. If you want to learn Jiu Jitsu… Balance!
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
Tomorrow will be my last «official» training day at Balance; perhaps just for a year while I finish my clinical rotations in Bucks County, or perhaps forever. In either case, I will miss this place more than anything I have been involved with in the city of Philadelphia for the past 10 years.
I happened upon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after my sister was killed and I think it actually saved my life. I knew nothing about BJJ, the UFC, MMA, muay thai, or judo before I began here. Literally after my first class I remember thinking that it was the first time in 6 months that I hadn’t compulsively thought about my sister being gone. So, I kept coming back.
When someone you love passes away, you lose 2 people; the deceased and yourself. Without knowing it, my training partners at this gym slowly helped me find the happy, strong girl that I once was. For that, I will always be grateful. This will always be the place that helped me out of my depression, the place I learned to be comfortable in my own skin without wearing makeup, and of course– the place where I fell in love with BJJ.
Now, my training has evolved over the years and the landscape of my friendships have as well. At this point in my life, most of my best friends and people I respect have all tried (um… successfully) to choke me or break my limbs.
My point is, no matter who you are, what your goals are, or what is happening in your life, this place has something for you. If you are looking for high level training or down to earth people willing to work with you, then this should be your new home gym!
I love Balance !
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
I’ve been training at balance for quite a while and when I’m there I’ve been taught by the best. If it’s from Phil, Rick, Josh, Andrew or Steve, it doesn’t matter they know what they are doing and talking about. If you want to go to a good BJJ school this is the only spot to go!!!
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
I’ve been training here for over ten years now and this school continues to improve! Phil and Ricardo (the owners and head instructors) have treated my brother and I like family over the last decade, taken us under their wings and not only taught us how to do Gracie Jiujitsu, but taught us how to teach Gracie Jiujitsu. It’s an honor to work at Balance studios with them and help teach the students there.
As for the quality of training, naturally I am biased, but having been to Jiujitsu schools all over the US and one in Europe, I can honestly say that the training on the mats here at Balance in Philly is top notch. The skill level is some of the highest I’ve ever seen, but what is unique is that it is mixed with a genuinely friendly atmosphere. The students are fantastic training partners, but also some of the nicest, most decent people I’ve ever known.
Come in and do some classes, words don’t do this place justice.
Place rating: 5
King of Prussia, PA
Balance is a great place with awesome teachers. It was a bit intimidating at first, having such close contact with strangers in sweaty gis. However the atmosphere at Balance helped a lot, between the amazing teachers at Balance and the great camaraderie between the students. As a girl, having a great women’s group at Balance made me feel safe too. We have an awesome group of women who train at Balance regularly. And I met my penguin at Balance, I consider her one of my best friends, without Balance we never would have met!!!
Place rating: 5
Chincoteague Island, VA
Hands down the best school around. The staff is exceptionally talented and friendly. I would recommend them to anyone
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
For Women! It can be scary to get into something like Brazilian jiu jitsu or muay thai kickboxing but rest assured this welcoming atmosphere will have you feeling encouraged. Everyone there wants to see you succeed. The more you come the better. The instructors are amazing! Helping you with any and all questions. Come. Have fun! Get confidence! Get strong! Get inspired! Get ready to have your mind blown with new and amazing new knowledge! Change your life for the better here!
Place rating: 5
Abington, PA
Best place to train jiu jitsu in the city. The best teachers and good people to train with
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
I’ve been «balanced» with this crew well before Unilocal an fb so this is a late review but I say with quite a slab of fondness… Balance has been a home since I arrived and still is. Even tho I’ve been on hiatus for some time from the mat, Balance is always there. When life shifts in different directions, no matter what path I’m on, what side I favor, what direction going… my balance is always there.
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
Balance has become my home away from home. The quality of instruction and the people that go here are amazing– I love the lack of ego and the willingness from others to help you out of you need it. Phil and Rick Migliarese and Josh and Drew Vogel are incredible instructors and great people! In addition to top notch BJJ instruction, their Muay Thai, Judo and MMA is wonderful as well for a fully rounded program. I love Balance!
Place rating: 5
Medford, NJ
AMAZING! Balance is the real deal. If you are looking for REAL, Authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there is NO OTHER place to go in Philadelphia /​NJ. These guys are the highest ranking Gracie Black Belts. 3 & 4th Degree Black Belts…
They train UFC Fighters, UFC & MMA Champions. Covers of Magazines, Featured on numerous TV programs and they even have their own MMA event.
If that isn’t enough, they have a world wide network of schools. Literally all over the US and overseas!
But, the BEST part is how incredible they are as people. So VERY humble, so kind, so funny :)
They are the BEST instructors ANYWHERE in this area (at the VERY least).
My wife, my 11 year old daughter, my 4 & ½ year old son and I are all enrolled in school here at Balance… We have been members for over 5 years now (My son, for 6 months).
I highly recommend Balance, Phil & Rick to ANYONE who wants to learn Martial Arts.
*** If this isn’t enough to convince you. GOOGLE Phil or Ricardo Migliarese or YouTube them. You will be blown away–
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
My husband has been training BJJ here for years. They are by far the best in the city, hands down!!!
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
If you are looking for a place to launch your MMA career, learn self defense, or just get in shape, while meeting some friendly patient people this is the place to do it. The strength of this place is definitely Jiu Jitsu with about 80% of the classes being Gi or NoGi. However they do round things out with Judo, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and MMA classes. The price range here is moderate and varies with the amount of classes you plan on taking. The best thing about this place is the people who train and teach here. There are no egos at this gym, no roided out meatheads trying to snap your neck off. Everyone here is understanding, patient and not judgemental.