About — House of Beats Arts & Wellness Center

Why we built this.

House of Beats wasn't created because Brooklyn needed another fitness studio. We built it because we believe movement, creativity, and community were never meant to live in separate rooms. For centuries, people gathered under one roof to dance, make art, train, tell stories, and hold each other up. Then somewhere along the way, those experiences got split into different buildings, different memberships, different communities. We wanted to bring them back together, in a neighborhood that's built on real skill and real care.

Access

Sliding-scale pricing so the neighborhood can actually use the space we built for them.

Community

Programming built around Bed-Stuy, by people who live and work here.

Excellence

Every class is led by someone who has mastered what they teach.

Kamaal and Shirin teaching at House of Beats

Our Story

More than a studio.

House of Beats is a place where martial arts build confidence, dance encourages self-expression, art invites reflection, and wellness creates space to slow down and reconnect. Every class, workshop, and event is designed with the belief that personal growth doesn't happen in isolation — it happens when people move, create, and learn together.

This isn't about becoming the strongest athlete or the most accomplished artist.
It's about becoming a more connected human being.

The Team

Kamaal & Shirin

Kamaal Davis

Founder — Martial Arts Instructor & Community Leader

Kamaal Davis is the Founder of House of Beats and The Beatbox Lifestyle. A lifelong martial artist, instructor, and community leader, he is passionate about using movement, discipline, and mentorship to empower individuals of all ages. His approach blends traditional martial arts principles with functional fitness and practical self-defense, making his classes accessible to people at every level. Beyond instruction, Kamaal is dedicated to building community — creating inclusive spaces where fitness, wellness, creativity, and culture come together to inspire growth and meaningful connection.

Shirin Babayeva

Co-Founder — Visual Artist & Creative Director

Shirin Babayeva is an artist, curator, and creative entrepreneur — a visual artist deeply rooted in holistic healing, using her art as a means to process and heal. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and now based in New York City, she creates spaces where creativity, movement, and human connection intersect. Drawing from years of experience in the contemporary art world and a lifelong commitment to artistic practice, her work explores themes of love, duality, and self-discovery. As the co-founder of House of Beats in Brooklyn, Shirin is dedicated to building an inclusive community where art, wellness, and culture come together to inspire meaningful experiences and lasting connection.

The Space

183 Tompkins Ave, Bed-Stuy.

House of Beats is located in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn — a neighborhood with deep roots in art, music, and community. Our space is designed to hold multiple things at once: a martial arts class in one room, a creative workshop in another.

We also rent the space for private events, classes, and gatherings. If you're looking for a community-minded venue in Bed-Stuy, we'd love to host you.

Learn About Rentals

Interior of House of Beats at 183 Tompkins Ave

A space built on real skill and real care.