Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu

I’ve been attending Theodorou Academy for just under 2 years, and have a background in Shotokan Karate and briefly in MMA. That said, you DON’T need experience to start here; my past martial arts education, while also great, was nearly the opposite of the teaching style and curriculum at this school.
Theodorou Academy has a great balance: fun, varied classes that let you learn a wide variety of techniques, but with a fairly solid curriculum and underlying structure that help you plan your own education at the school and go at your own pace.
There are two things I really appreciate about this place:
1) It’s not competitive. Everyone at this school goes at their own pace, on their own time, as their own life allows, and that’s completely fine. I like to come down as often as possible; other people only come down a couple times a month.
2) This school fosters a sense of community as much as possible. Students are supportive of each other both in the dojo and out; after each monthly belt test, there are usually a few people who go out to a local bar together to celebrate. People who have major life events while they train here are often appreciated or congratulated; if you’ve been gone for a while, you usually receive a jovial welcome when you get back on the mat.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this place to anyone interested in the martial arts unless you are looking to fight competitively.

This is a great school if you plan to start any martial arts program. The ratio between higher ranks and instructors to lower ranks is rare. That tells you something either about the head instructor and the type of student that practices here.
It takes a while, but if you put your heart and mind into it, black belt is quite attainable.
The facilities are good, but if I could, i would give it a 4.99 star rating because the changing rooms can get a bit crowded. But once you’re on the mat, there’s plenty of room for throws, sweeps and rolls. AC wold be a big plus during the summer months, but I’m sure they didn’t have the most ideal training conditions during the feudal Japanese era. I mention this because some of the techniques have been handed down from that long ago.

This is the best school in Boston for practical and realistic self-​defense training. The instructor to student ratio is better than any other school I have tried. The instructors are great and the curriculum is no nonsense! If great Martial arts training is what you’re looking for you’ll find it here! But that’s not the only thing you’ll take away. I’ve learned patience and confidence along with meeting great friends. This is a special place.