Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA in Forest Hill
Classes for adults, teens and kids from age 5, taught by the family that has run this gym since 2007. Most people here started with zero experience.
No experience, gear or fitness level needed. No credit card.
Next on the mat
Full weekly schedule4.9
From 83 Google reviews
Since 2007
Family owned in Forest Hill
SafeSport
Certified kids coaches
GFTeam
and Bang Muay Thai affiliate
Pick where you start
Every program has a beginner path. Your free intro session can lead to any of them.
Adults
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No Gi, Muay Thai and MMA. Mornings, evenings and Saturdays.
- Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- MMA
Kids, 5 to 11
Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing that build confidence, focus and respect.
Teens, 12 to 15
Their own Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai classes, four nights a week.
Want one on one coaching instead? Personal training and private lessons
How getting started works
Walking into a gym for the first time is the hardest part. You start with a free intro session, so you are never just thrown into a class.
Bring
- Athletic shorts or sweatpants and a t shirt, no zippers
- A water bottle
- Flip flops or slides for walking off the mat
No gi or gloves needed to start.
- 1
Send the form
It takes about a minute. A coach reaches out to schedule your free intro session at a time that fits your week.
- 2
Come in for your intro
Arrive 15 minutes early, check in at the front desk and meet your coach. Overflow parking is at Forest Lakes Elementary School.
- 3
Join your first class
When you're ready, a coach helps you pick the right classes. Nobody spars on day one.
- 4
Talk it over
A coach answers your questions and walks you through memberships. No pressure either way.
For parents comparing martial arts
Kids Jiu Jitsu teaches children to control a situation without punching or kicking. They learn to stay calm, get up when they fall and keep trying when it's hard.
Coaches you can check
Most of our kids coaches are SafeSport certified. Michelle Abney, who leads kids competition, is a 2nd degree black belt.
A clean, safe room
Every mat is disinfected nightly with KenClean hospital grade disinfectant.
Progress they can see
Stripes and belts give kids goals they earn, and a reason to keep showing up.
Rules we publish
Every coach follows our written code of conduct.
Little Ninjas, 5 to 6
Monday to Thursday at 5pm. Juniors 7 to 11 follow at 5:30.
What members say
Read all 83 reviews on GoogleThe best experience of any sport or program we've tried.
Especially great with kids.
You feel like family from the moment you step on the mat.
Coached by black belts
Meet all 12 coaches
Eddie Abney
Owner, head BJJ and MMA instructor
3rd degree black belt under GFTeam. Bang Muay Thai black belt.
Michelle Abney
Owner, head instructor, kids competition coach
2nd degree black belt under GFTeam. Top 10 US women, North American Grappling, 2003.
Ed Cihlar
BJJ and MMA instructor
BJJ black belt
A real gym, built for training
- Training floor
- 5,600 sq ft
- Dollamur mats
- 2,000+ sq ft
- Regulation cage
- 22 ft
- Thai and heavy bags
- 9 bags
Questions people ask before they start
Do I need to be in shape to start?
No. Training is how you get in shape. We have members of every fitness level on the mat every day, and coaches scale everything to you.
I have never done anything athletic. Is that a problem?
That is perfect. Everyone starts as a beginner, and our classes are built to teach from the ground up at any age.
Will I have to fight someone in a cage?
Not unless you want to. Most members train for fitness, self defense and fun. Sparring is reserved for people who choose to compete.
What should I wear to my first class?
Athletic shorts or sweatpants and a t shirt, no zippers or pockets. Bring water. You don't need a gi or gloves for your first class.
How old do kids need to be?
Little Ninjas starts at age 5. Juniors is ages 7 to 11, and teens have their own classes for ages 12 to 15.
How much does membership cost?
Your intro session is free. A coach will walk you through membership and family options, with no pressure either way.
Where do I park?
We are at 95 Osborne Parkway in Forest Hill. Overflow parking is at Forest Lakes Elementary School.
Life on the mats
Follow @method.mma
Ready to get started?
95 Osborne Parkway, Forest Hill. Minutes from Bel Air, serving families across Harford County.