I had done martial arts for many years, beginning with Judo training under Sensei Jim Pedro Sr. and…read morelater his son two time Olympic Medalist Sensei Jimmy Pedro, During those years I was competing in amateur boxing and taking BJJ becoming a Purple Belt and having occasional success in regional level competitions. I ended up tearing my rotator cuff, my first surgery actually caused more damage and I had 3 more additional surgeries to repair it as best they could. This was in 2013, for over 12 years I no longer trained in martial arts and I was nervous to step on a mat fully aware that my skill level was no longer equal to my belt level, I had also went from being in my prime to being in my mid 40s which doesn't help with the athleticism aspect. The BJJ Community can be harsh when the skill doesn't match the rank, my first day I was willing to start as a white belt (kinda hoping to actually) I was gassed in two minutes and I go sit next to Travis who I remember watching along with other Olympic Team members training I got to be in some of the classes they were in I was a judo Brown Belt and was amazed at the dedication and skill these athletes had especially Travis, the injuries he overcame and trained through takes a different breed of human. Obviously I'm intimidated he isn't going to remember some random dude from judo 14 years earlier. I apologized to him for how out of shape and just plain bad I was and I offered to exchange my belt for a white belt which he quickly dismissed and the fear of judgment went away I'm still amazed at his talent and nothing against my previous professor because the art had evolved since I was a Purple Belt but his Blue Belts are as good and better than the Purple Belts of 2012 and I can confidently compare having competed as a purple belt in tournaments like Naga and Grapples quest and winning medals against others purple belts, it not just the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu it's also the systematic approach to grappling, in my opinion it actually in a way makes students who don't train with intent on purpose end up training with intent by design. It's only been 2 months I still suck but suck less, and the atmosphere of the other instructors as well as training partners have made a decision i thought I might regret into the best decision I've made recently. None of the judgment happened it was actually the opposite and when I would get down on myself after getting smashed while rolling that training partner was usually also encouraging me and reminding me that it will take time for the head knowledge to get in sync with the muscle memory. The entire team is supportive of whether you want train as a hobbyist or if you want to compete & you won't be pushed one way or the other but if you have a goal they will get you there as long as you put in the effort and dedication, my goal for now is to get to a comparable level as I previously was and I know I will & I spoke to Travis about competing (when I'm back to how I was) and he is fully supportive. You get world class training, and really some of the nicest guys I've had the privilege to train with and learn from, I'm glad I didn't let my fears keep me from entering that door. If you are looking for a great place to train & you live in New England I highly recommend coming here.

Top instructor Travis Stevens is not only one of the best american grapplers alive, he is one of…read morethe best grapplers to ever step on the mats. One of the best things about Fuji and the entire team is how welcoming they are to any outsider. The intimate clases give you direct access to the great knowledge of all the instructors.

I started training with Ron when I was in HS and what a family this has grown into. There are…read morehundreds of people representing ffc and that's no surprise. Ronaldo is a technical master of the art and its a great way to get into great shape. All the coaches at fenix are great people. Any age shape or size can benefit greatly from bjj not only physically but mentally from this!

I've been training BJJ for 14 years and have been at "Fenix" for the last 4 years. The school has…read moregreat instructors, students and training atmosphere. I've trained and visited several schools and I put Fenix right up there with any of them. The head Instructor, Coach Ron is a great instructor who not only gives great technical instruction, his leadership is second to none. As far as the students go, you will meet a lot of great people at Fenix.

We came to Boston from AZ for a Noboundry Muay Thai event. The guys at Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…read moreopened up their gym to us and really made us feel at home. Next time we are in the Boston area we will definitely be back

I've been training here for a while and I cannot recommend it enough. Learning BJJ has been so…read morerewarding. What I think sets Boston BJJ Woburn apart is the culture. Everyone is there to not only increase their own skill but they work to help others in the classes improve. You can always see the more experienced folks assisting the newer people on technique and approaches. Learn a lot and train with good people

Just an update that Coach Nassib is the new owner/head coach at Fenix Peabody (and a new great…read morelocation). I have taken many classes and lessons with Coach Nassib, and he is one of the best coaches around. The students are also very welcoming of visitors. If you are in the Peabody area, check this place out. Fenix also has locations in Woburn, Lowell and Stoughton.

Great group of people there. Friendly environment and worth stopping by to try it out. Corey is a…read moregreat guy and like all great teachers, he's patient. I would recommend bjj to anyone looking to get in shape at any age. Try it out!

Outstanding program for young kids my grandaughter Ariella loves it she is 7 and just earnt her…read morepurple belt .The trainers are professional patient and caring ,fantastic all round highly recommend it.

I visited almost a dozen martial arts schools before committing to North Shore Martial Arts. Having…read moredone martial arts for most of my life, I was pretty picky about the school I was going to start at after moving to the area. NSMA is, without a doubt, the finest institution for martial arts study in the greater area. The quality of instruction is not only very high, but also varied. The different instructors add depth and breadth into the curriculum and the students themselves add to the wonderful martial arts community. Come for the instruction, stay for the people.

I've spent the last 7 years training martial arts in some form. I started with Jiu Jitsu…read more(Japanese-style) and then moved onto muay thai, from one of the premiere MMA/Muay thai gyms in Boston, where I trained for 6 years or so until I recently moved and it's just too far away. I've also used groupons for a few other studios in Boston and on the North Shore - focusing mostly on muay thai and boxing. So I've seen a number of different approaches and formats over the years. North Shore Muay Thai Academy is great because the focus is almost entirely on Muay Thai (they just added some MMA classes). There are different types of muay thai classes every day - no competition with other martial arts like BJJ. I really like that as I have limited time and have always chosen to focus on muay thai (I just love to box) - so it's been harder at other places b/c I was much more limited in classes I could attend. With NSMTA, there are options every day, which is really nice. As far as the classes go, they are divided into technique classes, bag work (cardio and technique), and sparring with pad work. I really like the variety. I'm used to basically either a teaching class or conditioning class. So if I don't feel like sparring on that day, I just go earlier and do a good conditioning bag workout. As far as the atmosphere goes, it's cool. I've been going now for a few months (usually 2-3 times a week) and really like the ppl. It's a good group of guys, everyone is nice, no one is a jerk - which is really nice. Ppl are very respectful and looking to learn and have fun - no one is trying to break noses or anything. I've been places where I didn't really like the other ppl and it's just so much more fun when you like the guys you're working with. Kru Mark is a good teacher (explains the idea behind specific techniques as well as the general idea of the movements) and really nice guy. He's there day after day and brings good energy and an enthusiasm for the sport, which is great. And with his teaching, there's always a theme as we march through techniques, which I like a lot. I like structure to learning (as opposed to each day is a random lesson to learn), and it feels like there some of that here. Also, he teaches nearly all the classes, so it's nice to have that level of instruction all the time. If you're interested in learning muay thai, this is a great place to go.

From the owner: We offer a new type of martial arts experience that will revolutionize the Fitness and Martial Arts…read moreindustry. Our head instructor, Marc Meltzer, has spent years developing the best programs in the area. These programs were built from scratch and are to this day fully operational and extremely active in the fighting community. A former Muay Thai Kickboxer, Marc decided to put his full focus in becoming a great striking coach and left fighting behind. Classes will have all the structures in place to ensure students are able to mark their progression throughout their training.

What an amazing karate school! I highly recommend it! Shihan Brian is a World Champion and was…read morenamed Teacher of the Year by the International Black Belt Hall of Fame. He is absolutely one in a million when it comes to working with kids of all ages and abilities. Run, don't walk....

From the owner: At BSMA all classes are held in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment. Bay State Martial…read moreArts has been helping students of all ages and abilities, become the best person they can be for over 20 years.

Fantastic school! Extremely knowledgeable, detail oriented, nationally recognized 10th degree…read moregrand master instructor with primary focus on continuously learning and improving techniques and their practical application. Forms and katas, self defense, weapons training, and much more. I attended for almost a decade. It definitely changed my life. I highly recommend. Thanks so much Shihan Nesta!

I have studied Martial Arts at a number of different studies, and have had the opportunity to work…read morewith a number of different teachers from all over the US. Shihan Nesta is the real deal. He has decades of experience, and is recognized internationally as one of the best. He will take you through traditional training methods, as well as practical training. He has a great understanding of how to avoid injury, which makes your practice more of a lifetime endeavor. He is excellent with the little ones, as well as adults. He provides opportunities for kids to start to learn to teach, if they stick with it long enough. When my son wanted to learn martial arts, I used my experience to check out many local places. Many had issues of being too focused on tournaments, or promoting folks too easily, or not allowing for differently abled folks to be in the same class. I found Shihan's studio, and it was the perfect fit for my family. He is an excellent teacher.

Great gym and classes! Alex is super energetic and helps us get through the workouts. I haven't…read morestuck to a gym like this in a while. It's fun, every workout is different keeps you on your toes. I love it and will definitely keep going, let's not forget how affordable it is too!

Spoke with Alex to come check out the gym. He told me to stop by later on in the day. I then texted…read morehim to which I received no response then called, no response. I decided to still show up, and someone told me that he was supposedly sick so he left home. He couldn't simply send me a text? Anyways, I texted him to reschedule to which I received no response, even though I saw he read my messages. Very UNPROFESSIONAL!