I've been practicing Jiujitsu for 8 years now, on and off due to travelling and relocating for…read morework. Through this time I've trained consistently in a total of 5 jiujitsu gyms (in the US and abroad) and tried out countless others. Through all of that I can say with extreme emphasis that not all gyms and instructors are created equal. In 2021 I started training at The Institute of Combative Arts (Gracie Jiujitsu) in Quincy. I was skeptical at first...it looks like an abandoned building and has no signs except a tiny sticker on the door. I even called ahead after booking my trial class online/through email to make sure it was the correct address. When I showed up for class, I knew it was the gym for me. I had tried a few other gyms in the area and did not like the energy of the gyms nor attitudes/styles of the instructors. When I walked into IOCA, I felt welcome and comfortable. They create a community, a family here, and that is how a jiujitsu gym should be. Trust in paramount in a good training partner. I joined the combatives program, which is unique to gracie BJJ. If focuses on a series of core Jiujitsu moves and makes it very easy to track your progress. There is NO sparring in this program. This is also something I've noticed is unique to Gracie. This is to focus on learning the core techniques before rolling with an opponent and helps to minimize newbie injuries and create a more inclusive and less competitive environment. After you reach stripe 2 you are invited to Reflex Development Classes that help you train for your Blue belt test. They also start to include gloves and mouth guards in select sparring rounds. This is because IOCA focuses on self defense jiujitsu for its white belt combatives class. When you take your test your blue belt test, you receive a white belt with blue stripes. This opens up Master cycle classes where you can learn more advanced jiujitsu techniques, and be given your blue belt. A complete gi with belt are included in your tuition. Your tuition also locks, IOCA will never raise your tuition fee even if the price rises. As a female combative member, I also have access to women's empowered classes. (A self defense course just for women.) There are both male and female changing rooms, a rest room, heat and AC. There is free street parking all around the gym so there are no complications there. The gym also offers other martial arts classes including Eskrima. They also have kids classes, so it is something your whole family can get into. It is a great gym for both advanced jiujitsu practitioners and those curious to try it out.

Before I was a skeptic of the whole Gracie's Brazilian jiu-jitsu system, but when I came here for…read moremy first intro private lesson, instructor David opened my eyes on how realistic and effective the system is. He explained and demonstrated on how to utilize each individual techniques in certain scenarios, and let's you ask questions anytime. You can tell he definitely knows his craft. The instructor is really chill and he really cares about your development not only in martial arts, but as a person. The place itself is fairly big and looks like a traditional karate dojo since it is shared with the karate class that they offer. The floor is hard wooded floor so they practice and spar on mats. They also have a women's and men's locker room for you to change and plenty of lockers to put your stuff in. There isn't any trophies hanging on the walls, which shows that this place isn't about ego, but about learning and community. I also find Bjj really fun! Since I had such a great experience here after my first private intro class, I signed up for more private one-on-one classes with instructor David. If you're in the South Shore area and are interested in learning Bjj I would highly recommend to give this place a try. They even offer a 10 day free trial!

Great instructors for adults and kids. My two kids take classes and have made good friends, learned…read morea ton of skills and have made good connections with people. Highly recommend this place due to the wonderful level of instruction and care given to students.

Still an amazing place to train, with great instructors and an amazing environment. My son started…read moretaking karate classes about 10 years ago and now I have been a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about 7 years and love every minute of it. The academy is more of a community for its students and makes everyone feel so comfortable no matter what level of experience you have. I highly recommend JPMAA for anyone looking for a great place to train karate or Jiu-Jitsu.

I started training in Dedham 6 months ago and could not be happier with my investment. The…read moreinstructors are great and always help modify techniques no matter your level. All the practitioners here are great people to train with. The environment is friendly,fun, and focused. The facility is clean and has a shower which is a bonus. This is a great academy to build a solid foundation in BJJ I'm so glad I stopped in and you will be too. My only regret is I didn't stick with BJJ years ago. If your considering BJJ training stop in and prepare to get some...

Excellent instructors, great atmosphere. Highly recommend to anyone interested in martial arts or…read moreself defense. Everyone is knowledgeable, friendly and every class is a great experience.

I found the best dojo! Samurai Academy of Kobudo in Weymouth, Ma. Soke Grand Master Tsuji teaches…read morehis system that his family developed in Japan for more than 300 years. I've always been interested in the martial arts and a couple of years ago I was looking for a dojo. I tried it for the first time as I was approaching 50 years old. Soke Grandmaster Tsuji is teaching me the ancient art of the samurai that includes open hand and weapons. He shares his wisdom around self defense and his deep knowledge of the history of the Samurai. Soke and his dedicated instructors, T.K., Alvin and Dee have taught me lessons for a lifetime including patience and respect. As an adult learner I like to experience new things. I was easily talked into competing at a regional tournament. Lots of different schools attended and it was great to see how martial arts has a large community. I've been taking the adult classes for the past couple of years and and have always found Samurai Academy to be a welcoming dojo

This place is unbelievable. I've been going several times a week for over a year now and I can't…read moreget enough. Not only is this school good for learning martial arts but everyone here is so nice and welcoming. Unlike the other schools in the region, this dojo doesn't just teach one technique. You can learn how to use jujutsu, moving meditation, dakenjutsu (karate), aikijutsu, kenjutsu (samuarai sword), and even samurai drumming techniques. Also, no where else can you receive training from someone who has literally been practicing Kobudo his entire life. The person I speak of is Soke Grandmaster Tsuji and no one else like him exists in this country and probably not in Japan either. In addition to the top notch training I've been receiving as an adult, I've also witnessed a bit of the children's programs as well. The children love it there as well as the parents. I can also say that unlike other martial arts schools, Samurai Academy isn't run like business. They won't try and sell you expensive packages or lock you in to a year long contract. If you want to be there you can be there and if you don't you can leave (few ever leave). This place has not only made me feel more confident in my physical abilities but it has also made me stronger mentally as well. Being surrounded by such a positive environment has made me a much better person in just one short year and my training has only begun. I don't give five star ratings very often but I'd give Samurai Academy in Weymouth a 10 if I could.

Great dojo, highly skilled instructors. Very diverse type of Karateka attend (Age, nationality,…read moremale/female). Good beginner program for kids.

This is a great, traditional dojo offering multiple classes daily. There are evening classes…read morethroughout the week and morning classes on Saturday and Sunday. If you're looking to challenge yourself in a physical and respectful way, this is a great school to reach your goal.

I've always held an interest in learning martial arts for self defense. However, I never knew where…read moreto start, and learning it can be pretty costly as a college student. It wasn't until a year ago when I heard about this place, I was told there was a free trial class, and I had time on my hands, so I decided to try it out with my friend for fun. That was probably one of the best decisions I've made. I found the trial so enjoyable, I decided to sign up, and ever since then, I've been consistently dedicating myself to attending their classes. Below, I will cover more on costs, content, and learning environment. Cost: One thing that's really nice here is that the classes aren't expensive at all. As of now, for $35 a month, we meet once every Saturday from 12:00 - 2:30 PM. Given that monthly expense of your average martial art dojo in Boston usually exceeds $70+, $35 monthly will definitely give you the best bang for your buck. Content: Our school, called Seirenkai, combines both karate and jiu-jitsu to focus on self-defense, which means we are not based on a point system. Although the branch in Boston focuses on karate more, we still learn some jiu-jitsu techniques here and there. We often practice karate basics (kihon), self-defense, and karate forms (kata). Learning Environment: The instructors here are super nice, know what they're teaching, and are really passionate about karate. They always change the pace of the class every week to keep things exciting, and they come up with different activities that keeps everybody engaged. Most importantly, they have a lot of patience and know how to teach very well, so it doesn't matter if you're a little rusty in karate, if you came from a different martial arts school, or even if you have no prior martial arts experience at all, because they'll guide you step by step and help you grow at your own pace. Overall, super affordable and informative class. Throughout my time here, not only have I learned to properly defend myself against my roommate, but I've also met new people and built new friendships. The positive attitude of the instructors and the effort they put into making class really engaging makes the whole experience very enjoyable. Definitely rating this 100/5 stars!

I came in a year ago on a whim. I was always interested in learning some martial art, but never…read moreknew where to start. Researching dojos around the city made me hesitate, as classes were way above my price range. I came into Boston Seirenkai, as they offered a free trial, and the classes are very affordable, at only $30/month. In my first couple classes, we learned practical self-defense techniques that kept me interested in learning more. Living in the city, I always wanted to learn how to defend myself, and I could see myself applying the techniques we learned in class to real-world situations. There is only one class offered in this dojo, and it is a mixed level (meaning that there are beginners, intermediate and advanced students learning together). The class agenda varies from class to class, making it interesting. Some days we focus on self-defense techniques, karate basics, or sparring. Sometimes we practice a little of everything. We usually end each class with self-defense drills. I always walk out of class feeling like a lean, mean fighting machine!... Until the next morning when I wake up all sore. The community of the dojo is the number one selling point. Sensei Greenberg and Senpai Symkus are knowledgeable, attentive, enthusiastic, and they make learning karate so much fun. The class is currently a small group, so there is plenty of one-on-one time with the instructors. The students at the moment are a group of young adults who are SO supportive of each other. I never felt judged as a beginner student- even in situations when I was a white-belt paired up with a brown-belt. Overall, I would highly recommend dropping by and trying it out!

Attended two months of adult classes here, after signing up for one free month of lessons at…read moreNorwood Day. First of all, karate teachers don't come any better than Craig! You and your family can feel confident that you will be educated by a respectful, caring, and knowledgeable teacher. The adult class sizes are small and friendly, new members are always joining, but there's a core group that has been attending for almost 10 years. Loyalty is always a good thing in my book! If I had the time in my schedule I would have stayed longer! Thanks, Craig!

Instruction at Craig Lowe' Kenpo is spot on! It includes skills and meditation. Great for…read moreself-discipline and exercise.

Shihan Craig and his staff are the best. They care about their students and family's. The Dojo is…read morewell run and classes are fun and exciting. Would recommend to any one that wants to learn martial arts.

Stay away!!! "Sensei" Craig is in it for the money and nothing else. The lack of organization and…read moreempathy displayed by this establishment is astounding. All Craig cares about is your money, and once he's got you signed, he doesn't care about you or your child's progress. I attempted to book a birthday party at his establishment, at my friend's recommendation. After I talked to Craig about the details and paid my deposit, he proceeded to ghost me when I called to talk about details. He then bad-mouthed me to other parents, saying that I was pushy and wanted to "talk too much" about my party. Sorry, I do need to know the details such as # of kids I can invite and the time before I send out an invitation. How can you take my money without giving me those details? STAY AWAY!!!!!