Great staff and amazing training environment…read more You walk in off the street feeling unsure about it but the second you talk to any of the staff or students you quickly realize this is one of the most welcoming gyms around.

I went to the Academy to cross train with different people. The Academy was very welcoming, and the…read moreclass I went to was filled with high level jiu-jitsu players waiting and ready to roll. Everyone was very respectful and a lot of fun to roll with. The facility also seems very well equipped.

One year later I can attest that my original review is still true. I have advanced in all arts and…read moresurprise myself on a daily basis. Shihan Eric has expanded his kids program adding an advanced Pee Wee class on Monday and Wednesday at 4. These kids are wonderful and amazing to watch. Shihan keeps them focused and learning, and at the same time having fun. I wish my parents had started me in these arts when I was that age. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes - both adult and kids - are growing. These classes are directed by Tim Fawber who is an excellent instructor. He has a knack for breaking down complex moves into digestible pieces for us, and then putting it all together. He is also an awesome personal trainer! If you are serious about mastering martial arts - kempo karate, Brazilian jiu jitsu, tai chi, sword, staff - this is the place to come. If you are primarily interested in self defense - this is also the place to come. Either way or just for exercise - I cannot express how empowering these arts are - especially for those of us who start out thinking they aren't for us and /or we don't have the skills or stamina to do it. Not true. You just have to show up. I know. I am doing it.

I took some classes from Sensei Eric a few years ago. High strung? Well, in the sense that he has…read moreloads of energy and tends to move (and talk) really fast, that's somewhat true. But he is the soul of politeness; I say this as someone who is hypersensitive to rudeness. In the course of my classes, I developed grace, balance, strength, and confidence. Considering my innate clumsiness, discoordination, and shyness, I think this speaks well of Sensei Eric's patience and knowledge. I highly recommend BMAA to anyone wishing to learn martial arts from a great teacher.

I feel very fortunate to have found this gym after an extended break from martial arts. With a…read moregreat culture, awesome instruction, and training that has a focused intensity that is conducive to learning, it's become my favorite place to be. Training partners vary from zero experience to black belts that compete regularly, so classes are very scalable and you'll get matched up accordingly. An added benefit is that this is very noticeably not a big commitment/money gym, so you're not required to buy their uniforms, sign a 2-year membership, pay for a registration fee etc. P.S. Do not be put off by the fact that this is in the mall. I was skeptical of that at first and didn't want to be 'on display', but the mats are set back from the location's entrance and it requires an onlooker to walk up and awkwardly watch a class.

I started training Jiu Jitsu on 9/16/2009 at Seacoast MMA and transition to Port City BJJ upon…read moreopening in 2010. PCBJJ has the top ingredients I recommend to others looking for an academy to start their own journey. Black Belt Lineage (Roberto Maia - Boston BJJ), Training (Competition and Hobbyist), Environment/Community (try a class and get a sense for how it 'feels' - Is everyone welcoming? Is the energy positive? Are partners helpful?) and Instructors (Are they teaching techniques that work, competition and/or self-defense proven?). I've been with PCBJJ through 5 academy locations, and while our current is the most impressive (to me) with respect to mat space, cleanliness, location...the vibe has never change. Everyone comes to train and help each other improve as martial art practitioners as well as humans. While I enjoyed and learned from attending seminars in the past, I found those (to me) were more about meeting new people and expanding my BJJ family. While the techniques, to be honest, we have world class instructors at Port City. Our instructors compete (or competed) and win at the State, Regional, National and World level, while one literally watches at least 1000 hrs of video a year and can actually translate the video to techniques talk in class. If I want to learn anything, no matter how new it may be to the sport, I can ask another of our instructors. They will either know it and teach or, or admit they do not know it, but research, learn and teach it later. You can't put a price on such skillful, humble instructors. As for the community, I truly consider Port City a part of my family. We all come from different walks of life, which has personally helped me broaden my perspectives, compassion, appreciation, and respect for others across the board. Whether you are part of the 'morning' or 'night' crew (or even both for those splitting days or doing double sessions) you become part of a community within a community and truly become a family. We take our art seriously and we have fun. Strangling your partner and/or friend in class may not sound like fun to those that have yet to train, but when you start training and share the experience, you will understand how much fun you truly can have while improving as an overall human. That said, I truly hope you take the first step to enter an academy and start your journey. While I highly recommend Port City BJJ as that academy, I respect anyone that takes that difficult first walk through the door in any academy. Hope to see you on the mat!

In July I started attending classes. I had no martial arts training or experience…read more I found that I enjoy 90 minutes of jiu jitsu training much more than other exercise. I started with the attitude that I would go once or twice a week. This week, I look forward to attending four lessons. Last week, I went to my first open mat that this gym offers every Saturday. I did loose 10 pounds since I started. 10 pounds does not excite me, what excites me is that I've been able to keep those 10 pounds off. This morning, I weighed in 12 pounds down. What I didn't really expect was the quality of the community that this dojo supports. People have been friendly and supportive. I believe Kevin is responsible for creating, incubating, and growing such a positive environment.

Classes not always taught by a black belt. Kids classes often taught by teenagers. I wouldn't…read morerecommend this dojo.

I've been a big fan of the Martial arts my whole life. Not only is it a wonderful form of exercise,…read moreit also provides structure and teaches discipline. Studies have found it boosts children's confidence and self-esteem. United Martial Arts Academies, AKA United Dojos, is a Big Kahuna in the martial arts world internationally. Its founder, Master Brent, is Gold silver and bronze medal ranked, both nationally and internationally, with countless major awards. One would think that he would only be teaching private lessons to the wealthy. Augusta Maine is lucky to have his loyalty and life experience stay in their community for his entire life. THE DEAL: this dojo is always running specials. Take advantage of one...like a free karate uniform when you sign up!