Phil has been my student since he was 12 years old, nearly twenty years; His Jiu-jitsu is Gracie Jiu-jitsu. When Phil was a boy, he swept mats, cleaned the academy, all to learn Gracie jiu jitsu. I saw his dedication and passion for Jiu-jitsu. I knew that he wanted to learn. From day one, I had big plans for him.

Phil received his Black Belt from me for three reasons: first, he proved himself to be a champion in competition, second, because he's a qualified teacher, and third, because he is a good person and well liked. Phil lives his Jiu-jitsu. He knows how to teach the Gracie Self-defense to Kids, Women and Law enforcement, as well as create champions of his own.

The Miglilarese family is like an extension of the Gracie Family. Phil is like a brother, like blood, he would die for us. He represents the Gracie family very well in Philadelphia.

- Relson Gracie
Red/Black Black Belt
Son of Grand Master Helio Gracie

Phil is one of the true masters. He is a student of Jiu-jitsu and a fan. He wants to impart all that he knows to his students without regard for political or financial gain His methodical approach to systematically improving your jiu-jitsu cannot be matched. His methods have helped me prepare and win in many different grappling arenas with the gi or without, locally and internationally.

I have trained all across the country and the world (been to brazil five times), Phil is the embodiment of the true meaning of jiu jitsu , the gentle art. His technique is smooth and the effectivenss of his game is amazing.

I would consider phil an expert in many fields. His ability to adapt Gracie jiu jitsu for Law enforcement is amazing, also his ability to teach ashtanga yoga to combat and non-combat athletes is as equally overwhelming. He takes students to a new level of athletic prowess.

I have traveled and taken classes with many famous and not so famous people in grappling and jiujitsu. Phil Migliarese is hands down the best instructor I have had the pleasure of learning from.

I would recommend anyone from world champion black belt, NCAA College wrestling all American or your average joe/jane off the street to take class from Phil. The reason is it has something for everyone. If you want to compete at the the highest level and win, you must study with Phil Migliarese.

Marco Perazzo
"The Professor"
- Phil Migliarese Black Belt
-Owner of NJMA
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

I have been a peace officer for 30 years and for 22 of those years also a prosecutor. I have known Phil Migliarese for a little over 11 years. During my time in the Martial Arts which spans 46 years, I have trained with many World Champions' and fighters. I have been a World Champion in my age & weight in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a Purple Belt and a Brown Belt.

I fought for the Heavyweight World championship in Full-Contact Karate and was World Rated in that sport for a number of years in the 70's. Of all the people I have trained with I have never found anyone that was a better instructor or more dedicated then Phil. He has helped my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tremendously in the times I have trained with him, plus his instruction and help to me in Ashtanga Yoga has been invaluable in helping my flexibility, endurance, and strength. I would highly recommend Phil as an instructor in Self-Defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or Ashtanga Yoga. In my opinion, Phil is elite in his fields.

Sincerely,

Pat "Hawk"Hardy
- World champion Royce Gracie Black belt

I have known and trained with Phil Migliarese for about ten years. He is by far, one of the most innovative, technical and talented Jiu-jitsu instructor/fighters anywhere in the world. His skills as a fighter are only surpassed by his skills as a teacher. I hold Phil in the highest regard for both his skills and for his character. If you are looking to learn Gracie jiu-jitsu and you are able to make it to Balance Studios, take my advice and train with Phil.

Robert Kahn
-Royce Gracie Black Belt
-Owner of Gracie Tampa

Listen to my Brother Phil. He has taken me from my first day in jiu-jitsu as a white belt to a Black belt, with World and Pan AM titles.

He started teaching me Jiu-jitsu when I was 16 years old, at a time when I could have gone down the wrong path. Instead he showed me the importance of hard work and how important the practice of jiu-jitsu is for children and adolescents.

Besides being a good brother, he is a great mentor that can grab you in your first class, and then mold you, over time, into a Champion Black Belt in jiu-jitsu.

I would recommend Phil, not only because he is my brother, but because he is a true master of Jiu-jitsu, He is a Master in the fighting side and the teaching and coaching side of Jiu-jitsu.

Rick Migliarese
-Relson Gracie/Phil Miglarese Black Belt
-World and National Champion

Phil's technique epitomizes the effortless style of jiu jitsu that we all would love to achieve his seemingly effortless flow captures the imagination of those who are new to jiu jitsu, and those who've practiced all their life. It is the ideal we all aspire to.

I can recall preparing for the 2001 Pan Ams and one position in particular that I was having trouble with. Phil showed me a simple solution, a basic technique to sweep the opponent. A week later I was competing and was able to use that same technique on my way to a bronze medal.

Sincerely,

Brad Court
- Lloyd Irvin Black belt
- US National Champion
-Owner of Paramount Jiu-Jitsu

I am a black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and live in South Florida. I travel to Philadelphia frequently for work and always eagerly anticipate going to train wth the Migliarese brothers. I have been training for 11 years and I am thoroughly impressed with their skill, knowledge and competitiveness. It is a pleasure to be welcomed in their home. The students are exemplary and inquisitive. Phil and Rick are   super responsive to all levels of experience. I HIGHLY recommend an "experience" at their institution, it will be long remembered!

Tim Hart Balance Brown Belt

"I felt comfortable and welcome from day one...... nothing compares to this place. "

I started training at balance studios in 2003, I was working long hours at my old job and making only one class a week to train. The training that I received on that one day a week was worth a lot more then I was paying. At the end of that day   I found myself sleeping on the mat after training and the Instructor, Phil Migliarese, who I didn’t know at the time was going to play a huge part in my life and change it forever, would smile and say “Hey man. Why are you always sleeping?” then start laughing in a joking manner. I knew that Balance Studios was the place for me as soon as I walked through the door. The family atmosphere and the learning environment were second to none. I felt comfortable and welcome from day one. I was at other schools and I will never put down other schools but nothing compares to this place.
Nothing is held back from the students and accelerated progress is encouraged. The team is always striving to get better and help each other progress to reach their goals and then set new ones. Balance Studios builds champions! No matter what age, level you are, shape you are in, how many limbs you have. The programs here are by far the best I have been introduced to and work for everyone.

Tim Hart
Brown Belt

Frank Ambrifi Balance Brown Belt

"They are experts at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, but have black belt skills in Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling and Judo, The full MMA package and Great coachs"

“Some guys are good at Boxing , Judo , Wrestling. Phil and Rick are the total package. They are experts at Gracie Jiujitsu, but have black belt skills in Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling and Judo ( The full MMA package and Great coach). The Migliarese brothers are great MMA coaches. That is why UFC desperately want them as their coaches. The Balance system works, I’ve elevated my MMA game 100 percent in just one lesson.”

Ken Primola World Champion Balance Brown Belt

"Whether you come in to be a mixed martial arts champion, a self defense artist, bjj competitor, or just to make friends, you cannot help but get better at Balance."

My name is Ken Primola and I am a brown belt at Balance Studios.

I have trained literally all over the world and found Team Balance to be a unique group of individuals dedicated to the task of helping one another to become better martial artists.  Thanks to Phil and Rick's vision I have also become a better person and met many lifelong friends that have helped me on and off the mat in everyway possible.  As an attorney and entrepenuer I am now able to network with so many positive people willing to support me simply because I am on their team.


The curriculum at Team Balance is ingenious.  Phil and Rick have dedicated their life to learning and through their discipline and hard work they are able offer a simple, fun, yet highly effective way of teaching beginners and advancing their veterans to make sure they succeed.  Whether you come in to be a mixed martial arts champion, a self defense artist, bjj competitor, or just to make friends, you cannot help but get better at Balance. As a brown belt I have seen many rise through the ranks and am certain that if you stick with their system you will become a black belt just as I will.

-Ken Primola
30
Balance Brown Belt World Champion
Attorney

Jeff Hunt Age: 26 Martial arts Instructor Balance Purple Belt

"From the first day I came to Balance Studios, I felt like I was part of the family. "

After I got out of high school I really let myself go. I was depressed, had no motivation and ballooned up to 270lbs at a height of 6'1.

Finally after many years of feeling bad about myself and leading an unhealthy life I decided to do something about it. I started to diet and lift weights, but my motivation was just not there.

From the first day I came to Balance Studios I felt like I was part of the family. The training and encouragement that I received from the Migliarese brothers really helped my self confidence.

I stopped focusing on my weight and just started having fun. Without even trying I lost over 45lbs in my first 6 months.

Years have past and I still feel the same way every time I set foot in Balance Studios. The family atmosphere combined with world class training cannot be imitated.  I've lost a total of 80Lbs and have been able to keep it off easily.

Jeff Hunt
Owner Wilmington Jiu-Jitsu

Josh "Sloth" Vogel Age: 28 Martial arts Instructor Balance Program Director Balance Purple Belt

"Always friendly, happy to help and quick with a joke, I leave Balance every day feeling better than I did when I walked in the door. That's why I chose Balance studios."

I started training at Balance studios 3 years ago. Initially, my brother and I wanted to learn how to fight if we ended up on the ground. Having seen some of the early UFCs, it was clear that Gracie Jiujitsu was the way to go.

I went into Balance, met Phil and got to watch a class. I couldn't make heads or tails of what everyone was doing, but Phil was very friendly and open to answering my questions and concerns about training.

I'll admit, I had expected to walk into a dungeon type environment with unfriendly people glaring at me wondering "what's that geek doing here?". I was happy to be completely incorrect; the truth is that from the second that I walked into Balance, everyone from Phil and Rick to the students that train there treated me and continue to treat me like family. Always friendly, happy to help and quick with a joke, I leave Balance every day feeling better than I did when I walked in the door. That's why I chose Balance studios.

I would and do definitely recommend Balance studios constantly to my friends, people I meet and really anyone who will listen. It's the kind of place that I think will make peoples lives better, no matter what their goals are.

Some of the advantages that I've found to training at Balance. Geez, where do I start? Top notch instruction. Phil, Rick, Tim and all of the Basics instructors teach their material in a clear, easy to understand way with great patience and an obvious desire for everyone to improve. There are world class competitors, great Jiujitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial arts, and Yoga going on. With all of that going on, how can you not improve yourself?

The results for me of training at Balance have been tremendous! I walked in the door smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes a day, drinking six or seven cups of coffee a day and eating junk food like it was going out of style. Since then, I've quit smoking (It's been exactly a year without a cigarette), reduced my coffee intake and improved my diet pretty drastically. As a result, I'm in better shape than I've ever been in. The Yoga has helped alot with that as well. Keeping a consistent practice has helped erase alot of the aches, pains and haunting injuries that I've accumulated from 20 years of skateboarding, 3 years of moving furniture and 5 years of doing construction and labor jobs. My body used to hurt alot and the yoga has really made a huge difference for me with that.

Some of my future goals at Balance: To be a great Gracie Jiujitsu instructor and help others acheive things that they didn't think possible. To be a great Gracie Jiujitsu practitioner who always walks onto and leaves the mat with a smile. To be a great competitor who enjoys competing. To earn black belt level skills in Jiujitsu and to continue learning and improving for years and years after that.

Thanks Phil, Rick, Tim and everyone at Balance!

-Joshua Richard Vogel

"I am fortunate to have met a coach who not only cares about his clients and their results, but also has the knowledge and awareness to tailor each individual athletes program. "

Jason Brown
-Owner of Cross Fit Philly

Phil has his own unique style and presence to the art of teaching Jiu Jitsu. He tries to develop warriors with the tools they were born with. He brings out your best while exposing your worst. He understands the human body and is able to quickly adjust to your needs by communicating with his clients and finding out what makes them tick. His ability to keep things challenging and exciting are what make training fun and competitive. He makes you compete against yourself and he helps bring out that warrior instinct within. This is what helps athletes get the most out of their training. This is what separates him and makes him unique.

His passion, respect, and love for learning will continue to evolve Phil's talents and make him a force to be reckoned with in the grappling field for years to come. I am fortunate to have met a coach who not only cares about his clients and their results, but also has the knowledge and awareness to tailor each individual athletes program.

Thanks Phil!

Jason C. Brown

"I participated in a seminar done by Phil M. at Westchester BJJ and it changed my perspective on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. "

Daniel James Jones
age: 28
G.M. L.A.Boxing Albany

I have 1 Year of Experience
I started practicing because I was depressed.
I came out of my depression as a result of many different factors but BJJ helped the most cause it always has somthing new to learn and I wrestled in high school and it was very similar. Ryan Clark, one of Steve Kardians Purple Belts is my instructor and he and I participated in a seminar done by Phil M. at Westchester BJJ and it changed my perspective on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Phil is definately in the top ten most spectacular humans that I have ever crossed paths with. I learned so much from him in just one day.

I have also competed in N.A.G.A. 2007 World Championship in NJ under Team Balance. I won 3rd in Intermediate for mens super heavyweight No-Gi and signed up for an amatuer MMA fight in August.My future goals are to have fun fighting and open my own Balance Acadamy someday

Daniel James Jones
age: 28
G.M. L.A.Boxing Albany

"Basics opened my eyes to the world of BJJ and taught me the fundamentals I needed to understand the teachings in the black belt program.

I can say that you have the right system. "

Marc Howard
Age: 27
Financial Analyst

Phil,
Just wanted to share a quick story about the Balance Team and Program. I have just moved up from the basics course into the Gracie Black Belt. It's only been a week, but I have to say that I am looking forward to pursuing my black belt over the years to come and continuing to incorporate jui jitsu into all aspect of my lifestyle. Having finished the basics class and moving into the new classes I can say that you have the right system. Basics opened my eyes to the world of BJJ and taught me the fundamentals I needed to understand the teachings in the black belt program. All my instructors have been great and always open to questions and willing to spend the extra time after or during class to answer them. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to becoming a memeber of the Team Balance family!

Marc Howard

"I've been training in the martial arts for almost 20 years, and i've never had such a great workout!  "

Douglas Shaffer
Age: 29
Martial Arts Insturctor

I've been training in the martial arts for almost 20 years, and i've never had such a great workout!  The teachers and staff make Balance studios a pleasure to train in. The wealth of knowledge That Rick and Phil posses makes studing worth every penny.

For any martial artist who thinks they have a handle on what it means to deal with a real life situation, I recommend that you spend a least a month training at Balance Studios.  I'm Hooked!!!

"Do you want to improve your practice of Jiu-Jitsu or ashtanga in a great atmosphere? This is a great studio, check it out."

Kyle Hopf
Age: 40
Shipyard Safety

I've been practicing ashtanga yoga for 3 years after my wife recommended it as therapy for chronic neck and back pain. I'm a big fan of MMA and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, so I wanted to check out the studio

I'm from Virginia Beach, but was in Philadelphia and found the studio searching the web. I came to check out the studio with a buddy on a night when no ashtanga was scheduled, but Phil introduced himself and we talked about the benefits of yoga practice for grapplers and non-grapplers. Phil then cleared an area and began to lead us in practice even though nothing was scheduled. This guy is great! The studio is a very cool space, and all of the guys working out were very humble and welcoming. "Leave your ego at the door" is the mantra and everyone seems to work as a team towards improving their own mind/body.

"I have become more physically fit, lost 10 pounds, have gained patience, more confidence, become more humble, and have begun a new page of my martial arts journey, and consider Rick and Phil family.
Two more word for anyone-
Start NOW!"

Nick Dougherty
Age: 33
Martial Arts Instructor

I started training at Balance when I met Phil Migliarese, and found out that our fathers grew up together. The thing that suprised me the most about Balance was that I just happened to be lucky enough to start my training with the best in the art. I did alot of reasearch and was amazed at the credentials and experience of the Migliarese brothers.

If your looking for a practical, fun , and realistic form of self defense then Balance is for you. Whether your a begineer, a martial arts instructor, or school owner you should be training with the Migliarese brothers. They are genuine, caring, passionate and possess the highest skill level in the art of jui jitsu around. We have been doing private lessons for alomost a year, and they have never cancelled, been late or had to reschedule a lesson. In addition if you are interested in doing private lessons, Rick Migliarese is the best instructor I have ever worked with in my 13 years of training in the martial arts. Our entire staff is now training with Rick, and we all have set the goal of one day attaining our Black Belts through the Migliarese brothers.
At 33, I have become more physically fit, lost 10 pounds, have gained patience, more confidence, become more humble, and have begun a new page of my martial arts journey, and consider Rick and Phil family.
Two more word for anyone-"Start NOW!"

Coming from a creative background and upbringing my mind and body had become sharply tuned for intellectual activity. Since I have started training at Balance Studios I have encountered many different physical and mental challenges that have forced me to think differently (a change that I was desperately in need of). I can safely say that the challenges that I encounter in my day to day life along with challenges at the gym appear to me; less as roadblocks and more as quells and rises in the path of life. As my training progresses, I am beginning to see the reflection of my physical activity in my creative production, a truly exiting discovery. It makes me realize that balance (no pun intended) is a very valuable asset in life!

-Marshal Linton

I've always been a fan of boxing, jiu jitsu, and mma and finally signed up for classes. Jiu jitsu seemed the best choice due to its focus on technique over size and strength--I chose Balance because they teach the Gracie method. From the first day, it was obvious that the staff at Balance have a dedication to both the art of jiu jitsu and the students.

The most important aspect of any learning experience is the climate. Balance Studio has created a positive teaching environment through the approachability of the instructors and it is reflected in the students. It is common to hear students advising or instructing one another while drilling or sparring.

Phil's Gracie Basics curriculum is well planned and clearly articulated. It's encouraging to me to see how much I've learned in just a few months. There is a good mix of new material and review in each session and the progress of the students is noticeable week-to-week and class-to-class. It is easy to see the value of having instructors in the Gracie lineage.

The benefits to the art of jiu jitsu are clear; it's a superior approach to practical fighting and self-defense. The Balance Studio experience speaks for itself. This is a true learning studio that respects the art and the students. For any of those reasons, I would recommend Balance to anyone. Of the studios I've visited, Balance has been the one with the best attitude and clearest plan for the success of the students and sustainability of the art.

I intend to continue training and improving my skills in jiu jitsu. Earning a new belt and competing on the team are goals that I would love to see fulfilled; I can't wait to step up to the next level.

Loosing weight….talk about that a little

My experience with Balance Studios began about a year ago. I had been training for several years off and on as time would allow, and upon moving to Philly, made it a commitment to take jiu-jitsu seriously. I wanted to be confident in the academy I chose, and did a lot of research before choosing Balance. I saw it like picking a college; you certainly don't want to end up in an atmosphere that you're likely to outgrow, or that isn't in sync with your needs.
Balance has been a perfect fit. The atmosphere is the most conducive to learning I've ever experienced for any sport. Also, there's absolutely no way you could outgrow Balance. There is so much talent at each level that there is no reason to ever feel as though you're not being challenged. The depth of the academy, all the way to the black belt level is absolutely unreal for an academy outside of Brazil.

A large part of what makes Balance so special is the "regular guy" atmosphere that really welcomes people and focuses on learning. Come to a class, one of the first things you'll notice is the lack of a testosterone driven environment. You can go to class and not be afraid of a 250lb gorilla smashing you. Your classmates are more likely to be lawyers, grad students, and businessmen as they are members of the Gold's Gym crowd. What's astonishing is that even if you don't attend Ricky or Phil's classes (which is only a huge disservice to yourself) you're still going to get excited every time you walk into the academy because the atmosphere is that good. And it's the same for everyone, whether you're a male, female, old, young, a novice or a Pan Am or World Champ. This is why I train at Balance. I'm proud to be a blue belt under Phil Migliarese and I'll be even more proud when I'm a black belt under Phil Migliarese.

-Chris Romanchick
23
Blue Belt
Student

I first met Phil in 1996, when he was teaching jiu-jitsu at Maxercise. He has a wonderful way of explaining technique, while taking great care to ensure the safety of each student.

I intend to take my own son to Balance Studios to study martial arts under Phil and Ricky, as they're the only people that I trust will provide the correct learning atmosphere for my child.

Michael Kotch
32
Teacher

I have been traing under Phil Migliarese for the last ten years, since he was a purple belt at Maxercise. I was bouncing at a club in philadelphia where Phil was friends with the security manager. We were all out front talking and Phil invited me to come down and train Juijitsu. I had no idea what juijitsu was, but Phil said, "You'd be good at it". From success in the sport where I actually won my age/weight class in a tournament, to many, many times being humbled by guys who are half my body weight. I feel like I have come to an understanding of the philosophy of juijitsu. For years I thought that Phil meant "I" would be good at Jiujitsu. Because I was a good athlete, or because I was very strong. What I didn't realise then is that Phil says that to every new perspective student. Not because he believes every student can become a world champion. But, more importantly, because he truly believes he can teach every student to be successful in juijitsu. Thanks Phil

-Joe Schmidt
Balance Purple belt / Grapplers Quest Champion
38
Teacher/Strength and Conditioning Coach/Football Coach

I started practicing at Balance Studios because I wanted to extend my martial arts training by learning self-defense on the ground. I soon realized that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was more than self-defense, but a gentle art that teaches ground control when sparring a larger opponent.

The learning atmosphere was great. The kindness of the students is what attracted me here. Everyone was willing to help each other learn and succeed. Students worked together during and after class without being forced to do so. Everyone wanted to see each other get better. During my 5 years here, I learned how to work better among people inside and outside of class.

I recommend anyone to come to Balance. Being a woman practicing jiu-jitsu has helped me realize the potential of succeeding anywhere. Instructors help you discover your strengths and use them as an advantage. It doesn't matter what size, age or gender a person is. Anyone can be a practitioner and do well in the sport.

-Shavonne Guthrie
Balance Purple Belt / Pan Am Champion
27
government worker

I've been training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu for almost 5 years (4 of them at Balance Studios). I initially began practicing at Balance Studios under the advice of a former teammate from another BJJ school who had started to train with Phil and Rick. I, like many others who initially began training, had no comprehension as to what to look for in a Jiu-jitsu school or what good Jiu-jitsu instruction was. Upon taking an intro class with Phil, I knew that this was a quality school with quality instruction. At that point in time, I was still under contract with my old BJJ school and desperately had wanted to leave. Phil offered to ride out the contract and let me pay my dues to the old school and train with him for free until my contract was finished. That is a testament to Phil's character. He truly cares about his student's and simply wants people to enjoy the sport as much as he does. This is the ideal quality that I look for in a teacher.
Balance Studios is a terrific place to train. I have made wonderful friends, improved my physical condition, boosted my confidence, and found a lifelong hobby. The group of people here are great. Everyone is always willing to help you master a technique. There are no egos here. That is very important in choosing a Jiu-jitsu school. Not to mention, the fact that there are so many talented teachers, each with their own style that is applicable to people with different physical abilities.

I am looking for a career in law enforcement and believe that is important to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu from such quality instructors because I am only 5'7'' and 140 lbs. With the training and skills that I have learned, I feel more confident in my ability to defend myself. I would recommend Balance Studios to anyone who wants to learn self-defense, meet people from all walks of life, and improve your overall quality of life. Phil and Rick keep on doing what you are doing.

Thanks.
-James Chiariello
23
Balance Purple Belt
Graduate Student/Gracie Basics Instructor

I joined Balance Studios five months ago as a complete beginner in Jiu-Jitsu. But I wanted to start training at least two years before that. I kept telling myself that I was putting it off so that I could get into better shape before I start, which may have been half the reason I waited, but I was also wary of getting embarrassed by much better athletes and macho guys that love to indiscriminately pummel weaker guys. Much like my former lackluster high school wrestling days. When I finally decided (or more like when my girlfriend made me because she was tired of hearing me talk about it) to start training, I was recommended to Balance from a friend. I knew that from Phil and Ric’s experience with the Gracie Family that they were at the top of the game. And my first conversations with Timmy made me feel more confident that beginners were sincerely welcome at Balance. Now I wish I had started ealier!

After finishing the Gracie Basics program at Balance with tons of help and patience from instructors, Jazz, Josh, Drew, and James, I’m now training in the black belt program. And even though I’m still a beginner, I am getting literally world-class instruction every week. No one gets left behind and everyone gets individual attention here. And that can be attributed directly to Phil and Ric’s philosophy of teaching and promotion of a friends and family attitude at Balance.

The results of training were almost immediate. I’ve never really been able to stick with working out and exercise for a long time, but training gives me constant motivation. Now, it’s easy for me to work on strength, flexibility, and conditioning because I know that it will help my Jiu-Jitsu improve. And since moving up a belt someday is a personal goal that I plan on reaching, there is no doubt that now I will stick with it. Another great result that I hadn’t planned on was that I now sleep like a baby! So I have energy all day, train for a while in the evening, and sleep better than I ever have before. And I love sleep.

The first thing you see as you come into Balance Studios is a sign that reads “Please leave your shoes, and ego, at the door. Thanks.” I noticed that this rule held from the first class I took. You could tell that everyone who trained there was not only respectful of each other, but overly helpful and encouraging. One of the great things about training at Balance is the quality of people that train there. No matter whom I ask, or what belt they are, everyone is more than willing to show me a new technique and help me improve. And don’t get me wrong, there are some serious grapplers here that can wrap me into a pretzel 100 different ways, but they can do it in a way so that I don’t have to worry about getting hurt, and that they’re teaching me something every time.

If there were a problem with training, it is that it becomes addictive. Every time I leave, I’m already thinking about what I can do differently at the next practice. And also, my girlfriend is starting to get really annoyed with being Kimura’d and heel-hooked while she’s trying to relax and watch Sex and the City. But hey, she’s the one that convinced me to join Balance in the first place.

I can’t thank the crew at Balance enough and look forward to training with them for a long time. And I would recommend it to anyone, as long as they can leave their ego outside, with their shoes.

-Brad Thompson
28
Math Teacher

I started training BJJ in 2000, I wish it was at Balance.

I was referred to Balance by a buddy I still train with in Philadelphia back in 2002. He and I were not happy with the instruction we were getting so we left and came to Balance, need less to say it was the best move I have ever pulled off in Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors and students are world class, training is great, you get pushed to be better. Also super friendly people everyone is willing to make you better.

Benefits: Confidence, especially at work, great workout, awesome hobby.

The level of talent at Balance is what first surprised. The guys are sick

The atmosphere is one of kind, people are great, the gym and mats are clean. It allows you to stay focused, have fun and train.

To any new students interested in training I would defiantly recommend Balance. I am originally from North Jersey. I went to college in Philadelphia, so during summer break I couldn't train at Balance consistently because of the commute, so I would have to train at some schools in North Jersey, that couldn't compare to what I was use to at Balance. After I graduated college I had to move back up to North Jersey and I had to stop training at Balance. For the last 2 years I was trying to move closer to Philly so I could come back and train at Balance. Last March I finally did and it has been awesome. Although I still live in Jersey I have no problems battling traffic to train with the guys at Balance a few times a week.

The past year I feel my game has gotten a lot better just by training consistently at Balance .

My goals for the future are to get better each day of practice and to start competing.

I just want to say thanks to Phil, Ric and the rest of guys at Balance.

-Kenneth Sirakides
26
Balance Blue Belt
NJ State Trooper

I started training at Balance Studios in November of 2006 because I was bored of traditional means of exercise. I needed to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and felt that jiu-jitsu would do exactly that, all the while providing me with an invaluable life skill. I bought a notebook to keep notes and track my progress, and in the very beginning, training was like trying to become fluent in a foreign language. I was clumsy at first, but before long, as my flexibility increased and my muscle memory grew more focused, my body became more accustomed to moves that had once seemed awkward. Also, conscious breathing control helped me better concentrate and relax on the mat, which in turn made it easier to remember more techniques.

It’s also interesting for me to witness the increased skill of the students who started the program around the same time I did. While I might get the better of them during a sparring session on Monday, by Wednesday they’ll have me tapping out left and right, and the cycle will repeat the following week. In that sense, we continually build on each other’s knowledge and challenge each other to progress. I honestly leave with a sense of accomplishment after every lesson and sleep like a rock when I get home.

I have recommended Balance Studios to several of my friends, and will continue to do so, because it is my belief that the training there is second to none. Whether your desire is to become the next UFC champion or simply to gain a little peace of mind by knowing that you can defend yourself against bigger and seemingly more threatening people, Balance Studios is the place where you can pursue those goals with the confidence that they will be one day be met.

-Tom Gilmore
26
reporter/freelance writer

Although I currently reside in Florida, I miss training with Phil and Rick a lot. Learning Jiu-Jitsu from them has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Jiu-Jitsu is so much more than effective self defense. It is also a great form of physical and mental excercise, and Phil and Rick always made it fun.
Do you want to know what impressed me the most about the Migliarese brothers? When I started training, I was expecting to encounter a lot of macho attitude. I figured people who knew how to fight so well would have an arrogant air about them. Let me tell you, nothing could have been further from the truth. Phil and Rick are two of the nicest, down to earth guys you will meet, and Ricky has a crazy sense of humor. I initially began studying with Phil, and this is a guy who could defend himself against pretty much anyone he will ever encounter, but he never puts out anything other than a friendly vibe to people, and the same goes for Rick.
Phil is also a thinker, and he is very philosophical about self defense, and I think this is part of what makes him an excellent teacher. When I started he was extremely helpful and patient in sharing his knowledge with me.
Yo, Phil and Rick, if I never got a chance to thank you for all that you guys have done for me, thanks!!

-Andre Posner
40
Physician

-Pat Vacanti
39
police officer

I have stolen a number awesome moves from Phil's Matrix Videos. You should too.

-Keith Owen
Black Belt
37
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Pedro Sauer Team
www.idahosuperkicks.com