Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Teens and Adults in Damascus, MD

Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is our beginner jiu-jitsu class for teens and adults, ages 13 and up. It teaches essential self-defense and grappling, and it works for people at any fitness level.

What you will learn

• Self-defense that works without rules. We teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which prepares you for a real-world situation where someone might push, grab, swing or tackle.
• Leverage, not size. We control an attacker regardless of size, let them tire themselves out, then use leverage, timing and good technique to end the fight with a joint lock, choke hold or negotiation.
• A clear curriculum. 40 core techniques built on 6 primary principles, organized into 25 different classes.

What a class looks like

On your first visit, you go straight to our private lesson area for a one-on-one lesson while the class warms up. Your instructor asks about your goals and experience, then teaches you the trap and roll, an escape for when someone is sitting on top of you. After that, you join the class with an assistant or experienced student beside you.

Every 20 classes, you earn a stripe on your belt. After 2 stripes, you add our Technical Comprehension class, which prepares you for the technical blue belt test, including responding to a mock attack from any position. Then you move on to Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

We'll often ask if it's okay to work with you or touch you. If you're uncomfortable or injured, just tell us right then.

We post the topic for every class, and every lesson is pre-recorded, so members can watch it in our app or member site before class for a preview or when reviewing for a test.

Coach Matt is a student of Marco Moreno, a Relson Gracie black belt. Class days are on our class schedule.

Is it right for us?

Fundamentals is for teens 13 and up and adults who want practical self-defense, a real workout and a skill that lasts. You don't need any experience or to already be in shape. If your first goal is learning to keep yourself safe, this class is built for you.

If you're looking for BJJ in Damascus, MD, you'll find us on Main Street, an easy drive from Germantown and Urbana.

Free training for first responders (Adopt a Cop)

Han Mi offers free training, up through blue belt, in our adult Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for police officers, EMTs, firefighters and other local first responders who are part of the Adopt a Cop program. All you need to do is show proof of affiliation with your organization. To get started, call 301-253-4726 or email damascus@hanmimartialarts.com.

Try your first class free

Your first class is free, and we'll lend you a uniform for it. Wear comfortable athletic clothes and take off any jewelry. There's a water fountain at the school. If you like it, you can start a 10-day trial. We ask for a refundable uniform deposit before a uniform goes home. Memberships start at $159 a month.

In the booking form, pick Free Intro – Fundamentals of BJJ (13+).

Questions people ask

I'm out of shape. Should I get fit first?

No. Fundamentals is built for beginners of all fitness levels. You'll get fitter by training.

What's the difference between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Sport BJJ is shaped by tournament rules and points. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu puts real-world self-defense first, where there are no rules.

Do I have to compete?

No. Competition is optional. Students who want it can work toward it in Advanced BJJ.

I'm a first responder. Is training really free?

Yes, for local first responders in the Adopt a Cop program, up through blue belt. Just show proof of affiliation with your organization.