Instructors
Our instructors offer the finest instruction money can buy. Learning martial arts will teach you focus, discipline, memory, goal setting, respect, confidence, and the realization of the effort that it takes to become a self confident individual.
Owner/Head Instructor
Dave Spero
Dave has been involved in Martial Arts for over 26 years. First enrolling in Karate at age 15, Dave progressed to Jeet Kune Do, and then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Dave is currently a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Daniel Gazoni (Brazilian Top Team) and a certified Kru under the tutelage of Ajarn Nelson Siyavong. Some of Dave’s past achievements are:
- 2011 Grapplers Quest World Championship Division Winner No-Gi
- 2011 Grapplers Quest World Championship Absolute 3rd Place
- 2011 Grapplers Quest Boston 1st Place Division No-Gi
- 2011 Grapplers Quest Boston 3rd Place Absolute
- 2010-2019 6-2 MMA Record
- 2017 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt under Professors Daniel Gazoni and Joao Amaral at Brazilian Top Team
- 2017 Achieved level 1 Kru Muy Thai Coach Ajarn Nelson Siyavong
- 2019 170 lb. Combat Zone MMA Champion
- 2019 #1 Ranked NH 170 MMA Competitor (#3 in New England)
At the age of 29, Dave successfully established a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program at Keene State University (the first of its kind), and had overseen it for 3 years. In 2009, Dave tried out and was selected for the Premier Martial Arts National Fight Team.
Dave has studied under or trained with many great Martial Artists including, UFC fighters, Murillo Bustamante, John Howard, B.J. Penn, Jim Miller, Rafaello Oliveira, Rousimar Palhares, as well as Renzo Gracie, Rafael Correa, Roberto Correa, Takeo Tani, Caio Terra, Jeff Jimmo, Dave Ginsberg, Roberto Maia, Abmar Barbosa.
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Director of Operations
Sarah Spero
Client Management
Sarah started out an avid student here and received her Black Belt under Dave Spero in the Kickboxing program. Sarah currently instructs some of the the Ladies classes and is known for her challenging but fun workouts. She was recently awarded her Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Sarah handles the day to day operations and customer service at the Academy
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Pups Instructor
Jarrod St. Jean
Sensei Jarrod is another one of our Kids MMA instructors and he also started right here at the Academy at a very young age. Sensei Jarrod takes a special interest in our Kids Muy Thai team and helps the team prepare for competition. He currently holds a Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu.
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Instructor
Tyler St. Jean
Sensei Tyler started here at the Academy in our kids class. After graduating with his Blackbelt, Tyler then joined the adult program. Currently he holds a Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu and is an active training partner on the competition team. Tyler teaches both age groups in the kids mma program.
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Instructor
Sam Fowler
Sam has been with our team for over 4 years and handles our day to day operations at the front. Sam also shifts her duties to the kids MMA program when needed. She currently holds a Blue Belt in Jiu Jitsu and a Black Belt in our Kickboxing program.
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Instructor
Abby Fowler
Abby started out as one of our kids MMA students and graduated to Black Belt during that time. She currently trains in the Women’s Kickboxing program and instructs both age levels for kids.
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The testimonials
Such a great school. Awesome instructors and a solid group of hungry students. Im impressed.
Salas Executive
Student
The training facility is great, staff are enthusiastic and insightful, and the members are very friendly. People with any level of experience can jump right in and get individualized support while also being part of the group. You're sure to have a great workout, learn something new, and have an awesome time!
Michael Short
Student
This Place is the Bomb. I brought my son to one session to watch and he is hooked!!! My girl is already planning her boot camp after she has our little girl :) I recommend this to anyone with kids or anyone that wants to get in the best shape of your life; both mentally and physically!!
Mike Maniotis
Parent
I love this place.. the teachers are amazing and the atmosphere friendly. Highly recommended!
April Mckallagat
Student
Best place to be 5 days a week <3 I love this place
Davine Bechara
Student