Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu
About
Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu offers training in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a focus on practical self defense applications. The school emphasizes American Jiu Jitsu, a style that blends techniques from various disciplines to create real world effectiveness. Owner and head instructor Sensei Nick brings over 25 years of experience and teaches with clear explanations, positive energy, and a commitment to seeing students improve daily. Assistant instructors provide knowledgeable support, creating a structured yet adaptable learning environment for all skill levels. The gym welcomes adults with day jobs who train several nights per week, balancing technique development with physical conditioning in a professional setting.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Sensei Nick as an exceptional instructor who teaches with clarity, positive energy, and genuine care for student progress. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere that makes beginners feel comfortable and accommodated, even those with injuries or no prior experience. Students appreciate the practical, real world self defense focus and the balance between challenging workouts and technical instruction. Many mention the supportive community of fellow students and assistant instructors, with several long term members noting how training has positively transformed their fitness, confidence, and overall lifestyle.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Justin Gordon
6 years ago
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. 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. We’re all adults with day jobs who come together a few nights per week to learn techniques that are not only are useful for self-defense but can improve your life outside of the mat in ways you never expected until you try it. Why not give it a shot and come down for an intro? Your future self will thank you!
Max Lein
2 years ago
I’ve been training here for almost 9 months and am really glad I got started. It’s fun, practical and great exercise. It really helps to motivate me to build my fitness level and get better in all things. Sensei Nick is an amazing teacher and has great energy, explains things very clearly and I laugh hard at least once every class. The assistant instructors are very knowledgeable and always willing to help with techniques, and the overall environment is very friendly and approachable for people of any skill and fitness level. Give it a try!
Mo Chanmugham
10 years ago
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. All the students I met were friendly, professional, and very skilled in their training. There were several green, brown, and black belts who were training there. The school focuses on the practical application of Jiu Jitsu in real life scenarios. If you are a newbie like me and looking for a place to learn self-defense from great instructors you will find that here.
Nick Vitale
6 years ago
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. 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. In the beginning classes were very changing, but doable and I was able to pace as I found necessary until my conditioning was up to par. Classes I feel are a good balance of pushing your comfort zone and focusing on technique. Sensei Nick does a great job of taking jui jitsu (and some elements of other styles) and applying solid technique in self defense scenarios. He also brings 100% tenacity to every class and he always demonstrates the characteristics of a leader. Which in turn you can see in his extended assistant instructors, as well. My overall experience here, has always been positive with the instructors as well as everyone I've trained with. I've learned alot, grown from it, and look forward to continue training here with a great community of people and friends.
Wendy Cort
7 years ago
I've been training at the Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu for about 6 months. I've had an interest in martial arts for a long time and I wish I'd known how much I'd love it and signed up sooner. I was really nervous about going having no prior martial arts experience, but they were so inclusive and welcoming and made sure to meet me where I was at as a beginner. My strength, balance, coordination and confidence have all increased significantly. Sensei Nick is an exceptional instructor who is full of integrity and teaches in such a constructive, effective and positive way. This teaching style is also emulated by his assistant instructors, who provide a ton of individualized support to the students. I had several injuries to consider when coming in and they were so accommodating with modifications to ensure they weren't exacerbated, and as I've gotten stronger and more skilled, I don't really have problems from my injuries at this point because of the effective way the instructors teach. It's a "real life" style of teaching that you can use on the streets to defend yourself. Going to training is one of the best parts of my week and I highly recommend this place!
Contact
201 Arlington St, Watertown, MA 02472, USA