Back to Basics Martial Arts & Fitness

Back to Basics Martial Arts & Fitness operates at 338 Newbury Street on the third floor in Boston, MA. Located in Boston's Back Bay, the school is founded and operated by head trainer Jeff Perez, a former United States Marine Corps infantry team leader who deployed twice to Al-Anbar, Iraq. Perez graduated from Umass Dartmouth, holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Stephen Whittier of SBG East Coast, ranks under Kru Mark Dellagrotte in Muay Thai, and holds a 5-2 record as a professional mixed martial artist. The academy delivers technical instruction across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coursework focuses on positional control, escapes, sweeps, chokes, and joint locks. Muay Thai classes develop striking power, pad rounds, and defensive movement. The facility also features free women's martial arts classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, alongside youth grappling programs that integrate wrestling and jiu-jitsu fundamentals to build tactical problem-solving and athletic coordination. Training emphasizes safety, functional skill development, and perseverance on the mats. Students of all experience levels can download the studio application or contact the gym to join an introductory class.