Now enrolling β€” BJJ Kids & Mini Ninjas, ages 2.5 and up Enroll now →
πŸ₯‹ Charlestown & Somerville, MA

Build confidence.
Build strength.
Build character.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and self-defense for kids and adults β€” taught by two world-champion black belts who know every student by name.

Families from nine Greater Boston towns train with us every week.
Coach leading a kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Ippon Sports Academy
Coach teaching technique to two young students at Ippon Sports Academy
Kids martial arts class celebrating with their coach
Free First class, always
2.5+Youngest age we teach
15+Years teaching martial arts
2World-class black belts
9Greater Boston towns served
Our Programs

Martial arts for every goal

Whether you're looking for kids' after-school activities, personal fitness, self-defense skills, or corporate team building β€” there's a program built for you.

World-Class Instructors

Learn from champions

Our instructors aren't just certified coaches β€” they're world-champion competitors who bring elite-level knowledge to every single class.

Sensei Michelle Marques, head instructor and BJJ black belt at Ippon Sports Academy

Sensei Michelle Marques

Head Instructor Β· BJJ & Judo Black Belt

World Championships, Pan American Championships, Brazilian Nationals, and American Nationals title holder in both Gi and No-Gi. Holds a degree in Physical Education from Methodist University in Brazil. Former amateur MMA fighter turned passionate coach dedicated to developing the next generation of martial artists.

  • World Champion
  • Pan American Champion
  • B.S. Physical Education
Coach Fernanda Araujo, lead instructor and BJJ black belt at Ippon Sports Academy

Coach Fernanda Araujo

Lead Instructor Β· BJJ & Judo Black Belt

Professional fighter with deep expertise across striking and grappling. Black belts in both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Competed professionally in MMA and boxing. Training in martial arts since age 3, Fernanda brings a lifetime of competitive experience and teaching passion to every session.

  • Pro MMA & Boxing
  • Dual Black Belt
  • Training since age 3
After school martial arts class at St. John's Parish House in Charlestown, MA
Why Families Choose Ippon

A real academy, not a belt factory

We keep classes small enough that every student gets corrected, encouraged and known. Kids learn discipline before they learn submissions. Adults get a training partner, not a sales pitch.

  • Two black-belt head coaches on the mat β€” never a rotating cast of assistants.
  • Programs from age 2.5 (Mini Ninjas) through adult competition teams.
  • Convenient after-school and evening times in Charlestown and Somerville.
  • Competition opportunities for students who want them β€” never required.
  • Your first class is free, and there's nothing to buy to try it.
Weekly Schedule

Class schedule

Full schedule & booking
DayTimeClassLocation
Tuesday 4:30–5:00 PM Mini Ninjas (Ages 2.5–5) St. John's Parish House, Charlestown
Tuesday 5:00–6:00 PM BJJ Kids (Ages 6–12) St. John's Parish House, Charlestown
Tuesday 7:00–8:00 PM BJJ Adults Sityodtong, Somerville
Wednesday 4:30–5:30 PM Muay Thai Kids Charlestown YMCA
Thursday 4:15–4:45 PM Mini Ninjas (Ages 2.5–5) Charlestown YMCA
Thursday 4:45–5:45 PM BJJ Kids (Ages 6–12) Charlestown YMCA
Thursday 7:00–8:00 PM BJJ Adults Sityodtong, Somerville

Classes run at three venues across Charlestown and Somerville. New students are welcome in any class β€” just let us know you're coming.

Areas We Serve

Serving Greater Boston

Based in Charlestown with adult classes in Somerville. Proudly serving families across the Greater Boston area.

St. John's Parish House

27 Devens St, Charlestown, MA

Mini Ninjas Β· BJJ Kids

Charlestown YMCA

150 3rd Ave, Charlestown, MA

Mini Ninjas Β· BJJ Kids Β· Muay Thai Kids

Sityodtong

Somerville, MA

BJJ Adults
Inside the Academy

Real classes. Real students.

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Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA
Martial arts training at Ippon Sports Academy in Charlestown, MA

Get your child on the mats

Enrolling takes about three minutes: pick a plan, sign the waiver, done. Month-to-month has no commitment, and you can cancel any time.

No experience needed Β· All ages 2.5+ Β· Want a free class first? Email us