Rising Tide Academy

I can’t say enough good things about Rising Tide. It’s easily one of my favorite MMA and BJJ gyms in Maryland. The owner and staff are incredibly welcoming, and the culture they’ve built makes it a great place to train whether you’re a complete beginner, intermediate, or a high-level athlete. They have multiple convenient locations (MoCo, Timonium, Hanover, Finksburg, and Columbia), and each one keeps the same friendly, high-level training environment. Rising Tide consistently brings in top talent for seminars, which adds a ton of value and helps elevate the local MMA and grappling scene. If more gyms in the area operated like Rising Tide, the DMV fight community would be even stronger. They’re clearly doing something right — highly recommend checking them out if you’re looking for a place to train.

As a gym owner myself, I have a ton of respect for what they’ve built here. This is a top-level school with high-quality coaching, a strong culture, and athletes who truly represent the program the right way. The coaching staff is knowledgeable, detail-oriented and genuinely invested in their students’ growth whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a serious competitor. You can tell the structure and standards are intentional. The athletes are tough, disciplined and technical, which is always a reflection of great leadership. In my opinion, this is one of the best schools in the area. If you’re looking for a place that pushes you, supports you, and develops real skill this is it. Highly recommend.

Rising Tide Academy is in my opinion one of the best in Maryland. With multiple locations now and so many amazing instructors the owner of the academy, Mike, has put together the place to be. They hold amazing seminars, classes filled with like minded students. It's easy to make friends and find a good training partner. I highly recommend Rising Tide to anyone that is even slightly interested in giving it a try.

I own a school and and i have been teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu for over 30 years. Over 20 as a black belt and I can say that Rising tide is as legit as it gets. Great detailed instruction, great environment. You guys in the area are lucky!

One of the best martial arts schools around. The staff is professional, the instruction is clear, and the classes are run extremely safely. The gym is absolutely impeccable and far cleaner than most facilities you’ll find. I highly recommend it whether it’s for you, your kids, or your entire family. You won’t be disappointed.