Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & Self Defense in Center City Philadelphia. The first official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Philadelphia — family-focused, beginner-friendly, world-class instruction.
From first-timers to competitors and kids — there's a class built for exactly where you are.
BJJ · Gi & No-Gi
Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
All levels · Adults
The most effective martial art in the world, taught Gracie-style. Our Gracie Basics program is a safe, energetic, and by far the best way to get started — no experience required.
Muay Thai · Striking
Muay Thai Kickboxing
All levels · Adults
Safe and authentic Muay Thai instruction in Philly. We teach Intelligent Striking — footwork, defense, angles, proper technique, and timing — from beginner classes through sparring.
Kids BJJ
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Ages 8 – 12
Real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu broken down for kids. A confidence-building, anti-bullying program that teaches children to defend themselves using leverage — without striking.
BJJ · Self Defense
Women's Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Women · All levels
Philadelphia's first women's-only Jiu-Jitsu program, started in 2002. Safe, effective, and comprehensible self defense focused on escaping danger with as little energy as possible.
About
Why train at Balance Studios
Balance Studios is the first official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Philadelphia and the first Gracie-affiliated school in the nation. Founded in 2002 by brothers Phil and Ricardo Migliarese — both certified Relson Gracie black belts — our Center City headquarters brings Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and yoga together under one roof. We're a family-focused studio that prioritizes a positive, welcoming atmosphere where beginners and seasoned competitors train side by side. Our instructors are specially trained to teach newcomers in a way that's easy to understand, so whether you're stepping onto the mat for the very first time or sharpening a competition game, we'll meet you exactly where you are.
A coach who invests in how you learn
At Balance Studios, our coaches are serious about being the best they can be — so they've
joined a community of forward-thinking coaches, led by Greg Souders, who train with the
constraints-led approach: a modern, games-based method grounded in
motor-learning science. You learn by solving real problems on the mat — and build skill faster.
Program Director at Balance Studios in Center City Philadelphia. A Relson Gracie brown belt, Paul leads day-to-day instruction at the 2100 Chestnut Street headquarters and oversees the academy's Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs. He offers private lessons and is the first point of contact for new students starting their journey at Balance.
Phil Migliarese
6th-Degree Black Belt
Co-founder of Balance Studios and a 6th-degree Relson Gracie black belt. Phil discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 1988 and, at 17, moved to Hawaii to train directly with Relson Gracie, later training at the Gracie Academy in Torrance under Rorion Gracie. He became the youngest student ever awarded a black belt by Relson Gracie and is authorized to certify instructors and award black belts. Phil moved back to Philadelphia in 2000, took over the Relson Gracie training association, and founded Balance Studios with his brother in 2002.
Ricardo Migliarese
5th-Degree Black Belt
Co-founder of Balance Studios and a 5th-degree Relson Gracie black belt. Ricardo followed his older brother Phil to the Gracie Academy in Torrance and developed into a true force in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, winning a world championship medal in Brazil in 1999. He is one of the most respected instructors in Philadelphia and a co-owner of Balance Studios HQ.
Schedule
Weekly class schedule
Find a class that fits your week. New students and drop-ins always welcome.
Little Grapplers Muay Thai Open Mat No-Gi / All Levels
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
What students say
Loved by our community
★★★★★4.8 · perfect rating on Google
“
Balance Studios is one of the best schools I have ever practiced at in my 15 years of training. The instruction is world class and the atmosphere is welcoming to everyone.
CMChris M.Google review“
I have gone to every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Philadelphia — Balance is the best. The level of instruction here is on another level.
PDPhil D.Google review“
Phil and Rick Migliarese are the best because they are good at what they teach and they genuinely care about their students.
EBEmmitt B. WhitfieldGoogle review“
After taking the women's self-defense class, I felt empowered, engaged and connected. It changed how I carry myself every day.
CWCortney WrightGoogle review“
This place is the Harvard of jiu jitsu studios. World-class martial artists who take the time to really help both beginners and advanced students.
TGTimmy G.Google review“
My experience at Balance Studios has changed my life. Jiu Jitsu is not only a martial art here — it's a community and a family.
JRJimmy RubinoGoogle review“
The environment that Phil and Rick have created offers a family-like atmosphere where everyone is there to help you get better. Everyone.
JKJohn KeevillGoogle review“
It's the best training in the city and I have trained a lot of places. Highly recommended — elite instructors, top-notch school.
DCDominic CosenzaGoogle review
Contact
Come train with us
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
Address
2100 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
No contract. No commitment. Just come train with us for a week and see what modern grappling instruction feels like. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.
★★★★★4.8 on Google
“Balance Studios is one of the best schools I have ever practiced at in my 15 years of training. The instruction is world class and the atmosphere is welcoming to everyone.”
— Chris M.
✓
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We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your first free class. See you on the mats.
