Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu - Watertown, Massachusetts

Max L.

I’ve been training here for almost 9 months and am really glad I got started. It’s fun, practical and great exercise. It really helps to motivate me to build my fitness level and get better in all things. Sensei Nick is an amazing teacher and has great energy, explains things very clearly and I laugh hard at least once every class. The assistant instructors are very knowledgeable and always willing to help with techniques, and the overall environment is very friendly and approachable for people of any skill and fitness level. Give it a try!

Wendy C.

I've been training at the Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu for about 6 months. I've had an interest in martial arts for a long time and I wish I'd known how much I'd love it and signed up sooner. I was really nervous about going having no prior martial arts experience, but they were so inclusive and welcoming and made sure to meet me where I was at as a beginner. My strength, balance, coordination and confidence have all increased significantly. Sensei Nick is an exceptional instructor who is full of integrity and teaches in such a constructive, effective and positive way. This teaching style is also emulated by his assistant instructors, who provide a ton of individualized support to the students. I had several injuries to consider when coming in and they were so accommodating with modifications to ensure they weren't exacerbated, and as I've gotten stronger and more skilled, I don't really have problems from my injuries at this point because of the effective way the instructors teach. It's a "real life" style of teaching that you can use on the streets to defend yourself. Going to training is one of the best parts of my week and I highly recommend this place!

Mo C.

I just had my intro class and have decided to join as a student.
Nick, the owner is a great guy, he is very straight forward and honest and is an accomplished martial artist. He has been in business for 25 years and has created a special school. All the students I met were friendly, professional, and very skilled in their training. There were several green, brown, and black belts who were training there. The school focuses on the practical application of Jiu Jitsu in real life scenarios. If you are a newbie like me and looking for a place to learn self-defense from great instructors you will find that here.

Justin G.

I've been training here for almost 9 years and I often think how lucky I am to have found this martial art style and especially this school. American Jiu Jitsu as a martial art itself is fun, exciting, with practical self-defense at its core. Sensei Nick is an incredible instructor who teaches because he loves Jiu Jitsu and truly cares about seeing his students succeed by getting a little better each day. We’re all adults with day jobs who come together a few nights per week to learn techniques that are not only are useful for self-defense but can improve your life outside of the mat in ways you never expected until you try it. Why not give it a shot and come down for an intro? Your future self will thank you!

Nick V.

I've trained at this dojo for 8+ years and it has helped molded who I am today. Prior to starting here, I wasn't motivated by a traditional gym or other forms of activity. In the interest of trying to push myself to a healthier lifestyle, I decided to give jui jitsu a try. The idea of gaining skills in self defense beyond just grinding away on a cardio machine, or boot-camp class seemed more motivating to me and it stuck. In the beginning classes were very changing, but doable and I was able to pace as I found necessary until my conditioning was up to par. Classes I feel are a good balance of pushing your comfort zone and focusing on technique. Sensei Nick does a great job of taking jui jitsu (and some elements of other styles) and applying solid technique in self defense scenarios. He also brings 100% tenacity to every class and he always demonstrates the characteristics of a leader. Which in turn you can see in his extended assistant instructors, as well. My overall experience here, has always been positive with the instructors as well as everyone I've trained with. I've learned alot, grown from it, and look forward to continue training here with a great community of people and friends.

Spencer R.

I’ve been very lucky to train here for almost 9 years. The head instructor always provides fresh and exciting technique material for both lower and higher rank classes to work on while making sure that students have enough time to continue honing the rest of their martial arts skills. If the training isn’t enough, the people and community built by Sensei Nick is really like a family. No matter the day you’ve had, it’s always a great day when you get to train jiu jitsu!

Raj M.

I’ve trained and taught here for 8 years and cannot recommend this gym highly enough! This academy is for people looking for excellent technical jiu-jitsu from an upbeat enthusiastic instructor with 40+ years of experience. The emphasis is on practical self-defense and the reality of being assaulted in the street. If you’re looking for a gym to learn bjj and do a tourney, this isn’t it. Sensei Nick mixes traditional joint locks and holds found in jiu-jitsu with striking, groundfighting, weapon work, and his own blend of dirty fighting. You will learn traditional technical things like wrist locks and guard passes or triangle chokes, but you’ll also learn to how to deal with the craziness of a bar fight or how to disarm someone coming at you with a tire iron in a road rage situation. We have a curriculum for those wanting structure, but we also have numerous open mat and other classes to round out your skills and offer breadth. There is also a wide mix of genders, ages, physical ability levels—please come down and give us a try!

Hart N.

I've been fortunate enough to have spent time training in a multitude of martial arts in many places (Judo, Muay Thai, BJJ, Krav, Shotokan, Boxing) and taken seminars in others.

S. Nick and his school are at the top of my list. Few schools have the special combination of excellent instructors, curriculum, and students, but TAJ does!

If you're looking for realistic self-defense and an eclectic style overall , this is a great (and, not-to-mention competitively priced) dojo!