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Daniel Gracie Academy Northshore
5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Part of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule danielgracienorthshore.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 978-954-5783
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–6:30 am, 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–6:30 am, 6:30–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–10 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I look forward to every class/open mat and leave feeling exhausted, but great!”
“Great coaching, great community, joined as a beginner and have been supported and challenged exactly how I was hoping.”
What members say
“He has excellent instructors and students that also share his commitment to helping others become a better version of themselves.”
“When you meet Paul, his team of instructors, and his students you will be greeted with a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment.”
“When you meet Paul, his team of instructors, and his students you will be greeted with a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment.”
“He has the ability to perceive the capabilities and limitations of each student, adjusting all the details and techniques accordingly.”
“I’ve been training at Daniel Gracie Northshore for over 2 years and I am so glad that I made the decision to try it out.”
“Thank you to professor Paul, the other professors, and the entire Daniel Gracie community, for helping me build the confidence in myself.”
From the reviews
If I could, I’d give Daniel Gracie North Shore and Professor Paul Tomasi 100 stars! Paul’s teaching is top-notch—clear, technical, and patient, perfect for all levels. He creates a supportive environment where everyone can grow both in skill and confidence.
Professor Paul is genuinely remarkable. He breaks down the techniques and assures every student has a good grasp of each method before explaining a new one.
The spring floor makes training 10x better. Instructors are great and the people who train at the gym are amazing as well. Great Jiu Jitsu school!
Professor Paul Tomasi, has a pleasant and holistic perspective on jiu jitsu. I do not live in the area but I have trained at his academy several times and I always look forward to coming back to visit.
New to BJJ? Start at Daniel Gracie Academy Northshore
Daniel Gracie Academy Northshore comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Daniel Gracie Academy Northshore
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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