Balance Studios

This journey, if you choose to take it, is a life changing one. For me, getting into the Intermediate class is when I really got the high of jiu-jitsu, becuase thats where essentially all sparring happens and you really start getting in touch with the art, the people, and the work.

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!

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!

Great jiu jitsu gym, instructors are all knowledgeable and seasoned. Great kids program, can’t say enough good things about this gym.

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.

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.

Every now and then my work takes me to Philadephia. I’ve dropped in for classes at both the Fishtown and Center City locations and have always been treated great by everyone at Balance Studios. The facilities are clean and the instructors are professional. There’s a great mix of beginner to advanced students with plenty of opportunities for good training. I recently met Phil Migliarese, one of the owners. He was very generous with his time and made sure I was welcomed not only at his gym but also to the city. I highly recommend Balance Studios for anyone who trains or is looking to train Jiu Jitsu in the Philadephia area.

Balance Studios is my favorite place in Philadelphia. Everyone is always friendly and helping everyone else get better at jiu-jitsu and mma. Thanks to their support, I did things I never thought I could like fighting in a cage or competing in a world championship thanks to their training. Phil and his brother Ric are both a great teachers but very different in styles. You get the best of both worlds. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to fight, compete, learn how to protect yourself, or just feel happy and enjoy training!

10/10 experience, Balance has everything you could want in a jiu-jitsu gym. I visited for a week while staying in Philly and was immediately welcomed by Phil, who provided detailed instruction and answered all my questions. The level of hospitality made me feel like I wasn’t just some random drop in, but that they authentically care about everyone who trains there. Balance is a clean and safe gym to train jiu-jitsu with students of all skill level and instruction from some of the most experienced people in the sport. If you’re in the Philly area this is the place to train.

I love Balance with all my heart. I mostly trained in Center City, but sometimes visited Fishtown location. This place literally became my home. I did both, bjj and Muay Thai. I endlessly grateful to best of the best mentors and teachers. They made me better, the push my limits, they believed in me. I’m so happy that this school introduced me to martial art amazing community. I had that feeling that I belong to something more than my job/school. Unfortunately, I had to move out of Philly due to job, but if I have a possibility to come back to Philly, I always end up at Balance. I respect that this school has place for everyone: children, women, people w older age, this is very rare based on my experience. Here you can learn whatever suits you best: self defense, MMA, improve mobility/ endurance or progress into higher level and participate in various competitions. Miss you!