Combat Principles MMA — Local services in Konterra

TL;DR It’s an awesome gym with good people and a passionate instructor at the helm. Come join!

Full Review:

I first came to this gym in the spring of 2019. I was looking for a way to try and stay fit, learn a martial art, and gain self-defense knowledge.

If you’ve never done this style of training before, it can definitely be intimidating to show up and be thrown directly into the mix, but that’s also the best way to learn and get a true feeling for whether this is something you want to invest your time and money in. Josh (the head coach) is very welcoming and knowledgeable, and willing to answer any and all questions. He takes the culture of the gym seriously and make sure that it is an inclusive environment for people from all backgrounds and skill levels (though his jokes in the adult class are definitely not PG 🤣) I was most nervous about the fact that I am a hobbyist, and didn’t know if I would feel like I was in the way of the more serious fighters. This is absolutely not the case, in fact the more skilled and senior the gym member, the more welcoming, supportive and considerate I’ve found them to be! I can only assume this is due to the vibe Josh has created, where support and teamwork are valued over any individual. I’ve popped in to other gyms in my travels, as most BJJ gyms welcome visitors. While I’ve enjoyed seeing how other gyms are run, nowhere else has felt like home the way CPMMA does.

The classic “Gi”🥋classes offer a more traditional study of Jiujitsu, while the “NoGi” allows you to attend without having to have your own Gi. I’d recommend this for anyone who wants to try it out for a month and then if after that you’re still into it, buy yourself a nice Gi and commit to training!

As someone with an average fitness level, I find these classes physically and mentally challenging, which is why I love it! If you’re looking to learn a life skill, make new friends, and improve your overall fitness, this could be a good fit. But it’s definitely not a typical gym class, and the design is to allow you to learn and grow over time. Classes are typically focused on a specific type of movement per week, with a larger idea or concept we’re working on each month. You’ll be definitively in other peoples personal space 🤣

If you’re a first timer, when you arrive you will be joining into this already established rhythm instead of other gyms that run beginners only classes. Generally there are enough people on any given day so that higher belts (blue, brown, black =more experienced) can be matched with lower belts (white=less experienced) to make for a dynamic and fruitful class. However, depending on the day and what people have going on in their own lives, the number of people and levels on the mat fluctuates.

After the jujitsu class there is typically a striking class. You can do both, but a lot of people just do one or the other since they are so exhausting. Once you have a membership, you can come to as many classes as you want, or just come to the gym to workout on your own as well. But I think as long as you can commit to twice or three times a week you will be able to make consistent progress.

The gym is generally kept clean, but it is pretty bare bones in terms of facilities. Josh is constantly innovating and improving the space, I can say the entrance space definitely has a better flow now than it did when I first arrived. 🙂

The last thing I’ll add is that as a woman I have never once felt uncomfortable here, and in the three years I’ve been training I have never had any inappropriate comments or conduct come my way. Everyone has been very respectful and kind. Those who come in with an ego who are unwilling to humble themselves to learn don’t last long. While the gym is mostly male, we have a strong female representation, and I am very grateful for how much all of my training partners have helped me grow!

I hope this review is helpful for anyone considering trying out jujitsu, striking, or trying to decide between gyms. Thank you to my CPMMA family for welcoming me into...

Just have to share my experience with Combat Principles MMA in Burtonsville, MD. I have been training in self defense/martial arts for over a decade, but because of a recent change I came to Coach Josh Peters. I am retired and a senior so a lot has changed over the years in the way my body responds to training, recovery, and risk of injury. I am training with Josh in private sessions as that fits my schedule and my physical needs the best. My original goal was to continue my martial arts training, with him, but for the next few weeks we are training to improve my conditioning and agility so that I can keep up pace with my dog in agility competitions. I am super pleased that Josh is more than up to the task of pushing me, helping me improve my strength, endurance, and mobility to suit my goals. As soon as my agility trials are done, I plan to ask Josh to resume some of his training with me in martial arts. Adapting to my goals and needs is something Josh is excellent at. His positive attitude and encouragement help me push myself. When you reach the sixth decade of life there is a strong temptation to slow down and take it easy. But there is always room to push yourself to do better, to be physical in your life, to improve your conditioning, learn a new technique or brush up on established skills. Never stop training at any age. Having a coach like Josh that understands and tailors our training towards my evolving goals...

Joshua Peters - School Owner, has created and fostered an incredible learning and culture here at CPMMA! Coach Josh is one of the most technically sound instructors in the area! He has a gift for communicating steps in technique clearly while guiding students to execute with pinpoint precision. The gym environment is very minimalistic but cozy most important CLEAN! The Tuition Fees can fit ANY Budget. This school has transformed causal onlookers into amazing competitors in both Muay Thai and BJJ! It's even has professional MMA Fighters in its stable. It's even welcome folks like me who've been trying to return to train more regularly. Man, Woman, Child it doesn't matter here. The intimidation wears off immediately the minute Coach Josh welcomes you at the door. This place is just simply INCREDIBLE! I can't say enough about it. If you're looking a Dynamic, Challenging, Accessible Martial Arts Experience to take your journey to the next level or even to begin your journey. Then look no further than College Park Mixed Martial Arts! Believe me now, thank me later! I'm looking forward to...