
Level 1
Beginners & all levelsGet straight into the action with our 60-minute Level 1 sessions — the fundamental scenarios of grappling (standing, guard work, and pinning) on a rotating curriculum.
From first-timers to competitors and kids — there's a class built for exactly where you are.

Get straight into the action with our 60-minute Level 1 sessions — the fundamental scenarios of grappling (standing, guard work, and pinning) on a rotating curriculum.

Master the art of live grappling in this 60-minute session. Level 2 ditches traditional formulas in favor of task-based learning and live resistance.

A high-intensity, 100% live environment for athletes preparing for competition — following the yearly competition schedule so you peak at the right time.

We run a Gi constraints-led-approach class 2–3 times a week for members who want to train in the kimono.
There's no choreographed drilling here. We use a game-based, constraints-led approach: short, focused scenarios with a clear goal and a live partner. By training against resistance from day one, you build skills that actually hold up when you roll — not memorized sequences that fall apart under pressure.
Classes run on situational play and live interactive games — you're training, not standing in line repeating a move 50 times.
Level 2 focuses on three main scenarios per class with 10-minute live rounds, following 2–3 month cycles that build real proficiency and endurance.
Beginners start in Level 1 (no-gi, beginner-friendly). Level 2 is recommended after 3–6 months. Comp training is an invite-only, 100% live environment for competitors.
South Boston BJJ provides world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling for everyone — from first-day beginners to advanced competitors. Our focus is simple: fostering high-level grapplers and a welcoming, ego-free culture in a safe, pristine environment. We've moved away from the formality of traditional martial arts to prioritize a supportive, informal learning space where student growth and camaraderie come first. Through a curriculum built on live, interactive engagement — situational games and live resistance instead of choreographed drilling — you'll develop real skills from day one and find a community dedicated to helping you reach your personal goals. We're located in Downtown Boston, in the heart of the Leather District, one block from South Station. Our clean 2,300-square-foot facility runs classes seven days a week and features premium Fuji tatami mats with an added subfloor, a remodeled bathroom and shower, A/C and heat year round, and storage for your belongings while you train.
A coach who invests in how you learn
At South Boston BJJ, our coaches are serious about being the best they can be — so they've joined a community of forward-thinking coaches, led by Greg Souders, who train with the constraints-led approach: a modern, games-based method grounded in motor-learning science. You learn by solving real problems on the mat — and build skill faster.

Owner and head instructor. Originally from San Diego, California, Ruben has been training and competing in Jiu-Jitsu since 2008. He has taught at multiple academies and competed globally in both Gi and No-Gi formats, and continues to advance his knowledge through competition and by visiting elite gyms around the world.

Adults' instructor. An attorney by trade, Matt was born in New York City and raised in Miami. He started BJJ in 2015, moved to Boston in 2019, and earned his brown belt in 2022 at South Boston BJJ. He specializes in submission grappling and teaches weekend mixed-level classes.

Assistant instructor and admin. A New York native who moved to Boston in the summer of 2020, Abdul started training in 2019 for his health and skill development. An optical engineer by profession, he's known for beginner-friendly instruction, particularly in half-guard positions.

Breakfast Club coach. Anthony moved to the US from Australia in 2020 and began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016. He works as a building engineer and enjoys coaching grappling while continuing to refine his own technique.
Find a class that fits your week. New students and drop-ins always welcome.
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
TL;DR: This place is amazing—5 stars! Highly recommend, and I can't wait to return. This is a clean, friendly, and safe place to train, with exceptional coaching and skilled practitioners. The people here are legit. You'll get great rolls without encountering crazy egos or anyone trying to hurt you. I've had the opportunity to take two morning no-gi classes with Jason, about a year apart, and as a coach and instructor myself, I'm absolutely blown away by what's happening here. These guys are taking the fundamental principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and applying them to coaching in an innovative way. In the most recent class, Jason had us play a series of games where each partner had opposing objectives — he didn't spoon-feed us the answers, he gave us the objectives and encouraged us to discover the solutions ourselves. It's like calculus for jiu-jitsu. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, attending one of these classes will be eye-opening. If you're considering training here, do it—you won't regret it.
During a recent work trip to Boston, I had the opportunity to discover South Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for training. After reading their mission statement on their website, I reached out and the owner, Coach Ruben, kindly welcomed me via Instagram to come and train. The atmosphere at the school was welcoming and good for learning jiu jitsu in a positive environment, which I found to be both safe and fun. It is also very clean. As a beginner accustomed to training mostly with women at my school in Miami, I initially felt a little insecure — but two of Coach Ruben's students came out to welcome me and lead me to the correct entrance. Coach Matt graciously partnered with me, focusing on the open-guard lesson taught by Coach Ruben. His patience, expertise, and kindness were greatly appreciated. I'll be back in one month and will definitely come again! The doggies are also a BIG PLUS.
I recently had the pleasure of training at South Boston Jiu Jitsu, and I can't say enough good things about this gym. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the cleanliness of the facility — the mats are spotless and the changing room was well-maintained. What truly sets it apart is the friendliness of the patrons. Everyone, from the seasoned black belts to the beginners, greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel right at home. The instructors are knowledgeable, approachable, and take the time to ensure everyone, regardless of skill level, understands the techniques. A top-notch choice for anyone looking to train in jiu jitsu in the Boston area. I highly recommend it!
I dropped in for a morning No-Gi class while in town for a work conference and had a wonderful time. It was a very productive class, starting right into positional constraint-led rounds with some live rounds at the end. As a smaller girl (blue belt, ~135lbs) I really appreciated the guys giving me competitive, controlled rounds. Everyone there was great to train with. The gym was spacious, clean, and comfortable. Definitely come check them out!
I was in Boston on business and wanted to keep my training consistent. Dropped into South Boston BJJ and they did not disappoint. Super clean gym. Anthony and Jason were fantastic instructors, breaking things down and making them super simple to execute. Training partners were awesome as well, making sure I put in the work without anyone getting hurt. I will definitely be coming back on my next visit to Boston!
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
No contract. No commitment. Just come train with us for a week and see what modern grappling instruction feels like. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.
“TL;DR: This place is amazing—5 stars! Highly recommend, and I can't wait to return. This is a clean, friendly, and safe place to train, with exceptional coaching and skilled practitioners. The people here are legit. You'll get great rolls without encountering crazy egos or anyone trying to hurt you. I've had the opportunity to take two morning no-gi classes with Jason, about a year apart, and as a coach and instructor myself, I'm absolutely blown away by what's happening here. These guys are taking the fundamental principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and applying them to coaching in an innovative way. In the most recent class, Jason had us play a series of games where each partner had opposing objectives — he didn't spoon-feed us the answers, he gave us the objectives and encouraged us to discover the solutions ourselves. It's like calculus for jiu-jitsu. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, attending one of these classes will be eye-opening. If you're considering training here, do it—you won't regret it.”
We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your first free class. See you on the mats.