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About Us

Incredible Coaching

Great Culture

Top-Notch Facilities

Meet Our Instructors

Head instructor providing individual guidance.
Headshot of head instructor Dave Roy.

Dave Roy

Head Instructor

3rd Degree BJJ / No-Gi Black Belt

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Dave Roy is a pioneer of Mixed Martial Arts in New England. Realizing the paradigm shift in combat sports initiated by early UFC, Dave immediately partnered with Kirik Jenness to open the first MMA school in New England, New England Submission Fighting (NESF).


As the head instructor at BSF, Dave shares an extensive skill set built from decades of refining his craft. He brings a unique perspective to the mats, blending old and new-school techniques from various disciplines. His unparalleled ability to personalize instruction allows him to guide each individual student towards mastery.

Rank Timeline

  • Started Jiu-Jitsu (1993).
  • Blue belt under BJJ legend Renzo Gracie (1996).
  • Purple belt under UFC veteran Kenny Florian (2004).
  • Brown belt under UFC veteran Din Thomas (2009).
  • Black belt under Renzo Gracie/Ricardo Almeida black belt Chad Beatty (2012).

Career Highlights

Assistant instructor Jake Smith sparring.
Headshot of assistant instructor Jake Smith

Jake Smith

Desk Manager

Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Assistant instructor Alex Warren providing individual guidance.
Headshot of assistant instructor Alex Warren

Alex Warren

Assistant Instructor

Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Assistant instructor Jake O rolling.
Headshot of assistant instructor Jake O

Jake Ouellette

Assistant Instructor

Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt

Assistant instructor Alex Tsang sitting on the mats.
Headshot of assistant instructor Alex Tsang

Alex Tsang

Assistant Instructor

Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt

Group photo of students.

THE NEW COMBAT SPORTS CULTURE IN BOSTON

We're building a modern gym culture focused on skill development and great training. We encourage creativity and exploration, ensuring each and every student feels safe on our mats.

Train hard and have fun!

No Useless Warm-Ups.

Teaching Begins At The Start Of Class

Our classes begin with low intensity technical drilling, allowing students to begin learning right away. If you want more dedicated time to warm-up, you’re welcome to arrive a bit early or warm-up on your own at the start of class. We don’t require group warm-ups.

Running Late To Class? No Problem.

Train Whenever You Want

We want you to be able to train around your busy schedule. If you arrive late just check-in, get changed, and join us on the mat without disruption. Your training partner can get you up to speed. If you need to leave before class is done, just let your training partner know and head out.

All Students Are Respected, Regardless Of Their Rank.

We Treat All Students Equally

Ranking is meant to encourage and recognize skill development, not to segregate students. Training with partners of different skill levels is crucial to the learning process. Students may ask any other student to train, regardless of rank. Students are expected to share the mat space and be courteous of others, regardless of rank.

Train Wherever You Want.

Cross-Training Is Good

The world of combat sports is immense and growing fast. Cross-training is a fantastic way to explore new techniques, build connections in the martial arts community, and have a blast with new training partners. We are confident that you will benefit from training with us, so we feel no need to limit your training at other schools.

Don't Get Stuck In The Past

We Choose Techniques For Effectiveness, Not Tradition.

With 30+ years on the mats, we understand that this game is evolving constantly. It is important to adapt and implement new techniques to avoid becoming stale. If a technique works, we will do our best to safely integrate it into our curriculum.

We Don't Force You To Buy Our Gear

Wear Any Gear You Choose, Within Reason.

We value our students’ ability to express themselves and feel comfortable on the mats. Wear any gear you’d like. We only ask that you consider the safety and health of other students by adhering to our Dress Code guidelines. If you’re looking to rock some BSF gear, we have some for sale at the front desk.

No Endangering Your Partner For The Highlight Reel.

We Offer A Safe Training Environment

Technique applied recklessly is bad technique. Using intensity to overcome a lack of technical understanding and control is unacceptable. While we encourage our students to occasionally test themselves at higher intensity, we expect them to always have the safety of their training partner in mind.

Our Top-Notch Facility

Large Mat Space

Large Mat Space

Mats are thoroughly cleaned after every session.

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A Rich History In Combat Sports

Historic photo of Dave Roy with Renzo Gracie.

The Early Days

In November of 1993, a small group of Karate students watched as Royce Gracie made history by dominating the first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 1) with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Among these students was head instructor for BSF, Dave Roy. Realizing the imminent paradigm shift in martial arts, Dave partnered with Kirik Jenness to open New England Submission Fighting (NESF). Located in Amherst, NESF is the oldest Mixed Martial Arts school in New England in continuous operation.

Dave Roy in MMA competition.

Strong Roots in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu

The foundation of BSF was built during the early stages of MMA. The style was forged through the fire of the fight game, and has retained the grit and effectiveness developed through this process. Dave Roy implemented a strong technical base, with well-rounded fundamentals and a focus on closing distance to take the fight to the ground.

No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu competition moment.

An Adaptive Approach To An Evolving Sport

Over time the martial arts community evolved, and submission grappling developed as its own sport outside the world of MMA. The focus on grappling attracted more than just MMA fighters. New techniques became available in a setting where strikes were not a factor. BSF adapted, carrying its MMA roots into the world of No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. With elements of Wrestling and Judo, BSF has developed a dominant style for No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.

Boston Submission Fighting grand opening photo.

New Beginnings In Greater Boston

In October of 2023, Kirik took over as head instructor in Amherst while Dave relocated to the Greater Boston Area to open Boston Submission Fighting (formerly NESF Boston). With one of the only dedicated No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu programs in the area, the school offers a uniquely modern approach to grappling arts. Old and new school techniques are blended together to form a well-rounded system. The culture of BSF is truly one-of-a-kind. Come see for yourself with a free trial class!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does your gym have a shower?

Yes, our gym is equipped with shower facilities for all members to use after training.

Does your gym allow cross-training?

Yes, we encourage our students to cross-train at other schools. We believe that training with a variety of partners and instructors is beneficial for skill development and growth in the martial arts.

Are warm-ups useful in BJJ?

Traditional warm-ups can be a waste of time. We start our classes with low intensity technical drilling, allowing students to begin learning right away. If you want more dedicated time to warm-up, you’re welcome to arrive a bit early or warm-up on your own at the start of class. We don’t require group warm-ups.