BJJ Gyms in Crofton, United States

Bellicose Martial Arts is a family-oriented martial arts academy in Crofton, Maryland, founded in 2010 as Bowie Mixed Martial Arts by Carlos Catania and Charles Cherry. The gym was rebranded to Bellicose Martial Arts in 2020 to reflect its move to Crofton and shift toward a more family-friendly environment. Bellicose, meaning "demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight," represents the academy's commitment to practical self-defense while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for all ages and skill levels. The gym is affiliated with Evolution Fight Team, headed by 5th degree BJJ black belt Carlos David Oliveira. Bellicose teaches a comprehensive mix of martial arts including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Thai Kickboxing, Wrestling, and Boxing. The training philosophy emphasizes practical self-defense techniques, fighting logic and skills, and purposeful workouts that build both body and mind. The academy offers programs for all ages, from Little Lions (ages 3-5) to adult classes, including specialized programs in BJJ, No-Gi grappling, Thai Kickboxing, Kids BJJ, Kids Bully Defense, Cardio Kickboxing, Body Blast HIIT training, and comprehensive self-defense courses. Professor Charles Cherry leads the academy as head instructor. A 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Carlos Catania (with approval from Sergio Penha), Professor Cherry also holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kodokan Judo, black belts in Kickboxing and Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and is a certified Krav Maga instructor. With over 40 years of martial arts experience and a background as a Division II college wrestler and U.S. Army freestyle wrestler, he brings extensive expertise. He is also a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with 28 years of experience, having trained agents for multiple federal agencies in defensive tactics and use of force. Professor Cherry holds master's degrees in business and applied behavior analysis, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame class of 2024.