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.

Sityodtong is a great gym. The gym has produced great fighters for sure and has world-class muay…read morethai. What has kept me here for a decade is the sense on community, belonging, and purpose. Yes, this is a fight gym that can make you deadly fighter and improve fitness, but its more importantly a martial arts gym that can make you a better person.

A small, but very well-equipped, training facility with world-class staff and a wealth of classes…read more The memberships are pricey ($200 month to month, though it's less if you do a six month or full year membership), but you can build up a martial arts skill set very quickly with their elite-level trainers. If you go here and work hard, Joe Rogan may talk about how impressive your striking is one day.

Best training ever done. I feel alive again. Good atmosphere and great coaches. Highly recommended.read more

I love this gym. I was interested in an intense workout, but ended up falling in love with muay…read morethai thanks to the great instructors here. I highly recommend dropping in for a class and seeing what it's all about!

Defensive Edge is an amazing gym where our family of four enjoys a variety of classes, sometimes…read morewe get to train together. The staff genuinely cares about everyone's success. I've participated in the women's self-defense class, Fight Fit, women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and traditional Gi Jiu-Jitsu, and I love them all! The gym offers something for everyone and has truly become our second home. It's helping teach my children discipline and humility while they have fun, learn self-defense, and stay active. We highly recommend it for individuals of all ages!

My son started at Defensive Edge a year ago. He loves the instructors. They show the kids each…read moremove a couple times, then have the kids practice. Each time giving them praise and feedback. Thanks for all you do!

I've been going to this gym since 2021, and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made in…read moremy life. There is such a vibrant community of accepting people that I don't know where I'd be in my life without this place. As a woman, I feel empowered to not only walk around my city, but I feel confident enough to take up space. If you're looking to be part of a community, learn how to defend yourself, and get physically fit, this is the place for you.

Went there for the Month Trial , before that I had never done any martial arts and now I feel…read morebetter than ever . I love MMA aswell as all the people here, we all just learn so much and is a family journey. Well recommended.

For the best workout I go to Bartolo's Boxing Club in Winthrop. Authentic and without fanciness Sal…read moreBartolo makes you sweat like crazy and teaches you the art of "the sweet science" from his over 50 years of boxing experience. $20 for a walk in class.

The #1 boxing coach I have ever met. He not only know boxing but he also teaches muay thai as well…read moreas self-defense. A wonderful coach and an even better man.

I've been training in the martial arts for at least half my life. Ive trained with many different…read morefighters and teachers and coaches. Without hesitation Coach Jeff Burger is one of the best. He is the real deal. He has an extensive background Karate, BJJ, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Krav Maga, RMA and more. Jeff has trained with masters in in China, Champion fighters in Thailand, competitively in the ring and for real on the streets. Burger has also written books and made numerous YouTube videos and DVDs related to fitness, self defense and the martial arts and has appeared as appeared along side martial arts greats like Rory Miller, Hock Hochheim and Tony Annesi. I met coach Jeff burger through a friend of mine a number of years back. Over the years I have had the pleasure and good fortune to become friends with, train with and attend his seminars. He is a wealth of information. His teaching methods and content is always practical, methodical and very clear. This guy is the real deal!

This morning I finished a four hour training session with Jeff Burger as the instructor. I drove…read moretwo and a half hours one way to attend and others had driven further. Everyone seemed to be having fun, training safely, and learning a lot. Most if not all were very experienced martial artists with years of training. I was very pleased. The very fact that he was invited to teach this is quite impressive and shows respect by his peers. Now normally I would never leave a Yelp review for a martial arts school based on a half day seminar (seminar was a day and a half but I missed the first day due to another commitment) but considering the very negative, one star review from someone in California, I thought I'd weigh in.

I tried this place out. I was not improved in the least. In fact I was a bit disturbed. The…read moreinstructor has no idea what hes teaching in the Muay Thai class. He uses the Muay Thai stance to teach Tae Kwon Do kicking techniques. FRAUD!!!! Also they claim to offer MMA. They don't even teach wrestling. When I asked the guy at the desk how do you transition from standing to being on the ground he didn't have an answer.

I love this place! Great atmosphere, team attitude, well informed and experienced instructors. Ive…read morebeen taking the Muay Thai classes. I started with one month to see if I liked it and after completion signed up for six. I definitely recommend checking out this place if you are interested in martial arts. For those who just want a workout, there's Muay Thai fitness and I believe another personal training as well.

I couldn't recommend this gym more. From my first class to months later, I've done nothing but…read moreenjoy it here. Coach and Owner Jeff Perez set a high bar for a Martial Arts gym. There is a great sense of community, and everyone is welcome regardless of skill level. Whether you're looking for a workout or picking up a new hobby, do yourself a favor and try a class.

I have trained jiu-jitsu in several gyms across the country. Jeff has been the best grappling coach…read moreI have had. His ability to explain technical information is second to none. I have seen him effectively communicate grappling concepts to a wide variety of people. Jeff is very approachable and is not intimidating or scary at all. Whatever your fitness and martial arts goals are, Back to Basics is definitely the place to train at in the Boston area.

I moved out of state a few years ago, but I use to belong to BAC. I moved back temporarily due to a…read morefamily emergency. I was able to get a pass at BAC. This gym used to be packed with people and classes use to fill up pretty fast. In 2024, BAC is pretty much empty. Plus, now there are cameras literally around EVERY corner of this place. Creepy. Anyway, it seems like everyone moved to Blink. Probably won't re-sign up if I come back home permanently, but won't join Blink either. Friendly employees at BAC, but too few members and too many cameras. Joining Blink is joining A.I. No thanks to both.

LOVE the BAC! Fantastic array of classes offered; tons of equipment to use on your own outside of…read moreformal classes; saltwater pool; knowledgeable, friendly, helpful staff; trainers out of this world! They host seasonal activities like "Fitness in the Park" where anyone can attend for free at the lovely Lynch park. They are also an incredible community partner. When much of the city was without electricity, they opened to allow residents to come shower, work and recharge phones and devices.