(718) 535-1266

238 Bay Ridge Ave , Brooklyn New York 11220

Our Story

Welcome to Bad Ass Academy! Founded by best friends Anthony Espo and Jose Cordero, our gym is a true Brooklyn success story. It all started as a free "boot camp" in a local park, growing from just one person to over 50 per class by the end of the summer. That passion, energy, and commitment to community led us to realize our dream: creating a gym that is only class-based. We knew we could impact more lives with a gym while still doing what we love. Bad Ass Academy is more than a gym; it’s a home away from home, where everyone wants the best for you.

MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO

Anthony Espo

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Anthony was a naturally active child who started playing sports at a young age. He spent his early career in the bicycle industry, eventually taking over his mother's shop, Bay Ridge Bikes. After his mother's passing from cancer in 2009, his passion for health and fitness intensified, leading him to co-found Bad Ass Academy in 2013. A published author and certified trainer, Anthony believes a great leader shows you how to succeed, not just tells you. He is an active member of numerous community charities and foundations and has been featured on networks like NBC Sports and the YES Network. His true reward is seeing the physical, mental, and emotional progression of every member.

Jose Cordero

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jose was inspired to become a firefighter at age seven after watching them rescue a neighbor. At 15, he began his martial arts journey, a path that helped him come out of his shell and discover his passion for teaching. He achieved his dream of becoming an FDNY firefighter in 2007. After a serious knee injury and intense rehab, he was inspired to help others. He joined his best friend Anthony in leading free workout classes that would eventually become Bad Ass Academy. Jose is thrilled to be living both his dreams and loves sharing fire and safety lessons with local kids. He is always ready for the next challenge and is committed to empowering every member.

Meet the Team

Laura Marulanda

A Certified Personal Trainer specializing in strength, mobility, and injury prevention, Laura is passionate about helping others feel confident and capable in their bodies.

Daniel Palicuk

A hybrid athlete and certified personal trainer, Daniel is an expert in calisthenics, functional, and weighted training. He is excited to bring his creativity and motivation to help you with your personal and mental transformation

Aiden Ramos

A Bay Ridge native and certified trainer, Aiden specializes in calisthenics, weight training, and cycling. He is dedicated to helping you get to the next level

Cristina Piazza

A licensed attorney and mother of two, Cristina is a long-time member and certified trainer who believes women can do it all and is passionate about helping others make time for their health

Sam Fuchs

A Brooklyn native and former collegiate boxer, Sam is excited to help people become healthier, stronger, and happier, drawing from his experience in a variety of sports.

Benedetta Fusco

A certified personal trainer and NPC figure competitor, Benedetta is a married mother of three who shares her journey of overcoming an eating disorder to inspire others to make fitness a sustainable lifestyle

Sam Rao

A Spartan race enthusiast and certified trainer, Sam is committed to helping clients at every level of fitness achieve and exceed their personal best. He is excited to share the life-changing impact fitness has had on him.

Chiara Dituri

A physical education teacher and professional female boxer, Chiara brings a unique perspective to coaching, combining the discipline and mental toughness of boxing with wellness principles

Isaac Santiago

A certified personal trainer and EMT from Brooklyn, Isaac specializes in various martial arts and group training. His mission is to help clients go from "impossible" to "I'm possible."

Mike Magloire

A certified personal trainer with eight years of experience, Mike's training style is intense and focused on proper form to build complete, versatile athletes