Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training in Bowie, Lanham, Seabrook: USMC Veteran Testimonial

A Bowie MMA personal testimonial by a Marine Corps veteran.

My name is Chris and I want to tell you why I’ve enrolled myself and my son at Bowie MMA to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a former active-duty Marine, I’ve learned that “tough guys” aren’t always what they appear, and my definition of “tough” has changed over the years.
I’ve seen more than one big guy crumble in the face of danger… or even the perception of danger.

I like to say – give me a pool full of water or an open door in a plane at 14,000 feet and we’ll see what you’re made of.
On Parris Island, I saw big guys cry, usually first. I’ve got to admit, though, we all shed a tear at one point or another because it was intensely tough. I made it out as Platoon Leader (Guide) and gave it all I had.
Why am I saying all this?
Because I’ve found a group that’s tough, but humble, fun and under-stated. The first time I met the head coaches, documented champions with skills to take on any challenger, I was surprised at their calm, assured approach to training.

They were very relaxed and in quiet control.

I started to learn more about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai and submission grappling and began to understand just how talented they are, and why they let their skills do the talking.

It blew my mind.

Why? Because I thought I was reasonably tough:

• I came into the class able to swim a mile at a quick clip and run a few miles to top it off.
• I could climb a rope to the 20-foot ceiling hand-over-hand with no legs.
• Pullups were no problem and 10 reps of 25-30 dead-hang pullups were just a small part of my workout (thanks Stew!)
• I still had salty sparring gear in my closet from my days as a wannabe kick boxer studying Tae Kwon Do.
• I routinely jump out of planes for fun, and am not afraid of a mixed-gas scuba dive below 120 feet in the wide open, salty sea. Bring on the sharks!
  
• And I did what I was told (for the most part… my buddies know) in the Marine Corps and survived.

Nothing prepared me for the experience of having my own strength and reactions used against me. I was hooked from the first class, breathing like I’d just hiked 10 miles with a 70-lb ALICE pack. My son, then 10, loved it as well and told me never to take him back to karate/Taekwondo classes… ever! That smart kid caught Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fever faster than I did!

What am I trying to say?

If you want to learn what I believe to be the most amazingly practical and efficient martial art, get in the best shape of your life, learn self-control and discipline – then give them a call at 240-286-5219 or send an email to info@MMAofBowie.com

Semper Fi,

Chris Moline, LEED AP
Bowie, Maryland

MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training In Bowie, Crofton, Maryland

Do you live near Bowie, Crofton, Lanham or Mitchelville and have you been watching UFC on Spike lately, wondering how you could learn some of the moves that so often win matches?

From a properly-executed guillotine choke, to how to hold your position and advance, come to a class any night of the week and you’ll have the chance to see how it’s done. Our coaches are professional champions with the skills and background to show you how to win… or just get healthy.

Some of our students have fought, and won, with no prior MMA experience. That’s right, everything they’ve learned came from our coaching team. We’ve got the resources at Bowie MMA to equip you to win, either in the cage or on the street.

Give us a call at 240-286-5219.

BJJ Black Belt Carlos Catania. Coach Carlos is a 5-time NAGA Absolute Champion (no weight restriction, all-in submission grappling) and has traveled around the world honing his skills.  We have an exclusive library of his training videos available only to Bowie MMA students. Coach Carlos’ world-class instruction is priceless, and it comes with your membership because you will have one-on-one time with him.

Head Coach – BJJ Black Belt, Carlos Catania

Email us at info@mmaofbowie.com or call 240-286-5219 to get started. You can try us for two weeks to see if MMA or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are for you. Go for it!

BJJ Reverse Triangle at Bowie MMA in PG County MD

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu reverse triangle demo with Charles Cherry and Matt Brannon.

Key points:
Where your head goes, your body follows.
Control the head so your opponent can’t posture up.
As soon as you get an arm in and an arm out, grab that head.
Notice how Matt coughs when Rob lets him out of the triangle… the sign of a tight squeeze.

Bowie MMA – Team Sergio Penha & Carlos Catania

Carlos Catania Mentor & Honored Visiting Instructor Sergio Penha -  (March 2010) In 1977, when only 17 years old, Sergio Penha was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by his freind, Wagner Cardoso, a black belt in the sport, who invited him to see Professor OsWaldo Alves’ academy. Now, 30+ years later, during and after following a career as an airline pilot, Sergio never lost the affinity for the art, and continues to practice and teach Jiu-Jitsu. Currently living in Las Vegas, Sergio started his own business by opening the academy which carries his name, “Sérgio Penha & The Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”.
Carlos Catania – Resident Instructor at Bowie MMA in PG County, Maryland Some of Carlos’ accomplishments include:BJJ Black Belt (Sergio Penha) 2003 Grapplers Edge Absolute Champion 2003 NAGA Expert Division Champion 2001 BJJ World Championships Competitor 2000 NAGA Absolute Division Champion 1999 NAGA Advanced Division Champion 1999 NY Grappling Challenge Champion 1st Place Gracie United Tournament
Charles Cherry – Resident Instructor2nd Degree Black Belt (Nidan) Judo Holds ranks in Brazilian and Japanese jiu-jitsu Head Coach for Bowie Youth League Wrestling Team 2 time U.S. Judo Senior Nationals All American Bronze medalist 2000 U.S. Judo Senior Nationals Eastern Open Judo Champion (Brown Belt) 2nd Place, Am-Cam International Judo Challenge Numerous Maryland Open Judo Championships 2x N.A.G.A. (N.American Grappling Assoc Champion) COPA NOVA BJJ Champion (Intermediate) Charles shows his dedication to Bowie and the surrounding Community by serving as the Head Wrestling Coach of the Bowie Boys and Girls Club.