Member Testimonials
Little Girl Bullied – Grandmother’s Testimonial
Childhood Bullying
One of our students was bullied at her school before joining our children’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program at Baltimore Martial Arts. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is only one of several kids martial arts programs that we offer. They all help kids gain confidence and teach them defensive skills that help protect them against big bullies.
Below is a brief video of the little girl’s grandmother giving her opinions of our children’s martial arts program and what it has done for her granddaughter.
Childhood bullying has become a major issue in our society. No longer are bullies getting slapped on the wrist or detained after school. School policies are beginning to adapt a zero tolerance policy which may result in school expulsion and legal consequence.
The graph below shows that children’s behavior and/or attitudes toward other children is changing for the worse.
Changing Attitudes
Teaching children martial arts and instilling confidence is only one part of the problem. We can help the victim stand up for themselves and punish those children who decide to be abusive. However, these strategies are only bandaids on a wound and not a cure. We may never be able to stop bullying and giving your child bandaids may be your best immediate strategy. We should strive for more than quick fixes and reach out to those being bullied and or bullying through their parents and through their teachers at school. We can try and educate parents, teachers and our children’s guardians by teaching them the signs to look that are indicative of being bullied or bullying other children.
If you have a child that is being bullied or who is bullying others and you would like to discuss this matter in person, please feel free to call or email me anytime. Gary Berger Owner Baltimore Martial Arts.
Baltimore Martial Arts Academy 6565 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
Looking for a map?
Walk in M-F, 5-9 PM Saturday, 9 AM – 2 PM & Sunday 2-4 PM
Visit our You Tube Channel{Baltimore Martial Arts You Tube}.
Email us at:baltimoremartialarts@yahoo.com
To read more reviews about Baltimore Martial Arts & Fitness please visit our GOOGLE PLACE PAGE.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Maryland
Luke, father of two children ages 3 & 4 gives a brief testimonial about our Toddler Braziliaan Jiu Jitsu program at Baltimore Martial Arts and Fitness in Catonsville, Maryland.
If you would like your children to gain more confidence and be better prepared to deal with childhood bullying, our children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program can help. We have separate brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for ages 3-5, 6-12, teenagers and adults.
For more information visit our web page {Baltimore Martial Arts}, view more of our videos {Baltimore Martial Arts You Tube}, or email us at:baltimoremartialarts@yahoo.com
Baltimore Martial Arts Academy 6565 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
Looking for a map?
To read more reviews about Baltimore Martial Arts & Fitness please visit our GOOGLE PLACE PAGE.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Teenager named Battalion Honor Cadet
Ben - Navy Sea Cadet and BJJ Student
A mother’s letter concerning her son’s accomplishments at Navy Sea Cadet School and how his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at Baltimore Martial Arts has helped him.
A quick note regarding Ben’s first training (Seaman Recruit Training) which he just completed on Saturday. Ben was named Battalion Honor Cadet (highest achievement for all of the companies of recruits), was awarded the Academic Excellence Award for scoring the highest on the written exam and tied for first in their final run of 9.2 miles in a time of 75 minutes. He also excelled in his other Physical Readiness Testing. While we certainly know that much of what he brought to the table came from the training received at his Division, we also recognize how the physical and mental/emotional training he’s receiving at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy played a huge part in his success. Many thanks to you and your staff for your excellent work with the students.
Best regards,
Bonnie Pilkington
Parent Testimonial – Kids Judo at Baltimore Martial Arts
I wanted to share with you what an amazing experience this has been for John and I. Tomas is a wonderful instructor and your staff is a great group of people. John came to Tomas as an intense, small boy who worked extremely hard and accomplished a lot but could not stand losing a match, even a practice one.
He often broke down in frustration when he lost a match. Tomas was sensitive to John’s needs and quickly picked up on John’s intensity and worked with him to John’s advantage. As a result, John is now a confident 11 year old who no longer NEEDS to win every time. Judo has done him well and I am grateful to you and Tomas.
Rasoul Motavalli
Kickboxing Mom in Catonsville – 10 Years with Baltimore Martial Arts
Carden Snider has been a member of Baltimore Martial Arts for more than 10 years. Carden has trained in Kung Fu but her passion is manly with the Kickboxing. Her son Tommy earned a black belt in Kung Fu. Carden can be seen in this KICK BOXING VIDEO training in October 2006 when my wife was 9 months pregnant and still doing kickboxing.
I found out about Baltimore Martial Arts about 10 years ago when I was looking to find a Martial Arts class for my 5 year old son, Tommy. As I watched Tommy earn his belts, I noticed the adult Martial Arts classes and the kickboxing classes and wanted to try them out.
I started out with kick boxing and eventually began the adult Martial Arts class to learn the throws, forms, stand up fighting, and wrestling moves with my son Tommy. I made it up to a green belt and Tommy eventually received his black belt when he was nine.
Tommy has moved on to other aspirations such as football and baseball and I still continue to attend kick boxing class. Kickboxing gives me the level of work out I need to keep up my energy level and stamina for other sports. Plus it is a great way to blow off steam!
Gary and Danyelle are down to earth couple who truly believe in their programs at Baltimore Martial Arts. They bring such knowledge and passion to all of the programs Baltimore Martial Arts has to offer. I have formed some of my closest friendships at Baltimore Martial Arts. It is a great place to be.
Carden Snider
Baltimore Martial Arts Kickboxing Fitness
Catonsville, MD
Dr. Wall’s Testimonial – Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Parent testimonial about Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at Baltimore Martial Arts in Catonsville
Dr. Wall’s family has been with Baltimore Martial Arts for more than 3 1/2 years. His two boys are taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in our Children’s Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program and are loving it. Dr. Wall explains how important Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for building children’s character and how lessons in class are applied at home.
Baltimore Martial Arts
Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program
Catonsville, Maryland
Baltimore Judo Student – Parent Testimonial
Baltimore Judo - Kids Judo
My Son is 8 and is doing Judo and Brazilian Jujitsu I know of no other place that offers as diverse curriculum and knowledgeable staff. The schedule is very flexable as well.
Mr. Robin
Baltimore Martial Arts in cooperation with the Baltimore Judo Club, offer children’s Judo classes twice a week. Our children’s Judo classes are led by Tomas Drgon, Charles Peters and other adult judo black belts.
Baltimore Martial Arts – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kid’s
Mr. & Mrs. Overcast
“My son, Rayan Overcast, has attended the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy for approximately 2 1/2 years. He is 7 years old and just achieved the rank of brown belt in the mixed martial arts and junior Brazilian jiu-jitsu program. My wife and I are extremely pleased by the overall instruction, direction, and positive messaging he receives from Mr. Gary Berger and the other instructors. We first brought Rayan to the academy hoping that the instruction he received would help instill discipline, confidence, positivity, and assertiveness. We feel, without a doubt, that our purpose is and has been achieved. I cannot recall a class by Mr. Berger that did not involved a discussion about respecting parents, the importance of doing good in school, the importance of listening, following direction, and so much more. He has a way of connecting and communicating with kids in particular. Beyond that, his method of of instruction is very age appropriate and scales according to the particular stage, acumen, and overall skill of his individual students. Mr. Berger also has a very accomplished school competition team which my son is a part of and, beyond Baltimore Martial Arts tournaments (which there are a few), he always travels to these regional tournaments to lead, coach, and support. I have grown to know Mr. Berger over the past 2 1/2 years and must say that he is very approachable, likable, and is always there and eager to provide feedback. If you are looking for a first rate martial arts academy, look no further. I highly recommend Baltimore Martial Arts. Thank you very much.
John Overcast”
Baltimore Martial Arts
Kid’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Catonsville, MD
Baltimore Martial Arts
Catonsville Martial Arts – Mom’s Testimonial
Erica, mother of two young boys gives her testimonial about Baltimore Martial Arts. She and her boys both take Tae Kwon Do and Zumba. Her boys also take Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BJJ. Erica also lost 12 pounds so far.
Baltimore Martial Arts
6565 Baltimore National Pike
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
Baltimore Martial Arts
Mom’s Testimonial of Baltimore Martial Arts
My daughter has grown in the gym and enjoyed the challenges she comes up against. It is a great family enviroment and is always evolving to be the ideal all family gym. Stopping by to check out a class or two will allow you to find what you may be looking for.
Kim C.
Friend – Fishing Buddy – Student – Instructor – Baltimore Martial Arts Testimonial
I have known Gary and have been part of the martial arts program at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy for over 15 years now. There is no other school that offers all of the programs that Gary offers. There is something for eveyone. Just don’t take my word for it try out a class today and become part of our family.
Herb Severn
Baltimore Martial Arts – Landlord’s Testimonial
The true measure of a business is the character of the owners. And what I have found in my dealings with these owners is they have integrity, and love what they do. I have come to trust them in business. I have seen many of their customers who are also of high caliber, speak well of them. I will not be surprised if in a few years they open more locations to meet the growing need of fitness and training we Americans so greatly need. I am pleased they constantly seek new ways to improve their facilities and services for their clients.
Lance Bent
Kickboxing- Best Decision – Baltimore Martial Arts
Veronica and Shannon tell us how taking Kickboxing classes at Baltimore Martial Arts was one of the best decisions that they ever made. Also, they tell us how they got in shape in just two months. One of Baltimore Martial Arts Kickboxing instructors, Grasshopper Jim, makes a cameo.
Dad says Baltimore Martial Arts has Positively Changed his Family’s Lives Forever
Proud dad gives testimonial about how Baltimore Martial Arts has helped his two teenagers as well as himself. His children take Baltimore Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and he takes our group Kettlebell classes. His family has attended BMAA for almost 5 years and it has positively changes his family’s lives forever.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Parent Testimonial Baltimore Martial Arts
Parent tells how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy has helped his son, Sheshrut. Sheshrut also tells us how much he likes pie.
Kickboxing Mother at Baltimore Martial Arts
Kickboxing Mother
I’ve really enjoyed my years taking kickboxing at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy (since 1999!) and watching your school and your family grow. You should be very proud of all you’ve accomplished.
Thanks for teaching me how to kick and punch (and not like a girl). Kickboxing is a blast–I appreciate learning the self-defense techniques, the dedicated instructors, the great workout and the wonderful friends I’ve made at Baltimore Martial Arts.
I’ve had to drop out of class from time-to-time, but I keep coming back, and I look forward to the next twelve years.
Girl Scouts or Brazilian Jujitsu – Baltimore Martial Arts
I can’t say enough good things about the school. My daughter is enrolled in the Brazilian Jujitsu classes at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy in Catonsville. At one point we had to give her the choice between Jujitsu or Girl scouts. She chose Jujitsu. She loves the fact, that after every class she is rewarded with a stripe on her belt. She is so excited to test for her next belt. As a parent I love the fact that the instructors know who she is, something I didn’t find in Girl Scouts.
Dave Rothering
Military Dad – Baltimore Martial Arts
I would highly recommend Baltimore Martial Arts Academy for many reasons and from a couple different view points.
As a student – Gary Berger and his staff are experts instructors not only in martial arts but fitness of both mind and body. I have been in the military for 21 years, have lived all over the world and have never seen a gym with so many different courses of instruction. Such a wide array and blending of talent is hard to find and almost impossible in a single school. Patient and professional – I have found these instructors to look at the individual and tailor classes to student needs and goals. The plethora of instructors is simply amazing. I have 3 Aikido instructors my son has 5 different jujitsu instructors and my daughter has 2 different kickboxing instructors – getting all of there collective strengths and experiences – class never gets boring or routine.
As a father – I have two teenagers attending Baltimore Martial Arts Academy and can not imagine a better environment for an extracurricular activity. My Son has attained his black belt in mixed martial arts and is working on belts in both judo and straight jujitsu. He is on the competition team and has competed nationally in numerous grappling and judo competitions – qualifying this year for the judo junior nationals this summer. It has been a great outlet for teenage aggression for both kids and has shown them a positive way to harness energy that would be otherwise wasted. His skills will serve him well in high school as he plays football and wrestles. My Daughter is working on a belt in mixed martial arts and taking kickboxing classes. Not the competitor her brother is I have found the discipline and fitness she is learning will carry on through her entire life. As a father it is good to know that my daughter can defend herself and walks with a confidence that
she may otherwise have not found. My children are the most important thing in my life and my greatest legacy – I feel blessed to have found this gym with such a large group of both male and female role models to help me raise my children and instill the values we all find so lacking in the world today. It is refreshing to find a place where integrity, honor, respect and discipline are not only preached but taught, practiced and expected.All in all I was lucky or destined to find Baltimore Martial Arts Academy. I have found a family that cares about me and my families well being. I hope all of you are as lucky.
Justin D. Pyle
Mom of Junior Black Belt – Baltimore Martial Arts
“We have been members of the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy (BMAA) for almost 3 years now. When my oldest son was 5, he watched Kung Fu Panda and decided to give martial arts a try. He fell in love with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes for kids at BMAA. He’s now 8 and working on his black belt! We pay the monthly rate so the whole family can take unlimited classes at BMAA. Between BJJ, Judo, Tae Kwon Do and kettlebell classes, our family is at BMAA almost every day of the week.
Sensei Gary is very good with the kids. He really tries to make the classes fun. Danyelle is also a fantastic instructor. Working out with kettlebells is extremely challenging. She is good at motivating her class and never loses her sense of humor.”
Elayne K.
(Nick and Teddy’s mom)
BJJ Teaches Children Discipline, Self Confidence & Respect
My Name is Anita Mallikarjuna. I enrolled my son Samarth at Baltimore Martial Arts in Catonville about 5 months ago. I am very pleased with my son’s progress and I am very happy with the results. The program has given my son self confidence and has helped make him strong & sturdy. The Baltimore Martial Arts Academy’s youth BJJ program also teaches the importance of discipline in life and the importance of respecting elders including Parents and Teachers. The teachers are really good. My son loves going to class. I am looking forward to seeing my son continue with the program. Mr. Gary is a really nice person and together with his staff tries their best for each child.
Children’s BJJ Program – Parent Testimonial – Baltimore Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu can dramatically improve a child’s concentration & self confidence. The Baltimore Martial Arts Academy in Catonsville, Maryland has been teaching BJJ to children and adults for over 15 years. Below is a testimonial from a satisfied parent concerning our youth BJJ program and what it has done for her child.
Little Boy Struggling in School
Mr. Gary,
William has recently been struggling in school with following directions and completing his assignments. Since we returned from Winter Break, he has made a big change. His teachers told me on Friday that his effort & behavior was excellent. I am proud of him for that.
Thank you,
Joe Stevens
William is a student in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu BJJ youth program at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy in Catonsville, MD.
More than just Martial Arts
Life is what you make of it. At the Baltimore Martial Arts in Catonville just across the street form Toys R Us. There is life for all ages. My six years old son is taking a karate class at the Baltimore Martial Arts. Due to the fact that he has lots of energy that needs to be burned off and a short attention span so far this class has helped him focus and be less restless. With the help of his instructors Mr. Gary, Mrs. Kate and Mrs. Hanna my son has also learned that in life you lose some and you win some as long as he tries his best, don’t give up and with practice he will do better. Also, due to these factors and the extra little things that they notice my son does better in school. I also, have my thirteen year old cousin who is taking karate. She was not that social and was a type of person who did nothing but sit around most of the time which lead her to an unhealthy size and nearly caused her to become a diabetic. By joining karate she has gained more confidence; she socializes more with other children and for a person of her healthy size she can really move now. This place has a great owner Mr. Gary a very nice person who believes in you and the children. Mr. Gary and his staff tries to set things up to accommodate every child, adult and parent for a better health and a better you.
Thank You,
T. Brown
Fifty Year Old Mother of Three
I had lost the weight thru a good diet and had gotten into triathalons from friends thru this studio but was not in core shape and was plagued with overuse injuries. Danyelle was just starting teaching kettlebell and core classes when she noticed my imbalances especially with my hip flexors which were intefering for my first marathon training. After 6 months of consistant kettlebell training I was able to run that marathon but more important my injuries are no gone and I have done a 2nd marathon. I am now training for my first Ironman this summer and when my coach tried to get me to give up kettlebells(for time in training) I refused the core strength I have gained will not only help me with injury prevention but keeps me young. Danyelle is always studying and improving training and I love the classes because it improves me and my training. PS I am not far off from turning 50 and am in the best shape of my life.
-Alice-
Happy Parent
My name is Aysar Odeh. I enrolled my son after noticing that he was having problems with some kids in his school. He immediately loved it and would throw a fit if we forgot to take him to class. He made a lot of friends and he wakes up faster for school these days. Gary talks to the kids about when to use their skills and when not to use it. He talks to them about bullies and rewards them for being good at home. The classes also have a few games that keep the kids looking forward to the next class.
The center has a position and friendly atmosphere. After a change in our schedule that prevented us from making our regular classes, we were welcomed into trying Judo and Tae Kwon-do. Both instructors were also great and my son decided on Tae Kwon-do. The center has moved into a bigger location recently and I wouldn’t be surprised if it needed to expand again. I highly recommend this to any one.
Aysar
Judo Student
Judo Student
“When John Anderson decided to retire after teaching judo in Baltimore for 50 years, the future of the Baltimore Judo Club was in question. Gary Berger stepped in and vowed to continue Sensei Anderson’s legacy by not only keeping the club open, but also by putting new resources into it. Now, many of us who started learning under Sensei Anderson are continuing to learn new judo techniques in a brand new facility, but with the same Baltimore Judo Club spirit. I’m grateful for what Gary Berger did.
–Scott Carlson, Judo student”
Family Martial Arts
Our children Arianna (10) and Ian (8) have been taking lessons in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the last 18 months. Prior to this, they have been exposed to many different sports and athletic activities since they were toddlers. We were always searching for a program that they will enjoy, but, also at the same time they will get good physical exercise and learn competitiveness. BMAA was the answer to that! The program has given them tremendous self confidence and, they have become strong and sturdy. They simply love it. Along with that, they are learning the importance of discipline in life. The instructors pay a lot of attention to individuals and cater to their needs. We are very pleased with the academy and, it has far exceeded our expectation.
Sabrina and Ivan Rahman
Ellicott City, MD.
Retired Instructor
As a retired karate, kung fu, and kali-escrima instructor I’ve seen a lot of martial arts schools in my day, but Baltimore Martial Arts is one of the finest schools I’ve seen in my nearly 40 years of teaching martial arts. The instructors are skilled and personable, and the new spacious location also makes it one of the biggest schools I’ve seen. I attend the aikido and Chen style tai chi classes and am really enjoying my retirement furthering my martial arts education at Baltimore Martial Arts.
–Steve Burwen
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