GAD

Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

World-class instruction. A community that trains together. Kids, adults, beginners, competitors — all welcome on our mats.

Book Free Trial Our Programs
BJJ
+ Muay Thai
FREE
Intro Class

What We Offer

Our Programs

Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or training for competition, we have a program designed for you.

Fundamentals BJJ

Fundamentals

Build a strong foundation. Perfect for beginners learning the core principles and techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Intermediate BJJ

Intermediate

Develop your game. Build on fundamentals with more advanced techniques, combinations, and strategic thinking.

Advanced BJJ

Advanced

Master your craft. Refine your techniques and prepare for competition at the highest level.

Women's Only BJJ

Women's Only

A dedicated space for women to train together. Build confidence, technique, and community in a supportive environment.

Kids BJJ

Kids BJJ

Learn the gentle art from an early age. Fun, safe, and skill-building classes for children of all experience levels.

Kids Muay Thai

Kids Muay Thai

Striking and clinch techniques for kids. Develop coordination, confidence, and discipline alongside jiu-jitsu training.

Competition Team

For those who want to test their skills. Advanced training designed to prepare you for tournament success.

GENTLE
ART
DOJO
CHELMSFORD
MA · 01824

Our Story

More Than a Gym.
A Community.

Gentle Art Dojo is a growing network of martial arts academies dedicated to delivering the highest standard of instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. At Chelmsford, we believe training transforms lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

  • Part of the Gentle Art Dojo multi-location network
  • Black belt instructors with IBJJF credentials and competition pedigrees
  • Welcoming environment for beginners, families, and serious athletes
  • Proven kids program focused on character development
  • Structured curriculum updated continuously for best results
Start Training Today

Who Teaches You Matters

Meet the Team

World-class instructors. Real competition pedigrees. A true passion for teaching.

Raphael Carneiro
GAD Founder
Fourth Degree Black Belt · IBJJF Certified

Raphael Carneiro

GAD Founder & Head Instructor

@raphaelcarneirobjj

Raphael began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in São Paulo, Brazil in 1999 — back when the art was still raw, regional, and deeply personal. He earned his black belt in 2010 under Marco Antonio Barbosa, then made the move to the United States with one clear purpose: build something real. In 2013, he opened the first Gentle Art Dojo out of a small mezzanine in Lowell, MA.

Thirteen years and six schools later, GAD has grown into one of New England's most respected BJJ communities — producing athletes who have medaled at the Worlds and Pan Ams, and everyday students who simply fell in love with the gentle art.

"You might find someone that loves Jiu-Jitsu like I do. You'll never find someone that loves it more."

All Programs Competition Training GAD Founder
Melyssa Monahan
Kids MT · Women's Program
BJJ Purple Belt · Muay Thai Coach

Melyssa Monahan

Kids Muay Thai & Women's Program Coach

Teacher by profession. Coach by passion. · @n.e.cartelgirl23

Melyssa grew up in Lowell, MA, starting her martial arts journey in kickboxing and taekwondo (red belt) before finding jiu-jitsu in 2020. After her first competition, she was hooked.

Now a BJJ purple belt (2025) training under Raphael Carneiro, Melyssa also trains Muay Thai under UFC bantamweight Rob Font and Orlando Font — a partnership going on five years strong.

A teacher by profession and coach by passion, Melyssa leads the Kids Muay Thai and Women's programs at GAD Chelmsford, helping students build technique, confidence, and drive — on and off the mat.

Kids Muay Thai Women's Only BJJ Competition

Get on the Mats

Class Schedule

Six days a week. Full program calendar — from early-morning BJJ to evening Muay Thai.

Time
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
6:00 AM
BJJ All Levels
BJJ All Levels
9:00 AM
BJJ All Levels
12:00 PM
Fundamentals
Fundamentals
5:30 PM
Women's Only
Women's Only
6:30 PM
Intermediate/Advanced Beginners
Intermediate/Advanced Beginners
Intermediate/Advanced Beginners
Intermediate/Advanced Beginners
Intermediate/Advanced Beginners
7:30 PM
Beginners
No-Gi
Beginners
No-Gi
BJJ Muay Thai Kids Women's Only
New Students: Intro Class required before attending Fundamentals.
Intermediate / No-Gi: Recommended for 2-stripe white belt or higher, or wrestling experience.

Questions? Call (978) 569-9378 or follow @gadchelmsford.

Join the Team

Membership Plans

Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. Your first class is always free.

Kids & Adults · 2× / Week

$169

per month

  • 2 classes per week
  • Kids or Adults BJJ
  • Belt progression
  • GAD community events
Get Started

Kids 3× / Week & Adults Unlimited

$197

per month

  • Unlimited Adults BJJ
  • Kids: 3 classes per week
  • No-Gi & Open mat included
  • Competition prep
Get Started

Muay Thai · Kids or Adults

$149

per month

  • All Muay Thai classes
  • Kids & Adults welcome
  • Striking, pad work & sparring
  • Open gym access
Get Started

Family discounts available. Bring a friend → 50% off next month · Bring two friends → next month FREE.

Zero Risk. All Upside.

Your First Class Is Free

No experience needed. No commitment required. Just show up, train with us, and see if GAD Chelmsford is your home away from home.

Schedule My Free Trial Message on WhatsApp

Find Us

Chelmsford Location

Located at 83 Parkhurst Road, #8. Easy access from Lowell, Billerica, and the surrounding area.

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Address

83 Parkhurst Road #8
Chelmsford, MA 01824

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Instagram

@gadchelmsford

Open Hours

Monday5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Thursday12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Friday6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Take the First Step

Book Your Free Class

Fill out this form and we'll reach out within 24 hours to get you on the mats.