Ascend Institute of Martial Arts

T-3, 7801 Norfolk Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

4.9 (46 reviews)

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Ascend offers dynamic and comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs for kids, youth, and adults that combine the time-honored Gracie methods with practical self-defense and strength training. Join us today, and discover the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu in a welcoming environment that's empowering both on and off the mats.

Reviews

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Carolina Vega

The instructor here is not only incredibly skilled but also deeply passionate about sharing his knowledge and fostering growth in each student. The classes are structured to accommodate all skill levels, allowing beginners like myself to progress at our own pace while still challenging seasoned practitioners to push their limits.

Instructors Classes
Posted 2 years ago
paola andrea

I am an Au pair and I participated in a 3 h self defense class. Uriel can be the best instructor, not just because of the way he explains, but his energy and life lessons are unforgettable. Thank you !!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Bryn

We love Uriel and his team at Ascend. The kids jujitsu classes are great and Uriel is a thoughtful and kind teacher. He works to build a community for the kids and their families through other events at his facility.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jeff Seaman

In the course of two hours on a Saturday, Uriel showed the class straightforward, simple-to-understand techniques of self-defense. But even more important, he guided us to the necessary self-defense mindset. We highly recommend learning from Uriel.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Faith Ihegihu

State of the art facility with trainers that help build both your mind and body. Sessions are well organized with clear targets to help you reach your goals - 100% recommend

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Alex Vissering

Dropped in while visiting from out of town. Great experience, knowledgeable instruction, and great training partners. Highly recommend for people looking to train or learn.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Gustavo Sudre

Our daughter started BJJ at Ascend Institute of Martial Arts when she had just turned six, and has loved the 1.5 years since! The instructors are fantastic and teach not only self-defense, but also how to behave in public settings and how to listen and show respect. She has gained much more confidence, learned new skills, made new friends of different age groups and, most importantly, is always happy when she's there. It's by far the only extra curricular activity she's always excited to attend, any time, any day! I highly recommend it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Talissa Bavaresco

Uriel teaches Self Defense Seminars for Women. It is free of charge and extremely helpful. I found out about by emailing them with an inquiry, and then I got put on a list where they let me know whenever they are having a seminar so I can attend. These seminars have been incredible and are really helping me feel more safe and prepared when I am out, especially late at night and when commuting on public transit. Thank you Uriel and thank you Ascend for offering this to the community!

Instructors Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Aleksandra Szpakowska

I attended the women’s defense class that the studio offered and I had a great experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and passionate which was greatly appreciated. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a martial arts gym!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Maximo Losada Radley

Always wanted to get into bjj and glad I started at Ascend. Uriel and his staff have created a great community made of beginners through experts. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
chad connolly

The only place to train real martial arts in Bethesda.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Gerrit Davis

This gym becomes home very quickly. The community consists of people from all walks and the instructors are so knowledgeable! I highly recommend Ascend to anyone and think it is extremely well-suited for folks looking to try jiu jitsu for the very first time.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Gregory Carlsen

Great instructors, awesome 6am class, excellent facilities, clean, convenient.

Instructors Facility Classes Location
Posted 7 years ago
jokerjitsu 13

Visiting family in the area and Josh and Ascend welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable and like part of the team! I highly recommend this place for great instruction and a family atmosphere. Thank you from Jodi!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Natashja Kelly

Great place for both kids and adults. Relaxed atmosphere. Good instruction, clean. Their HIIT/ workoutworkout are also good. Good prices for the area.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Tracy Taborga

My kids are in elementary and middle school and really enjoy going to Ascend Institute! It is the best Jiu jitsu studio in the area! The classes are very educational and everyone there gets along well. The Instructors are amazing teachers (blue and black belts) while giving you a very good work out. It's clean, free parking, and reasonable rates. Great adult classes too! Highly recommend for any skill level from beginner to advanced!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
A.J. Calbert

I have been coming to Ascend since January 2018 for fitness classes. The classes are challenging, and I can tell that I am getting stronger and can handle more cardio than before. The coaches take their time to explain the exercises and push you to keep going even when it gets tough.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Sean Wignall

Amazing instructors, and one of the nicest facilities in the area. The brazilian jiu jitsu is fantastic. The location is convenient and metro accessible off the red line. I recommend stopping in!

Instructors Facility Classes Location
Posted 8 years ago
Andrew Zilm

Great and friendly atmosphere for BJJ practice

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Maya Fazlagic

Amazing first experience!! loved working with Uriel! Highly recommending for all parents in Bethesda area, it will change your kids lives!

Instructors Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
engelien zegers

Had a great session at Ascend with Uriel . We love that they are so supportive and instruction on self defense was greatly appreciated. This is a wonderful environment to learn Martial Arts !! Honest and supportive staff that is there when you need them.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Melli Bennett

I have taken two self-defense workshops with Uriel so far and I strongly recommend Ascend Institute of Martial Arts. They teach real solutions that anyone can use for self-defense and the training is applicable to reality. Their programs are great for anyone with a willingness to be prepared for a situation where you may have to rely on yourself alone to protect you and your loved ones. You don't need to be coordinated or have any martial arts experience to learn this. The techniques Uriel teaches, and the mind set behind them, are simple and effective. You learn to defend under pressure and how the body reacts when you perform the techniques. Where many martial arts studios limit you to what you can learn in a certain amount of time, the instruction here at the Ascend is designed to teach as much as you can learn in as little or as much time as you need. Excellent instructors, practical and effective lessons, at a very reasonable rate make this program one of a kind. Time and money well spent!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Yourbestaddress

Amazing instructors, location and most importantly the culture here is inclusive, members are collaborative and beyond compare.

Instructors Location Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Gerson Garcia

I am very thankful that this place let's students from San Miguel go here. The people here are very nice. They certainly deserve to be recognized more than they are.

Instructors Location Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Raymond Friedman

Good gym good people.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Danyal Floisand

I really enjoy this place and the people that work there. I only do the strength & conditioning and cardio kickboxing classes (non-contact membership), which I thoroughly enjoy both and receive helpful advice from the staff. I would give 5 stars, but don't completely enjoy that there is only one changing room which is basically for the men.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Cain Stratton

Non-transparent fee schedule and uncooperative staff who refuse to state anything on electronic record bar broad, general claims. I'd recommend moving to a business that's willing to put their money where their mouth is and not hide behind verbal statements. When I asked why they refused to disclose information on record, they avoided answering the question.

Facility Pricing
Posted 8 years ago