359 Ganson Street · Buffalo RiverWorks
Find your
fight family.
Real coaching. Real community. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and complete martial arts training for beginners, families and competitors.
35 Google reviews
Community proof, not stock copy
Programs on the mat
Pick the room that fits the way you train.
Start with fundamentals, sharpen a specific skill, or bring the family in together. The path is practical before it is flashy.
Also in the academy
More ways
to train.
- MMAComplete fight training
- JudoThrows, pins & control
- SamboExplosive grappling
- BoxingSunday striking
- Kru FitCardio conditioning
Why Buffalo United
Hard rounds. Clear coaching. No ego tax.
Walking into a martial arts school can feel intimidating. Buffalo United’s published philosophy is built around the opposite: an inclusive room where technique, safety, progress and community come first.
359 Ganson StBuffalo, NY
Beginner-ready
Fundamentals and all-level sessions make the first step clear.
Family-minded
Dedicated kids programs and a Saturday family class.
Competition-tested
Dedicated training for athletes who want to test their game.
Published class times
Find a class without decoding a poster.
Schedules can change. Ask the assistant or call before your first visit.
Also published: Judo Tuesdays at 8 PM · Kru Fit Cardio Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4 PM · Submission Wrestling Mondays at 8 PM.
Meet the instructors
The people actually on the mat.
Six disciplines, decades of combined experience, and one shared commitment to technical, thoughtful coaching.

BJJ
Josh Ketry
Black belt · Training since 1997
Muay Thai
Khru Keith Forant
WTBA certified · Youth coach
BJJ
Larry Backlas
Black belt · Technical pressure
Judo
Anthony Gugino
Shodan · Grappling coach
Boxing
Michael Christopher
Golden Gloves medalist
Sambo
Jon Kokotajlo
American Sambo affiliateThe room tells the story
Members say the quiet part out loud.
35 Google reviews · A welcoming academy for beginners, families and competitors.
Jonathan Reynolds
Buffalo United is the premier training facility in WNY. Not only does it have a great cultural mix of friendly people from all walks of life, but the training is second to none, and technically sound. I always refer to it as a BJJ Laboratory. I’ve been to a good amount of academies and this one surpasses them all. The professors are there to give all they can to make everyone better from casual to competitor.
★★★★★Jason C
Buffalo United Martial Arts is a great environment with the best instructors in the area. BUMA offers a wide variety of classes, for men, women and kids, to find something(s) that fit them best. BUMA is a safe place where, with the help of instructors and training partners, everyone has the opportunity to become better than they were the day before.
★★★★★Clark Dever
My experience at BUMA has been a great addition to my life. BJJ has increased my physical strength, along with my cardiovascular and mental health. It provides a positive physical outlet for the stresses of office environment and family life. I’m a better father, husband, and manager thanks to the mindfulness and physical exertion during training. The instructors are top notch and the culture of the academy is one of mutual support and learning.
★★★★★Find us at Buffalo RiverWorks
Walk in from the river side.
359 Ganson StreetBuffalo, New York 14203
Google Maps also lists (716) 563-0720. The assistant explains this contact discrepancy.