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Ethereal Arts Self Defense

4.9 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Stow, Massachusetts

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons No-gi Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • 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 5–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule etherealartsselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 978-897-8585

Hours

Monday 12–9:30 pm
Tuesday 12–9:30 pm
Wednesday 12–10 pm
Thursday 3:30–9:30 pm
Friday 5–9:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–2:30 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Ethereal Arts Self Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 44 mentions

“This school is excellent for children, beginners, to people who have been doing martial arts their entire lives.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 12 mentions

“Master Frost is a wealth of information, welcomes questions and strives to make sure students understands each move as well as how it is used in self-defense.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“This school is excellent for children, beginners, to people who have been doing martial arts their entire lives.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Ethereal Arts Self Defense — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“I am an adult learner taking Tai Chi and Muay Thai, and I enjoy both classes for different reasons.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🦵 Kickboxing

“My daughter has been taking Muay Thai Kickboxing for about 2 months.”

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🎽 Karate 11 mentions

“It is a great environment to learn the Kenpo Karate self defense and the children really enjoy their time there - in fact both my children attend classes 2-3 times a week.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 51 Google reviews — in their own words.

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 8 mentions

“She hates the idea of anyone getting hurt, and Griffin kenpo's emphasis on Chin Na (joint lock techniques) fits very well with that.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My daughter has grown in self-confidence, is stronger and more self assured.”

active competition team 2 mentions
🧠 builds confidence & discipline 10 mentions

“My son has learned not only the skills and techniques but more importantly the discipline and principles behind martial arts.”

From the reviews

My 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son have both attended Ethereal Arts for just over a year now. My daughter attends the Kids Kenpo Karate class and my son, the Little Griffins, they both enjoy every minute. The tuition given by Master Frost and Sensei Mike and Jeff is excellent in my opinion.

★★★★★ — Brookes, Mar 2015

In addition to being well skilled in teaching kids in Kenpo karate, Sensei Frost and his team (including the senior back belt students who coach at times) provide a highly positive, nurturing environment in the dojo.

★★★★★ — Vasumathi, Jan 2024

Both of my kids practice at Ethereal Arts Self Defense in Stow and they love it. The after school program is fantastic - with pick up direct from school and an afternoon of activities before the evening class.

★★★★★ — Megan, Nov 2019

The classes fit my schedule and the instructors are respectful and happy to discuss accommodations for any special needs. The two week free trial gave me a chance to see if the courses, instructors, and school culture worked for me. I’ve made progress in a short time.

★★★★★ — Sarah, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Ethereal Arts Self Defense

Ethereal Arts Self Defense 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Ethereal Arts Self Defense

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Ethereal Arts Self Defense

118 Great Rd, Stow, MA01775

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.