- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Five Points Academy
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Martial Arts Martial Arts [Edit]
277 Canal St3rd Fl
(between Cortlandt Aly & Broadway)
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhoods: SoHo, Chinatown
(212) 226-4474
Announcement
New Spring Schedule is here! Newly added classes: TRX Suspension Training, Sandbags, Foam Roller Class, Indian Clubs, and more.
- Nearest Transit:
-
Canal St (N, R)
Canal St (4, 6, 6X)
Canal St (J, N, Q, Z)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 5:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 7 am - 5 pm
Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
22 reviews for Five Points Academy
22 reviews in English
-
Review from dwayne r.
Brooklyn, NY
7/7/2011
I am in there on average more than 14 hours a week.
Good facilities, great staff.
Kick and punch, Get/stay in shape. Feels satisfied. Go home and sleep. -
Review from Gary L.
1/6/2011 7 photos
Before you read on, I could of sworn I've written a review for Five Points already. But since it's not here, I just copied and paste from what I've wrote in the "Yelp Kicks Butt!" page. Original Date of the review is 1/14/2010.
Five Points Academy absolutely rocks! I came here only once for the free class "Yelp Kicks Butt" offered and I had a great experience. The instructors here are great. They don't lose their patience with the class and they are willing to explain and demonstrate with out the attitude. Arjan Steve is a real pro at what he does. The way he trains his class was awesome. We weren't listening to random radio stations as we worked out. We listened to some type of Thailand music that gave us a real good rhythm and motion to our footwork and movement. There was also a sound of gong, signaling us to do the next exercise or switch.
The class was an hour. It felt a little longer but it wasn't. The workouts and exercises Arjan Steve and Gaius had us doing were a little grueling at some point but definitely fun. We learned how to throw a jab and straight properly, push kicks and knees. Working with the punching bags along with a partner made all the difference. My sparring partner was pretty cool, I didn't get the chance to catch his name. He offered some good body kicks and knees at me. I enjoyed feeling some contact because it makes me feel the "no pain, no gain" concept.
I worked mostly with Gaius and Bill. They were really cool and helpful. During the conditioning exercises, I was already gassed and out of breath from the punching, kicking, knee exercises. I was seeing spots and felt like I was gonna pass out any second. It kinda felt good actually, I haven't felt that since my wrestling and track days in high school. As a beginner, I would really like to take some more classes here but I am moving soon so it's just bad timing. I would certainly recommend this Academy to friends and colleagues because this place is just great. The ladies at the front desk were extremely nice as well. And the cleanliness of the entire place is superb. The machines, lockers, floors, air circulation in there is good, no complaints here. Be sure to check them out, they are slashing their membership price in January so sign up soon! I think it's 50% off. -
Review from j f.
Manhattan, NY
2/14/2011
Five points is AWESOME! The trainers here are top notch. I've only trained with Arjan Steve, Arjan Simon, Coach Jose, Coach Emily, and Coach Rima and they are all great teachers that take the time to make sure you do things right. None of them are stuck up! The students here are also all nice and helpful. When I first joined I had zero experience in muay thai and was nervous at my first class but everyone made me feel welcomed.
When you come here be prepared to train! You will sweat like you've never sweated before!!!
They have expanded the classes they offer in addition to Muay Thai, Kali, Judo and Kettlebells they now have TRX suspension training and Sandbag workouts. I haven't been there since my son was born and I can't wait to go back this month. Check this place out! -
Review from Christopher M.
Brooklyn, NY
6/24/2011
After a year of vigorous and regular attendance at Five Points I feel that I can offer a retrospective of my fantastic experience at this fine facility.
Let it be known that I came to Five Points with no Muay Thai experience and, in fact, no martial arts training whatsoever. While excited to finally live somewhere long enough to dedicate myself to a martial sport, and Muay Thai had long been a subject of mystical fascination for me, I was apprehensive about my utter lack of knowledge and skill. I looked long and hard at the available gyms in NYC and, based on convenience, reviews and reputation, it ultimately came down to Five Points and The Wat, though Sitan would have been a powerful contender if I lived in Queens.
I took trial classes at both The Wat and Five Points and the right choice for membership couldn't have been more obvious. While The Wat insisted that I shadow box when I had no training at all, Sergio at Five Points pulled me aside at the beginning of the class and instructed me one-on-one in the basics. The students at The Wat seemed rather self-obsessed and distant, while those at Five Points couldn't have been kinder, more accepting and willing to help me learn. As a total beginner, I was - and still am - grateful for the respectful atmosphere at Five Points and how the more senior, skilled students would spend an hour of their time working with me and refining my technique.
Since I have never delved into the Kali or Judo/Jiu Jitsu at Five Points I can only speak as to the caliber of the Muay Thai and strength/conditioning classes, which are superb. Most Muay Thai classes begin with a round or two of shadow boxing, followed by approximately 45 minutes of pad work or light sparring with a partner and finish with 10-15 minutes of heavy cardio and strength exercises such as push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, etc. Classes typically emphasize a move or combination that is inserted into free-form pad work, with your partner prompting for any punch or kick with one specific prompt used to start the particular technique shown that day. I've trained with all of the instructors who teach Muay Thai and, although there are degrees of emphasis on technical vs conditioning training depending on the teacher, they are uniformly excellent. Jose continues to be my favorite coach due to his combination of physically demanding training and individual attention that he pays to each student in class. His eye for detail has caught many mistakes in my technique and I know I can expect a nuanced answer to any question that I bring to him.
The swath of fitness classes that I've taken have worked wonders for my conditioning, from the kettlebells boosting my power and speed to the newly-introduced Indian clubs challenging my coordination and range of movement. The fitness classes cover the spectrum of serious strength training to cool-down and stretching work, so there's literally something for everyone.
As a young man with a competitive streak, I hope to enter the ring on behalf of Five Points someday. I have attended a plethora of promotions to watch my fellow students fight, and competing is something Five Points offers to those who express interest. The gym fields a number of fighters who typically do quite well since they appear to hold people back until they are truly ready. If you're eager to jump into the ring immediately to gain experience rather than gaining experience before entering the ring - and I'm not sure which method is better for learning the sport - then Five Points is not the gym for you. Five Points undoubtedly emphasizes technique and training above all else and the right to compete is difficult to earn. However, my perception is that being on the Fight Team does not make you a favorite or receive special attention from the coaches, but that it's merely a choice that one makes about how one wishes to experience Five Points and Muay Thai.
If there is one thing that concerns me it's that the facility is becoming too small for the rapidly growing number of students. A year ago classes were about half the size that they are currently, though the level of instruction remains excellent due to the increase in the number of coaches per class, and the mat-space gets tight at times. The owners are obviously aware of this issue and continue to expand the mats, but without a larger facility or a sacrifice of the weight machines there is only so much that can be done.
After a year of dedicated training, the addition of nearly 15(!) pounds of muscle to my svelte frame and a rise through the grade system to a level where I can spar, I couldn't be more thrilled with Five Points Academy. There has been no apathy, arrogance or dismissiveness in any of the students or coaches; the pervading atmosphere is one of overwhelming respect for everyone there. People seem to go with an open-minded desire to learn and have a great time and not to indulge in a school of hard knocks. -
Review from Michael S.
New York, NY
2/2/2010
This is a review for the beginners out there who are on the fence as to whether they want to come out and try muay thai kickboxing. My girlfriend has really wanted to start using muay thai as a tool to get fit, but unfortunately for her and I, we have no clue what on earth we are doing.
We went to a competiting gym in manhattan a couple of weeks ago and the beginners sessions was just "meh." They didn't do alot of instruction at all. In fact, the other place just told everyone to "shadow box" for a few minutes and "if you don't know what to do, just try anything that makes you feel comfortable......"
ehhh... so as you can imagine, we weren't that impressed.
Now fast forward to last weekend. My girlfriend and I brought 3 friends to five points to try it out and it was COMPLETE AWESOMENESS. Although there was only one instructor teaching the class, other instructors and veteran students saw us beginners and stepped in to give all of us one-on-two instruction. I mean it was really really informative and helpful. I have taken alot of free kickboxing classes in the city and I have never gotten that level of instruction.
OH yeah, I forgot the best part. The class was FREE for us. The first class for anyone is actually free to try out.
So get off your butt and give it a try. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Free class in an unintimidating environment for beginners. -
Review from cindy w.
New York, NY
1/13/2010
*Claps* Five Points Academy is a serious martial arts school that takes pride in its workout, facilities, and instructions. If you're a gym bunny, stop here and turn around. There is no silly techno music to bop to and the amount of advanced to professional fighters here is awesomely motivating. If you're looking for a serious, hand-to-hand sparring experience (and need that catharsis), step right up, ladies and gents.
No fear for beginners, I took an intro Muay Thai kickboxing class with fellow Yelpers and learned some basic punch/kick combos that emphasized form, partner practice, and punching bag work. Really thorough and the instructors were patient and thorough, never minding the questions I asked. Full disclosure: I've done a bit of Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu, so I've seen various studios and instructor personalities and Five Points was a great example. It appears to be a great mix of newbies, advanced students and male/female ratio was even (bonus!).
The facility was very well-lit, clean (saw someone swabbing the floors at almost all times), and didn't smell like sweat/ass (not even in the girl's dressing room!) ~ speaking of which, for the ladies, the dressing room is stocked with showers, blow dryer, mirror, scale, q-tips, and lockers. Totally not skeezy! You can clearly see where your money goes here. The registration/gym fees are high but you can definitely tell people are committed into their workouts and the variety of classes are interesting. I'd prob get a harder workout here for 1 hr then I would at my local gym.
I'm seriously thinking of joining... -
Review from Daphne M.
East Elmhurst, NY
8/24/2009
Never in my life have I been so impressed by a martial arts school. I've stood in Five Points in awe of how amazing the place is. No joke.
I took a single free Muay Thai class here, then subsequently ended up joining so my review is based on that:
FACILITIES! This school is incredible. The new facilities are clean (I saw a guy with a Ghost Busters-style vacuum on his back going around cleaning the floors), and very inviting. Equipment is new and very well kept, not tossed around or shoved in a corner like other places I've seen. There is a mini yoga studio that fits a little less than a dozen people. There's a room for acupuncture/massage therapy. They're probably small since I haven't seen them, but the fact they're there is pretty great.
The bathrooms deserve their own paragraph. The women's locker room/bathroom has showers with shampoo/conditioner/body wash, brand new spacious lockers (bring your own lock), individual toilet stalls which kinda makes you feel at home, and a vanity area similar to those I've seen at spa houses. Q-tips, hair ties, and disposable razors? I was incredibly impressed.
The training floor is well sized and there are tons of classes a day so that no single class is overcrowded.
They are very friendly to beginners here; schedule an intro class and you will be taken aside with other beginners to learn proper technique on how to punch and kick. This is no walk in the park, so expect to be sweating before you're done. I really appreciated the time they took to correct my mistakes from the beginning.
Staff are incredibly friendly and laid back. There is no pressure to join, they seem to just be really proud of their establishment and want to share it with others. This probably made me want to join even more. I've been harassed by martial arts school for WEEKS after doing a trial class, so the no-pressure attitude was very inviting.
The tuition at Five Points was a little much for me. This place sure is popular but I thought I couldn't afford it. I ended up finding out Five Points Academy participates in numerous insurance health programs, such as GlobalFit (under Aetna) and WellQuest. GlobalFit discounted my tuition about 20% a month! I highly suggest calling your insurance and finding out what health programs you have.
There's a $150 registration fee which also gets you a jump rope, t-shirt, styin' muay thai shorts, gloves, and hand wraps. The monthly tuition is $199 a month, and there's no contract so you can join for just one month if you want. You can also go to ANY class you want. Muay Thai, Kali, Yoga, etc. You aren't limited to one style.
If the price sounds steep to you, just TRY the free class. I'm certain that anyone who has seen other martial arts schools will appreciate what Five Points has to offer.
The world class champion instructors certainly know their stuff and will keep you sweating. There's a pretty even girl to guy ratio here, which is comforting as a girl. Numerous female instructors are a plus. But I'm quite possibly more afraid of them than the males here.
In a nutshell: Five Points. Amazing. Gather your monies. Go now. -
Review from Adrienne R.
New York, NY
1/13/2010
My review of Five Points is long overdue. I came to this facility after growing bored with the generic kickboxing and other classes I had been taking at NYSC. I was a little hesitant about going to a full-on martial arts studio since I had no prior experience, but after emailing with Janna about membership, etc. I came in with my friend for a free trial muay thai class. During the class, they took the new students aside to teach us all the basics and make sure that we didn't hurt ourselves (or anyone else, for that matter). My friend and I had a blast and I signed up for a few personal training sessions before diving into the classes.
I love this place for the cleanliness, variety of fitness equipment and classes, but what really sets Five Points apart is its staff--they all have stellar credentials and take a genuine interest in how you are progressing through whatever classes you choose to take. Coach Jose and Coach Emily are two of my personal favorites, but honestly all of the instructors are excellent at what they do and a lot of fun to work with--I have yet to take a class here that I didn't absolutely love. There are classes for every level of athlete (even junior muay thai classes for children) and the community vibe here results in everyone (including the other members) being eager to help you learn as much as you care to know about muay thai/kettlebells/kali/judo/etc.
It's now been a few months since I first walked through the door of Five Points and I literally spend almost every free moment at this place, always wanting to learn more. I've left the world of generic gyms behind and never looked back.
Basically, my feelings about Five Points? Worth. Every. Penny. -
Review from Lauden M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/12/2009
My home away from home.
Everyone here is totally welcoming and extremely warm.
Good workouts ... Good facility.... Good coaches.
A little on the pricey side but it is worth it....because you will go WAY more than you would go to a regular gym. -
Review from J C.
New York, NY
2/16/2010
This place is primarily about muay thai. I do not study that here, but I go for boxing and general workouts instead. So although I cannot comment on the muay thai school I hear it is quite good from several reliable sources.
As far as gyms and facilities go, this place is top notch. It's not humongous, but everything they do have is clean and well-kept. And the staff and management are pleasant to deal with.
If you are looking for a no-nonsense gym to just work out this is a good place. It's not dirt cheap, but it's not over-priced either for what you get. -
Review from Mike B.
Manhattan, NY
1/13/2011
Went for a trial class. Have practiced multiple martial arts - Really enjoyed the class, people, instructor. If I was going for a muay thai base i would certainly join. Great condition too..
-
Review from Gianna S.
Manhattan, NY
7/21/2011
I started at Five Points in Nov 2010 with a free trial class. I had been to a few other gyms before I checked this one out. I almost didn't go to Five Points because it was so far from where I lived. But I decided to go anyways since it was free. I was immediately impressed with the facility itself. Very clean!!! A few of the other gyms I had checked out were very unsanitary. The mats felt like wet sponges. I am very OCD about cleanliness, so for me this was a big deal. The locker room was very clean. I actually don't mind showering there when I'm in a rush, which I have never done at any other gym in my life! I also liked the class schedule. None of the other gyms provided such a variety of times and classes. They have morning, noon, and evening classes. They also have conditioning classes as well as martial arts. Another big hit for me, was they have a full gym. I can take classes or workout. I have the flexibility to do either without having to have to separate memberships at different places. After my first class I wanted to join so bad, but I didn't think I could afford it. I thought about it for a few days, and I decided I was going to just have to make it work. I have been wanting to do Muay Thai for so long, and I wasn't about to settle on a gym that was more affordable. I had to go to this gym! It's the best. If you are going to do something, do it right. And really when you think about it, you are getting two things for one price. Gym and a martial arts school. Muay Thai is soooo addicting. I went almost everyday for 2-3 classes until I met my boyfriend there at the end of January. LOL he has totally ruined my workout regime. But I'm back at it again since last week. And I'm feeling great!
I love Emily's TRX suspension training and her total conditioning classes. I love taking both her Muay Thai classes on Fridays too. Jose and Gauis' clinch classes are hard but necessary. You get the hang of it with practice. Be prepared to do a lot of knees! Sergio never lets you slack in his classes and he is really great at paying attention to everyone's technique. His Muay Thai classes are intense. You will be dripping with sweat. Bill's kettlebell class is the best. You get a full body workout. The fat just melts away. You see results fast. Coach Fury's sandbags is awesome. He very attentive to posture and technique so you prevent injury. Love that class. I love Simon's class because he uses the elbow a lot. I hope to elbow somebody in the face one day (in the ring of course!). Steve is the best. Such a cool guy. I took his class for my free trial, and he got me hooked. Always patient, and always there to answer your questions. There are many other classes they offer, but these are my favorites.
All in all, Five Points is definitely the place for me. I've made great friends there. Everyone is so encouraging and helpful. I am very happy with the results I have seen in my body and my Muay Thai. I will work hard and hopefully have my first fight someday. Much thanks to Five Points!!! You guys are GREAT!
To anyone hesitant about joining. Don't be. Everyone starts as a beginner. Be confident and just do it. The staff and members here are very patient. Check it out, it's FREE! -
Review from Alvin S.
Brooklyn, NY
6/30/2009
I just checked out this place with my friend yesterday and I was absolutely amazed at their facilities. They have an EXCELLENT training facility in my opinion. Huge mat space with tons of people training on it, yet it was still very roomy.
They have a full sized ring and they offer many classes at different times. In addition to the bright, big, clean facilities, they have a very adequate weight room as well as a functional fitness area with kettlebells, a tire, and other odd objects. They also offer cardio machines such as treadmills and bikes. The bathroom facilities look great as well.
Overall I was extremely impressed with this place. They offer a variety of classes, from yoga, to ab fitness, muay thai clinch clinics, regular muay thai classes, etc. The only thing that is stopping me from signing up for this school is that I want to continue training brazilian jiu jitsu, and the grappling class they have is not exactly what I want and it is also ONLY offered at 8pm. If they had a comprehensive grappling program I would seriously consider this school. The grappling program they have is a judo/bjj blend that is taught by an Olympic Judo instructor. Very good but this is not exactly what I want. I don't blame them because when you enter the place and look around, despite the yoga rooms and the treadmills and the weight area, it is clear that the focus at Five Points is MUAY THAI.
Another strong point is that this is on Canal and Broadway. The location is unbeatable in my opinion. The Chinatown location is extremely accessible. I thought their rates were extremely reasonable. It is more or less the going market rate for Muay Thai instruction, and considering the beautiful facilities and the variety of classes offered, this is a bargain. They even offer classes on Sunday, which is something that the past two gyms I've trained at do not offer.
If you can't tell by my review, I was pretty sold on the place. Like I said, I am looking for a school that has a more extensive brazilian jiu jitsu program. If this place offered that, I would sign up in a heartbeat. I am currently training at another school.
This place gets four stars because of what I saw. I do not attend this school, so make what you will of my rating. It is my rating based on what I saw and the information I gathered on the school, it's instructors, and it's facilities. I plan to try an introductory class so I can make this review more accurate. -
Review from A L.
New York, NY
8/7/2009
I. LOVE. THIS. GYM.
I've been training with Kru Nat (she is INCREDIBLE) for a month or so, and have fallen in love with Muay Thai and the energy of this gym.
It's also great if you want to try something new-- all of the trainers are incredibly knowledgeable! -
Review from frances b.
Brooklyn, NY
8/20/2009
I've been training at Five Points for a few weeks, and it rocks.
Lots of classes, so if you're inclined, you can train for two or three hours daily. Instructors are serious and professional, yet friendly. I've belonged to a number of gyms, but have never seen one this clean (including locker rooms/bathrooms).
Location is incredibly convenient, at the corner of Canal and Broadway. -
Review from John D.
Hoboken, NJ
2/9/2011
The staff here is stuck up only concerned with money. This is a Muay Thai school but very uninspiring, dont come here for Judo/Jiu Jitsu (although offered). Some of the younger Muay/Thai teachers are always complaining or unhelpful. Judo is in a very small area, not enough room for more than 10-12 people. The Judo instructor is not very helpful since his primary focus seems to be competition as opposed to developing skills for the new comers. Teimoc is very good for Jiu Jitsu but would spend money somewhere else for focused Jiu Jitsu training. There is not enough mat/rolling time for Jiu Jitsu to practice skiils. I am going to keep my name anonymous but I have spent time at this school and am thinking of moving on to either Anderson/Clock work/ New York Jiu Jitsu.
-
Review from niabi c.
Brooklyn, NY
2/27/2009
I never thought of myself as being someone who would look forward to going to a gym. Five Points offers a great environment that's clean, hospitable, and encouraging. I have a basic membership that includes the yoga, strength, kettle bell, & abs classes (among others) so I can't speak for the fighting classes - however all of the classes I take kick my butt in the best ways and I am finding myself doing things that I never thought I was physically able to accomplish. All this pared with a super nice staff and a smart & knowledgeable set of instructors - 5 stars aren't enough.
-
Review from Noah N.
Brooklyn, NY
2/4/2006
yes-yes.
as a lifetime martial arts dude, I will tell you with confidence that this is a quality operation.
I work in the area so the 'neighborhood' rate is $50 lower than their usual $150 / mo, and the ever-expanding open schedule of muay thai, kali, yoga, and pilates (never hit that one up but I'm sure it's good) with top-flight instructors in a clean, well-maintained facility full of friendly competitors is well the hell worth it. they're even trying to phase in tai chi and grappling (BJJ, judo, ju-jitsu hybrid) classes if there's interest.
if you want to go from novice to fit and competent or even to amateur fighter in a challenging but reasonable (even laid-back) gym, this is a great choice.
super-nice folks. -
Review from James M.
Financial District, NY
4/4/2011
Been here for over 3 years ever since they were still at the old location. All of the instructors here are excellent and the gym facility is very well maintained (thanks to Miguel and his crew). This gym pretty much contains every single piece of equipment that any serious athlete/fighter would need to train with. A few items are missing for me as I use a bit of an unorthodox training system. My only real gripe are the gym goers that go into the gym and stand around for 30 minutes doing nothing and chatting. Just a tad annoying. I tend to ignore them but I suppose this sort will always plague a mainstream fitness facility. Aside from this, I highly recommend Five Points.
-
Review from Angie B.
New York, NY
1/24/2010
I've been to many gyms and boxing gym before falling in love with five points academy. Not your typical gym...The instructor are great, patient and fun.
I've learned a lot and my body feel and looks great. The gym is pretty big. They have a kettle bell studio, yoga studio and of course the mat area with the muay thai class. They also have judo and jiu jitsu, kali etc...it's very complete.
Their showers are clean and they provide shampoo, shower gel, razor, towels...
If you want to be fit with no stress of being judged and have fun at the same time, you should def. check it out... -
Review from M K.
New York, NY
4/2/2009
I loved this place. Definitely the cleanest martial arts gym by far I've ever been to--there was even a woman cleaning while I was there. Awesome Muay Thai class--intense with lots of one on one instruction. And a full gym with new equipment, something most martial arts gyms in the city are lacking. It's expensive though. If money wasn't an issue, I'd join this place in a second.
-
Review from Jeff D.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2009
My wife and I dropped in for a Muay Thai class a couple weeks ago when we were in New York and we really liked it. It's a great facility. Everyone was very nice and we were impressed with how clean the place is. Janna was especially helpful in answering my questions the day we went (thanks!). If I lived in NYC, I'd probably join. For now, I'll definitely drop in every time I'm in town. I look forward to trying the Judo, Kali and kettle bell classes as well.
