About BSMA

Bay State Martial Arts opened in March 2006 in Woburn, Ma by Sensei Brian Sweetser and his wife Laura.

After years of operating successful after school programs and teaching at the Dojo of his instructor Professor Rocky DiRico, Sensei was eager to begin running his own Dojo. Bay State is run as a traditional school with emphasis on respect, discipline and character building.

Shihan Brian Sweetser 

Promoted to Godan
5th degree Black Belt
Sensei Sweetser was promoted to 5th Dan and given the title of Shihan by
Professor Rocky DiRico  on Saturday February 13, 2010

Shihan Brian Sweetser began martial arts training as an adult in conjunction with injury rehabilitation. Developing a passion for the martial arts he competed for several years Regionally and Nationally as a Black Belt, earning a World Champion Title for Men’s Forms and Massachusetts State Title for Men’s Weapons. Shihan now devotes his time to instructing and improving his programs. He has been instructing children and adults of all abilities and fitness levels for over twelve years.

His primary instructor is Shihan Rocky DiRico.  In addition to Kenpo training Shihan Brian attended many seminars and clinics on various styles and has martial arts weapons training

Began Kenpo training with Shihan Rocky DiRico May 1994

Shodan - First Degree Black Belt February 9, 1997 promoted By Shihan DiRico

Nidan - Second Degree BlackBelt August 28, 1998 promoted by Shihan DiRico

Inducted into the "Rocky DiRico Hall of Fame" 1998

The "World Kenpo/Kenpo World Championships"
1998 World Champion in Adult Black Belt Forms 18 - 34

1999 Krane Ratings International 
Massachusetts State Champion in Mens Weapons 30 - 39

Sandan - Third Degree BlackBelt May 12, 2001 promoted by Shihan DiRico

Yondan - Fourth Degree Black Belt August 28, 2005 promoted by Shihan DiRico

Godan - Fifth Degree Black Belt February 13, 2010 promoted by Professor DiRico

Inducted into the "International Black Belt" Hall of Fame 2006

Currently training in Small Circle JuJitsu under Professor David Castoldi

Recognized as the International Black Belt Hall of Fame
"Teacher of the Year" for 2010

Shihan is also a licensed massage therapist

Married, dad of 5 excellent kids