“When I First Started, I was Pretty Intimidated!”

- Krissy

“I Have Lost Over 20 Pounds and Gained Incredible Endurance, Strength, and Confidence.”

Erin’s review of Baltimore MMA Gym, Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

In January of 2010, I had reached a point of utter frustration with my exercise regimen. I was going to the gym 3 times a week and still not seeing the results I was looking for, not to mention I was ridiculously bored at the gym. I knew I needed a change but I didn’t know what I could do that would keep my interest. I had never been athletic so as a 27 year old female, I felt my options were limited.

Coincidentally, while I was fretting over what type of change to make in my life some friends asked me if I wanted to sign up for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with them. The only thing I had ever heard about BJJ was that many of the fighters in the UFC trained in that fighting style. Despite little knowledge of grappling, the thought of an athletic activity where I would be with friends and constantly learning resonated with me. I came to the orientation class and was immediately hooked. Prior to the class, I had some reservations about having people in my personal space and the general idea of grappling with men, but as soon as the lesson began they all faded away. No doubt I was going to have to train hard to get into the shape needed to do the sport any justice but I loved it.

I actually live less than half a mile away from another Mixed Martial Arts school, but happily commute an additional 20 miles to Crazy 88 3-4 times a week. They really go out of their way to make women feel comfortable and interested in the sport. Everyone at Crazy 88 loves Jiu Jitsu and is excited to always talk about it and to help you with whatever you are struggling with. In the last 10 months at Crazy 88, I have lost over 20 pounds and gained incredible endurance, strength and confidence. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

- Erin

What you can expect to find at a “NORMAL” MMA Gym?

1. Sweaty stinky hole-in-the wall facility. You don’t want to be training at a place that smells your boyfriend’s gym bag.
2. A super-macho *UFC* school atmosphere. You can expect lots of chest-thumping and testosterone – not exactly the most welcoming atmosphere for a novice female.
3. A Meat market attitude among the male students. Women are there just for eye-candy.
4. Women treated as non-serious students. If you are a woman that *really* wants to get in-shape or learn how to fight, you will be greeted with shock!
5. Lack of female training partners. Although training with men can be beneficial to learn how to deal with a stronger opponent, you need to be able to train with other women to get used to the increased flexibility and have the ability to train at 100% effort. But most training centers do not have the numbers necessary to create this type of Womens only training environment.

“As An Attorney And Mother Of Two Young Children, I Would Have Sworn I Had No More Time In My Day But Somehow I Found It!”

Rachel is proof that an extensive Athletic Background is NOT necessary to get started!

I started taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Crazy 88 in May 2009 at the age of 41, having never done anything athletic in my life, much less a competitive martial art. Little did I know that Crazy 88 would quickly become my home away from home, and its members my extended family. I began with one class per week and was barely able to complete the warm-up exercises at first. However, I was so motivated by Julius Park, as well as the other instructors and students, that I soon progressed to two, and then to three and four classes per week. As an attorney and mother of two young children, I would have sworn I had no more time in my day but somehow I found it!

Jiu jitsu has enhanced every aspect of my life; its challenges are as much mental as physical, as are its rewards. Jiu jitsu has gotten me into the best cardiovascular shape of my life and it provides a wonderful outlet for my competitive nature. I highly recommend Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Everyone is so friendly and encouraging, and the instruction is hands-on with a great deal of individualized attention. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to join this extraordinary team of teachers and students.

- Rachel

“I Was Really Scared at First…But Now Its My Favorite Thing to Do!”

“I Was Really Worried The First Class I Showed Up To But…”

Ashley J reviews her training experience at Crazy 88 BJJ.

My name is Ashley and I’m in the military, stationed at Ft. Meade MD. Before I joined Crazy 88, I had played soccer and taken ballet for a long time but I had no martial arts background whatsoever, unless you count watching the movie “Sidekicks” about a thousand times when I was little and goofing off out back. The reason I got into the Muay Thai program at Crazy 88 is that I was looking for something that would be good stress release and give me a head to toe workout… and I realized I’m at that point in my life where I can’t just eat whatever I want and not gain a pound anymore. (I have a thing for chili cheese fries.) I remember being shocked the first week of class when the coach had us focusing on kicks and my abs hurt the next morning and later when I learned to throw a punch and could feel it in my calves.

I was really worried the first class I showed up to, that being the new kid, noone would be willing to work with me or take things slower so I could keep up but it was just the opposite; the women in my class were eager to show me the technique and break it down for me til I understood and the instructor has a way of teaching class that is very beginner-friendly but leaves room to build combinations and focus on technique as you get more comfortable and confident with the sport. I’ve been taking the same Muay Thai classes with the same teacher, Jason, three times a week for six months now and in every class I learn at least one new thing, which is awesome, and makes me feel like I’m building a solid foundation for the sport piece by piece. Sometime, when I’m ready, I’d like to try competing in an amateur Muay Thai fight and see how it goes from there. I have a lot more to learn before then but then again I’m surprised and proud of where I am now already so I think it’s a definite personal goal.

Some of the people I train with at the gym are very inspiring, sharing the details of their own wins and losses, what they’ve learned, and pretty much everybody at Crazy 88 is really supportive but genuine and constructive with their criticism too. The girls I train with are quick to point out any areas I need to improve on and push me to work harder and sweat more every class. Sounds like torture, but it’s a good thing. I think the Muay Thai program at Crazy 88 is fantastic and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good workout (and later, a good night’s sleep) or a way to make new friends. If you’re at all interested in watching or appreciating MMA or kickboxing, I think it’d benefit you to take a deeper interest in the sport and try the whole experience.

- Ashley