# Bellicose Martial Arts > Crofton, United States ## Overview **Name:** Bellicose Martial Arts **Description:** 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. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 2146 Priest Bridge Court #7 Crofton, MD 21114, United States **Phone:** +1 240-286-5219 **Email:** info@bellicosemartialarts.com **Website:** https://www.bellicosemartialarts.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellicose_martial_arts/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bellicosemartialarts ## Instructors ### Charles Cherry - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Professor Charles Cherry is a lifelong martial artist with over 40 years of experience across multiple disciplines including Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tang Soo Do, Shito Ryu Karate, Western Boxing, Wrestling, and Muay Thai. He is an IBJJF 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kodokan Judo, and holds ranks in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga. He wrestled for a Division II college and in the U.S. Army. As a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer with 28 years of experience, he trained federal agents in defensive tactics and use of force. He holds master's degrees in business and applied behavior analysis, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame class of 2024. He is also the published author of 'Bully Proofing your Child'. ### Akaash Malik - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Akaash Malik began his martial arts journey at 21, inspired by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's ability to empower smaller, technical practitioners. He earned his Black Belt in BJJ in November 2024 under Professor Charles Cherry. He focuses on technical precision and adaptability, emphasizing intricate details and fundamental techniques. He is currently studying Thai Kickboxing, Wrestling, and Judo to become a well-rounded martial artist. ### Carlos David Oliveira - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Carlos David Oliveira is a fifth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary 2 time world champion Roberto 'The Spider' Traven. He is also a professional MMA fighter and founder of Evolution Fight Team, teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Richmond, Virginia. ### David Jennings - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** David 'DJ' Jennings began training Tang Soo Do at age 6, building on a foundation of Japanese Jiu Jitsu. His focus evolved into stand-up fighting, integrating Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. His love for grappling, especially throws, led him to explore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo. He earned his black belt in Tang Soo Do at age 12 and his Black Belt in BJJ in December 2024. Teaching is one of DJ's true passions, and he works closely with youth and adults. Outside martial arts, he works in Applied Behavior Analysis supporting individuals to achieve greater independence. ## Programs ### Brazilian Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Self-defense martial art and combat sport based on grappling and submission holds. Incorporates techniques from Judo, Wrestling, and BJJ for a comprehensive ground fighting system. Focuses on using leverage and technique to overcome larger, stronger opponents. **Classes:** ### No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training without the traditional gi uniform. Focuses on grappling techniques applicable to MMA and real-world self-defense scenarios. **Classes:** ### Thai Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Striking program based on Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), incorporating Boxing and American Kickboxing for practical self-defense. Emphasizes proper technique, camaraderie, and effective striking techniques. No fighting or sparring required for beginners. **Classes:** ### Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Kids BJJ program incorporating techniques from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and occasionally Boxing for a complete self-defense system. Teaches children how to defend themselves using grappling and submission techniques. **Classes:** ### Kids Bully Defense System **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Fun, safe, and engaging program blending Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Designed for kids ages 5-13, focusing on building confidence, coordination, discipline, respect, and physical fitness. Perfect balance of structure, challenge, and fun. **Classes:** ### Little Lions Karate **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Preschool and kindergarten martial arts program for ages 3-5. 30-minute classes providing motor skill development, confidence building, focus, and self-control in a playful and positive environment. Game-centric approach helps little ones learn while having fun. **Classes:** ### Strikingly Fit Cardio Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** High-energy, full-body workout designed to strip body fat, build muscle, and help you look your best. Develops flexibility, power, speed, and coordination. Suitable for non-athletes and pro-athletes alike. Burn up to 800 calories per class. **Classes:** ### Body Blast by Bellicose **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) circuit workout combining calisthenics, bodyweight moves, cardio, and strength training to build muscle, torch fat, and feel amazing. No two workouts are the same. **Classes:** ### Self-Defense **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Empowering self-defense courses incorporating practical skills from Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Includes situational awareness, de-escalation, risk assessment, and risk mitigation strategies taught to federal law enforcement officers. Advanced level includes weapons handling and retention. --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/maryland/crofton/bellicose-martial-arts)