NESF Boston

965 Massachusetts Ave #102, Arlington, MA 02476, USA

5.0 (41 reviews)

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Gi Judo MMA Muay Thai Wrestling

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NESF Boston is the distinguished Jiu-Jitsu and MMA school in Greater Boston. Jiu-Jitsu at 965 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington MA.!

https://www.nesfboston.com/

(617) 800-9775

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Reviews

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Lilly Vollmann

I've been wanting to try martial arts for a while, when NESF announced their Women's Kickboxing class. As an elder millennial, lacking any prior contact sports experience, I was excited (and nervous) to jump on this opportunity. After a month, here's what I think: (1) Exceptionally clean gym! Seriously, it's spotless. (2) No pressure on skill level: It's fine to know nothing. Coach Jake adjusts the exercises so everyone gets a challenge, no matter their experience. (3) Friendly vibe: The people are really nice! It's a welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Ted Fitch

NESF has a top-notch program! They have an excellent culture, great facilities, and stellar coaching. Coaches Dave, Alex, and Jake are each very knowledgeable and are able to explain mechanics very well. They don't just explain a single move but they teach why techniques work and how to adjust based on your style/body type. The gym's culture is awesome! People are highly skilled and collaborative. They're always helping out trying to make you better. The facilities have plenty of room for lifting, rolling, or sparring. They always keep things real clean here too. After training at a handful of Boston-based gyms, this is easily one of the best around. Whether you're brand new to the sport and interested or a seasoned vet looking for a drop-in on some rolls, come check it out!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
tom magee

Coach Dave, Jake, and Alex are extremely knowledgeable and clearly passionate about teaching Jiu-Jitsu. I have been attending jiu-jitsu and MMA classes for over a year now. Whether you are new or joining with experience this is the place to be. If you are interested in martial arts in the Boston area, I would highly recommend you come check it out.

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Raymond Zheng

NESF has been great for me and overall a positive experience. Dave, Jake, and others have been great teachers creating a welcoming environment. Facilities have always been clean with ample parking.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Gabe Mancino-Ball

NESF Boston represents everything you want in a Jiu Jitsu gym: exceptionally clean facilities, dedicated technical coaching, and a welcoming community. Whether you are brand new to the sport or a seasoned practitioner, I cannot recommend this place enough!

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Posted 1 year ago
Calvin de Winter

This is an amazing gym, the instructors truly care about helping you improve and provide one on one help. I really like this gym.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jake Ouellette

For anyone who is interested in getting into Jiu-Jitsu and MMA or even looking to transition to a new gym I would highly recommend checking out NESF. Coach Dave and Jake do a great job teaching and demonstrating the techniques. High level coaching, great people and a fantastic vibe overall.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Lucas Lawson

Great jiu jitsu gym. The coaching is excellent, mats are kept clean, plenty of time slots for classes and open rolls, staff and members are all very welcoming.

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Posted 1 year ago
Michael Varnum

Great gym. 👍

Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Daniel Tadigiri

Great places for people of all experience. The vibes here are awesome and the people are even better. Definitely worth the time and money

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Posted 1 year ago
Doug Gigliotti

If you’re looking for an MMA and/or Jiu Jitsu gym in the Arlington area, this is hahds down the place to be!!

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Posted 1 year ago
Kyle Wood

Amazing instruction

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Adam Buys

Had a great time training today in a no gi jiu jitsu class at NESF in Arlington. The instructors were great and the atmosphere was fun, safe and welcoming. Highly recommend stopping by and checking out NESF if you train or interested in learning.

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Posted 1 year ago
Joseph Koscielski

Visited from out of town. Great instruction and very welcoming. Definitely recommend!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Luke Obrien

I was in town for a few days visiting family and emailed the gym to see if visitors were allowed to attend class. Coach Dave responded promptly and invited me to attend the 1pm ju-jitsu class. They welcomed me with open arms and my training partner as well as coach Dave were absolutely fantastic. I really enjoyed training there and would definitely make this my home gym if I were ever to move to Boston permanently. If Coach Dave or any NESF member is in Pittsburgh and wants to train feel free to stop by South Side Boxing club so we can reciprocate the hospitality.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Alex Nemon

NESF is an awesome gym with an even better community - I recently graduated college and moved to Burlington, MA and was looking to begin training MMA and No-Gi BJJ. I am extremely happy with this decision to train at NESF and can't recommend this place enough. The owner Dave isn't just an expert and master of the skills, but also a great guy who just enjoys teaching others and creating the best environment to learn and grow. There is a great balance of skill and I would recommend this gym to anyone from beginners to experts. Great balance of striking in the MMA classes to grappling in the Ju-Jitsu ones. Everyone there is also super welcoming and helpful. There is also a come and go as you will policy which means that they encourage you to do your best and train as much as possible, but there is absolutely zero pressure which leads to a great vibe of people who actually want to be there. If you're looking for a balance of striking and grappling with MMA, or just a great BJJ gym, NESF is definitely the best spot around.

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Posted 1 year ago
Colin Plasko

Great instruction and great training partners / environment. Good no gi grappling, they also do MMA.

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Posted 1 year ago
Kyle Ebony

Best place to learn jiu jitsu in Massachusetts. Jake smith’s and Dave Roy’s attention to detail to each one of their students is honestly amazing. They give their 110% to everyone of their students. Also extremely beginner friendly for people that have never done combat sports before. Can’t recommend this place anymore, been training with them for 3-4 years and my self-confidence and combat abilities are at all time highs.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Justin O'Connell

This is a great place to train. Stopped in to train a few days ago and the coaches were awesome. Students and coaches create an exceptionally welcoming environment for people both new and experienced. Coach Dave is incredibly knowledgeable, detail oriented and a great teacher. Coach Jake was outstanding as well with some incredible skills. Great gym to train at for all.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Dylan Turner

Awesome training environment. Knowledgeable instructors, competitive but friendly training partners, everything you’d look for in a quality gym.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
wesley brown

Best quality gym in the New England area. Jake and his crew do a phenomenal job at keeping a friendly and clean environment on the mats as well as making the lessons and curriculum easy to understand. Would definitely recommend to anyone regardless of experience level.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Joao Pedro

I've been training at NESF Jiu Jitsu Gym for a few months now, and I can honestly say it's been a life-changing experience. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and create a supportive environment for students of all levels. The classes are challenging, engaging, and focus on both technique and conditioning. I've seen significant improvements in my skills and overall fitness. The gym has a great vibe, with a clean and spacious facility. I highly recommend NESF to anyone looking to learn Jiu Jitsu, improve their fitness, or simply challenge themselves in a new and exciting way.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Shane slater

this gym is awesome. i have tried out multiple bjj and mma gyms and this one is my favorite by far. not to mention my game improved 10x from private lessons with jake (the owner) very grateful

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
henry ruderman

I started training at NESF Boston and was instantly impressed with Dave and his other coaches. NESF has a very welcoming atmosphere and great instruction for lessons and classes. 10/10 experience for mma/bjj, I’m looking forwards to going back!

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Posted 2 years ago
Lyeth Sayegh

NESF Boston is a fantastic place to start your jiu jitsu or MMA journey. The head coach, Dave, as well as the assistant coaches, Jake and Alex, provide such a welcoming and friendly environment. On top of that, they are all extremely knowledgably, and technical in their teaching methods. I have no regrets signing up for this gym and look forward to each and every class.

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Posted 2 years ago
Al Rubas

Amazing place! Coach Dave is phenomenal—his expertise and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are evident in his teaching style. He made sure to give personalized attention to everyone in the class, making me feel included and motivated. The environment is incredibly supportive, and the fellow students were equally encouraging and friendly. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, NESF BJJ is the perfect place to train. Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Carlos Abreu

For those who may wondering if starting jiu-jitsu is for you, I would say NESF is the perfect place to start. From my experience it’s a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for starters looking to get their feet wet. Head coach Dave is an experienced Jiu-jitsu and MMA practitioner/coach who will walk you through the vital steps to drastically improve your Jiu-jitsu starting at all levels . Our gym ethos is both a competitive and beginner friendly environment. Most importantly regardless of level, we create a fun inclusive environment where we share jiu-jitsu knowledge to make everybody better and life long lasting martial artists.

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Posted 2 years ago
Zachary Pugliano

Jake was one of the most accommodating, knowledgeable and professional fighting coaches I’ve encountered in my 8 + years of training. He had high level and specific technical advice for all of my questions. If you want to learn how to defend yourself from a true pro and have fun while learning, check out NESF. Great community.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
David Marvuglio

Instructors are great!!! The environment is very friendly and welcoming.

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Posted 2 years ago
Hughes Burridge

Dropped in, super welcoming, would be very happy training here if I still lived in the greater Boston area.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Russell Oldenburg

I dropped by NESF for the novice class while traveling for work. It was easy to sign up and the front staff was super helpful. The instruction was very approachable for the intro class and there was a clear emphasis on the 'why' behind different movements, which I found immensely helpful for learning. The format of the class was also a breath of fresh air compared to more traditional class structures: while warming up with light rolls was encouraged, there was no wasted time with mat cardio or line drills. Just straight to relevant and useful technique. Highly recommend hitting NESF if you're in Boston. I look forward to dropping in again next time I'm in town.

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Posted 2 years ago
Marty Roach

If you’re looking for a place to train no-gi jiu jitsu, there isn’t a better gym in the Boston area. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all students regardless of experience level. They provide a very welcoming environment, and I would encourage anybody looking to get into the sport of no-gi jiu jitsu to join.

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Posted 2 years ago
Adam Smith

I had a great time stopping by NESF Boston for some ju jitsu training this week. Really looking forward to digging deeper into this sport. Dave and Jake know their stuff and provide solid instruction, building up from fundamentals into complex chains of moves. On top of that, the community at NESF is super welcoming, safe, and full of people who enjoy helping each other level up their skills.

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Posted 2 years ago
Joey

Fantastic instruction and great training partners. An awesome place to train

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Posted 2 years ago
Nicholas Tjandra

A great gym that focuses on proven, competition tested techniques and building a strong foundation for your personal growth in bjj

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Posted 2 years ago
Adam Smith

I have been taking NoGI Jiu Jitsu private lessons with the head instructor, Dave Roy, for a few months now and could not be happier with my experience. He is an incredibly knowledgeable and patient teacher. The facility is super clean and everyone in the gym is friendly. If you are looking for a great Jiu Jitsu spot near Boston, this is it!

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Posted 2 years ago
Taylor Branch

I started no gi jiu jitsu with Dave Roy in 2021 and have only had great experiences due to his incredible coaching. Dave's willingness to listen to his students and adjust movements to fit their body types allows individuals to hone their skills and perform at their highest capacity. I now live hours away, but still travel on the weekends to work with Dave 1-1. Starting or continuing your combat training at NESF Boston is something that I would highly recommend.

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Posted 2 years ago
Ruthanne Paradise

I have been taking private lessons regularly from Dave since Nov. 2019. They have been incredibly helpful because we have worked on everything from techniques to the mental and emotional challenges of fighting. In addition, we also worked on weight training. In all arenas I greatly appreciate his patience, encouragement, and feedback so the technique can be improved. I can see how regular lessons with him have identified and addressed weaknesses in my game. The 1:1 arena allows me to formulate questions that I wouldn't otherwise have a chance to ask in a group class. As someone in their 30/40s I have had problems on and off with my back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. He has worked with me to adjust my game to work within those constraints making sure that I can roll and lift safely. I highly recommend working with him.

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Posted 2 years ago
jack pinard

I'm new to jiu-jitsu and only have a couple of training sessions under my belt. I was made aware of NESF Boston by a friend and decided to give it a go. Despite having virtually zero experience, Dave and Jake were very welcoming and extremely helpful in instructing me on various drills. So much so that I signed up for a membership after only two free trial classes.

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Posted 2 years ago
Wessel

Fantastic place, modern BJJ and great facilities. Dave is super attentive and receptive to what you're getting stuck on and what the solutions are. Lessons really focus on building proficiency with the technique over volume of technique which is what I love

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Posted 2 years ago
Will Jennings

Dave’s teaching and class structure is second to none! His grit and tenacity is an energy I have not seen exhibited at other gyms. He is willing to go the extra mile to make sure I fully comprehend a technique or concept. As long as I’m around I will always train at NESF!! Dave is the man!!

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Posted 2 years ago
christopher loud

Dave, Jake and Co. offer one of the most comprehensive approaches to martial arts and fighting science that you will find. Do yourself, your body and mind a favor and give them a try. You will not be dissapointed.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
John Oliveri

Dave continues to offer a safe, respectful and comprehensive program by making sure you check your ego at the door. I have been a student of Dave's since the mid 90's. I recommend his gym as place to learn and practice Jiu Jitsu for students of any age.

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Posted 2 years ago
Ryan Jefferson

I first began training underneath Dave Roy during college in my time out in Amherst. When I heard he was opening a new location closer to Boston, I was prepared to drive 30 minutes for the chance to train underneath him again. When I found out the location was about a mile from my house, I really had no excuse to not go. Dave Roy’s investment in his students is unparalleled. The time, effort, and attention to detail he puts into your improvement in training is something that makes you want to work even harder and continue to grow in the martial arts. On top of the excellent job Dave does instructing, he has built a welcoming environment that helps instill a hard work ethic and a competitive mindset. The facilities are clean, and the training is top notch. It is a great place for anyone in the greater Boston area who is looking to start training.

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Posted 2 years ago
Rich Edwards

Very welcoming, clean facilities, good mats, and knowledgeable coaches. A results based and modern approach to grappling, not a “bow to your sensei” line up by rank kind of gym.

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Posted 2 years ago
David Tramonte

This is a great gym wether you are just starting out or already experienced but looking to level up your grappling skills. Dave Roy is a very knowledgeable instructor with very crisp technique and teaches in a way that is accessible to everyone. Gym is also very clean. Highly recommend

Instructors Facility
Posted 2 years ago
Johnny Milligan

Excellent gym to begin learning Jiu-jitsu, progress your skills and compete, or just get fit in a practical and engaging way. I have only found top-notch instructors and respectful training partners here. The mats and changing areas are clean and the equipment is well maintained. This gym also sports an impressive array of weight lifting equipment and the instructors have a tremendous depth of knowledge on strength and conditioning as well.

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Posted 2 years ago
Nuri Shakir

A new place but all the same home feel. Dave Roy has been the Godfather of MMA in the New England area since the beginning, and his experience and expertise shows on the mats. This is a great place to study and make your NOGI / MMA home..

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Posted 2 years ago
Zachary Lamb

I started training jujitsu with Dave back in 2010 when I graduated college at this first school in Amherst, MA and fell in love with the sport. I recieved my blue belt from Dave and have since continued the sport. I traveled in and around the state for work for years but was never able to make it back to the Amherst area. Dave is easily one of the best instructors I have ever had. If I am not mistaken he was one of the first people in the country to train juijitsu and his knowledge base rivals that of some of the top level competitors in the sport. In my travels I have learned from legends like Rafael Formiga Barbosa, Marcelo Garcia and many more and I can confidently say, for me, Dave's way of teaching is top tier. Glad to see him in the Boston area!

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Posted 2 years ago
Quinn Mohlar

This gym is awesome! Dave is an amazing, dedicated teacher who creates a welcome and comfortable environment for everyone to train, no matter your skill level. Highly recommend!

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Posted 2 years ago
Lev Kamenetsky

Dave Roy is an absolutely elite instructor. Ive had many over the last 15 years+ of training and Dave’s style is the one that produced the most results for me. While has a black belt in the gi, he’s no doubt a no gi specialist and this comes through in the training. His approach is dedicated to the sport of submission grappling, as opposed to just an adaptation of Brazilian jiu jitsu. This served me well in both submission tournaments and MMA fights. Just as importantly, Dave is huge on culture. Leave your ego at the door. There’s no room for bullies in his gym - come to train hard. If you’re here to hurt people , you can go. Pair that with some friendly banter which promotes camaraderie and a work-hard-play-hard envrionment, and you’ve got a top notch setting to learn, improve, and have fun. If you want to learn how to grapple, this is the place to go.

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Posted 2 years ago
Jay

Phenomenal coaching staff, and a wonderful place. Highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to get into MMA -- whether you're a beginner or experienced. Dave is an expert in his field and an expert instructor. If you're looking for a place to train, this is the place to do it and Dave is the man to do it with.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Vincent Goo

I've had an outstanding experience training under Dave Roy. His knowledge and expertise has accelerated my skill development. NESF's atmosphere is welcoming and the no-gi training is elite. I highly recommend this gym, the Boston area is lucky to have Dave and his coaches!

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Posted 2 years ago
matter remley

Awesome place to train, much love to NESF

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
juan cotes

Dave Roy is a great instructor with deep knowledge in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu. He gives personal attention to each student, and makes sure everyone gets the technical help they need. The facility is clean and has plenty of mat space. If you're in the Boston area, this is the place to train!

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Posted 2 years ago
Daniel Vreeland

Great location. Great facilities. Unmatched instruction. If you want to train martial arts, this is where to do that.

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Posted 2 years ago
Gustavo Farias

Best MMA gym in the Boston area. The head coach Dave Roy along with Jake Smith are extremely knowledgable and always willing to help regardless of previous experience. Dave Roy is extremely invested in his students and goes above and beyond to make sure his students learn effective techniques in a safe and controlled manner. Whether it be for self defense, sport, or just general exercise, this place will cover all the bases and you will learn life changing skills here. I have nothing but good things to say about this place and the coaching. If you are on the edge about joining, give it a go, you won't regret it!

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Posted 2 years ago
Lohith Chundi

This gym is amazing! The coaches and the facility are excellent! I have been getting coached by Dave Roy, the head coach for nearly a year now, and the amount knowledge and technique I've learnt was more than I could ever imagine. Highly recommended.

Instructors Facility
Posted 2 years ago
Paul Marshall

NESF Boston is one of the best No-GI Jiu-Jitsu gyms I have ever trained at. Dave is an amazing coach. How digestible his classes are while still giving such detailed instruction really speaks to the amount of time he has been teaching and the preparation he puts into every class. It is amazing to have a great No-GI school in the Boston area with high-level people who are also as welcoming as they are! The schedule is great. The facility is always clean. The showers give me the opportunity to train before I go out for the night. This place is one of a kind!

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Posted 2 years ago
Alex Tsang

The facilities are very clean and the people are nice. Having a dedicated no-gi jiu jitsu gym in the area is really convenient as well!

Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Brian Pitta

If you’re considering getting into MMA or grappling, 100% checkout NESF Boston. It can feel intimidating to get started training in combat sports, but that feeling will disappear right after stepping into the gym. Dave Roy is a master of his craft - whether it’s getting an advanced fighter to that next level or teaching a day 1 beginner the basic fundamentals. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ravi Hemlani

Been training for about 4.5 years, I can safely say NESF is an incredible gym for nogi jiu jitsu and mma. I’ve learned a lot through the years from Dave, more details about certain techniques than Ive learned elsewhere. The facility is clean and the environment is incredibly friendly. I highly recommend NESF to both beginners and intermediate jiu jitsu practitioners!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Alexander Warren

I've been training for around 8 years now and have visited many gyms across the country. NESF Boston is definitely one of my favorite places to train. The facility itself is very nice, the instruction is top notch, and the gym culture/ vibe is excellent. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone regardless of their experience level.

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Posted 2 years ago
Joe

Dave Roy is a fantastic BJJ teacher - I'm jealous that I'm still stuck out in Western MA and you Bostonians get to learn from him. If you want to learn and develop your BJJ, now is the time and this is the spot.

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago