When I first wandered into Hard Knocks for my introduction session with Bill, I was hesitant and…read morenervous as I had never played sports, let alone train Muay Thai. The moment I walked in, I immediately felt welcomed. Bill asked me what my goals were and at the time, I had always been interested in trying kick boxing. I was provided with gloves and hand wraps to use and Coach Jake taught me how to wrap my hands. An hour and a bucket of sweat later, I signed up for a membership and decided to give Hard Knocks Muay Thai and MMA a try. Fast forward to almost 2 years later, this gym has become a huge part of my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. I did more than "try kick boxing". I met a group of extremely skilled and knowledgeable coaches, trainers, and fighters that have helped me take my fitness to the next level. I've begun to fall in love with a sport that pushes me to face my fears. The coaches and fighters in this gym are the epitome of discipline and hard work and it has truly been a privilege to learn Muay Thai with them by my side. There is always room for improvement and everyone is always looking out for you, to help you reach your full potential. My favorite part about Hard Knocks is the sense of family and I wouldn't want to train anywhere else! Book your free intro class now!

Awesome gym. Period…read more Bill and his staff are knowledgeable, professional and will put in the time to help you reach your goals. If you want to fight, they'll get you ready; if you want fitness, they'll get you in shape. After a few sessions, you'll be angry at all the time you wasted at your typical gym. The gym is fully equipped with a full size ring, heavy bags, pads, bands, weights and wall to wall full size mirrors. All of that for an affordable price - actually, it's the most affordable Muay Thai gym in the Boston area. Plus, they offer many other classes like Strength and Conditioning, No Gii BJJ and MMA. Seriously, why pay a similar price to mindlessly lift weights? Call Bill and schedule a training and learn something useful while getting into the best shape of your life. Young, old, man , woman, doesn't matter, come down and gain the strength and confidence to endure any difficulties you face in life.

I have practiced aikido on and off for twenty years, and this is one of the best places I've…read moreattended, if not the best. The teaching is top-notch, and the atmosphere is very friendly and laid-back. The membership is on the small side at the moment, and although the dojo is looking to expand and gain more members, this makes for a lot of individual attention. We are very lucky to have Vu Ha as our principal instructor. Not only is his aikido technique amazing, but he is very gifted as a teacher. In addition to exercise, the dojo provides a nice community. People often go out for food and/or beer after class, and organize trips to aikido seminars outside of Boston.

I have been practicing Aikido for about 9 years and moved to the Boston area in February. I…read moredecided to join Boston Aikikai to continue my practice and it has been wonderful! The instructors are very talented both as Aikido practitioners and teachers. The people who practice here are very friendly and welcoming and I felt at home right away. I love spending time with everybody both on the mat and off the mat and I'm really glad this is where I've ended up now that I'm in Boston.

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!

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 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 met Andrea, the owner, when I was shopping around for a martial art (and secondarily, a place to…read morelearn it once I settled on one). We got to talking, and I expressed my concern that I would be the odd "man" out in a martial arts school where everyone else was stronger, fitter, faster, and, well, male. Andrea invited me to her school to join in on a class and see that there were women--a plurality of men, women, and children--who practiced together. Everyone in the class was warm and welcoming. The folks I trained with made me feel like I had been coming there for years rather than having just stepped nervously across the threshold.

I recently signed my 3 year old daughter up for karate, 1 day a week. She absolutely loves it!…read moreSensei Andrea & Sensei Tina are great with the kids, and my daughter instantly knew that she had to listen and follow the instructions. Typically I don't stay for the whole class, I drop her off and come back to watch the tug of war competition, or her final skills evaluation and am always impressed by how much she attained! This is a great place for kids to learn not only how to defend themselves but to build self confidence and control. Not to mention make friends, because all the kids have been very nice and friendly to my daughter. I highly recommend : )

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.

This is a great place to learn judo. I would still practice there but I moved and the classes for…read moreadults do run a little late and I take public transport. I have been practicing martial arts off and on throughout my life: judo as a young kid; tae kwon from late teens to mid-30's. One characteristic I look for in a martial arts school is how the instructors work with children. Sensei Joe is great with kids and the parents really enjoy talking with him after. Sensei Joe takes time to further explain techniques and show parents what the children and them can do to further work on skills while not at the school. Another characteristic I look for in martial arts schools is how the communication is between the upper belts and the lower belts. All of the people are super nice, helpful and take the time to explain technique and style. The only issue that I hinted at above is the hours. If the classes were earlier or the commute shorter, I would continue here. Definitely, if you live in the area or are able to attend, then this place is great to learn judo.

I have checked out this club about three or four years ago, but my body was not ready for the…read moreintensity of the work out and I had serious misgivings about the conditions of the mat. Well they have newer equipment and I will try to make more classes, but with a schedule that involves a lot of late shifts...The instructor is someone I have known for a few years and has a level of proficiency very few people will ever see. The space is a bit old and beat, but the energy and skills of the few people that I have seen there in my previous visit is pretty impressive. We have a very hidden gem in this club!!!