“A Small Dojo with a lot of Soul”
-Francisco “Sinistro” Iturralde
The Dojo is a martial arts center with its heart in instilling the principles of martial training in each individual that enters through its doors. The Dojo seeks to spread the benefits of the martial arts lifestyle to the local community and beyond
Founded by lifelong martial artist, Professor Gabriel Marte, The Dojo is the most well equipped martial arts academy in the Bushwick and Ridgewood area with an inviting culture and a welcoming atmosphere. We specialize in Brazilian jiu jitsu, traditional Muay Thai, Olympic Judo and collegiate level Wrestling. We also compete at the highest levels in every art and have develop high ranking competitors and champions.
Our goal is simple: To create a space for all to fall in love with the martial arts.
Meet Our
Instructors
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Founder & Head Instructor - BJJ Black Belt 1st DegreeWith 30+ years of martial arts experience, Professor Gabriel started training martial arts at 11 years old. Competing in every martial art he ever could, the challenge of improving himself through martial arts always proved to be the most fulfilling part of training. However, it was only after being humbled by his first Jiu Jitsu class that he fell in love with the art. Jiu Jitsu has been his passion ever since, competing as often as possible while dedicating his life to spreading the knowledge to all who enter The dDojo.
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Assistant Gym ManagerKids Program head coach
Josh Melendez’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is defined by resilience and passion. Born with Poland syndrome, he overcame challenges to train under Professor Carlos Melo at Gilroy BJJ and later earned a scholarship to train in Brazil with Master Tererê.
Now a brown belt and full-time instructor at The Dojo, Josh teaches kids, adults, and self-defense classes, creating a welcoming space for all to grow on and off the mats.
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Isa Friedlander – Judo Head Instructor
Born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica to American parents, Isa began practicing judo at the age of 14 and quickly earned a spot on the Costa Rican junior national team.
In 2018, she received her black belt from Kenia Rodriquez, a Cuban Olympian and Pan-American champion. After graduating high school, Isa moved to New York to attend Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During her college years, she earned three silver medals at the Collegiate National Judo Championships. In 2017, she became a US National Champion and later relocated to Manhattan after graduation. She spent several years traveling for international competitions and training camps, winning a World Cup Bronze and a US Open Gold along the way. She now resides in Brooklyn, where she continues to pursue her passions as both an athlete and a coach.
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Head Muay Thai Coach
Brett is a local hero and champion Muay Thai fighter. Currently fighting for Lion Fight Promotions, he is a veteran of the sport and one of the great ambassadors of Muay Thai culture and is always working hard to teach and train the next generation of fighters. His love for the sport is front and center in everything he does and he regularly coordinates training camps in Thailand to help spread the Thai boxing culture to all of his students.
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Wrestling CoachKenny is the Head Wrestling Coach at The Dojo NYC and brings a lifetime of grappling experience to the program. A three-year varsity letterman at Suffern High School, he was the starting 170-pounder on the undefeated 2015 team that captured the Section 1 state qualifier title.
Along with his competitive background, Kenny is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Doctor of Physical Therapy. He also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and and ranked in Judo, allowing him to blend techniques from multiple grappling arts into his teaching.
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Assistant Kids class coach
Freddy Garcia was introduced to the sport at a very young age alongside his brother Aiden, training in the kids program that Professor Gabe offered back in the day. Fast forward 12+ years later, Freddy has continued to develop and refine his skills and now runs the kids class alongside Coach Josh Melendez.
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Head Nogi Instructor - Black BeltJobany Rosario has trained with many of the greatest grapplers in the world from the likes of Unity Jiu Jitsu and Clockwork Jiu Jitsu. Since becoming a part of The Dojo, he has elevated himself to a full time Nogi instructor and a leader in our community
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Black Belt - Pro Training InstructorItalo is a black belt under famed professor, Murilo Santana.
At The Dojo, he implements a blended pro training program designed to elevate individuals from hobbyists to competitors using the scientific approach to learning and applying modern concepts in an environment accessible to practitioners of all levels.
