WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
I entered this gym not knowing ANYTHING about Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai. I was looking for a new activity/outlet and little did I know that i had just entered one of the most truly special places I’ve ever known. My first day, Jeff (the owner/instructor) very happily greeted me and asked me how soon I was available to go into a class. Almost like he already knew I was going to fall in love with the sport and the gym. He was correct…
A year later, I look back at my time in this gym so fondly and thankful for what it did for me. I changed so much as a person training here, and the biggest reason came from the confidence and gratitude I gained from training with such superb coaches and a team full of wonderful students all eager to learn. If it weren’t for the fact that I had to leave Boston for work, I’d still be on the Back 2 Basics mats with everyone. Vick, Roger, Jacobo, and Jeff will show you everything you need to know on your first day, and by the end of your first class, they’ll have you eager to come back and learn more!
So, if you are reading this and still thinking about whether or not to train at Back 2 Basics, stop what you’re doing, head over to the gym, shake Jeff’s hand and tell him you read Lucas’ google review, and book your first class!
To Jeff, Vick, Roger, and Jacobo, you guys are the very best, and thank you for all you do for your students.
- Lucas Rodriguez
Growing up, I went to many different martial arts schools and fight gyms. I can confidently say that Back To Basics has been the most influential and impactful in my life. Not only do you receive masterclass lessons and private classes, but the community built within this gym is like no other. Whether you’re new to combat sports or a seasoned fighter, there's a place for you in this gym
Every person who teaches lessons here is highly skilled and talented. The coaches here can break down complex techniques and concepts and make them understandable for everyone so easily. They possess an incredible ability to find the smallest detail in your form and help you correct it. A memorable experience of mine was when Jeff, the owner of the gym, noticed my lethargic movements during practice one day, and instead of assuming I was just being “ tired” or “ not pushing myself hard enough”. Jeff realized that what was happening was that my body was slowly shutting down and my nervous system was going into shock. This level of awareness is on another level, and the coaches here treat everyone with that level of attention.
In my 20 years alive I’ve trained at 8 other combat sport gyms and the community at this gym is like no other I’ve experienced. Everyone here is so sweet and patient with you. It doesn’t matter what experience level you have, you will instantly feel welcomed. Thy Gym is also one of the most cleanly fight gyms in Boston.
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- Eric Huynh
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I've worked and trained with Jeff Perez for a little over 3 years now. Having worked with him, he's taught and helped me improve my wrestling game, and my jiu jitsu by leaps and bounds. The way he teaches is very technical and intelligent, but very easy to understand, which makes learning all the more simple to grasp and apply. I have been very successful in my own career to this point, and that is in NO small part to Jeff and the knowledge I've been given from him and continue to take as time goes on. Having him in your corner is something to be proud of. You're in great hands.
- Jay Perrin, UFC Contender Series
My wife and I started our Jiujitsu journey with coach Jeff back in 2008. We took private lessons with him, which we still reference today in training as brown belts. Jeff’s ability to communicate and coach with clear and constructive feedback has produced great results for both of us in our jiujitsu journey. Jeff is still one of our favorite training partners and coaches today. We always leave the mat having learned something after slapping hands with him. Jeff is also a great guy off the mat. He exemplifies what jiujitsu is all about, and that’s tribe. Jeff is someone that I look forward to seeing regardless if we are training. He is an all around great guy, and I whole heartedly believe that anyone will improve their life and training with him as their coach and friend.
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- Steve Botelho, BJJ Brown Belt
You know Bryant Johnson, the personal trainer who dropped and did three push-ups in front of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s coffin at the Capital? That’s who Jeff is. Yes, Jeff is a professional cage fighter. Yes, he served in the Marines. But don’t let that fool you – he cares about everyone’s fitness, no matter hold old or sick. I started training with Jeff a couple of years ago after undergoing months of chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. My heart was damaged so sometimes I just had to sit down. Jeff is a master at combining humor with exercises that he customizes on the fly to suit each individual’s ability. Each time I wanted to quit Jeff convinced me to keep going, to just do what little I could and keep showing up. You see, Jeff is a true fighter – not just an MMA fighter, but a fighter for his clients’ lives, health and fitness. I am so grateful to Jeff for my health, and highly recommend him for clients of all ages and fitness levels.
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- Carol Winkler