New Gym with Famous Roots Opens in Kingston, NY

Ulster County welcomed a brand new business this week with the grand opening of Midtown Jiu Jitsu in Kingston, NY.

Owner and head coach Malachy Silva has returned to the Hudson Valley after years of coaching at the world-renowned Renzo Gracie Los Angeles to begin a new chapter of sport, learning, and giving back to the community.

Midtown Jiu Jitsu Now Open in Kingston, NY

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu hit the world stage with the rise of Mixed Martial Arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and while Jiu Jitsu is most certainly a martial art, Silva sees far more value in the sport than just self defense.

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The Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

"Jiu Jitsu has undoubtedly changed my life for the better", Silva said, "and I've seen the positive effects both on my students as well as their family and friends". After managing and coaching at Renzo Gracie Los Angeles and opening Renzo Gracie East Los Angeles, Silva felt drawn to open his own gym in his hometown of the Hudson Valley.

World-Renowned Jiu Jitsu Coaching has Arrived in the Hudson Valley

"I felt it was time to take full ownership of my contributions to the people I was coaching", Silva shared. "Growing up in the Hudson Valley, I had some wonderful outlets to support my development, and now as an adult I felt it was time to help support the community that supported me".

Hudson Valley Jiu Jitsu Community Growing in Kingston, NY

"Community" seems to be a key word in Silva's approach to coaching. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelt, he stresses the importance of of building a team mentality in every class, both with children and adults. "A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and we grow and get better together as a group", said Silva.

About Midtown Jiu Jitsu in Kingston, NY

Midtown Jiu Jitsu is located at 635 Broadway in Kingston, NY and offers classes for both children and adults. As for the Kingston location, Silva said it was the culture of the city that made his decision easy. "I aways liked Kingston and their great sports culture. It's also a very multicultural city, and practicing Jiu Jitsu is always best with the widest range of people and cultures possible".

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Sign up for classes and see Midtown Jiu Jitsu's full schedule HERE. Silva says classes may especially appeal to young people who are not necessarily drawn to "regular" school sports as well as adults looking to remain active outside of a traditional gym. "It's a great physical activity", said Silva. "It's a full-body workout, it's stress relieving, and most importantly, it's fun".