Kids Karate Classes in Columbia, MD

"If You Are Looking For That Very Rare Place That Is Able To Combine Top-Notch Technical Instruction With The Highest Ethical Standards, Then Your Search Should End With Crazy 88 BJJ."

My son Brendan is 9 years old, and in his short lifetime, I have attempted to involve him in the following sports: Kenpo karate, horseback riding, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and ice hockey. About 2 years ago, I simply gave up trying to find something he would like, and I began to seriously worry that video games and television would remain his only interests. I firmly believe that every child needs something to be passionate about in order to stay out of trouble, but no matter what we signed up for, Brendan lacked enthusiasm. Being an intensely competitive person myself, this was totally foreign to me, but I certainly didn't want to force him into doing something he hated.

This past January, my husband and I were looking online for a place where we might be able to train, and quite by accident stumbled onto 88BJJ. For some reason Brandon (my husband) thought Brendan might take to grappling due to its physicality, but I was skeptical due to past experience-- after all, even Kenpo hadn't proven fast-paced enough to hold his interest AT ALL. We went to the gym to take an adult intro class and immediately were struck by the friendliness of the staff and the professional atmosphere, along with the top quality credentials of the instructors. The fact that classes were being taught by national and international gold medalists was pretty impressive! At that time we learned from Julius that they were just about to begin a children's program, so we decided to hold off on our own training goals and sign Brendan up. His first class was mid-February 2008.

Brendan took to BJJ like the proverbial duck to water, and has now been training for almost 6 months. We drive an hour from Westminster to make it to the gym, but he doesn't complain about the long commute and looks forward to every practice. He is ALWAYS the smallest kid in his school class (9 years old and 45 lbs!), but he is no longer so upset when he is teased about his size-- he has developed so much more confidence in himself now that he knows he has nothing to prove.

Last time the class bully tried to physically fight with him, Brendan easily extricated himself but was careful to use only enough force to restrain the other child without ever hurting him. I know that this is because of the responsible instruction he has received from his amazing coach, Danny Ives-- I truly cannot say enough about him. He takes a personal, vested interest in Brendan's development, not just as a competitor, but as a human being. Danny is careful to teach that attitude and effort mean more than anything else when it comes to being a winner. The kids at 88BJJ know that what they are taught in class involves much more than a cool combat method-- they are taught how to use what they learn responsibly, for the protection of themselves and others. Brendan has learned from Danny that perfect technique IS necessary, but that it's not enough in and of itself-- the heart of a fighter is his most important asset.

Just in case anyone thinks that character development is all the kids at 88BJJ are learning, I'll just mention one more thing. When Brendan had been training for about 6 weeks, we entered him in his very first tournament (NAGA Virginia, April '08), and he surprised us all by bringing home two silver medals! After that first taste of competition, he was completely hooked. On the drive home from that tournament, he was already asking when he could fight again, and trying to analyze what he would do better next time in order to get a gold medal instead of silver. His chance came two days ago (US Grappling, 8/2/08). In the first division, No Gi, he got to the finals match and took a silver medal once again, just like last time. Then in the second division (Gi) he rallied back, was able to beat the child who had beaten him in the No Gi, and went on to fight in the championship match, where he was able to bring home his first GOLD!

If you are looking for that very rare place that is able to combine top-notch technical instruction with the highest ethical standards, then your search should end with Crazy 88 BJJ. After the excellent teaching and genuine love that Brendan has experienced there, we wouldn't entrust our child to anyone else.

Bonnie Miranda Bill
Westminster, MD

"I, Like Most Parents, Never Want To See My Child Being Picked On Or Bullied. I Know That I Will Never Have To Worry About That..."

My name is Brian Neal and I have been training at Crazy 88 BJJ for a little over a year. There were several reasons that factored into my decision when choosing which school to train at.

I wanted to find a school that had a quality kids program. My son Tyler is almost six-years old now and loves coming to train what he calls "boo jitsu". Danny Ives is the head instructor for the kids program and I have to say that I wouldn't take my son anywhere else. In just the first few months, I could see a significant increase in Tyler's motor skills. There were things, like cartwheels, that he (as well as the rest of the class) couldn't do early on but now they just fly down the mats!

Danny also taught my son early on the value of following rules. There are ten basic rules that the kids have to follow and Tyler, like any kid, tested those rules and broke one. He was punished by losing a stripe from his belt, which set him behind the rest of his fellow students. It worked because Tyler hasn't broken that rule since and has actually EARNED his stripe back. I, like most parents, never want to see their child being picked on or bullied. I know that I will never have to worry about that with Tyler but I also never have to worry about Tyler using anything he learns in class unneccessarily because of the self-discipline that Danny teachs.

Another reason was to create friendships for not only myself, but Tyler as well. Being here for as long as I have has afforded me the opportunity to help out with the kid's class on occasion, and that's allowed me to meet all of the parents at one point or another and get to know them. We recently held a fundraiser to help purchase a television set for the kids (adults as well) and every parent "stepped up" to the plate and helped make it the best fundraiser to date! It's nice to see the parents taking a vested interest in the school as well as its progression.

Brian Neal
Catonsville, MD

"The Kid’s Program Teaches Her Teamwork, Fosters Confidence, And Is An Excellent Outlet For All Her Extra Energy."

I came to Crazy 88 a little over year ago now and it has really been a wonderful experience, not only for me but also for my entire family. We originally looked into it for my husband who loves to watch MMA and was really interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I was interested because I wanted to find a sport that would mix well with my other favorite activities; weight lifting and trail running.

About six months ago, Julius started the kids program and we enrolled our 4 year old daughter. And she absolutely loves it! The kid’s program teaches her teamwork, fosters confidence, and is an excellent outlet for all her extra energy. And last but not least, Crazy 88 really has the best instructors around. I have learned so much from all of them, especially Julius, who never ceases to be supportive and provide excellent advice.

Ann Pratten
Elkridge, MD

"Jiu Jitsu Made It Easy To Avoid Peer Pressure And Avoid Doing Stupid Things..."

When I was eight years-old, I had a sudden interest in martial arts. My parents had no idea where my sudden interest came from, but they thought that since I was such an introverted child this might help me.

At the time, I was not talking to anyone outside of my family and had only a few friends. I was shy and nervous in school which caused me to have low self-esteem and little confidence. I was brought to martial arts school that taught Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing. I liked the kickboxing, but I lived for the Jiu Jitsu.

After a week or two, lots of things began to change. I found myself more confident in the gym which in turn led to confidence outside of the gym. Little by little, I began to open up and talk to more people. I made more friends and excelled in school. I began to compete which was another huge confidence boost. Competing allowed me to travel across the world, from California to Brazil, to face other competitors and test my abilities.

As I got older and faced more challenging situations, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became my outlet. While kids from school were going to parties and experimenting with drugs, I was doing something productive. Because I loved Jiu Jitsu so much, that made it easy to avoid peer pressure and avoid doing stupid things that could ruin everything I had been working for.

Even now in college, most kids go out and party and do things that could get them in trouble. I study for my tests and hang around with my close friends. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has instilled in me the right qualities. I only wish I would have started younger.

Amie Turton
4X International Medalist

"THANKS!!!"

Thanks Julius for all of the hard work you and the rest of the 88 BJJ team have given Scott! Please thank them for me, you have all been like a second family.

You have instilled the technique, confidence, and the desire for Scott to push himself and always improve and push past physical and mental barriers. These will not only help him in his Jiu Jitsu career but also in the rest of his life. THANKS!!!

Scott Miller Sr.
Frederick, MD