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!

The teachers are all wonderful and very experienced, for the littlest ones as well as kids and…read moreadults. Senseis Lenny and Donna are the best teachers I have ever had for anything. I can speak more to the quality of the adult classes. I started as a white belt when I was 58, ten years ago, and now I am working my way up the black belt ranks. I think karate really helps me because strength, balance, and flexibility are so important as I age. There's no way I could do things that a 20-ear-old can -- no flying through the air like Bruce Lee! -- but the philosophy of the dojo is that you start with what you are able to do within your physical abilities and grow from there. The emphasis is not on sparring, although there are kick-boxing classes available. The self-defense training has also made me feel more secure.

I'm an over 65 disabled veteran with some limited medical issues. Sensei Lenny is the best. Treats…read morepeople great and is complete professional. He LISTENS not like other trainers i had in the past. If you want to really learn, build some confidence in a nice environment this is the place You will learn here. You will train here. its a no - nonsense school in a friendly atmosphere. jimmy H.

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.

Best gym for boxing. Kids and hubs have been going for years. Now the gym is inside the NH Sports…read moreCenter.

Julio and Kristy are very personable and friendly. Julio puts a lot of emphasis on learning…read moretechnique before just throwing punches. He teaches that building up will lead to greater intensity and the results I'm after. He has a great outlook on life, family and business. When I get to a place where I am upping the intensity and achieving some results, I'll come back and update my review. Hopefully, this will be in a couple of months.

Portsmouth Aikido is a great place for beginners as well as experienced martial artists. The…read moreatmosphere is inclusive and supportive. I started going at the age of 50. It's been 1.5 years and I am still going. I didn't think I would ever be a black belt, Now I am sure it is achievable as long as I put in the effort because the people at Portsmouth Aikido will provide support and top-notch training.

The kids classes at the dojo are simply fantastic. Sensei Aaron has a great rapport with all of the…read morekids, and the wonderful balance between one child advancing and the other responding means that the kids are always engaged cooperatively and actively. The dojo itself is beautiful, comfortable, and has good seating for parents to observe the classes. For those of us who are taking the adult classes -- also highly recommended -- there is a chance to come out on the matt and review some of the forms being taught to the kids and advance our stretching and other techniques. Last but not least, the dojo is a non-profit so there is absolutely no pressure to purchase extra equipment, fees for belt ceremonies, and other up-sell phenomena that we, as a family with three kids, have experienced at some of the for-profit dojos in other traditions. This dojo is simply fantastic! Give it a try!

This is a tremendous studio! The instructors are challenging, caring, and true guides...all at…read morethe same time. They work with your capacities and skill levels and support you in your growth at your pace. This is my new home studio and I am seeing amazing growth faster than ever before!

Best place for yoga. Great, dedicated teachers. Easy to learn the moves and endless opportunity…read moreto learn more. Second only to my favorite yoga instruction in San Francisco. Yoga East brings excellent workshops, yoga celebs and programs to Portsmouth. And it's not about ego. Seems perfectly genuine, like Yoga East simply wants to build a dynamic yoga community and practice, practice, practice. Only trouble is finding the studio entrance... it's very - er - subtle. "Go past a pile of rocks on the banister of the exterior stairs," one patron advised, "behind the bank building on Deer Street just before the curve... " What? Finding the entrance is a journey with mystery. Fitting, isn't it.

The Best of the best. at the House of the Samurai you will…read morebe trained by the very best around and one of the best in the world. If you want the real deal and not the typical dojo than look no more. I have seen many different places and none of them come close to the level of this dojo .

My wife and I recommend that Parents and their children drop by from Monday thru Friday between 530…read moreto 700pm too watch the classes. The kids are asked to give their school grades to take the testing for Belts. This has helped them to achieve better school grades also. This has encourage our kids lorenzo and Christina to do better in school classes. Our kids are taught to help each other and others. Too the Parents this is a great investment in making your children to be More understanding and respectful. The instructors teach the skills of Okinawa karate with Kobudo and Kata Training. One of the owners is a WMO (world martial arts organization) Gold medalist Champion and the other owner took the Bronze medal Both were inducted into the WMO Hall of fame in 2007. This is a family owned Business and they personally do the teaching. Renshi Teaches with her expertise in the art of Okinawa karate in teaching Kata and Kobudo and Jose helps with his expertise in giving his insight on why and how they train. Even I sit and enjoy his method of giving advise on Okinawa karate. My kids look up to them as Role Models. When our kids started I had no idea what Okinawa karate was? Then as I started to read My wife and I started to appreciate how this has made a positive impact on our two kids. Sincerely Mark & Ellanie House of the Samurai

Love this training academy but ! They have so many classes, boxing, jujitsu, women's cardio…read morekickboxing, mauy thai, and open mat. It's a wonderful atmosphere, kind people, understanding instructors, it's like a group of friends.