New England Submission Fighting

New England Submission Fighting has been part of the Amherst martial arts scene since 1993, making it one of the longest-running MMA gyms in Massachusetts. Founded by David Roy and Kirik Jenness, the gym reflects their decades of experience in coaching and competing across multiple disciplines. Kirik, the head MMA coach, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2022 by the World MMA Awards. Charles Bishop leads the jiu-jitsu instruction, while Josh Bialek focuses on wrestling, and Emmanuel Nyongani handles striking and strength and conditioning. The gym’s history is rooted in blending traditional grappling arts with modern mixed martial arts techniques. Training at NESF covers several martial arts, with jiu-jitsu as a core focus. Their approach separates grappling, striking, and MMA into distinct classes to allow students to develop specific skills without overwhelming crossover. The jiu-jitsu program emphasizes no-gi training, reflecting the gym’s shift away from gi classes due to student interest. Wrestling classes concentrate on takedowns and controlling where the fight happens, which complements the jiu-jitsu curriculum. Kickboxing classes draw from multiple striking arts, including Muay Thai and boxing, but tailor their techniques toward MMA’s unique demands rather than traditional kickboxing competition. The weekly schedule supports a range of training options: introduction and fundamentals classes for newcomers, practice sessions, and sparring opportunities across all disciplines. Women’s jiu-jitsu practice is offered as a free community class on Saturdays, alongside kickboxing drills. Open mat sessions provide additional time for students to roll and drill independently. NESF also runs youth classes under the guidance of Dr. Stacey Matarazzo-Rine and other coaches, maintaining a full program for younger practitioners. The gym’s location on West Street in Amherst serves as a hub for martial artists who want to focus on skill development in a setting that respects the roots and evolution of mixed martial arts.

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