Your Self Improvement
Is Our Obsession
PMA Merrimack was created with the intention of providing a clean, friendly and motivating environment for you and your children.
Here you can learn your favorite martial arts without the tough-guy attitude of some schools.
We are excited to help you and your kids achieve goals both big and small.
We love what we do.
Our Instructors
Chris Shelton
Owner and Operator of PMA Merrimack, Chris has been teaching martial arts for over 17 years, and is a 4th black belt in Karate and Purple belt in BJJ. He’s quite tall. When he’s not instructing, Chris enjoys woodworking and plays a mean bass (the instrument, not the fish).
Chris teaches jiu jitsu, kids programs and muay thai
Shawn Pacheco
A former professional MMA fighter, Shawn has been teaching for over 12 years, and is a BJJ black belt. He’s quite good at choking folks. When he’s not submitting people, Shawn runs a successful photography and videography studio and enjoys mountain biking in his downtime.
Shawn teaches jiu jitsu
Lynell Pacheco
Teaching kickboxing for over 8 years, Lynell is a 2nd degree black prajioud in Muay Thai and showcases the same peak performance you’d expect from a Ferrari. When she’s not dishing out more combos than McDonalds, Lynell is patching people up as a full time registered nurse. She enjoys hiking and spending time with family in her downtime.
Lynell teaches muay thai
Kyle Adams
A veteran of the Army National Guard, Kyle has been teaching for over 10 years, and is a 3rd degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. He’s quite photogenic. When he’s not destroying a heavy bag, he’s probably destroying your whole team on Call of Duty.
Kyle teaches muay thai
“Attending martial arts classes at PMA Merrimack together as a family has been an amazing experience. Our kids attend the both the kids karate and kids jiu jitsu classes, while their father and older brother take both the BJJ and Muay Thai classes. Our kids love being in class together and love emulating their dad. I'm sure it helps that we've found THE BEST martial arts studio in the area. When you join PMA Merrimack, you're joining a highly motivating, supportive and friendly community. I highly recommend having the whole family try out PMA Merrimack together.”
— The Callahan Family, Merrimack
Some of Our History.
After years of fighting professionally and training under renowned Renzo Gracie Academy in NY, Shawn Pacheco founded ‘Shawn Pacheco’s PMA’ in 2008.
The school was devoted to teaching students the golden nuggets of martial arts knowledge Shawn had picked up while fighting at the highest level.
At that former location, both he and Chris Shelton taught students in the Merrimack area for over 7 years.
In 2015, Shawn chose to step down as owner in order to continue teaching jiu jitsu part time while also being able to pursue other career opportunities.
Chris, who’s goal from a young age was to own a martial arts school, jumped at the chance to take over as owner and lead instructor.
Now PMA Merrimack, Chris, Shawn, Lynell and Kyle continue to help their students get fit, win tournaments and better themselves through martial arts.
Make Us Part of Your Story.
We’re excited for you to join us at PMA Merrimack!
Please fill out the form and we’ll follow up to schedule your free class! See you soon!