I met Dennis in 2002 when he opened Curves for Woman in Salem. I stopped going after a while.
I unexpectedly ran into Dennis in 2006 and was excited to hear that he had opened a new gym called DWMMA. He spoke to me about his Boxing, Thai Kickboxing, MMA, and Self Defense classes that were being offered through his gym. Because of my past experience with Dennis I knew it would be a great workout and excellent opportunity to learn self-defense.
Dennis immediately made me feel comfortable and increased my confidence and motivation level. He pushed me to do my best and always stressed the importance of proper technique. I definitely feel like I have accomplished something for myself by attending DWMMA and my motivation hasn’t wavered. He continuously makes the classes interesting, fun and routines constantly vary. He truly pushes me to believe in myself and to do things that I never thought would be possible. I have been seeing amazing results, increased strength, energy and confidence in myself.
I not only feel better about my physical self but with his help I truly feel better in mind, body, and spirit.
Ann Blouin
I have studied kickboxing at Dragon within Martial Arts for the past year and a half. When I first joined, I didn’t know what to expect. I had never thrown a kick or a punch. But as a woman I always wanted to learn self-defense. I’m sure Dennis would agree that I have come a long way since my first day. I am a blue-belt now, which I am extremely proud of and I feel as if I am part of something greater.
The sport has become a part of my life that I am truly passionate about. It has improved my mood, coordination, concentration and conditioning. As a result, I am in the best shape of my life, physically and mentally and I feel more confident than I have ever felt.
If I have a bad day, I look forward to taking my kickboxing class in a positive, professional, energetic and dynamic atmosphere and release any negative energy. This is my outlet.
On a more important note - Dennis is great! He has the patience of a saint.
Yamilet Toro
Client Manager
When I joined DWMMA a little over three years ago, I was predominately interested in the Filipino Jiu-Jitsu program as a practical self-defense system. Having studied various styles of martial arts over the years, I was interested in Dennis' approach to ranges – i.e. kicking, boxing, clinch and ground-fighting – and his emphasis on bringing the training "alive". Drills are important, but the DWMMA approach is not about the boring repetition of the techniques in the air. Students are encouraged to think about, learn and apply the techniques under realistic circumstances. As my training progressed, and to improve my ground game and sparring, I naturally became interested in the BJJ and MMA training offered by DWMMA. All three programs are designed to work together to develop well-rounded and complete fighter – be it on your feet or on the ground, on the mat or on the street.
Dennis, Mike and Alan are awesome instructors and we've got
a great mix of students training at DWMMA – from life-long martial artists, to serious competitors to health enthusiasts looking for a challenging workout. As such, I have no hesitation in recommending Dragon Within to the serious martial artist, an aspiring MMA fighter, or someone just looking to lose a few
pounds.
Andrew Boyd
Senior Vice President
I am 42 years old, married with three 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 held at the gym by Dennis’s instructors.
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
I have always been active in athletics. I run, lift weights, and play basketball and lacrosse on occasion. Even with all that I was getting bored and frustrated with my workout routine. I had always loved martial arts and I earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do as a kid. I found DWMMA and decided to take a trial week. I was hooked instantly! I started with only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but have since grown into boxing and MMA as well. I find that it's an amazing workout and overall experience. The gym is clean and well outfitted with a large mat space, boxing ring, section of cage and numerous bags. The instruction is top notch. Dennis, Mike and Alan are all in sync as instructors yet each brings a unique style to their lessons.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might seem intimidating for a female however at DWMMA it is not. You are only pushed to your limit to maintain a safe workout. Everyone there, instructor and student alike, are there to help one another build their knowledge. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an amazing workout, which I would recommend to anyone, male or female, looking to get in shape!
Tara Kelly
I called DWMMA the morning I heard that a woman was attacked a few minutes from my house, walking the same route that I had walked a thousand times before when I was commuting to Boston. It is hard for me to admit, but at 5'1'', 125 pounds, it is important for me to learn how to take care of myself. I have tried Kempo and Okinawan styles of karate before, but classes were geared more towards memorizing kata's than providing hands-on training. With a demanding job, a fairly active social calendar and a DVR all vying for my attention, I also wanted something that motivated me to work out.
All classes at DWMMA are structured to promote fitness and self-defense. The MMA/Total Defense Program is perfect for anyone who wants to learn practical street fighting techniques. The boxing and kickboxing classes not only provide intense aerobic workouts, but also are great for improving striking and footwork. BJJ, which was invented to give smaller people a fighting chance, is great for flexibility and endurance. Everything that I learn, I learn by doing through sparring with others. I find myself looking forward to classes, and even trying to improve myself outside of class. There are multiple classes every day, which is great for people with unpredictable schedules. Instructors are knowledgeable, patient and encourage questions. Most importantly, though, every class offers an unbelievable work out that is accessible to everyone. You don't have to be super fit to do well. You just have to be able to stand on your own two feet. I am getting into the best shape of my life and I get to throw people around doing it.
Amy Grey
I’m a huge fan of DWMMA and everything they do. I’ve dropped my weight from 296 to 264 in 6 months, all while developing skills that will serve me well lifelong. And, the good news is that it’s just the beginning. Through more hard work and feeding off the knowledge and energy of those around me, I expect and know that my efforts will continue to positively affect every aspect of my life.
Matthew J. Fraser
I have been training Thai Kickboxing at DWMMA for a little over two years. I initially signed up because I was bored of the typical workout routines that I was limited to at standard gyms and wanted to try something new and challenging. What I found was a great, intense workout in a fun and supportive environment.
Dennis and the other instructors are great. They really push you to get as much out of each class as possible. At the same breaking down all of the techniques and making sure that you have proper form. They stress the importance of taking drills "alive", so it's more then just about memorizing a 15 count or a boxing feed but being able to defend or attack when an opponent is resisting.
Aside from the Thai Kickboxing I also participate in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA classes at DWMMA. I have found that all of the classes really compliment each other and help to make you more well rounded when it comes to self defense.
If you are looking for a great workout and a way to get in shape and relieve stress all while learning self defense techniques at the same time I would highly recommend coming in and checking out a class at DWMMA.
Keith Doty
Dragon Within has probably saved my life. I don't write that sentence in a fit of hyperbole or to be overly dramatic; it's just the God's honest truth. Before I walked into Dragon Within, I was a brittle Type 1 diabetic pushing 300lbs, my cholesterol was well above 1600, I had chronic back and shoulder problems, my blood sugars were through the roof and I had daily habits that would make a Belushi brother blush. Nearly a year later, I've lost 40lbs, my cholesterol has dropped 1500 points (not a typo), my diabetes is in better control than it's ever been, my back and shoulder feel better than they have in years, and I've been able to instill a sense of discipline and self-preservation into a lifestyle that never once experienced it. Obviously, most of that hard work has been my own doing, but without the tools given to me by Dragon Within, my current state of reclaimed health would not have been possible.
But it isn't even the physical aspect of Dragon Within that has provided me the greatest benefit - rather, for me, it has been the mental growth gained that has been the most valuable. I walk out of every class feeling like I can conquer the world, and watching my skills and habits improve in classes has given me a confidence that I can master skills once thought unattainable. Many look at only Muay Thai or Jiu-Jitsu classes as a way of getting physically stronger, but the mental strength and confidence gained in these exercises is just as important, if not more so.
And I simply can't say enough about the people who work at Dragon Within. There are no such things as "favoritism" or "advanced classes" or anything of the like, rather, everyone, be they a first-timer or a long-time student, is treated equally and with the same level of fairness. Everyone performs the same exercises. Everyone learns the same lessons. Everyone is offered the same level of help and guidance from the instructors, who truly make everyone feel welcome. There is no caste system at Dragon Within, and what ensues is a sense of family, comerodery and a feeling of "we're all in this together."
To any who might be considering taking a class at Dragon Within, I would not only suggest it, but I would dare say that doing so could only change your life for the better. I certainly know it has changed mine.
Ben Zani, NBA.com writer and EBSCO Sales Representative
When I started looking at MMA schools to train at it was a little intimidating, as I didn't know what to expect. What I found at DWMMA was a world class gym with a staff to match. The students/instructors are all very helpful and make you feel welcomed. It's an environment where there are no egos. You can challenge yourself while getting a great workout in a safe and friendly environment.
Jay Sartori
I have been studying MMA, BJJ, and Thai Kickboxing at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts for almost two years. During my time here, my self confidence, discipline, and level of skill have all grown immensely. I have become physically and mentally stronger and found positive ways to manage stress. The encouragement and support of the instructors have given me the tools to become a better fighter. They make you feel comfortable even when you don't think you have the confidence to do it. If you’re looking to join a martial arts school for fitness or for competition, DWMMA is the perfect school for you!
Shannon Harney
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11 Franklin St. Salem, MA 01970
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