Home › Massachusetts › Watertown › Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu
Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Watertown, 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Website & schedule bostonselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (508) 740-4872
The classes they run
“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.”
Other martial arts here
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
What members say
“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.”
“If the training isn’t enough, the people and community built by Sensei Nick is really like a family.”
“Classes I feel are a good balance of pushing your comfort zone and focusing on technique.”
“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.”
“Classes I feel are a good balance of pushing your comfort zone and focusing on technique.”
From the reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
New to BJJ? Start at Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu
Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu 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 Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu
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.
More BJJ gyms near Watertown
Kimura Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Watertown
4.9 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Submit Your Friend Brazilian Jiujitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site