Evolve Academy

18753 N Frederick Ave #200, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA

4.9 (87 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Muay Thai Self-Defense Wrestling

Classes

Adults Classes

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Conveniently located in Gaithersburg, our martial arts classes are excellent choices for self-defense, discipline, and fitness for all ages & fitness levels.

Reviews

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Anthony Gonzalez

GREAT mix of martial arts, especially the distinction between ground-fighting with and without a dogi (loose and easy-to-grab uniform). i’ve only been training there for 5 weeks but i’ve loved every minute of it — all 675 of them — and if you’re reading this, i implore you to give it a fair shot
Posted 1 year ago
KB Yiadom

Best family oriented and safe place to train if you are looking to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, self defense or to get in shape. Melissa and Master Mike have developed an amazing program and a fun and safe environment. It’s been my home away from home for the last 15 years!
Posted 1 year ago
Paul M

I think it is the best school in the area.

Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Armen Galustyan

Great martial arts school for kids.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Gille Talley

My son started at 4 years old he’s now 10 and one step away from a black belt. Great instructors, great people, great facility, great location. You won’t be disappointed.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Brian Lee

Evolve is the one of the best academies I have trained at and I have trained at a few. Quality instruction with a respectful and collaborative gym culture. Drop by and check them out if you are interested in bettering your physical and mental health.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Fred Escobar

Thank u Thank u Great experience and one heck of a workout !!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Nicholas Pirrone

Where do I begin…. So we have been coming to Evolve for 3 years. We have a little tiger and 3 kids in the regular kids class. They flat out love it here. Master Mike, Ms. Melissa, Mr. Leo, Mr. Fabio, and Mr. Al are the best. They create a clean atmosphere in values for the kids. They don’t allow course joking and inappropriate behavior. They teach the kids about mat hygiene which is paramount in infection control. If your trying to decide about an MMA gym this ones for you.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
يوسف Joseph Anani

The character building is the first thing that'll stand out. You go there and will feel welcome. Everyone is helpful. It's a wonderful environment to learn things that everyone should know. How to defend yourself, get in shape, stay in shape, and chances to compete if you wish to do so. You can't go wrong here. Master Mike and Melissa are always responsive and honest with questions and all other memebers/instructors are wonderful.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
zartosht shayegan

The best community that you can be part of, kids are learn not only martial arts but manner focuse and discipline, We are a family of three and all 3 of us are practice at Evolve academy This was the best decision we've had to spend time together 🤘🏻🌟🤘🏻

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Krish Subramanian

This place changed me! Master Mike is such a cool teacher and so supportive and everyone here is always ready to teach and learn :) Highly recommend this academy if you are looking to learn a new martial art!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Cesia Cifuentes

Evolve has been a great help. My daughter sophia is part of the little tiggers program for couple of months now. She has learn to listed and follow instructions. I didn’t know what to do with her energy and now that she is learning jujitsu has helped her to be more calm and she doesn’t stress out like she used to. I really appreciate Evolve.

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
G

Evolve is an amazing academy. My son and daughter are both attending, and they absolutely love it. Evolve is a great gym to train for all ages and any experience level. Master Mike, Ms. Melissa and the entire staff are very welcoming and make you feel like family. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Michelle Salaum

My kids love it here. The staff and owners attentive, knowledgeable, and organized. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Stanley Girshik

I’ve been a member of Evolve for several years now, and still going strong. The self-defense curriculum combines great workouts with valuable self-defense skills. Master Mike Moses has created a positive and inclusive environment where beginners and seasoned fighters learn something new every class. Each class gives me a positive charge that lasts for days and helps me in my day-to-day at work and home. Five stars from me.

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Posted 2 years ago
Mirna V Barahona

Mis hijos decidieron ejercitarse y entrenar en este lugar , an aprendido a ser más disciplinados

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Frank Tejada

Family environment

Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Keiron Fairweather

This is a very good place where students can learn selfe defence easy and get black belts.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
A Lot

The sign above the entrance says it all, "A functional family fitness center." A place with good vibes, and great instructors. Welcoming to all ages and backgrounds. Great place for the seasoned athlete looking to evolve their martial arts practice or simply those looking to get into shape. Large, open, clean, and we'll kept mat area. Most importantly, a family-oriented center that gently instills discipline in kids and provides good role models to aspire to. Master Mike's innate leadership trickles down to the rest of the amazing staff. Every time I attend class I am greeted with a smile.

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Posted 3 years ago
Sara Viva

Master Mike and Mrs Melissa are the best ! Best academy, great community ,full of love and positive energy 🤟😍 Me and my son Edward are enjoying every second of the time we spend there :)

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Joseph Tutt

Awesome place to learn, train, and grow. Thanks Master Mike Moses for all you've taught and your patience. Edit: I wanted to revisit this review and communicate something important. In 2014 my brother passed away. The circumstances of that life event left me shattered. I needed an outlet and bad. I joined Evolve with that in mind but I had a personal struggle that took my commitment, energy, enthusiasm and motivation away. So I would show up here and there. I don’t know if they kept my story in mind when I did show up.. however, the team welcomed me, pushed me, and for those times worked a lot of my soul knots out. I am highly appreciative of them. I would recommend everyone to take lessons, learn life philosophies or simply get a good full body workout with Evolve. Thank you team. From the bottom of my still beating heart.

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Posted 3 years ago
John Bussiere

Great instructors, training partners, and environment for all ages!

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Posted 3 years ago
Tin Tran

It has been over a year since we’ve enrolled both our boys at Evolve Academy and we can say that it was one of the best decisions made. The growth, focus, discipline, and confidence over this past year is invaluable to building their character and has given them a foundation to becoming strong young men. Their martial arts journey has just begun. Time spent away from the electronics building mind and body is time well spent. We can’t stress enough how much we appreciate the positive impact Master Mike Moses, the coaches, and staff has made on our boys. We highly recommend Evolve Academy to all the parents out there. You will definitely watch your child “evolve”!

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Posted 4 years ago
Patrick Ward

We’ve seen a great positive attitude from the instructors at Evolve. The welcoming atmosphere from all of the students and families makes it easy to find your place in the gym community

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
j

My Son kai loves the Academy, He is always interested in learning new things. Their Coaches like Coach Leo and Jonathan are Amzing for the little ones class. I would highly recommend this academy! I might join when my schedule starts to loosen up

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Hend Alweeshy

My kids have been training there for the past 8 years and you call it second home. It is phenomenal very respectful it teaches you how to navigate through life. Absolutely a gym for kids and for adults.

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Posted 4 years ago
Lucas Riegel

Great experience, awesome staff!

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Posted 4 years ago
Christopher Giang

After going to Evolve Academy for 5 years and participated in all the programs they have to offer, I can proudly say that Evolve is one of the best institution to learn martial arts. The atmosphere is very welcoming and you'll have no problem making new friends and training partners. As a teenager I felt that I learned the lessons needed to properly defend myself while also boosting my self confidence. The instructors here were also above and beyond my expectations, always giving great advice and sharing laughs. I would gladly recommend Evolve academy to anyone interested in martial arts. I personally recommend the muay thai for the street class which is super useful to know in case of a real life confrontation.

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Posted 5 years ago
William Emshoff

I have personally trained with Mike. He really knows what he’s doing and is a truly great guy.

Instructors
Posted 5 years ago
Charlie Noonan

Evolve Academy is a wonderful academy that teaches its students not only proper striking and grappling skills, but self defense as well. Evolve Academy understands what the customers want and delivers. It's clean and maintains a family-friendly atmosphere. I don't live close to it, but am glad to drive further just to go to Evolve even though I could go somewhere else much closer. I would drive even further just to have the experience I do at Evolve academy.

Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Oscar Montalvo

I started my martial arts journey at Evolve Academy nearly 14 yrs ago. The current facilitiy is top notch, the instructors are phenomenal, and the atomsphere produces powerful, kind, and honorable people that succeed on the mats as well as in everyday life. Get fit and learn self defense at one of the best academys in the DMV!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Suzanne Beall

Highly recommend this MMA gym whether you are a martial arts hobbyist, interested in getting in shape, or even looking to build a professional MMA career. Some of the highlights: 1. The school owner, Master Mike, holds multiple black belts and is the only school owner in the area that actively uses his skills in a professional setting (security detail, teaching law enforcement personnel etc.). Master Mike teaches as many classes as possible and provides personal attention to all of his students. Whatever your goals are, they have the knowledge and true desire to guide you. 2. The school is probably the largest and cleanest in the area. There is a big enough mat space to hold both the stand up and Jiu jitsu classes simultaneously, and each class generally has around 10-20 students. Before walking onto the mats, all students have to clean their feet with sanitizer, and they have plenty of hand sanitizer around the school so you can reapply between sparring sessions. The mats and public walking areas are also resurfaced and cleaned annually. 3. The school is very female friendly! The women’s bathroom is especially clean and has extra items for your personal needs. They really pay attention to the details! 4. The atmosphere is extremely friendly, and egos are checked at the door. Everyone is there to learn, whether you are brand new or an old hat. Several well known Jiu jitsu and MMA fighters have come from evolve, including Kenneth Brown and Rachel Demara (BJJ black belts and world champions) and Zach Davis (multiple black belt holder and former candidate on The Ultimate Fighter).

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Posted 6 years ago
Maria Elena Campos

My son started classes a month ago, overweighted and with cholesterol problems. Right after the first class he was in love with the place. Master Mike is awesome! He is down two pant sizes and cholesterol levels are normal. We love all the staff and our son is happy and healthy💕

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Jose Sanchez Hernandez

Stopped in on Monday for No-Gi and for Stand-up combatives. Both classes were great! In No-Gi we warmed up doing mobility drills like most BJJ schools do. We went on to doing take down-for-take down with a partner of similar size. Instruction focused on a progression that started with a low-single take down. We first practiced the take down and how to set it up, and then drilled it with a partner live. We rolled for probably half of the class. After each submission we were instructed to start standing and continue the live drilling. From what I saw the academy is huge on partnering higher level ranking members with lower ranking members, which was great. I rolled with a black belt first and then a purple belt after-- both were skilled and each partner gave me great advice during the rolling in class for how to improve moves I was trying. No ego here-- all smiles and good BJJ. A second part of the class focused on the scenario of an opponent getting the low single take down and then trying to pass our guard-- we focused on how to build good frames to prevent being put in cross body, and good frames to use to recover guard from cross body. Solid instruction-- plenty, plenty of actual drilling time with a partner. Stand-up combatives was great also. A lot of pad work, shadow boxing drills against a partner without heavy contact, and some solid self-defense drills from the feet. This class started mixed level for the warm-up drills, but was then split from beginner and advanced belt levels mid-way through for the instruction. Good balance between getting a good workout and also working technique. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Huge mats and plenty of heavy bags and even a small weight lifting section tucked away in the back. Super geared to be a family environment and I'd highly recommend stopping by and checking this place out.

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Posted 7 years ago
Hend Alweeshy

My kids attend classes there they are 6 and 4 . I can not stress how much their personalities evolved since they started training there . Best staff. Best instructors .they take you in as a family and it completely shows in the atmosphere.

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Posted 7 years ago
Daniel Call

This is a great gym, with lots of general training equipment and large mat space. They have large changing areas and sell equipment and drinks. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. BJJ is a great activity for the entire family.

Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Eduardo Cabrera III

If you are looking for a school that will not only teach you martial arts but also teaches valuable life skills such as courtesy, respect, discipline, and honor. The instructors are wonderful and the other students are great too!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Vien L (Vienom)

They have great instructors that are pretty patient with kids. My kids takes their self defense (anti-bully) classes. They also have adults Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The environment is clean and well maintained.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Jonathan Lee

My eight year old son and I have been coming to Evolve for over three years now and feel like part of a family. For my son, the children's classes teach not only practical self-defense tactics, but also discipline and respect. He not only loves classes, but has hosted his last three birthday parties at Evolve. For myself, this has been my first formal experience with martial arts, and I am hooked. The instruction is top notch, and while classes will push you physically, never do you feel out of place or helpless. Since starting classes, I have also lost over 30 lbs. and feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. The facilities are clean and maintained, and everyone is very inviting. It is really great walking into the gym and being welcomed by name. I strongly recommend anyone that is looking to try martial arts give Evolve a try.

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Posted 8 years ago
Kwame Yiadom

Evolve Academy is my home away from home. Master Mike has an amazing philosophy when it comes to martial arts and building our future leaders which transcends into how the school is run, iterations with the students and the training received. It is a very family friendly gym with students of all ages from all walks of life. I've made really good friends and connections training at Evolve and I've been fortunate to learn and grow over my years there. The instructors are phenomenal both on the mat and in their personal day to day lives. The curriculum is heavily focused on selfdefense and fitness. I'll definitely recommend Evolve Academy to anyone I know.

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Posted 8 years ago
Anders Acadia

Evolve Academy is amazing. I have been training here for over 10 years now. The instruction here is phenomenal. There are instructors competing at all levels. Additionally, many other very good martial arts academies in the area have instructors who learned their craft at this gym (six schools at least). In addition to the great instruction, there is an amazing collection of people here. Everyone is always working together and pushing each other to be better. There are people here from all walks of life. As if that wasn’t enough, the facilities are also outstanding. Evolve has a whole lot of mat space, a half octagon, a bunch of banana bags, tires, weights; every thing you need. If you are looking for an mma, self defense, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, submission grappling, wrestling, martial arts school, look no further! I can not recommend this place enough. You will not regret it!

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Posted 8 years ago
W B

Staff is excellent with kids, as well as adults! I started taking classes after I signed my kids up, now I'm in better shape pushing 50 than I was in my early 30s! Its addicting!

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Posted 9 years ago
Carrie W

I have been a regular for years, with some periods off from time to time, but I always come back to evolve when I am home from school.

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Posted 10 years ago
Nicolas Gomez Mahecha

The BEST martial arts school i have ever belong to,and i have been doing Martial arts, since i was 10 years old, is like being in a family place!!

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Posted 10 years ago
Wesley R

I am one of the students at evolve. I love it, I am able to make more friends, the staff are great including Master Mike Moses. They have taught me alot. And Im grateful.

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Posted 10 years ago
Ahmar Shah

At Evolve Academy you earn your black belt the old fashion way. Hardwork. Persistence. Dedication. Sweat. Determination. No gimmicks! This is the place to be for true to the core Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.

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Posted 11 years ago
Todd Jackson

Evolve Academy has become a 2nd home for me and the folks there are like an extended family. I cannot express how much being a part of this academy has meant to my quality of life, health, and personal purpose. The staff are very genuine people who care about your growth and treat you with respect. Master Mike is an excellent instructor and is focused on teaching his students proven techniques that will make you a more confident, respectful person. People who train at Evolve, go out into the world with a better attitude. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!

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Posted 11 years ago
Mai Vang

My friend took me to try a few classes and I got hooked! Evolve has the best instructors, to include the best head instructor (Master Mike)! Their training style is beyond I could ever imagine! Everyone is professional, welcoming, and humble! The training is also the best! What I love about the training sessions is that everyone trains together (from all age groups to gender). Even the pro fighters train with us!!! I usually have to drive 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs to train twice a week there but the drive is worth it and I wouldn't go anywhere else!!!

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Posted 11 years ago
Dustin DeHaven

Great. Learn useful skills, great instructors, intense, even the other students are awesome.

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Posted 11 years ago
tr1822

Evolve is a GREAT gym. I have been going there for about 5 years, and I love it. There are very few places in which you can learn true, tested functional martial arts without egos. Everyone is really friendly and relaxed. The competitors (MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai) are treated as regular students and are easy to approach and learn from. They don't teach theory, and the curriculum evolves itself as new ideas and better solutions become available. It's a great place for kids and adults alike. I highly recommend it.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Sean Behzadi

I joined Evolve Academy several years ago and I can truly say it has been one of the best decisions of my life. Initially, I joined as a way to stay in shape but what I got was a lot more. I never felt intimidated or uncomfortable - instructors and students are very welcoming and genuinely want to help you meet your goals. The instructors' skills are top-notch and, years later, I'm always impressed with how much there is to learn still. I will never get bored of this place!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Mauricio Massa

This is definitely the best Academy in the area. The people that train there are extremely friendly and welcoming , they made me feel part of the team from day one. The instructors are top-notch and they make sure that you learn correctly. Added bonus: their facilities are top quality!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Max Li

Just awesome. Great facilities, great instructors and great community. This is how a martial arts school should be.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Zachary Davis

Evolve Academy is an incredible place to train Martial Arts. I started during college for fun and find myself still attendin ten years later. No matter your goal you will be welcomed as a teammate on day one. Some people are intimidated to try martial arts but the beginner classes help ease you into the art while the primal skills class can help get you physically prepared. I can honestly say Evolve Academy has changed my life and would wholeheartedly recommend it too anyone. In fact my younger sister has just begun her journey into Martial Arts and has already gotten hooked.

Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Jason Light

Character development & true self defense skills are taught here. Whether it be through a base in striking/standing or ground, with Brazilian/Gracie Jiu Jitsu we train and learn as a family.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago