Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

"Since I have known Dennis, I have noticed an extraordinary ability in him to learn and perform the technical aspects needed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition to his ability to learn, he is exceptional in the way he is able to adapt the technique to fit the way he teaches his students in both BJJ and MMA. Dennis' good instruction definitely shows through his students quality performance whom I have certified personally."

Kenny Florian-Professional UFC fighter and BJJ Black Belt

DWMMA student BJJ lineage page

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground fighting art. It offers a physically weaker opponent the superior technique and leverage skills needed to defeat a larger opponent despite the strength difference.

There are a variety of techniques that are taught, such as chokes, joint locks, escapes and reversals. These techniques are practiced with a partner ending in a position where they have no alternative but to "give up" or "submit".

One of the highlights of this art is the ability to practice at 100%, unlike other martial art forms. This makes it extremely challenging and a great workout. Once you have properly learned how to apply these techniques to your partner, they will not be able to escape and will have to "tap out", signalling an end to the match with no one getting hurt.

In a street self-defense situation, you have the option of taking the techniques further than you ever would in class, actually causing injury to end the fight.

At Dragon Within Martial Arts, the skills are taught from the ground up. As a beginner you can walk in, take a class and start practicing your holds and escapes right away with other students and instructors. Advanced students will learn more of the finer points of grappling and jiu-jutsu such as redirecting attacks and other techniques.

Come to Dragon Within Martial Arts and get started with us today!

I am 39 years old, married with two young children. I have been learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) at Dragon Within Martial Arts since January 2006. As a sport, BJJ is a great way to develop conditioning, flexibility and strength. As a martial art, BJJ is a practical and effective method of self-defense. Aside from the physical benefits, the classes are a great way to get rid of stress.

I work as a portfolio manager in Boston and given my busy work and travel schedule it is important that there are plenty of opportunities to take classes during the week. In addition I have been able to take advantage of one-on-one classes with instructor Dennis as well as attending the seminars run by BJJ black belt Kenny Florian.

I enjoy the friendly and relaxed training environment and the instructors create a positive atmosphere for self-development. Ultimately this is a fun and rewarding activity. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a physical challenge.

Ian Hart

A History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu means "The Soft Art". It was the ancient martial art of the Japanese samurais many centuries ago. With the change of times, the samurais were no longer needed and left aside while their Jiu-Jitsu was forgotten. Master Jigoro Kano reshaped the art, emphasizing takedowns and immobilizations and turning it into the now popular sport of judo.

Luckily in the early 1900s one Jiu-Jitsu master called Maeda Koma was sent to Brazil to lead a Japanese immigrant mission. After being helped by Brazilian diplomat Gastao Gracie, Koma decided to show his gratitude by teaching the art of Jiu-Jitsu to his sons. That?s when the legacy of the Gracie Family and the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu started.

Carlos learned directly from the Japanese master and in 1925 opened the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro. Helio, the youngest and smallest of the Gracie brothers, adapted the old Japanese techniques to his small body and developed new ones as well. He created a highly effective style of ground fighting based on leverage instead of power.

In order to prove that their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective martial art in the world, over the past 70 years Grand Master Helio Gracie, his brothers, sons, nephews, grandsons and students have challenged and defeated much bigger opponents from all styles of fighting: boxing, karate, kung fu, judo, wrestling, Muay-Thai.

In the early 90s, the Gracies shocked the world when they used their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques on TV to reign supreme at famous Ultimate Fighting events in America and in Japan. Brothers Royce and Rickson Gracie were the pioneers of a new era: they used chokes and locks to submit all their opponents regardless of size or style. The world of martial arts would never be the same again.

Visit Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts today!
26 Howley St Peabody, MA 01960

Call: 978-531-8511

Here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts we teach brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, BJJ, MMA, Kickboxing, under Kenny Florian and Matt Thornton for salem, lynn, peabody, danvers, marblehead, swampscot, beverly, middleton, wakefield, saugus, MA, and the North Shore