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 gym. Reached out via their website, and was able to go in for an open drill/open mat session…read moreon Sunday. Chill group of people interesting in training and enjoying Jiu Jitsu and not trying to kill each other.

Highly recommend. Stellar community, phenomenal instructors, loads of class options (incl. kids…read moreclasses), clean mats, great facility...

My daughter is happy to be back. Great instructors and…read moregreat place to bring your kids all ages. Highly recommend.

My son participates in this program 3 days a week, he absolutely loves it! His instructors focus on…read morerespect, skill, and promote amazing guidance every step of the way. After just a few short weeks I've seen such an improvement due to the instructors dedication and care for each and every student! His little face lit up when he got his green taped band on his belt. I would 100 percent recommend this program! Joey loves it!

Started training with Tim 5 months ago. Had had several health issues the prior year, including…read more2 total hip replacements. Was limited in my mobility and basicly haven't been able to exercise for the past couple of years. The improvement has been great after working with Tim. Definitely stronger and more energy. Started on a weight loss diet he recommended January 6th and have lost 18 lbs since then. Feel like I am on the road to optimum fitness. Yeah!

Very professional environment with excellent service. Facility is tired, but equipment is fineread more

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.

My oldest daughter has been a member for over 8 years and recently my 2 youngest joined as well,…read moreBUKA is part of the family we even drive 45 min since we are so loyal to the school and instructors, they have excellent programs and is priced very affordable, we will continue for years to come. Thanks to all the wonderful instructors!

My daughter started karate when she was five years old she's she's on our eighth year she loves it…read moreand the instructors are great in very orientated . The Brockton public school loves the program that he's doing the kids get really involved in their school work and having respect for others in themselves not to mention the confidence.

I took one of Helen's HIIT classes at Athleta in Dedham one early Sunday morning with a group of…read morefriends... And it was totally worth sacrificing sleeping in-- it was grueling, fun, and set a super positive tone for the rest of our day! I don't remember the last time I sweat so much. I actually met Helen at my climbing gym, where I've seen her crush many routes, so I had a sense of how athletic and passionate she is about health and fitness. For that same reason, I was a little apprehensive about the level of intensity of her class, when she told me about it--will the class be beginner friendly, etc. However, the moment you step into her class, she made it clear that her philosophy is focused on pushing oneself to the furthest, in an encouraging and supportive environment. It didn't matter what level you are, she adapted her instruction to make it more challenging or more appropriate for your current ability, depending on your preferences. I wasn't familiar with the proper technique for some poses or exercises, so I appreciated that Helen demonstrated first what the next set was while describing how you should be positioned verbally. She came around every station throughout the sets and guided people into the poses, etc when it was needed, and with such bubbly enthusiasm (since she was cycling through them along with us when she wasn't checking in) that I questioned every so often if she was part robot. (She's not, just insanely strong and also super nice). It was also helpful when she confirmed and reassured that you are doing it right. We did three sets of 6 stations or so and my body was barely mobile by the end of it, but in a good way! Everyone audibly sighed a breath of relief when it was over but we also looked around and you could sense that we were proud of ourselves for finishing it together. Helen's chipper and cheerful instruction was definitely a factor, and even beyond that, I thought her layout of and plan for the class demonstrated great understanding of effective instruction for a group of people with varying strengths and abilities. Dividing the whole class into smaller groups to rotate through the stations worked so well. You see your group mates in the zone, so even if your body is screaming (which mine was, within safe boundaries), you feel like you can also do it and then you do. Naturally, my body thanked me by being sore over a couple of days, so you know it was good! I will definitely participate in another of Helen's class in the future. If you're considering it yourself, I would highly recommend it. Helen is like your own personal cheerleader that is also highly invested in helping you become stronger mentally and physically.

I started working out with Helen about 6 months postpartum. She built my workout to fit my needs…read moreand helped me jump start into getting moving again. Her positive attitude and guidance during my workout was really helpful and exactly what I needed.I would definitely reccommend her for all skill levels.