New Hampshire, nicknamed the Granite State, is a magical land full of dazzling mountains, enchanting forests, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s known for its delicious maple syrup, eye-catching fall foliage, and wild moose roaming freely in the woods. But this isn't all there is to it. The kids of New Hampshire have a secret superpower. They are masters of the ancient art of Jiu Jitsu! Every afternoon, just as the sun yawns its way below the horizon, an extraordinary transformation takes place. Young boys and girls shed their ordinary clothes, slip into their mystical gis, and morph into Jiu Jitsu warriors. Even Tommy, the quiet kid who loves collecting stamps, becomes "Tornado Tommy," a Jiu Jitsu genius who can trap you in an armbar before you can say maple syrup! Their dojo, nestled between the two tallest maple trees in town, is their fortress. Inside, you can hear a symphony of laughter, shouts of encouragement and the thud of bodies gently hitting the tatami mats. Their sensei, a funny, old man named Bernie Bear Belly (because of his big, round, bear-like belly), guides them, his eyes sparkling with wisdom and his belly jiggling with laughter. Bernie teaches them not just the moves, but the spirit of Jiu Jitsu. He always says, "Jiu Jitsu is not about winning or losing, it's about learning and having fun." And boy, do these kids have fun! They tumble, roll, laugh, and learn, their eyes gleaming with determination and their hearts filled with joy. So, if you’re ever in New Hampshire, be sure to look out for these Jiu Jitsu warriors. They're not hard to spot - just listen for the laughter, watch for the flying gis, and look for the dojo between the two tallest maple trees.
Read morebest jiu-jitsu programs in Dover, NH
The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
In 2010, Kevin Watson returned to his hometown of New Hampshire after 15 years of living in Seattle, WA. He had trained under Marcelo Alonso (MABJJ), a Team Carlson Gracie, and was given his blessing to open KWBJJ in Dover with the guidance of Professor Marcelo. In 2012, Kevin Watson was awarded his black belt in BJJ and has continued to spread his love and passion for the sport in the Dover area. At KWBJJ, the team atmosphere is strong and the instructors are passionate about sharing the knowledge and experience of their martial art. It is a place for students of all levels to come and learn the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The knowledge, patience, and consistency of the training have all been credited to the school’s success.
At Rising Phoenix Martial Arts we believe that martial arts can be a great way to learn self-discipline, self-confidence, respect, and mindfulness. We strive to create a drama free learning environment and ensure respect is a two-way street. Our instructors work hard to ensure students are not bullied or pressured into anything. We believe that anyone can learn martial arts, as long as they have the desire and are willing to work hard. Our martial arts program is based on the art of Shaolin Kenpo Karate. This art form combines concepts from hard-styles of Okinawan Karate and Chinese wushu. It focuses on striking, kicking, grappling, and felling. Our classes are designed to help every student improve their physical and mental well-being, as well as their self-defense skills. We also strive to help each student develop a sense of respect for their peers and instructors.