Testimonials

Joining Gotham Jiu Jitsu was based purely on my interest to learn self-defense. I am always open to new workout experiences and I feel any physical training is very positive for my mentality and allows a better understanding of my body: my muscles, strength and limits. But being consciously aware of my mind is something I am constantly learning. Months after my Intro Class, I realize I didn’t join Jiu Jitsu solely for self-defense, but for a reason I can only now comprehend.
The mind directs the body, so the mind is logically the sole place to start for any understanding in Jiu Jitsu.  For instance, it took me a while to perform a nidan in class. I was using so much strength to push my partner’s wrist, but I couldn’t bring him to his knees. Yet, the nidan is not about power, but about understanding placement and correct alignment. It took me many classes to realize Jiu Jitsu is not about physical power, but about my own knowledge and abilities, and I also realize this is just the beginning of my understanding.

Many thanks to Sensei Peter for his positive radiance and constant encouragement to explore the power of our body and mind.
-Jennifer

After attending the rape prevention seminar, I realized how easy it would be for someone to attack me and how unprepared I was to put up any kind of fight at all. But the palm blow move and the practice provided some comfort. When I won the raffle, I decided there was definitely more I could learn. That’s why I signed up for the intro class.

Now, I feel more confident of my ability to fight back if someone were to attack me but I definitely feel like I need more practice to make fighting back second nature and am looking forward to the next class.
-Christina

This all started back when I first moved to New York in January and moved into an apartment with two other girls. One of my roommates volunteered for Bellevue Hospital as a rape counselor, requiring her to be on call one weekend a month. Hearing the stories she told as she would sit with these women in the hospital while they received their exams, cocktails of disease prevention drugs and recounted their story to police, made me realize it can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime.

After a month of classes I’ve realized that the tools I’m gaining are invaluable and arming me as a woman to better defend myself in any situation.

I feel more confident knowing that if need be, I can protect myself with the skills I’ve learned in Jiu Jitsu.
-Kara

As a new student, Peter helped me build a foundation in Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense that enabled me to learn advanced techniques safely and with confidence. His classes are always challenging but not intimidating.
-Michael

Under his instruction, I’ve developed a strong foundation imperative to my continued advancement as a jiu jitsu practitioner. Also, I am more confident than ever that I have the skills to defend myself and loved ones. I would highly recommend training with Sensei Peter for anyone with an interest and motivation to learn jiu jitsu. He brings to the table the perfect balance of intensity and fun.
-Grant

Jiu-Jitsu has helped develop my knowledge and skills as a law enforcement professional. Additionally, Peter’s practical self-defense approach to teaching demonstrates that the applications will work and gives me confidence if I have to use them.
-Peter

Peter is the MAN! He’s one of the best, if not the best, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors around. He’s patient, he is very detailed in his explanations, and he forces you to repeat, repeat, repeat until you’ve mastered a move. I went from 0 experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to competing in tournaments, regularly rolling with other Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners and back in shape!
-Ben

Peter Tay taught me my first jiu jitsu techniques, and is entirely responsible for how much I love and respect jiu jitsu today. As an instructor he has all the things that you look for. Which is to say that he not only has knowledge and capability, he also has a passion for teaching.

This passion makes learning from him an exciting, energy filled experience. You will learn how to defend yourself, with practical, “street-tested” methods, and without a doubt you’ll have fun doing it!
-Ryan

Sensei Peter Tay is a very personable trainer with many years of martial arts experience. As a collegiate teacher myself, I can see passion in Sensei Tay’s instruction. During his classes, his earnest voice is nearly non-stop as he imparts to students an understanding of the philosophy and the skills being practiced. An example of Sensei Tay’s striking devotion to his students came during a personal training session with him, wherein he emphatically stated that he would teach me to master the skills to a level even better than when he had learned them. In addition to the physical training, Sensei Tay has also given me much encouragement and support through conversation that was both didactic and, yet, peer-to-peer in manner.

Lastly, Sensei Tay is down-to-earth and has a sense of humor, both of which balance the intensity of his instruction with kindness, socialization, and levity.
-Ed

Peter Tay is my personal brazilian jiu jitsu instructor. He’s about as good as they get.

We train 1 on 1 and Peter takes the time to explain each technique and every move. He’s very calm and always willing to repeat a move over and over until I have it down pat.

Class consists of takedown practice, submission practice, ground fighting and then rolling (sparring in jiu jitsu).

Peter explains how the move would be applied and used in both a competition and a “street” situation.

I leave every class physically exhausted and stronger.

Other people have come in the middle of class just to praise Peter and his training.

I highly recommend him if you are serious about learning brazilian jiu jitsu
-Ben