Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Philadelphia
Join us for authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Balance Studios in Philadelphia.
We offer classes in Fishtown, Center City and Northeast Philly.
Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Balance Studios is the first official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Philadelphia and the first Gracie Affiliated school in the nation!
The Migliarese Brothers, Owners and Gracie Black Belts, are dedicated to sharing the authentic Gracie System that the late Grand Master Helio Gracie created.
We believe that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone!
Balance Studios instructors are specially trained to teach beginners in a way that is easy to understand.
Our Gracie Basics Program is a safe, energetic and, by far, the best way to get started in the most effective martial art in the world: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
The Migliarese brothers have taught thousands of students over the last 20 years. They have discovered the easiest, safest, and fastest method to impart the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu self defense of Helio Gracie and his son, Relson Gracie.

Gracie Family Approved!



Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 is a motivational program, geared toward teaching leadership skills in addition to the Jiu-Jitsu curriculum.
Curriculum:
• Stand up Self Defense, Striking, and Takedowns
• Ground Defense and Ground Submissions
• Learn how to overcome Panic with breathing control
• Simple Techniques that do not require strength
• Step by Step instruction at your own pace
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone!
We have been teaching beginner’s for over 30 years and have graduated more than 100 Gracie approved black belts!
Everyone is a beginner at some point. It is important to start with the basics before you jump in the rest of the team.
Join us for a free beginner class!
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combat Techniques
The techniques taught in this course are Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combat techniques, not sport techniques. These combat techniques can be applied to the sports of MMA and BJJ, but when in real battle, one must be aware of punches, kicks and other moves that may be illegal in sport.
Who trusts and uses Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu combat techniques?
- FBI
- Secret Service
- Local police depts
- U.S. Border Patrol
- CIA
- Special Forces
- Delta
- Navy SEAL
- US Army
- US Air Force
- US Marine Corps
- US Coast Guard
- U.S. Army
*Most branches of military and Law enforcement have adopted this program in their own combatives program because of its simplicity, effectiveness and ability to save lives.
The Balance of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle
I guarantee that you will quickly become addicted to the Gracie jiu-jitsu way of life. Most students enroll in our program because of the effectiveness of the techniques, but quickly become enchanted with the lifestyle. Jiu-Jitsu becomes a reason to take care of yourself in all aspects of your life.
Components of a Balanced Jiu-Jitsu Life
- Gracie/Balance Diet
- Train BJJ daily
- Yoga poses and breathing
- Play Chess
- Strength Training
- Emotional Intelligence
- Cross training in MMA
- Always studying technique
- Live the “gentle” way
MMA is a sport, not street combat
We are the biggest fans of Mixed Martial Arts here at Balance Studios, but we do not forget that MMA is a sport and not reality combat on the street. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 101 gives you the means to survive a street encounter.
Facts about real fighting on the street
- No rules on the street
- No weight classes
- No time limit
- You can’t pick your opponent
- No gloves or protective gear
- No rounds
- Tapping out is not respected
- No Refs
- No payday 🙂
Advanced BJJ Program
Phil and Rick Migliarese have applied their collective 40 years of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu experience to the creation of this revolutionary program.
The Migliarese Brothers have outlined and organized the techniques required for steady progress towards your Black Belt, and have defined a formula for success in the Gracie Black Belt Program.
The “Balance Teaching Method” gives students focused, organized and informed instruction on the path to their Black Belt, while emphasizing that Jiu-Jitsu education should be fun, motivating, and easy.
Gracie Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu focuses on the following:
- Advance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi techniques
- No Gi Submission grappling
- Judo
- Wrestling Throws
- Arm, wrist, & Leg locks
- Team Sparring,
- Competition Class
- Open Mat Sparring.
There is only one way to get started…
You have to take the first step!
Click here and fill out our new student form!
Try one of our beginner classes for free! No experience necessary!
With more than 20 years in the business, Balance Studios specializes in teaching Gracie Self-Defense and Muay Thai Basics to beginners who are looking to train in a professional setting.Our dedicated beginner teaching staff is trained to help you get to the intermediate level. Not only do we teach the best martial arts in the world, but we made it easy to learn, safe, and organized. We emphasize safety, optimism, humility, respect and an open dialogue between student and instructor.