The Institute of Combative Arts in Quincy offers high-quality instruction in various martial arts disciplines, including Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Chan Karate. The gym is led by David, an experienced instructor with an impressive background in martial arts, having served in the U.S. Army for eight years and trained under the tutelage of the Gracie family. The Institute of Combative Arts is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, where students of all levels are supported and encouraged to learn. The GJJ program focuses on self-defense and safety, with a structured curriculum that emphasizes the core techniques before progressing to more advanced sparring. The Combatives program, unique to Gracie BJJ, is designed to minimize newbie injuries and foster a more inclusive environment. In addition to GJJ, the gym also offers Chan Karate, which concentrates on practical self-defense applications. Students can choose to add this or other martial arts disciplines to their membership at an additional cost. The instruction at the Institute of Combative Arts is described as clear, precise, and methodical, making it highly beneficial for aspiring martial artists. The gym also hosts seminars led by outside practitioners, providing students with opportunities to learn from a wider range of experts. Overall, the Institute of Combative Arts is a gem in the community, offering a unique and friendly culture, as well as high-quality instruction in a variety of martial arts. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, the gym is a welcoming and supportive environment to develop your skills and explore the world of martial arts.
GRACIE JIUJITSU I've been practicing Jiujitsu for 9 years now, on and off due to travelling and relocating for work. Through this time I've trained consistently in a total of 5 jiujitsu gyms (in the US and abroad) and tried out countless others. Through all of that I can say with extreme emphasis that not all gyms and instructors are created equal. In 2021 I started training at The Institute of Combative Arts (Gracie Jiujitsu) in Quincy. I was skeptical at first...it looks like an abandoned building and has no signs except a tiny sticker on the door. I even called ahead after booking my trial class online/through email to make sure it was the correct address. When I showed up for class, I knew it was the gym for me. I had tried a few other gyms in the area and did not like the energy of the gyms nor attitudes/styles of the instructors. When I walked into IOCA, I felt welcome and comfortable. They create a community, a family here, and that is how a jiujitsu gym should be. I joined the combatives program, which is unique to gracie BJJ. It focuses on a series of core Jiujitsu moves and makes it very easy to track your progress. There is NO sparring in this program. This is also something I've noticed is unique to Gracie. This is to focus on learning the core techniques before rolling with an opponent and helps to minimize newbie injuries and create a more inclusive and less competitive environment. This is because IOCA focuses on self defense jiujitsu for combatives class. After you reach stripe 2 you are invited to Reflex Development Classes that helps you train for your combatives belt test. When you take your test, you receive a white belt with blue stripes. This opens up Master cycle classes where you can learn more advanced jiujitsu techniques (sometimes referred to as Sport Jiujitsu techniques). Master Cycle includes classes of technique, sparring, gi and no gi. They also offer a Fight Sim class that includes the use of gloves and incorporates strikes. A complete gi with belt are included in your tuition. Your tuition also locks when you join, IOCA will never raise your tuition fee even if the membership price rises. There are both male and female changing rooms, a rest room, heat and AC. There is free street parking all around the gym. CHAN KARATE The gym also offers other martial arts classes including Eskrima and Karate. At any time during your membership you can add or remove other types of martial arts to your package. Last I checked it was 20 additional dollars a month to your membership per additional art. I am also a member of Chan Karate. I was interested in learning a striking art to compliment my jujitsu. CK is unique as it focuses on the practical self defense application of Karate. It’s also a fantastic workout. To participate in this class you must have an institute of combative arts gi, a Karate white belt is given to you, and if you have heavy gloves (from karate, boxing or kick boxing etc) if you do not have gloves you can purchase them at the gym. OVERALL It is a great gym for both advanced jiujitsu practitioners and those curious to try it out. Classes run about 1 hour to 1hr 15 min. A variety of swag and supplies are sold at the gym. They also have kids classes (Bully proof), so it is something your whole family can get into. The atmosphere of extremely welcoming so even if you are just curious, come out and try a class, it’s worth it. Outside practitioners come in an lead seminars each year. The photo attached here is me with Carlos Diaz at our last seminar!
I've been training at the Institute of Combative Arts for over 7 years and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The instructions are clear and precise, and the courses are structured and methodical. Training here would be highly beneficial to any aspiring martial artist!