Business Details
Your Trusted Martial Arts Training Center in NYC
At Sei Shin Dojo, our mission is to equip students with practical self-defense skills through immersive, scenario-based training that blends traditional martial arts principles with modern real-world applications. We specialize in Goshin Jiu Jitsu and Pekiti Tirsia Kali, offering structured programs tailored to adults and children aged 8 - 15. Our teaching methodology emphasizes step-by-step technique instruction followed by realistic application, ensuring students develop both physical proficiency and situational awareness. With a focus on small class sizes for personalized attention, we foster a supportive community where advanced practitioners mentor beginners, and all members grow together. Our ranking systems in both disciplines require demonstrated mastery of techniques, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and discipline.Training sessions include traditional instruction, live grappling, light sparring, and weapons defense, preparing students for diverse self-defense scenarios. Our certified instructors bring decades of combined experience, prioritizing safety, technique, and confidence-building in every class. We believe martial arts are accessible to all skill levels, creating an inclusive environment free from judgment. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our structured curriculum, community-driven ethos, and dedication to empowering individuals through practical self-defense expertise.
Services
Goshin Jiu Jitsu
Pekiti Tirsia Kali
Adult Classes
Youth Classes
Open Mat Sessions
Highlights and features
- We offer scenario-based training for real-world street situations.
- Our instructors are certified in Goshin Jiu Jitsu and Pekiti Tirsia Kali.
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention for all students.
- We combine traditional martial arts concepts with modern self-defense techniques.
- Supportive environment for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
What people say
Great community
Gained confidence
Knowledgeable instructors
Family-friendly
Effective techniques
Services
Goshin Jiu Jitsu
Goshin Jiu Jitsu combines Aiki Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai techniques for practical self-defense. Our curriculum teaches physics-based responses to real-life attacks, including disarms against weapons and ground fighting. Students progress through a belt system requiring mastery of techniques for promotion.
Pekiti Tirsia Kali
Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK) trains students in blade, stick, and empty-hand combat. The system focuses on countering multiple attackers, disarming opponents, and adapting techniques to confined spaces. Classes emphasize tactical movement and pressure testing through partner drills.
Youth Classes
Our youth program (ages 815) builds confidence, discipline, and situational awareness. Small group instruction ensures personalized attention. Students learn de-escalation tactics, anti-bullying strategies, and foundational martial arts skills in a safe, encouraging environment.
Adult Classes
Adult classes blend Goshin Jiu Jitsu and PTK techniques for combative scenarios. Sessions include solo drills, partner work, and live sparring. The curriculum addresses single/multiple assailants, weapon threats, and ground defense, preparing students for unpredictable real-world confrontations.
Open Mat Sessions
Open Mat provides unstructured training time for practicing techniques, sparring, or working with instructors. These sessions foster peer mentorship and allow students to refine skills at their own pace across both martial arts programs.
People
Glenn Genovas
Instructor
Sensei Glenn leads Goshin Jiu Jitsu instruction with over 20 years of martial arts experience. He emphasizes practical self-defense applications and has trained students of all ages since joining Sei Shin Dojo in 2015.
Dwayne Alexander
Instructor
Sensei Dwayne specializes in Pekiti Tirsia Kali, bringing expertise in weapons defense and tactical combat. He has taught at Sei Shin Dojo since 2018, guiding students through both traditional forms and modern self-defense scenarios.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Goshin Jiu Jitsu for unarmed self-defense and Pekiti Tirsia Kali for weapon-based combat systems.
What age groups do your classes accommodate?
We offer adult classes for ages 16+ and youth classes for children aged 8–15 with small group instruction.
Is there a free uniform offer available?
Yes, new students receive a free uniform when signing up for regular lessons at Sei Shin Dojo.
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No prior experience required. Our classes welcome beginners through advanced students with personalized instruction.
What happens during Open Mat sessions?
Open Mat allows practice of techniques from both programs in a collaborative environment with instructor guidance and peer support.
Reviews (7)
D. M.
Jul 25, 2018
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As an older person (50) starting Martial arts late in life, I find Sei Shin Dojo to be perfect. The Dojo was nothing like what I had always imagined Dojo's to be inside. The instructors are all patient and knowledgeable, and the fellow students helpful, and relatable. It feels like training with family. I would recommend this Dojo to people looking for everyday Jiu Jitsu for self defense, not for competition. Students of all levels can be found here, and a path for everyone.
Joshua C.
Mar 30, 2018
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I've been training with Sensei Glenn for 12 years and he is as good as it gets. He has literally devoted his entire life to the study of jiu jitsu, from childhood into middle age, and it truly is a privilege to learn from someone with such encyclopedic knowledge and skill. This school steers clear of the latest fads (MMA/TV cage fighting), and focuses on realistic, practical self-defense. It is emphasized that this is a personal journey as each student progresses at their own pace, and at the intensity level they can handle. The American Jiu Jitsu curriculum covers every possible scenario
Toby B.
Jun 30, 2017
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Having been a member 10 years ago and recently rejoined I can hand on heart say that this style of martial arts is both practical, fun and energetic! Sensei Glenn and his instructors are passionate, patient and a lot of fun. From complete beginners to more experienced martial artists, this is the place to train. I've already become fitter and more confident about my own abilities and would recommend this to anybody I know thinking about getting into martial arts.
Josue C.
Feb 12, 2016
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If you are looking to compete, look the other way. If you are looking to learn how to defend yourself in a real street situation, this is the place for you. In a traditional dojo setting you will learn from experienced instructors who truly care about your progress. No need to trust me, take a free intro class and judge for yourself.
Yelena K.
Jan 28, 2016
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The mat space is comfortable to train on, and the head instructors have been teaching for years. They're very good at striking a balance between making students feel both comfortable and pushing them to higher levels of achievement. The focus of the school, American Jiu Jitsu, is based in a self- defense philosophy and approach to practicing martial arts. I enjoy this approach, because it's quite pragmatic--giving you options for all sorts of possibilities. There isn't much sparring or testosterone culture here. Unfortunately, the dojo is a fifth floor walk up.
Jessica H.
Dec 15, 2015
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I am a long-time student of American Jiu Jitsu of Manhattan. I first started here because after taking a few classes in other styles of martial arts, I found this one to be the most addictive. As far as styles go, it's a very practical, street scenario-based art of self-defense for everyday people--anyone can do it. Not that it isn't intense, and I'm definitely in the best shape of my life because of it. But for beginners, it's a very supportive atmosphere; everyone's pretty friendly here and it's not competitive-based. It's also not so focused on tradition that
Scott S.
Sep 17, 2015
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I train here. I've been a student with the system for a few years. I've trained in other arts in the past and didn't find the instruction and skills to be as practical or immediately applicable as what I've learned through the American Jiu Jitsu curriculum. The class intensity varies by instructor, but is generally pretty mild. If you're looking for a good work out, this probably isn't your place. However, if you're looking to build your physical and mental abilities related to self defense, this is a great program and atmosphere in which to train. All ages
