As a beginner in his late 50s, I was worried this would be too much of a task for me. But the…read morepeople here are super nice and understanding, my bad back notwithstanding. Sifu Tim and Sifu Wayne and everyone else made us feel welcome from the start. You can more or less learn at your own pace, and the teachers and their assistants (Andrew, Alec, Ian, etc) are all very nice folks. I and my wife are really enjoying it. We go in for something different to do, and for physical wellbeing, and we are very happy we did. The school is easy to find, right off Harford Road. Parking is easy, and the facilities are clean and first rate. We've only just started, and we are thoroughly enoying ourselves. Give it a try!

I hate to make this an issue, but the neighborhood is sketchy, and I kind of value my life and…read morelimbs -- can't punch and kick without those, you know? The sifus do make sure someone walks me to my car when my husband doesn't come to class with me, and Sifu Wayne likes to show women some self-defense moves early on. However, I get to class by myself, and because another school shares the building, I have to park farther and walk when they have class. Entry also requires a key card (which I don't have), so I've had to wait... and been approached by undesirable elements. Everything else about this place is great, if it's what you're looking for. What it's not: (1) A traditional martial arts studio with all of the formality, decorum, and strict discipline. Nobody cares if you come late, leave early, or check your phone because everybody knows everybody else has lives. There's also a lot of laughing. It may be jarring for those coming from more traditional backgrounds. (2) Large. Class size is small and varies on a daily basis (about 2-15 people). You'll get individual attention from a sifu / assistant, but there are fewer different people to practice with, and it's an adjustment if you prefer big classes. However, those who come do so because they enjoy it, and they won't let you slack. (3) Aggressive. If you mistake a lack of chest-pounding for being weak, I think you'll be missing out if you don't at least give this place a chance. (4) Cardio-intensive; I still maintain a gym membership for that reason. Instead, they work on strength, via drills of actual techniques (as opposed to push-ups and suicides, which never helped anybody in a fight). Between shoulder workouts (to maintain your guard) and chain punches (I counted 675 punches during a typical warm-up... on one side), you will get some awesome arms. Kicks, stances, and shuffles will work on your legs. Why I like it: (1) This is the 5th martial arts school I've trained with (including a very good and well-respected one), but the first to actively encourage taking notes. Whereas others focused on techniques and dominating your opponent through sheer speed and strength, this place emphasizes -- from day 1 -- the principles behind why things are the way they are. They also welcome questions, and constantly ask if you have any. Nitpick: They talk about the science of wing chun as if it's unique; I don't think it is. By definition, all martial arts were originally about physically confronting another person, and they all had to work, i.e., science. The sports emphasis of many martial arts these days often results in individuals who miss key things about self-defense, but if you find someone who knows what they're doing, you'll be fine. With that said, I think these people know what they're doing, and they make a point of communicating it. The eye training fills a gap for me that the vague "Watch your opponent" or only slightly better "Watch your opponent's shoulders" never did. They do this frequently (and actively check that you're watching what you're supposed to be watching), so a month in, I was better able to identify the strikes being thrown at me. (2) The sifus work with my husband in class, then give us exercises to practice at home since he can't come regularly. They don't withhold martial arts "secrets"; they want you to learn, and they work within your limitations. (3) The instructors push you with good humor, not by yelling or punishment. However, they want you to train safely and leave it up to you to decide if you need to sit out. They also lighten up their strikes as your body is still adapting, and you're welcome to use their arm guards. (4) Sifu Wayne fights with you at your level. He'll push you enough to expose holes in your guard or understanding so that you think about what you're doing, rather than mindlessly perform techniques. (5) I'm laughing at the review comparing this place to the United Nations. While there is more diversity here than on the street, for a while, I thought I was the first of my kind, and I have only seen 2 other women at practice. I don't mind so long as the guys use deodorant and aren't testosterone-y, but I know some women like a higher ratio of their own. I do think they try to make this a comfortable environment for girls, though. A guy checking this place out used some crass language (he called it "being blunt," but it was misogynstic). The sifu politely asked him to watch his language in mixed company. (6) Sifu Wayne and Alec also teach the kung fu club at JHU. Alec said it's a legacy from Sifu Wayne's instructor. I've met people with a lack of respect for the culture from which their martial art derives, who thought they were self-made martial artists, or were just plain arrogant, so this nod to his roots is refreshing. Students at the Harford studio are welcome here.

Great Gym, I haven't met the owner John, but I have spoken with him over the phone, seems like…read moresuper cool dude. All of the coaches there from the jiu-jitsu coaches, boxing coach, Muay Thai coach they're all great and very helpful if you ask. I would highly recommend going here. It's $160 a month for unlimited classes. It's totally worth it in my opinion if you're a fan of mixed martial arts, gyms don't get much better than this. I really don't see what they could do much better than what they already have so John, good job, and I look forward to meeting you in the future.

Is this still open for a 17 year old? I'd love to learn martial arts and boxing to improve my…read morestrength and learn new hobbies!!

Greg is at the top of his game as an instructor,coach, business man and grappler. He has the…read moreknowledge and background to teach Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and martial arts. The kids are always engaged and get a lot of rolling time on the mat. My son has been at GAMA for a year-and-a-half and will continue all the way through high school and beyond. A+

Excellent training environment. Great place to learn Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and self defense. My son…read moreloves his little ninjas class too.

I HEART THIS BOXING AND FITNESS CENTER!!! I was initially introduced to this gym because a couple…read moreof the instructors visited my community to do a free women's self-defense class. Since I'm not really a class or group instructed fitness type of person, I never really thought about this location too heavily. Then my trainer dropped out of heaven especially for me!! We train here on a regular basis and I love all of what the gym has to offer. I get a full and intense work-out each and every time I'm here. Kettle bells, suicides, boxing, you name it, I do it here. Every single staff member is friendly and helpful. Always speaking to you, encouraging/motivating you, joking with you and just providing excellent customer service. The gym offers classes for children, as well as adults. I can't give specifics on the classes offered, because I'm not exactly sure what they are, but I do know I see repeat clients. So whatever classes they have, keeps them coming back, week after week. An actual boxing ring is on one side and artificial turf is on another, with boxing bags and other equipment located throughout. I love it! It's a much different gym than I'm use too. I have a membership at another gym and I haven't been there since I started at Level Up. Note to self: CANCEL THE OTHER MEMBERSHIP! I don't feel intimidated, nor do I feel like all eyes are on me. Granted, there are many more men than women here, but everyone is here for a reason. They're here to either perfect their craft or get an awesome work-out. A true gem in the Bowie area and I'm glad to be a member!

My children have been her for a year now. Location is in Bowie within a comercial area. Plenty of…read moreparking and kept clean. The Gym is one big open space separates by work out stations. The staff does a great job in keeping the gym clean. The environment and staff is friendly. The energy they have can be contiguous. They offer a lot of workout options for kids, adolescent, and adults. They tend to have a lot of groups activities which cater to adults. Why my four stars. I think they could do a little more for the kids training. Since my children started they continue to keep them with the kids who are beginning. An issue for me since my kids have to restart the basic training which takes time from their training. They should keep the new incoming kids separated from the experienced. Once they catch up with the basic they can be included. Overall, I'll continue. It has help my girls in many positive ways. We might take a break but plan to continue in the future.

Still a great endeavour ! Enjoyable and helpful for balance flexibility and golf (runnong &…read moreswimming too) Alas, no early morning classes ... yet.

This is an excellent martial arts school, they offer so much to their students, such as Tai Chi,…read moreQigong and Northern Shaolin Kung fu. Master (Sifu) Billy Greer is a very knowledgeable teacher who over sees all the classes first hand. They have a very large training hall, There's plenty of space to have more than one class at the same time. Sifu Billy also gives back to the community with fund raising(s). So I highly recommend their school to try. Plus they offer free classes as well.

I had the pleasure of a very short visit, but the staff is amazing. They are soooo good with the…read morekids, and if I lived closer I know both would be students. They loved it.

My 6yo wanted to join martial arts. After being disappointed at a different place we came to Elite…read moreCore Martial Arts in Timonium. I loved the 3-month trial option to see if my son would want to continue. The staff and instructors are incredibly friendly and helped my son feel welcomed, even with him being one of the youngest in the group. We also had my son's birthday party here - and the staff and instructors were so helpful, had prepped in advance to meet our needs and best of all - the 25 kids had a blast. I'm so appreciative for the family feel and personal touches to help my son feel good about continuing with martial arts here.

I really like this school because the students are friendly also the instructors teach the…read moretraditional Korean style.

This Merritt Clubs is another great location with a beautiful, big pool and a huge gym…read more The pool is where you will find me. During the summer, they have a full cocktail and food menu. They also have ice cream and refillable water at all times. They even offer towels. The workers are always kind and helpful. The pool area is always clean and welcoming. Everyone who attends and goes to Merritt Clubs is always fun and nice. It's always a great vibe, especially in the summer. When the concession is closed, you can enjoy tremendous food options in the area. There is tons of parking and is easily accessible.

I've been a member for a month so far. The gym is clean and…read moreI have enjoyed the classes I've taken so far. I also enjoyed personal training - you get two free sessions to start. I enjoy the pool and feel so much joy going down the water slide and the lap pool, especially before noon. The adult swim time is an awesome 15 minutes at the top of every hour. At first I thought it was unnecessary, but it's great and much needed, because the pool is overwhelmed with kiddos mostly without direct adult supervision. They're splash and cannonball happy which has led to a wet book and a splashed kindle lol. They're young and don't know but adults should. The pool is also full of day campers after 12:15 this summer. I've found quiet (surprisingly) near the kiddie (under 4) area and me and my books are splash free sitting on the edge of the pool near the water slides.