I had about 7 months of JJ experience when I walked into Kimura as a no stripes white belt. I knew some things, but had no rolling experience. My first thoughts as I observed the intensity during the rolling? This place will either make me a beast or a parapalegic. During my second workout, Diego paired me with the only other woman in the class, a 30 something, three stripe blue belt. I was 20 years her senior but very much her junior in rank. During drilling she was rough. Taking me to the mat at full bore during the ankle pick drill, driving her knee into my thigh during the guard pass, pushing hard on the arm bar. I expected to be challenged so I went with it, but I didn't go as hard with her. When the situational rolling came around, I was reluctant and hung back. Diego pushed, placing me on the mat with a young purple belt who quickly caught me in his guard and sent me back to the line. The next three mini-rolls went well. I got some moves on more experienced men, even if they were letting me - they all made me feel more comfortable. During the full roll, I said no. I wasn't ready. The woman, my original partner, jumped right in and shortly got her bell rung. She spent 10 minutes in the next room trying not to cry. When I went in to check on her - she said she was fine. Back out on the mat, she looked as though she was going to sit out the next six minutes. But Diego pushed me again, I want you to fight. No, I'm not ready, was my response. No worry! I put you with J (the woman), you'll be fine. I wasn't fine. Neither was J. She made me her revenge roll. After explaining that I had exactly ZERO rolling experience, she drove her forearm into my neck. I literally heard my trachea start to crack. Three days later, it still hurts to swallow. I slapped her in the face to get her off of me. Not exactly my finest moment, but I was in pain. I was furious and asked her if she was out of her mind. I'm a white belt!!! She's almost a purple. What on earth made her think that was OK?? Diego sent me to the locker room. When I came out not willing to acknowledge that what she did was OK, but what I did was not, he thanked me and sent me on my way. I am VERY lucky I didn't go back because I would have much more likely ended up a parapalegic than a beast and the instructors there still would have found a reason to blame me for it. Want a real JJ gym? Because after all, if you maime yhour white belts, where will you get your blues, purples, browns and eventually blacks? Go to GRACIE BARRA in Boston. You'll be challenged, but you'll be respected. HARD PASS on Kimura BJJ. read more

I'd always wanted to take up a martial art and a few years ago I started judo classes. After a while it was clear I enjoyed the ground grappling the most. I'd spoken with a few people and they all highly recommended Kimura in Watertown. It definitely lived up to its reputation as a first-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training center and I'm thrilled to have added it to my training routine. If you want a functional workout, this is the place to come. If you want to feel stronger physically and mentally, this is the place to come. If you're a woman looking for training that will empower you and teach you practical defensive skills, this is *definitely* the place to come. Master Jean Kleber and his team of instructors are wonderful. I'm new to the art and as a white belt I can see how each class builds on the last. They call it the Kimura family and it really is. Everyone is very friendly, helpful, and respectful of each other. As the new girl, I was warmly welcomed by all. If you're looking to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I can't recommend Kimura in Watertown highly enough. Ladies, do not be shy! You can do this, too! There are always a few woman in each beginner class and the guys are great to work with, too. I didn't know my life was missing jiu jitsu until I found it. Come by and try a class for free. Their website has all the details. read more

I moved to the Boston area three years ago, and went looking for a good martial arts school pretty soon after. I only did a little grappling in my old Hapkido school in CA, so this was largely all new. I joined based on the feeling of the school, and have been going there ever since. I've moved several times, so have looked for a new school several times. Biggest thing I look for is the feeling of the other students and the instructor. It's really good here - there's a real sense of camaraderie that's vital to a healthy school. Everyone knows what it's like to roll, and everyone is there to learn. Jean's an excellent instructor - after 2+ years, I'm still learning something new in every beginner class. Other high-ranking belts help out, but he's the main instructor in most of the classes I go to (generally evenings). It's a really great school if you're looking to compete (Kimura's won a lot of tournaments), but good if you're not, too (I don't personally compete much). Everyone who comes to class is part of the team and contributes to the training and the school's success. read more

I have been training at Kimura BJJ for since 2005. Every time I walk into the school it feels like a second home. The people who train at the school all have a bond because of the strong culture that the founder Master Jean Kleber has created. The instruction is technical and well thought out. Jean Kleber has an amazing passion for the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Michael Fontes is super technical instructor who teaches at the S. Boston branch. The school is full of great instructors and practitioners. It is had to describe the vibe at Kimura without trying one class. Everyone, respects and helps each other learn the art of Jiu Jitsu. In terms of conditioning, it is the ultimate full body workout. It combines, flexibility, strength, endurance, agility and mental awareness into one sport. I always leave the school with a great feeling both from the training and the camaraderie of the people. David F. K. read more

I have been very impressed with this BJJ gym. The kids get serious, tough training with full contact every class. Yet what really stands out is how much thought they put into each child -- not just teaching techniques, but helping them handle situations and reactions based on individual personalities, abilities, and emotions. Every child is different, but they seem to find the right approach for each one. Big shoutout to Coach Marb -- he sets the tone for everything (and sometimes it feels like he has a psychology degree). Also to Pat and Mike, who are consistently patient, engaged, and great with the kids. And Joel, who works with the adults but is always around and involved, which adds a lot to the atmosphere. The place has a genuinely friendly, community feel. It's a rare balance: serious training, but with the right mindset and environment behind it. Very happy we found this place. read more

If you want top level instruction and the opportunity to train with New England's top competition team look no further!!! I have been training with Master Jean Kleber off and on since 2006. He is very passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and about fostering a supportive environment with enormous team spirit. Everyone is helpful and supportive, no matter how young or old, male or female, you will feel comfortable. This is a friendly and supportive place; but don't get me wrong, you will learn how to defend yourself and get in shape. Probably most impressive about the school is their numerous team championships. If Master Jean sends the full school to a tournament they ALWAYS take the team title. I highly recommend anyone interested in brazilian jiu jitsu, self defense, or fitness to check out Kimura BJJ. Good Luck, Sean Brennan read more

I have been at Kimura BJJ for 3 months now and after having trained at other schools as part of my jiu jitsu journey I can honestly say you will not find better academy to learn 100% Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Kimura BJJ has a great environment where the students and instructors want to see you do well and progress and will teach/help you in an effective way so you can do so. Whether you choose to compete or simply want to find a hobby Kimura will suit your needs. The actual gym is top tier too! Needless to say, I am very happy with my decision to train at Kimura BJJ and once you are part of their family you will understand what I am talking about. Its more than just a place to learn BJJ, its a positive place where people come together to help each other grow as jiu jitsu practitioners and as people. read more

One night I walked into Kimura BJJ after work to see what the school had to offer, that was over two years ago and I couldn't imagine Kimura not being a part of my life today. I look forward to training any chance I get, not just for the fact that it's the best BJJ school in the country but also for the fact that the people who I train with have become an extended family. The school's founder and owner Jean Kleber has an amazing ability to not only instruct, but to instill his own passion and excitement into his students as well. If your looking to get into BJJ then I'm telling you there is only one school to go to and it's KIMURA. The school is clean well ran and affordable, not to mention you'll be learning jiu jitsu from the best instructors around. read more

This is a great BJJ School. I started training at Kimura BJJ about 18 months ago with my 12 year old son, and we were immediately hooked. The instructors are terrific, and the head instructor and owner Jean is incredibly knowledgeable and has a great demeanor for teaching. It is also great that he is always present in the school and classes. The atmosphere is really one of a big family with lots of great camaraderie among the students and no big egos. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for really authentic BJJ instruction around Boston. read more

Having tried Brazilian Jiu Jitsu elsewhere, I have to say this is by far the best BJJ training center around! There is nowhere to match the balance between community spirit and hardcore training of Kimura. The instructors are extremely patient, and very focused on perfect technique in order to deliver maximum efficiency every move, every time. The facility offers classes for all ages and for all levels; with tournaments throughout the year. The curriculum is both rigorous and fun! Really there are not enough good things to say about Kimura BJJ. read more

i trained for 6 months and i can tell you this is the best school i trained, i stoped for little bit, but im getting back this month, the coaches are awsome, lots of dicipline, they are you second family there, i love the environment, people a very nice, at the tournaments every body stays together as a family, thats what a team is all about. dont waste your time at home, find a kimura gym near you and start training. read more

I intended to start bjj for exercise. What I get from Kimura BJJ is so much more than that. The community created by Master Jean is one of unity, humility and respect. I ve never been around a nicer group of people. Not only is bjj great exercise, but the lessons I take away from class have allowed me to grow personally and professionally as well. Just join! read more

My son Brady and I trained with Master Jean on Monday and all I can say is WOW. Brady has won grappling tournaments and was still "blown away' by the details that Jean went over. I could not be more pleased with the instruction or the "family" atmosphere at Kimura Bjj. The first thing Brady said to me when we left was..."I can't wait to go back"!!! read more

My son has been in marshall arts for 7 years now but changed his discipline to BJJ this year. Kimura has been a great find. Great staff, clean professional facility, respectful and professional instructors, great atmosphere and no real training. Your child will love this place and maybe you'll get hooked. Kimura is the real deal. read more

I am no longer a member of Kimura BJJ in Watertown only because I moved out of state. Jean Kleber is a great guy and teacher.The whole crew of people are great there. If you are looking for a a truly excellent school in a supportive and non intimidating enviorment, I would give them a try. read more

Started 2 months ago. Great instructors. Very competitive if you want it to be. You will learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and get an amazing work out. Students at all levels so you can always find someone good to match up with. Everyone is very friendly and there to help. Just like a family. read more

I came here to train over the summer before I had to leave for college. I was new to BJJ and I learned a lot. The instructors and students are incredibly nice and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this to anyone that wants to get started. read more