Amazing spot that's instilled so much confidence in my son with the amazing instructors that genuinely love and care about their students!

Great place for learning. The team is absolutely AMAZING and they have been there for decades. read more

Baltimore Martial Arts Academy - Jiu Jitsu with Stace - Martial Arts Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

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Sensei Gary at Baltimore Martial Arts is the real deal. If you want to learn real self-defense and push your limits, this is the place and he's the teacher. Sensei Junior, the Jiu-Jitsu master, is also fantastic -- incredibly skilled and a patient teacher, not to mention very personable. He even makes it a point to know and use everybody's name. Overall, it's a great place to train and grow as an adult or kid; you feel a sense of community and respect here. read more

We still love Baltimore Martial Arts Academy! The instructors are still amazing and I now love how some of the older kids from higher classes, help the instructors with the younger classes. read more

The instructors are top notch, they are caring, knowledgeable and definitely care for what they do. They have classes for everyone.

I took the kettlebell classes (5 sessions, 30 minutes each class) offered through Groupon. Note, if you purchase that offer the classes are held in Catonsville and not in Elkridge as it says. The Elkridge location was their former location. It ended up being farther than I would have wanted and I probably wouldn't have purchased the offer had I known it was in Catonsville. Helpful hint - it is adjacent to Midas coming from US-40 E. Across the street in the opposite direction is a Goodwill and Pier 1 Import. Regarding the facility, there are two main rooms that I could see. One for martial arts and a work out room. The work out room had a few bikes, chin up/ring bars, and kettlebells. The work out room was semi cold but once you start moving it was comfortable. The classes I attended were held on Saturdays at 8:30 in the morning. I was informed they offer two sessions during the weekday as well in the evening. Now on to reviewing the class itself. Michelle is the Saturday instructor. She was awesome - patient, encouraging, enthusiastic, detailed, and a good communicator. She thoroughly explained every exercise and when I would practice would walk me through it as I did it. I didn't always get it right away but she never seemed frustrated or annoyed. She was also encouraging when I didn't think I could lift a certain weight. These are all qualities of an effective instructor. Fortunately for me, I was the only one taking the class on Saturday so I got individualized attention. Thank you Michelle for everything. You are a gem. My classes have ended for the offer and now I can take all that I learned from Michelle and do it on my own. I have heard kettlebell exercises are an effective way to tone all over and to become stronger so am excited to see what difference it will make by the summer. read more

This establishment is amazing. You are welcomed in as family from day one. No faking it, truly are welcomed. The community of people who come here are very friendly and supportive. The children learn and have fun. The adults uplift and encourage one another to work hard and advance in the art and skill. We initially came to get our 5 year old daughter into a social sport and learn more discipline as well as learn how to "lose" and not get discouraged. Fast forward 10 months and not only is she doing great, but my wife and myself have joined and been doing jiu-jitsu!!! We can't get enough !!! I would 10/10 recommend this location for all your mixed martial arts needs!!! OSS!!!!! read more

The staff is excellent and treat your child with the upmost care. My child started the BJJ class and has been loving it!

The staff is very friendly & helpful. My kids love it there. If your looking for a place for your kids this is the place !!!!

I personally never showed up to class, I recommend looking at other options before signing up for classes here, they'll make you lock into a contract of your choice, I believe it's due to them knowing other schools charge a lot less with a way better class schedule so you can't just drop from there training whenever you want to....this is what happened to me, I signed the contract and got a call bacK from another school that charges way less with a full week of training, at this particular martial arts school I was offered 2 days of training with a higher membership fee, so in my mind totally not worthed, don't be like me and look around first.......that's my only complaint, other that, there staff seems to be cool and I can't personally speak to there training because im trying to pay off my contract and go elsewhere. read more

I've seen such an improvement with all my kids who joined a last year The investment made on their mental and physical strength has no price. The coaches have a great way of connecting with all kids and are really patient and take the time to teach. My kids really enjoy the classes and the friends they've been making. read more

I'm 27 years old and have never practiced any form of martial arts in my life. Life frustrations had me spontaneously sign up for an MMA class, despite every piece of me wanting to bail before my first class I showed up anyway and couldn't be happier I did. Everyone was so welcoming from the second you walk in! Dominique is an absolute doll who eased away my anxiety, and the instructor Jordan is so patient and really is there to guide you and improve your skills no matter what level! There is no one in the class that isn't willing to help, they are all eager to help one another learn despite your skill level. if you're even thinking about taking a class this is your sign to DO IT!!!!! read more

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has helped to reveal the inner workings of many operations. BMAA started out as an extremely positive experience for our twin 10 year olds. They were allowed to come to free classes for about 30 days. During that time we discovered they liked Jiu Jitsu and ultimately we signed up around October/November 2019. Both Gary and Junior were pivotal in communicating with our family throughout the process and making sure that we were all acclimated to the community here. Our girls very much enjoyed the personal aspect of the instructors, other students, and facilities but the business practices of this organization as a whole is what first caused major concern. In February 2020, right before COVID-19 hit the east coast heavy, we were already experiencing some cuts and changes in work and pay. We went to the school and explained that we might need to cancel our contract. They sent us over to their Member Services department. Not sure who these people are in relation to the company because I have never met any of them but they are extremely rude. We called and they said there were hardly any circumstances where you could cancel. You basically have to be on an active military deployment or moving. And we actually were planning on moving out of the area up until COVID-19 hit. But the information from Member Services was completely different information altogether than what Gary, the owner, told us. And I wondered if they were being intentionally misleading to justify continuing to take our money. They also refused to locate the contract or answer any questions about it. The owner said there was a proper way to cancel and Member Services told us we couldn't cancel at all. And we continue to get bounced between the two. We still have not received any proper guidance or resolution to this issue as they continued charging us even when there were no actual classes for our child to attend because of COVID-19. Ultimately, we had to change our debit card and report them for fraud. I am deeply saddened and disappointed that it came to this. Please stay far away from this company. read more

Baltimore Martial Arts Academy - Martial Arts Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

My kid loves this place! Fantastic and caring teachers :) we tried a couple different classes and landed on jiu jitsu

The instructors engagement with my Son has been phenomenal. It's a real family friendly environment!

Great place for fitness and fun. I do kickboxing and both of my kids do Jitsu (4&6 - Girl & Boy). They teach the kids about respect and all sorts of life lessons. read more

My kids have been attending BMAA for about 2 months now. Two have been enjoying Mr. Gary's Kung Fu classes and the youngest is learning Jiu Jitsu from Mr. Darnell and Mr. Tariq. It is great to find activities that they can all do on the same days in the same place. All of them are progressing and I have seen them gain in confidence and discipline. I very much appreciate the fact that in the Kung Fu classes, Mr. Gary takes the time tell a story to the kids that teaches ideals of respect, hard work, discipline, and mental focus. All of the staff is friendly, welcoming, and encouraging to my kids. If I could change anything it would be the class sizes. I feel like all of my kids would pick up the techniques quicker in a class where there was a higher teacher to student ratio. Despite that, we are happy with BMAA and what our kids are learning there. read more

I love how everything is nice and have a lot of patience . I love coming here for my son and I will be coming back .

I've been a member for about 5 years and am so grateful I found this gym! I take the kickboxing fitness classes 3 times a week. The instructors are friendly in all the classes, so if you want to try something new like Muay Thai or MMA you can! Everyone is super welcoming making this a great community to get fit, get active and have a lot of fun! Gary, the owner, brings a ton of energy and will support you in any goals you want to achieve. read more

I have 2 nephews that been there for almost 3 years , they always get excited for their classes. I believe they have been more discipline and always perform during our family events of what they learn from their teaches. I'm happy they have a school where they can learn how to be discipline and build their confidence! read more

My son has been attending classes at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy for the better part of a year. He started in Jujitsu and has switched to Kung Fu for scheduling purposes and also to give him options. The instructors are very special to him, including the owner, Gary Berger. He looks forward to classes and understands this is for defense only. He also is being taught respect and discipline while having fun. My only concern is the size of the classes as I think he misses out on more one on one instruction because of this. Overall, we are happy. Thank you Mr. Gary, Mr. Darnell, Mr. Tariq, Mr. Junior, and everyone else that makes my son feel welcome, included, and teaches him valuable life skills. read more

Baltimore Martial Arts ROCKS! I've studied martial arts on and off for over for over 30 years and attended several schools and I can honestly say BMAA is the best! The people are friendly, caring, professional, and look out for your safety. The owner, Gary Berger, is one of the most thoughtful, kindest people I know. He has helped me get in the best shape of my life. I feel priviledged to attend BMAA. My oldest son was enrolled in classes as soon as he was old enough and it was one of the best things we ever did for him. It helped build his self esteem, discipline, fitness, and he LOVES it! My little guy will be old enough to start next year and he'll be there as well. For me it's a no brainer. I wouldn't go anywhere else! If you're considering a martial arts school check out BMAA. You'll be glad you did! read more

A couple years ago, I was a late 40-something who was looking to start practicing jiu-jitsu (BJJ), so I visited a few places in the Baltimore area. It was important to me to pick an academy with the right vibe and feel. At BMAA, I noticed how relaxed and friendly folks were, and immediately liked the outgoing owner/black belt Gary Berger. Even as a "newbie" white belt I felt very welcomed, so it was easy to jump into training. Two or so years on, I can testify to what a great, safe, clean place BMAA is to train and get in shape. The instruction has been top notch, and there are plenty of class times and options. A real plus for me, with two young kids, were the classes that were available for kids. When I started, my two boys were 4 and 6, and they have kids' classes running at the same time as adult classes, so I could bring them both and train in the same (big) room with them! They do a great job with the kids: it's not a strict, regimented kind of program, but more about making it fun for the kids while teaching them discipline. I really enjoyed watching Gary work with the kids and dispense wisdom about training, home, and family. There are plenty of options for everyone to train and get in shape, in a friendly environment. If this sounds good, you should stop by, tour the place, meet the folks and see for yourself! read more

I love Baltimore martial arts academy so much they have taught my daughter so much and she jus continue to get better each day I would recommend this school to everyone read more

I have been nothing but pleased since my 7 year old son began his Jujitsu classes in December of 2016! Not only are his teachers/instructors awesome, but the staff is attentive, pleasant and friendly! After only a month and a half, my son's self-discipline and control has dramatically increased! read more

This is admittedly long over due. I registered for Judo lessons here in (around June I believe) 2013, while I was serving in the Air Force in MD. I was told I had to attend at least four sessions (which I attended) and was required to cancel within the first month of registration (which I did). In 2014, I was honorably discharged back to my hometown, Chicago. Since my cancellation, they continued to bill me, so I was forced to cancel my card and I am still hounded by the creditor that they sold my debt to to THIS VERY DAY. Why I canceled: The primary instructor was derelict from teaching classes in order to make try-outs for the national/ Olympic team. While such membership to their teaching staff is a laudable achievement, the students were left with a brown belt to teach classes 3 times out of 4 that I attended, while the instructor absconded from class. To my knowledge, you have to be a black belt to teach anyways-- ( http://www.usjf.com/organization/committees/development-committee/kata-development-certification-committee/certification-program/ ) I considered this lack of dedication to quality instruction as grounds for cancelling my contract. And so I did. I was helped by a young adolescent, possibly not even over the age of 15 or 16, who then scribbled something on a piece of paper ( not the most formal cancellation of a contract that I've ever witnessed) and told me I was good to go. I made the mistake of believing him. I trusted him and, yes, I shouldn't have taken his word at face value. Since then I have called several times to rectify this, and they pay me no heed and tell me to pay up, or I am ignored entirely. Management will not return my calls or even acknowledge my claim. As an institution that we invest our trust to make our children and family members mentally and physically stronger, why patron such a malicious organization that cares more about the dollar than the well-being of our loved ones? Not only is this a violation of the Sailors and Soldiers Act because I had orders to return home, it is a fraudulent and abhorrent abuse of monetary power. I canceled within the time constraints delineated within the contract and they refuse to help or even negotiate, saying I owe them over 1,000 dollars for instruction I wasn't even able to attend. Even if my inability to produce this hand-scribbled document saying I canceled my contract bars me from legally getting out of this money trap, my DD214 ( discharge paperwork received by every armed services member, under which I was REQUIRED to return to the place of my original enlistment, Chicago) should be sufficient to mitigate this outrageous cost, but they are unwilling to communicate. I have tried calling the organization several times and have received no help and no answers. Every morning for the past two years, my wife and I awake to the sound of some seedy creditor calling, who subsequently screams and harasses me when I refuse to pay the "debt". If you are a veteran, or a human with two functional legs, my advice would be to run as far away from this place as you can. If giving zero stars was an option, I would move to give this establishment less than that. As a result of their negligence and mafioso-like unprofessionalism, my credit score has taken a hit and I may be forced to change my number. This "academy" infringed upon the sanctity of my private life, blatantly disregarded the legal protections of those serving our country, and has forced me to begrudgingly write this review instead of focusing on work, school, or my family. Here's a self-defense tip for everyone: If your assailant loves martial arts, send him here and he'll have creditors call him until he wants to put a gun in his mouth. (That was sarcasm. Always call the police.) I truly hope this review helps all of the would-be victims stay away from this place. Maybe they'll even restructure their business model. Either way, negative 4 million stars until further notice. read more

Very hard to get a hold of anyone regarding billing. Extremely unprofessional. It took four phone calls, a drive down to the school, written notice, and waiting another week and a half before I could have my account cancelled. Then BMAA charged me an additional $80 because you have to give a months notice! Therefore, I paid for two months in which my son did not attend. Also, they pay their clients to give them positive reviews. In exchange for a positive review your child gets a free belt test. This all said I thought that the instructors were very good with kids... just don't give um your credit card number! read more

BMAA is like a 2nd family for us. I signed up my daughter for Jiujitsu when she was 3.5 averaging about 6 classes a month with a newborn in tow. 2.5 years later she's now doing capoeira and jiujitsu 4-5 days /week and the wife and I have also started taking classes and the little one loves running around and playing. The staff and teachers are all great and it's a great pace to go. With so many classes to pick from there is definitely somethings for everyone. read more

We've been coming to BMAA for almost 4 1/2 years now and it's been wonderful.My son Oscar(11 yrs old) is a junior black belt in jiu jitsu and has added judo to his schedule.After watching for 3 years my daughter Olivia(7 yrs old) began jiu jitsu classes just under a year ago.I could not be happier with their progress due to the wonderful coaches/trainers they have.Mr. Gary,Mr.Peri,Mihai,Darnell in jiu jitsu and Christina in Judo are all wonderful with the kids in not only training but in real life situations.I'm also very pleased with the discipline,self control,self esteem and pride that my kids have developed due in no small part to their time at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy.I would and have recommended this school to any parent looking to get their kids into a sports program. Carlos Heredia read more

1. Hi guys, when you see all the positive reviews keep in mind the bribing behind it. "Leave us a review now, and get a $5 Starbucks Gift Card." I have received many emails like this. Email me if you want me to forward you a copy. Better review doesn't make it a better place. 2. Price discrimination. You will be taken into a small room to discuss membership payment, much like car buying. They try to rip you off if you are a sucker. So be a good negotiator. 3. DO NOT agree to let them auto charge your credit card. If they don't take cash or check. Leave! Find someone else. They are really bad at not charging you when you shouldn't pay according to contract. This is really the worst part. You just can't believe the amount of financial stress I have with this place. He is all super nice until billing issue. You are nothing but a "$" to Burger. Burger even threatened me with lawyers and law suits stuff. His bitch Member Solution call/email me endlessly. 4. Overpriced for the service. Burger is very aggressive on marketing. (marketing expense is part of your membership fee!) Summary: It can still be a great place for there are many good instructors Burger hires (I give him credit on this). You need to be a smart shopper (1. bargain for a good price, BMAA doesn't provide irreplacable service, keep in mind. 2. be very aware of what you commit financially. 3. Mentally prepare for the times you can't come and won't have money back. Don't be shocked if you can't/have a hard time get out of the membership!) Lastly, you don't need my post to sugercoat this place. Check others. Enjoy your martial art journey. read more

We have been driving from Baltimore City to have our son learn jiu jitsu here - he was adamant that this was the place to go because the instructors have been so great - kind, patient, thorough and encouraging - it has been a great experience. read more

I wanted my daughter to learn how to defend herself. The decision to enrolled her in the Jiu Jitsu class has been one of the best decisions I have made. At the begging she cried every day, the instructors patience and dedication have made a huge difference in her self confidence. Now she is enjoying class and learning new things every day. I appreciate the time and efforts they put every time to help her grow and learn. read more

I am happy to have found a place that my child enjoys going to. They have different classes for kids based on age. The instructors are always there watching and showing them the right way to do the moves. I like that they are thought discipline and that they should not be practicing these moves outside of the dojo. read more

Seriously, Check It Out. When they told me I had to temporarily relocate from Boston to "somewhere outside of Baltimore," I assumed the worst: work all day, hours of nothing-in-particular-to-do at night. In short, the perfect recipe for boredom-related fat gain and brain rot. Not so! Thank God for Google. On a whim I looked up kickboxing places around where I was staying, called in to the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy to see if I could try a class for free, and WHAM! There I was getting my arse kicked by instructor Jim at his Monday night kickboxing class. And then I got tricked in to Danyelle's kettlebell class (best fitness class ever). And who wouldn't want to try Herb's MMA class after traveling to watch the fight team at a cage match? Every class I took was challenging but unbelievably fun. (Maybe I just needed to hit something?) Folks, I am absolutely the exaggerating and overly-excited type, but in all seriousness the BMAA, their classes, and instructors are top notch. I walked in knowing nothing about martial-arts-anything, but all the instructors (even the ones whom I didn't take a class with) were friendly, highly knowledgeable, and excited to teach their skill. Absolutely no need to be shy here. I even made a few friends, despite the Raven's loss to the Patriots. The facility is clean, the classes are all a manageable size, and I felt that I got a lot more individual attention than my monthly fee merited. There are numerous types and skill levels of martial arts styles taught at this facility in addition to some fitness classes like kettlebell and Zumba. And if you have kids, there are several youth classes (which the owner, Gary, teaches some of). Despite being shipped back to Boston, I know I will be continuing with kickboxing at the very least when I get back home. I haven't been so excited about learning a sport since... Ever. I can only hope the gym I find back home is half as awesome as the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy. Thanks for everything guys! Keep up the amazing work, and hope to visit again soon. read more

A great place for kids to learn martial arts and boost confidence.

My 6 yr. old son has been taking jiu-jitsu classes for about 8 months now and has found his niche. He loves the art itself and the instructors. I have found the personnel to be flexible regarding our schedule and very friendly. My other children also have fun playing while we wait for his class so I get to read! The class is a highlight of our week. My only negative is that payment is contractual instead of per class but I think this is the nature of the beast regarding martial arts. read more

My 5 year old son attends Baltimore Martial Arts and he has gained so much confidence. He used to be shy but not anymore. About 3 days ago a little boy kicked my son in the head at the playground and instead of just lettting it happen as he would've before, my son took action and defended himself, needless to say I dont think he'll have anymore problems out of him. read more

So far so great! I have been to two muay thai classes so far, and they have been top notch. Each class is an hour and a half, and the instructor is sure to hit cardio and technique. No macho BS, but they don't let you slack. read more

After participating in the martial arts program for more than two years my son still loves going! Even if we miss a class he is always ready to go back and never gets bored with the program. We never have to force him to come to class. He continues to demonstrate growth and confidence and we are happy that he has something that really makes him happy. read more

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for kids are fantastic! Patient instructors that work with each child. My daughter is growing stronger and more confident with each class. Try it out! You will not be disappointed. read more