Take Your Mind, Body, And Positivity To Whole New Levels
Martial Arts Academy NYC
El Dojo is a family martial arts academy that teaches life-changing skills to kids and adults through power-packed self-defense programs.
MARTIAL ARTS CENTER NYC
Become your best self
Everyone could find some more positive channels in their lives through daily challenges. El Dojo is a community that teaches more than just self-defense. It’s a martial arts academy that promotes mindfulness, strength, and confidence, welcoming complete beginners and seasoned martial artists.
Founder Luis Sevilla-Levy brings his nearly 30 years of experience, helping hundreds of students of all ages find their footing in a turbulent world. Discover the positives El Dojo classes can incorporate into your life.

Self-Confidence
Stride through the world with unbreakable confidence gained through martial arts training.

FOCUS
Learn how to eliminate distractions and overcome obstacles.

BULLY PROBLEM-SOLVING
Discover how to successfully deal with bullies, learning to avoid and handle conflicts.
Rewards await at El Dojo
Discover the benefits of our transformative martial arts classes
Improved Confidence
Take your self-esteem and positive attitude to new levels. Our classes are designed to push students to new limits so that they can unlock their true potential and take their confidence to a whole new level.
Respect and Appreciation
Tapping into qualities like respect, appreciation, and awareness is a building block for kids, and we ensure they learn these qualities the right way! Martial arts teaches students to respect and honor their peers through an incorporated set of principles.
Understand Self-Discipline
Learn how to control your emotions in volatile situations. Students can benefit from learning how to approach challenges mindfully and become more disciplined, individuals.
Join a Positive Community
Everybody wants to be part of something great. Our community welcomes everyone and can become a staple in your path to better well-being.
EXCELLENT Based on 53 reviews Posted on David ShapiroOctober 10, 2025. Mr. Sevilla is an amazing instructor! I trained with him 15 years ago at a prior school and just recently resumed training with him at this school. He's pushing me just hard enough to get back into shape but understanding that it will take a bit to get to the level I was at. Glad I rejoined and was thrilled to find out he now has his own school. I strongly encourage everyone who wants to get in shape and learn martial arts to join! In my opinion it is the most fun way to work out where you learn something new every class and you build strength and stamina to stay healthy.Posted on Diana SiwikOctober 2, 2025. My daughter loves this place and I love this place. It has such a great energy! There is respect, fun, hard work, discipline - all the things that kids should learn! I’m very grateful that a friend of mine introduced us to El Dojo!Posted on DylanSeptember 25, 2025. While I'm still very new to El Dojo and its offerings, just off of my first experience with them I can surely say that it doesn't get much better than this place. The instructor, Luis, is an amazing person who's passion for the trade shows through every interaction while he's able to inspire confidence and belief in yourself, no matter how many times it takes. If you're looking for a place to start, this would be the one.Posted on Randi SiegalSeptember 2, 2025. There’s no one better than Mr. Sevilla. He’s engaging, caring and a huge confidence builder for my daughter.Posted on Christine GarciaSeptember 1, 2025. We couldn't be happier with our experience at El Dojo Martial Arts Academy! Our daughter has been attending classes since February and absolutely loves it. We've been so impressed with the positive changes we've seen in her; she has learned discipline, focus, and respect, and she's completely dedicated to her practice. She looks forward to her class every single week and is determined to improve and work toward earning new stripes and belts. As a parent, I've also had the chance to take the adult classes myself. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and friendly the atmosphere is—it's not intimidating at all. The classes are an excellent workout and a great way to stay active. El Dojo is a fantastic place for both kids and adults. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to start their martial arts journey in a supportive and friendly environment.Posted on Helen TrepelkovMay 16, 2025. Our grandson started his classes in January, 2025, and he has been very happy and enthusiastic all these months, not missing a single session. Great and thoughtful coaching, nice and clean facility. Thank you so much!Posted on Iva Goricnik ChristianMay 2, 2025. My son started in September and loves the classes. It has been a wonderful experience for him. Mr. Sevilla not only provides excellent martial arts training, but teaches kids self-confidence, respect and many life skills in a caring and nurturing environment. A great family-run place!Posted on Fernanda SantanaMay 1, 2025. El Dojo is a fantastic combination of fun, physical activity, and growing discipline for kids. My 4-year-old has made incredible progress since joining. Mr. Sevilla is truly dedicated. He gives each child individual attention and care, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Highly recommended!
Training for all skill levels
Kids Program

3 to 5-Year-Olds
Get the ball rolling with an exciting, fun-filled introduction to martial arts. Students will learn the art of balance and coordination, listening, and have fun throughout the class.

5 to 7-Year-Olds
Develop yourself as a keen martial artist and build confidence with our energetic, activity-packed classes. The class is designed to challenge kids to explore more about themselves, is faster paced, and more structured to ensure maximum results.

7 to 12-Year-Olds
The journey to a child's black belt starts here. They will enjoy thoughtful and energetic lessons designed to challenge them mentally and physically.
Teen Program
Join up with a thriving community that teaches martial arts skills that don’t only purvey self-defense techniques but help you explore your physical limits while working out with peers in a fun and safe environment.
Adult Program
Never should your age hold you back from trying something new. Enjoy our adult martial arts programs designed to help you think, move better, and get in the best shape of your life.
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TRIAL CLASS
See How We Can Change Your Life
MARTIAL ARTS LIFE TIME PRACTITIONER & OUR CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Luis Sevilla Levy
25+ Years of Experience
Luis Sevilla-Levy has headed 3 schools throughout his 25-year career.
In 2015, Luis and his wife moved to New York. His wife found a martial arts school that was opening a new location on the Upper East Side. With Luis’ prior experience in running very successful martial arts schools, he took his former dojo from 38 to 500 active students.
“I have been passionate about the Upper East Side and its people since I began teaching here. I love the children I’ve trained and the deep relationships I’ve forged in this great community.”
MARTIAL ARTS CLASS SCHEDULE
EXCELLENT Based on 53 reviews Posted on David ShapiroOctober 10, 2025. Mr. Sevilla is an amazing instructor! I trained with him 15 years ago at a prior school and just recently resumed training with him at this school. He's pushing me just hard enough to get back into shape but understanding that it will take a bit to get to the level I was at. Glad I rejoined and was thrilled to find out he now has his own school. I strongly encourage everyone who wants to get in shape and learn martial arts to join! In my opinion it is the most fun way to work out where you learn something new every class and you build strength and stamina to stay healthy.Posted on Diana SiwikOctober 2, 2025. My daughter loves this place and I love this place. It has such a great energy! There is respect, fun, hard work, discipline - all the things that kids should learn! I’m very grateful that a friend of mine introduced us to El Dojo!Posted on DylanSeptember 25, 2025. While I'm still very new to El Dojo and its offerings, just off of my first experience with them I can surely say that it doesn't get much better than this place. The instructor, Luis, is an amazing person who's passion for the trade shows through every interaction while he's able to inspire confidence and belief in yourself, no matter how many times it takes. If you're looking for a place to start, this would be the one.Posted on Randi SiegalSeptember 2, 2025. There’s no one better than Mr. Sevilla. He’s engaging, caring and a huge confidence builder for my daughter.Posted on Christine GarciaSeptember 1, 2025. We couldn't be happier with our experience at El Dojo Martial Arts Academy! Our daughter has been attending classes since February and absolutely loves it. We've been so impressed with the positive changes we've seen in her; she has learned discipline, focus, and respect, and she's completely dedicated to her practice. She looks forward to her class every single week and is determined to improve and work toward earning new stripes and belts. As a parent, I've also had the chance to take the adult classes myself. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and friendly the atmosphere is—it's not intimidating at all. The classes are an excellent workout and a great way to stay active. El Dojo is a fantastic place for both kids and adults. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to start their martial arts journey in a supportive and friendly environment.Posted on Helen TrepelkovMay 16, 2025. Our grandson started his classes in January, 2025, and he has been very happy and enthusiastic all these months, not missing a single session. Great and thoughtful coaching, nice and clean facility. Thank you so much!Posted on Iva Goricnik ChristianMay 2, 2025. My son started in September and loves the classes. It has been a wonderful experience for him. Mr. Sevilla not only provides excellent martial arts training, but teaches kids self-confidence, respect and many life skills in a caring and nurturing environment. A great family-run place!Posted on Fernanda SantanaMay 1, 2025. El Dojo is a fantastic combination of fun, physical activity, and growing discipline for kids. My 4-year-old has made incredible progress since joining. Mr. Sevilla is truly dedicated. He gives each child individual attention and care, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Highly recommended!