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Forged BJJ Krav Maga Self Defense Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Salem, Massachusetts
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule forgedselfdefensesalem.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 978-745-8511
Hours
| Monday | 2–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 2–9 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He got a black belt in Kids Krav and recently got into Adult Krav, does BJJ, and Sparring and loves every part of it.”
“So hooked and positive about the place that I brought my teen age son.”
“Highly recommend going here if your looking to improve your physical health, get in shape, or become a lot of comfortable using self defense should you ever need to.”
“I have received a high level of personal attention in every class, which has been amazing as a beginner.”
Other martial arts here
“All of the coaches are amazing and I love how they combine Krav, BJJ, self defense and boxing!”
“Whether its BJJ, Krav, or Kickboxing, Forged offers a wide variety of classes.”
“I did some karate training like 30 years ago that I wasn't happy with.”
What members say
“They both love it and their coaches, Coach Jess and Coach Damien are amazing!”
“I have received a high level of personal attention in every class, which has been amazing as a beginner.”
“Everyone has been so welcoming, which has made trying something new much less daunting and been instrumental in motivating me to return to class on a weekly basis.”
“Beyond the various classes, Dennis partners with other instructors from around the country to offer intensive workshops to expand and further develop you skills and techniques.”
“And my son has been going for 4+ years and has been a great way to get exercise.”
“He left with the same initial impression ,so now this is something we are both doing for individual defense and self-confidence, all while promoting some great family time!”
From the reviews
I have been training at Forged for 9 years and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I highly recommend Forged as the place to learn, develop, and study martial arts. Whether its BJJ, Krav, or Kickboxing, Forged offers a wide variety of classes.
Forged has been a great place to learn martial arts. As someone who didn't start training until my mid 40s, I wanted a place that would be challenging but also understand that I'm not heading to the UFC. I get a great workout every time. The classes are a nice blend of workout and learning.
If you want to learn, improve, being a better version of yourself, this is the place where you need to train. Coach Dennis is one of this special trainer. This rare to find a gym like this. So go, try, stay and smile. The entire crew who works there is awesome. 🙏
Forged Self Defense Academy has been a life changer for me. I went through a brutal change in my life a few months ago and this class has helped me so much to cope with such an extremely difficult time.
New to BJJ? Start at Forged BJJ Krav Maga Self Defense Martial Arts Academy
Forged BJJ Krav Maga Self Defense Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Forged BJJ Krav Maga Self Defense Martial Arts Academy
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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