Classes

Straight Blast Gym East Coast is not only the most award-winning professional mixed martial arts academy in Massachusetts’ South Coast, it is also internationally renowned for its high quality instructional and learning environment for students of all levels – from beginners through to advanced students and competitors.

As an organization, SBG is well known for its unique training methods and world class athletes (with multiple world champions, including the first 2-weight division UFC World Champion, Conor McGregor). Our true passion, however, is helping students of all ages and motivations for learning martial arts to be their best and reach all of their personal goals. Our highly trained staff of instructors specializes in taking beginners (from kids to men and women in their 60’s) from day one and teaching them everything they need to progress in our curriculum. Unlike many other MMA facilities, you will never “throw you to the wolves”! Each one of our students is considered part of our team and family.

An evolved form of traditional Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was originally developed by the famed Gracie of Brazil in the most proven self-defense martial art in the world. Instead of relying striking techniques like most martial arts, BJJ maximizes superior leverage and control, making it effective even against larger, stronger, and more athletic opponents. Best of all, it is an incredible, boredom-busting workout that will enhance your strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and agility – not to mention a ton of fun!

Here at Straight Blast Gym East we are lucky enough to have the South Coast & Greater New Bedford area’s most senior BJJ instructor, 4th degree black belt Stephen Whittier, as our head instructor. Stephen is respected by students and fellow instructors around the world for his “40 Plus BJJ” program, has coached athletes at the highest levels of Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts competition.

It’s true, Muay Thai kickboxing is the “king” of striking martial arts and one of the fastest-growing workouts in the U.S. (where students can burn up to 1,000 calories a class while learning highly effective self-defense at the same time)… But if you want to learn real Muay Thai in the area, don’t settle for anything less than SBG East Coast!

Known as “the art of the eight limbs,” Muay Thai is the science of integrating punches, elbows, knees, and kicks into a seamless and devastating striking style. And SBG East Coast is the home of Southern Massachusetts’ highest ranking Muay Thai instructor, head coach Stephen Whittier, and the senior affiliate of Sityodtong Muay Thai, the most legendary training camp in all of Thailand! Our unique training methods allow our students to train safely and at their own pace and comfort level as they develop skills they never thought possible. Experience the SBG difference today!

Our mission for our Growing Gorillas Youth Martial Arts Leadership & After School Programs is to build champions in mind and body – and we have helped hundreds of kids and teens from around the South Coast region to do just that!

Martial arts programs everywhere claim to help kids and teens increase confidence, develop self-discipline and other qualities. But what is their system for actually accomplishing these benefits? At SBG, our process is proven – that’s why we are the area’s trusted choice for school administrators, PTA leaders and their kids.

Our age specific programs include an industry-leading leadership program, and all of our curriculums are developed by professional educators as well as the area’s most experienced martial arts instructors to ensure your child gets the best possible experience.