INSTRUCTORS

David Shim

Dr. David Shim was born in South Korea and immigrated to the USA in 1968. He began his informal martial arts training under the tutelage of his Uncle who had trained in the Korean Martial Art of Yudo since childhood. Dr. Shim began formal training in GoJu-Ryu Karate under the tutelage of Sensei Joseph C. Hess (10th Degree Black Belt), achieving his Purple Belt with Mr. Hess. David received his Black Belt from the late Sensei Fred Klott (5th Degree Black Belt) in the art of Shorinji Kempo (Okinawan Style) and Okinawan Goju-Ryu.  At the age of 26 he was one of the youngest recipients of the Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) from Sensei Klott.  An earnest student of the martial arts, Dr. Shim has trained with others in a variety of martial arts, including Kobudo (Okinawan weapons) and Japanese sword play (Iaido).

Prior to his passing, Sensei Klott named Dr. Shim his successor, and Dr. Shim received from him the “daimyo menkyo,” a blanket certificate to modify Sensei Klott’s training as necessary to continue passing on his teachings.

Dr. Shim has been teaching martial arts in the Greater Boston area since 1985, when he founded Karate programs at both the Creative Arts at Park Summer program in Brookline and at the West Roxbury YMCA. Both programs continue to run today. Sensei Shim has taught thousands of students over the last two and a half decades, and has given the Black Belt to over 20 students. Two former students are now teaching his style of Karate, one in the state of Georgia and one in Southern Australia.

At the age of 46 Dr. Shim began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Professor Roberto Maia at the Boston Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Falling in love with the art, he has been intensively training at the academy under the tutelage of Al Bibeau, Phil Myers, and Chris Page, along with Professor Maia; in October 2011 Dr. Shim was awarded the rank of Brown Belt. Since beginning training in BJJ in 2007, David has integrated BJJ training into the overall martial arts curriculum at both the West Roxbury YMCA and the Creative Arts at Park program.

Dr. David Shim is a clinical psychologist by training and a full-time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Boston University. He received both his undergraduate degree and Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University; his dissertation involved studying the psychological effects of martial arts training on women who had been assaulted in one manner or another. Dr. Shim has held adjunct positions at Suffolk University and Emerson College, and has practiced psychotherapy in the Greater Boston area since early 1987.

Dr. Shim believes that martial arts are not a static phenomenon but one that is actively changing and developing. One must change as the art develops. Dr. Shim’s passion is in “passing on the WAY….straight and well”.

Al Bibeau

Al Bibeau is a 1st degree Gracie Barra Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is the Head Instructor at Mass Bay BJJ. He has been training and teaching for over 14 years in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Roberto Maia, the highest-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in New England. Al was awarded his black belt by Professor Maia in 2008.

Al has trained extensively in a variety of martial arts, including combat training, Muay Thai and kickboxing while in the Marine Corps from 1988-1992. He has additional training in wrestling and boxing.

Al has taught and trained with athletes of all levels. He has been teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu for over 10 years. He began teaching as a blue belt, and has taught beginner classes, mixed level and advanced classes, No GI Jiu-Jitsu training, as well as classes for children and families.

Al also has extensive competition experience. He has competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the white belt level; he has trained in Muay Tai with professional MMA fighters, as well as trained amateur fighters preparing for their first MMA fight.

Al uses his high level of technical knowledge to break down positions and movements step by step for each of his students. At Mass Bay BJJ, he will be teaching the beginning and advanced gi classes, as well as no-gi and other training.