The Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu is the award winning leader (Best of Boston A-List Top 5 every year since 2010) in practical self-defense classes in the Boston area since 1990. Our American Jiu Jitsu based self-defense classes offer a rewarding experience that includes a vast array of modern techniques.
Students will learn how to defend themselves in a variety of street situations while also enhancing their fitness and conditioning. Classes are fun, friendly, interactive and have helped us maintain a high level of student satisfaction. Located near the Arsenal Mall in Watertown, our self-defense classes are centrally located near Boston, Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont.
Students will learn how to defend themselves in a variety of street situations while also enhancing their fitness and conditioning. Classes are fun, friendly, interactive and have helped us maintain a high level of student satisfaction. Located near the Arsenal Mall in Watertown, our self-defense classes are centrally located near Boston, Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont.
Services
Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu, Inc. is owned by Nick Theodorou. From 1990 to 2001, Sensei Theodorou was the head instructor of the self-defense program at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. During that time, he trained over 1,100 students in realistic self-defense techniques. Sensei Theodorou has operated a school in Watertown, Massachusetts since 2001, teaching adults and teens practical and effective street self-defense.
Our classes will teach students to defend themselves in any real life situation. We don't compete in tournaments as our focus is on street self defense. Our program covers a wide range of self defense scenarios including front and rear attacks, ground assaults, multiple attackers and defense against all different types of weapons.
Jiu Jitsu is a comprehensive Japanese martial art focusing on a wide array of defense scenarios and techniques. What is so unique about our style is that it is comprised of many modern day descendants of unarmed combatives such as Aikido, Karate, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
On top of learning self defense, our classes are a great way to get in shape. Each class includes high impact fitness and conditioning drills to increase cardio, discipline, strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. Classes are dynamic and seamlessly combine Jiu Jitsu techniques with disciplined drills.
At the Theodorou Academy, our goal is to create an environment that gives each individual the opportunity to pursue and achieve a greater level of personal success and freedom. Our instructors are trained professionals that strive to make each class more rewarding than the last. Our hands on instruction and small group classes ensure you will get the personal attention you deserve!
Reviews (7)
Raj Majumder
Jan 20, 2020
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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
Nick Vitale
Jan 14, 2020
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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
Spencer Riley
Jan 12, 2020
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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!
Justin Gordon
Aug 06, 2019
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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
Wendy Cort
Jun 13, 2019
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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
Hart Neray
Aug 25, 2017
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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!
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!
Mo Chanmugham
Nov 10, 2015
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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
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
