BJJ Gyms in Maryland, United States

Ascend Jiu Jitsu

Ascend offers dynamic and comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs for kids, youth, and adults that combine the time-honored Gracie methods with practical self-defense and strength training. At Ascend, we understand that Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport but a comprehensive system of self-defense that prioritizes technique, leverage, and efficiency over brute force. Through our programs, anyone, regardless of size or physical strength, can learn to defend themselves effectively. Our experienced instructors will guide you through a curriculum that encompasses all aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, from fundamental techniques to advanced strategies. With our expert guidance, you will quickly refine your skills, increase strength, develop agility, and gain confidence.

Combat Principles MMA

Combat Principles MMA is a comprehensive martial arts academy in Burtonsville, Maryland, offering training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, Muay Thai, Sanda, and MMA. Led by head coach and owner Joshua Peters, a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Randy Malacas with the famed Chute-boxe academy, CPMMA provides expert instruction for all levels from absolute beginners to seasoned fighters. Joshua Peters brings over 35 years of martial arts experience, starting with Shaolin Wushu in 1988 and obtaining a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo under Sabeom-nim Kim at King Tiger Martial Arts. His extensive competition background includes professional mixed martial arts, submission grappling, and amateur competitions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Sanda, Sambo, and kickboxing. As head coach, Josh has produced and trained numerous amateur and professional athletes in the DMV area. The academy also features World Champion Sensei Gerard Cadet teaching Judo classes, and Coach Dan leading the Youth Wrestling program. CPMMA's children's programs are specially designed by certified elementary and special education teacher Joshua Peters, offering Honey Bees (ages 3-4), Rumble Bees BJJ, Judo, Sanda/Muay Thai (ages 5-12), and Youth Wrestling programs. The academy offers a free trial for new students and welcomes practitioners of all ages and experience levels.

GFTeam Maryland

Specializing in teaching authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children and adults of all ages. Beginner classes are held every day except for Sunday. FREE 30 Day Trial

Bellicose Martial Arts

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.

Bel Air BJJ

For nearly a decade, Bel Air BJJ has been a place where journeys begin, legacies are built, and pasts are overcome. Located in Forest Hill, Maryland, this Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai academy is dedicated to equipping students with the tools to succeed on the mat and in life by fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and community. Bel Air BJJ operates under the ASM BJJ Association global umbrella and continues to benefit from Marcos Tulio's tutelage, following the Ricardo De La Riva lineage. Master Tulio is a 5th degree BJJ Black Belt and his wife, Kat, is a 2nd-degree black belt in both BJJ and Judo. They currently reside in Abu Dhabi and visit annually, sharing their deep knowledge and reinforcing the academy's commitment to excellence. The team-based coaching approach provides a variety of perspectives and expertise, ensuring students grow with the support of a village. The head instructor, Nathan Scott, is a 1st degree black belt under Master Marcos Tulio with nearly 2 decades of experience. He leads the entire Jiu-Jitsu curriculum, teaching the majority of gi and no-gi classes, leading the kids' classes, and overseeing academy operations. Mike Weber, known as 'Muay Thai Mike', leads the entire Muay Thai curriculum and has coached many fighters to a National Championship level. He is an accomplished Muay Thai fighter and WKA Referee. The academy's family-first culture ensures that from day one, students become part of a community that uplifts and supports each other, both on and off the mats.

Culture Of Jiu-Jitsu / GFTeam

Culture of Jiu Jitsu Academy is a premier martial arts training facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, affiliated with the renowned GFTeam. Founded by UFC fighter and elite black belt Max Gimenis alongside co-owner and black belt Eric Philcox, the academy represents the highest standards of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in the DMV area. As part of GFTeam, one of the most successful competition teams in the world, Culture of Jiu Jitsu brings world-class training to Maryland. The academy's training philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, competition preparation, and building a strong community culture. Students receive instruction in both gi and no-gi grappling, Muay Thai, and MMA, with programs tailored for all ages and skill levels. The gym offers specialized classes including an 8-week beginner program for new students, women's-only classes, and dedicated youth programs (Little Roots for ages 4.5-7 and Big Roots for ages 8-12). The coaching team brings diverse expertise and international competition experience to create a comprehensive training environment. Head instructor Max Gimenis is a black belt under Master Júlio César Pereira who earned his black belt on the podium of the IBJJF World Championship in 2016. The coaching staff includes co-owner Eric Philcox (black belt under Max Gimenis), Márcia Ramos (2nd degree black belt and IBJJF certified referee), Kristian Hernandez (black belt under Jan Basso), Gregory Shepherd (6th degree Taekwondo black belt and former USA WAKO Kickboxing National Team member), Brandon Everhart (purple belt), and Dan Stretz (brown belt). This experienced team provides students with access to world-class instruction across multiple martial arts disciplines.

2nd Gear Jiu-Jitsu

2nd Gear Jiu Jitsu is a beginner-friendly martial arts academy in Laurel, Maryland offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs for adults and kids. Founded by Kenneth Brown, a 3rd degree black belt who earned his rank in 2013 under Mike Moses of Evolve Academy, the academy emphasizes technique over intensity, structured coaching, and an ego-free training environment. The philosophy centers on making martial arts accessible and understandable for everyday people, whether they're brand new to training or returning after time away. The academy's approach prioritizes clear progressions, learning science, and long-term athlete development. Classes are intentionally designed to help students understand why techniques work, build skills step by step, and train safely at a pace that fits real life. The culture values consistency over perfection, coaching over chaos, and welcomes beginners while respecting experience. Students train in a calm, structured environment where questions are encouraged and growth is intentional. The coaching team includes head instructor Kenneth Brown (3rd degree BJJ black belt), Matthew Weinberg (1st degree BJJ black belt and Kenneth's first black belt student), Becca Niburg (BJJ brown belt who leads the women's program), and Yemi Day (Muay Thai head instructor with martial arts experience since 1991). Together they maintain the academy's core values of clarity, safety, professionalism, and care for the student experience.