Enroll now in Philly’s Best Self-Defense Intro Course! Call 215-636-9661

Balance Studios is Philadelphia’s premiere instructional source for Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Submission Grappling, Muay Thai Boxing, Boxing, Yoga for Fighters, and Ashtanga Yoga for the whole family. We specialize in teaching Basic self-defense to beginners who are looking to train in a professional setting. Balance Studios has  two convenient locations in Philadelphia: Center City (HQ) and the Northeast.

Top 10 reasons to enroll at Balance Studios

1. Voted “Best of Philly” multiple times
2. Team Balance is the top team in north east America
3. Balance Studios is the Official Gracie academy of Philadelphia
4. We’re experts in teaching beginners, trained by Relson and Helio Gracie
5. We are highly recommended by professional UFC fighters and average hobbyist
6. We’re trusted by all branches of the military and local/federal law enforcement agencies
7. Phil Migliarese is among highest ranked black belts in the US with more than 20 years experience
8. We have level specific programs for everyone, regardless of size, speed, or power
9. We make it easy and safe to learn BJJ, MMA, and Yoga
10. We are constantly evolving our programs and as teachers to best serve our students

Come in and see why we were voted “Best of Philly”

If you want to train with the best, then your search ends here. In 2008, Balance Studios was voted “Best of Philly” by both Philadelphia Magazine and MyFoxPhilly.com. If you’re interested in competition, Team Balance recently earned the title of top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team in Northeast America, beating out hundreds of other martial arts schools in the process.

Owners Phil and Ricardo Migliarese are two of the most respected Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts in America, with a combined 40+ years of experience between them. Professional fighters and jiu-jitsu competitors travel from all corners of the globe to train here in preparation for competitions because they trust in our ability to provide cutting edge instruction.

We cater to students of all ages, genders, sizes, and skill level with classes designed to focus on individual needs. With several affordable programs consisting of step-by-step instruction, and an ego-free environment, you progress only as fast as you are ready to and are never asked to step outside of your comfort zone.

There is no other BJJ/MMA school in Philadelphia with testimonials from clients ranging from Professional UFC fighters to Police Commissioners to the average hobbyist looking for a more practical workout. You can read hundreds of these testimonials on our site.

What does all of this mean? Simply that you can rest assured that you are making the best investment you can when you sign up at Balance Studios: an investment in yourself! If you’re still not sure, sign up for a free trial and check us out in person. Come see what it’s like training under America’s most sought after BJJ and MMA trainers!

Phil Migliarese on cover of MMA worldwide

In 2007, Phil Migliarese was featured on the cover of MMA worldwide alongside two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legends: Former Pride Heavyweight Champion and top UFC contender Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira and 5th degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt and MMA fighter Renzo Gracie.

The magazine featured an article called “Growing up Gracie”, which chronicled Phil’s travels around the world as he learned from and competed alongside the legendary Gracie family. The article also highlights the many other accomplishments Phil amassed throughout his 20+ years as a fighter and teacher.

If you want to tap into the source of Gracie Jiu-jitsu, there’s no better place than Balance Studios in the Philadelphia region.

Top benefits reported by our students

• Feel Healthy, Strong, and Flexible
• Realistic Self Defense that works!
• A curriculum that is easy to understand
• For hobbyists or future black belt competitors
• Any one can do it!
• Humane alternative to punching and kicking
• Lose weight and build core strength
• Reduce daily stresses with Jiu-Jitsu and Yoga
• Instills a positive attitude
• Develops self-confidence and emotion intelligence
• Overcome panic with breathing control
• Anybody of any size can learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
• Specifically designed for the needs of a first timers!