ABOUT EL DOJO NYC

Knowledge. Skills. Power. Confidence.

Tap into the life skills martial arts can teach.

El Dojo isn’t just a facility that teaches people how to learn effective combat. We built a dojo that focuses on positive human transformation, the core element that martial arts promotes. Find focus on mind, knowledge, and strength through thoughtful instruction, where students undertaking our martial arts programs can transfer those skills across various everyday life challenges.

Located in the heart of New York City, we make the transformative power of martial arts possible for anyone looking to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Children and adults can discover the benefits of martial arts from our knowledgeable instructors and positive community that shares goals of a more productive livelihood. Discover how El Dojo’s philosophy reaches those targets here:

Meet Your Sensei

Luis Sevilla Levy

25+ Years of Experience

Luis Sevilla Levy leads El Dojo as a decorated martial artist, heralding 25 years of awards, accreditations, and teaching experience. His prominence in the field has made him well known on the east coast, heading multiple schools and raising students to great success. Luis’ extraordinary teaching principles have built such an incredible learning environment, shaped by his experiences growing up.

Luis originates from Managua, Nicaragua, relocating to Miami, FL, at the age of 2. As an immigrant family from Central America, luxuries were few and far between, leaving humbleness and a hard work ethic as the critical pillars of success. It was natural that these values could translate well into martial arts, which sparked Luis’ enthusiasm for the trade after seeing Karate Kid for the first time in 1984.

His eagerness, devotion, and passion for martial arts remained unbridled in his goal to build a career in the field. Though he couldn’t afford a membership to the local dojo, his skills weren’t unnoticed by the martial arts community. He bartered for a few free lessons, where he instantly impressed the gym, and thus his career was born.

Luis has spent over two decades developing his skills, competing in tournaments, and garnering nationwide awards. His impeccable skillset and mindful teaching approach have built successful martial arts schools, bringing hundreds of students into the fray. In 2005, he founded El Dojo on the Upper East Side, the facility he heads today, sharing his experience and knowledge with students young and old.

Do you seek positive changes in your life? There’s no better facility in NYC to learn a game-changing martial art with Luis Sevilla at the helm.

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Your safety is important. We follow the recommended CDC COVID-19 safety protocols. Specific details coming soon.

"I can’t say enough about Mr. Sevilla and what a skilled and positive motivator he has been for both my children in teaching them Mixed Martial Arts. Over the last 10 years Mr. Sevilla has provided a fun, safe atmosphere where they can feel accepted and accomplished. My daughter has become a black belt and continues to train with Mr. Sevilla because of the level of respect that has developed between them. My son needed to step out of his comfort zone and required more help with focus and Mr. Sevilla found ways to engage him and help him with this. Mr Sevilla can be tough but is always fair, and he often finds ways to show how lessons learned in MMA apply to everyday life. I would recommend Mr. Sevilla to any family – kids or adults – who want to get the most out of MMA."

|I began training in mixed martial arts with Mr. Sevilla when I was only 4 years old and earned my black belt was I was 13 years old. Mr. Sevilla made it a point to know all of his students’ names in each class. He inspired and motivated us to do our best while teaching us confidence and discipline. He set goals that were challenging but were attainable. Each advancement to a new belt was celebrated with a graduation ceremony which gave me pride and more confidence. Under Mr. Sevilla I learned that if I stayed determined, I could accomplish any of my goals in and out of the dojo. The motto “common sense before self- defense” has always been a guiding principle to everyday life. I am very fortunate to have had the martial arts training with Mr. Sevilla and would recommend him as an instructor."

“I never thought that after enrolling my then 4 year old daughter to train with Mr. Sevilla, that I too would not only train with him, but we would both continue to earn our black belts under his training! He has a unique way of teaching, demonstrating and encouraging his students. As his student, he was able to bring out our best with patience by catering and breaking down a technique in a way that helped us learn it better. Mr. Sevilla truly cares for you as a student both inside and outside the dojo and his lessons go beyond technique and form; lessons of perseverance, patience, diligence, determination and focus continue to resonate in your day to day life as well. After 10+ years, we consider him a part of our extended family. My family and I have been very fortunate to train under Mr. Sevilla!”

"I cannot say enough about Luis Sevilla and what he has meant to our family. Luis is a true martial artist, not only concerned with improving his own craft but also incredibly passionate and giving in helping his students to develop their own. Seeing our son go from a quiet little beginner to a mature Black Belt was a source of great pride and joy, and it was all made possible under the challenging but caring tutelage of Luis Sevilla!"

"Mr. Sevilla has probably the most important person in my life outside of immediate family. Over 10 years of lessons, he has not only helped me progress through the literal and metaphorical ranks of the Martial Arts, but he has instilled invaluable lessons of humility, respect, perseverance and control that will last a lifetime. The only thing he is more passionate about that Martial Arts is his love of teaching and dedication to the development of each student. It is truly remarkable to see the different approaches Mr. Sevilla takes with each of his students, taking the time to create a deep relationship with each and every person he works with, from children to adults. He has undoubtedly changed my life and so many others for the better."

ABOUT EL DOJO NYC

Knowledge. Skills. Power. Confidence.

The Mission

The Vision

The Values

Meet Your Sensei

Luis Sevilla Levy

25+ Years of Experience

COVID-19 Information