Ground Control Columbia (GCC) is an awesome Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym conveniently located off of Routes 100 and 108 (Old Annapolis Road), behind the Giant Centre Park Drive shopping center. The staff is warm and friendly, and makes you feel at home. I've been a member for eighteen months and I think they have the classiest setup in the Baltimore metro area, hands down. The facility is top-notch. The school moved to its current location about a year ago and offers a variety of adult and kids classes ("Little Champions") every day of the week. Classes include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ/wrestling), boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, and MMA (a combination of all three). João Paulo "JP" Ferreira, Black Belt head instructor, hails from Brazil and has competed at the national and world level. Many of his students successfully compete at the local, national, and world level. He makes learning fun. The MMA school is aligned with the world-famous Brazilian Gracie Family and has hosted several Gracies as guest instructors. Students are also encouraged to attend special training events at the other three Ground Control locations in the Baltimore area. GCC also has a great gym, complete with squat racks, Olympic and free weights, and lifting machines. There's hardly ever a wait for treadmills and elliptical/rowing machines. Several personal trainers are available to design custom lifting plans. Whether your goal is to lose some extra pounds, learn self-defense skills, or become a serious fighter, GCC is the place for you. read more

One of the best gyms I've been to on the east coast! They have everything you look for in a gym. They have a large clean facility, 2 bathrooms with showers, tons of mat space (2 mat areas), bags, and workout equipment. They even sell all the gear you need at a cheap price, so you don't need to shop elsewhere. Training here has really improved my life over the past few years. All the people from the staff to the people that train here are friendly, and I've met some incredible people in the process. I mainly train Jiu Jitsu, and the classes work for everyone from casual practitioners to serious competitors....not to mention the black belts here are some of the best out there (one under Renzo Gracie, and one under the current world champions - Alliance). I also train MMA, Muay Thai, and Boxing occasionally - which also have some great instruction. If training martial arts is not your thing, there is also the gym with all the workout equipment you need! I would recommend this place to people of all ages, regardless of what your martial arts or fitness interest is! read more

This is a review for a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class I took at Ground Control Columbia. My husband trains BJJ at Ground Control and told me they were going to offer a Yoga class. Since he practically lives at Ground Control I jumped at the opportunity to combine our interests. There are a TON of Yoga options in Columbia/Ellicott City and I've attended classes through Rec & Parks and other studios (where ever the price is right) but this class was in a category all its own! The instructor was really friendly and knowledgeable. The class was challenging but with her instructions/modifications every position was achievable no matter your fitness or flexibility level. I did not really notice what a great work out I got until the next day, that satisfying muscle burn was everything! She made a point to discuss the benefits of adding Yoga to your BJJ training which my husband agreed with and loved. The gym is well maintained and organized and the staff are amazing I'm 100% sure I'll be back if Ground Control makes Yoga a regular thing. read more

I love this academy!!! Great friendly staff that are helpful in any way possible. The instructors here are top notch! One of them is a black belt from Brazil! It doesn't get any more legit than that. The boxing and muay thai coaches really know their stuff and work you hard! The instructors are very serious and all about business when they're on the mat but as soon as they get off they're as friendly as can be. The people here are all supportive and positive people. You'd think that everyone has something to prove but they are some of the nicest people I have ever met! The kids classes are great fun and teach the youngins self defense to boost their confidence and fitness. As far as the facility itself, everything is brand new and spotless! There is so much mat space and the gym has everything you could ever need. The best thing about this place is you don't have to wait forever for equipment like commercial gyms. The prices are reasonable and I can't see myself anywhere else. I love it!!!!!! read more

Ground Control Columbia is hands-down the best MMA gym in the area. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and motivating, whether you're new to martial arts or experienced, they push you to improve while keeping training fun and safe. The facility is spotless, the classes are well-structured, and there's a true sense of community here. Everyone, from the staff to the members, is welcoming and supportive. It's the kind of environment that makes you actually look forward to training. Highly recommend for anyone serious about fitness, self-defense, or just finding a great team atmosphere! read more

Excellent instructors. Family atmosphere. Friendly staff. I was very picky choosing a martial arts place for my 5 kids ages 7-13 and Ground Control has exceeded my expectations as they have attended classes here 3x/wk the past 2 years. They offer a family plan that works for all of us. We have been able to work out in the well equipped gym while watching our kids in class and now I have started taking Jiu Jitsu classes since they are offered at the same time as the kids class, and other convenient times throughout the week, and my husband has taken boxing. I highly recommend this place! read more

Awesome gym! The facilities are extremely clean. The locker rooms are fully stocked with anything you might need if you had to shower after your workout and go straight to work. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and overall the atmosphere is great. They have different types of classes depending on what your main goal is. They even have classes for kids! Someone was always at the front desk to answer questions and help me with what I needed to get ready for class. They work with you regardless of your fitness level, push you to do better, and encourage you along the way. read more

Stay as far away from this gym as possible. The owner, Rocky, is so desperate for money that he held my college age son to over $850 in payments for two weeks use of the facilities. The cancellation terms were not revealed at the time of signing so do not sign anything. When we met with Rocky to ask for a reasonable compromise based on my son's request to cancel after two weeks he mocked and postured with my son standing over him and asking if he "wanted to go". This is a business built on deception and bullying. Stay away! read more

This is a awesome gym!! It's never crowded and is very clean. I come here to workout with my trainer Andre Watson. If anyone is looking for a personal trainer I would highly recommend him. He is an awesome trainer with a lot of experience and Has a passion for helping you reach your personal goals. He has helped me loss over 100 pounds. The membership is affordable and the staff is always friendly. read more

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!!! I have been going to the gym for about a year now and it has proven to be one of the best decisions i have ever made. The staff is friendly and welcoming and there is a family atmosphere about the place that makes anyone who walks in feel welcome. I would recommend this place to anyone looking into MMA or just a fun way to lose some weight. read more

Great gym and great classes! Super clean and well maintained. Everyone there was helpful and knowledgable. Whatever your training and fitness goals are they will help you get there. I'm 52 years old and was very nervous about trying something new. They welcomed me, made me feel comfortable. Felt like every minute of my time was productive towards my personal goals. read more

GCC is an awesome gym. I am there for the BJJ, and JP is an incredible teacher. He is an Alliance black belt and brings a fantastic teaching method. GCC has a lot of other classes with great teachers, and it has weights, fitness machines, multiple mats, shower facilities, more. read more

Great gym, knowledgeable instructors, new equipment. Jiu Jitsu professor João Paulo Ferreira is one of the best in the world. Come here if you want to learn martial arts for fun, to get in shape, or to become a world champion. read more

Good price, really nice gym and I believe that Joao Paulo has the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in MD.

This is the best place to train in Maryland. The price is right and the staff is friendly.

Come to Ground Control Columbia! Get ripped like UFC Fighters.