From the Mystic Projects to the World Stage: How Martial Arts Changed Lives at BMAC

I’ve seen many young lives transformed through martial arts. But some stories stay with you forever. Like Nathaniel’s.

Nathaniel Oses grew up in the Mystic Projects of Somerville. He was getting into trouble, not listening in school, doing whatever it took to get attention. Video games were his world—Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter—but nothing real had caught his interest. That all changed the day his mother asked him to pick up his little sister from karate class.

That moment was a turning point. “When I saw what they were doing, I was like wow, I could do this,” Nathaniel told me. He came right up to me after class, curious and open, and I saw something in him. He started training, not just in martial arts, but in character. Respect. Focus. Humility. Discipline.

He had potential, and I knew he needed a chance. I offered to train him at no cost.

Within two years, Nathaniel was a red belt. Soon after, he won a world championship. By 16, he had earned his black belt and competed in around 80 tournaments. Later, he moved to Montreal to train at the legendary Tristar Gym alongside UFC fighters.

From gamer to world champion. Nathaniel’s journey started right here at BMAC—proof that one moment can change everything.

Today, Nathaniel has a wife, a car, a career, and a life filled with purpose. He says: “All because of the lessons Marcelo, my Sensei, taught me. I know he could change a lot more kids' lives like he did mine. Oss.”

These stories are why we do this work. At BMAC, we don’t just teach punches and kicks. We build people up. We give kids the tools they need to grow into strong, kind, respectful adults.

If you think your child could benefit from the same kind of guidance, reach out. I’d love to talk to you about how we can help your child find their confidence and purpose.

Contact me today. Let’s change a life.