Luke

Dropped in from out of town and loved this gym. Great instructors, great grappling partners, great rounds. Highly recommended.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

10/10 recommend this gym. I've been learning jiu-jitsu here for 8 months now and this gym will make you progress fast in an inclusive, supportive, challenging, disciplined, and fun atmosphere. John knows how students learn in the most effective ways and is always incorporating new techniques into our training to challenge our bodies and minds to learn. I have to move on to Indiana now, but I owe so much of my growth in jiu-jitsu to this gym.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Kate S.B.

I can't say enough about how wonderful Zenyo has been for our boys (9 and almost 6). John is a natural with kids - a calming, encouraging and positive presence who brings a genuine joy to his classes and to their open mat time. He is an absolute pro and his authority is serious and silly in turn (you can learn, be challenged AND have fun!)...but the kids always know who's boss. Zenyo is a friendly welcoming, challenging and truly magical experience they'll always remember. So grateful to have found John and the team.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Edward Bryant Jr

I experienced amusement, empowerment, and humility with Professor John Emmett at Zenyo Jiu jutsu. As a person in my 60’s, I did not see how I would defend myself from the ground-especially against a much stronger and younger person. Most people my age fall down and can’t get up, for me it was the opposite, I couldn’t stay up because I kept falling down. Despite my limitation I kept coming to class. As I continued coming to class, I noticed my knees didn’t hurt as bad and I was able to kneel on them longer without falling over. As a matter of fact, I was starting to last a little longer during sparring without feeling like I was going to pass out from exhausting. As I reflected on how much I was improving, my limitation were slowly disappearing. What was more unexpected about everything, I was having fun doing it. It amazed me how the higher belts and the instructor would wiggle their bodies like a worm or snake and repositioned themselves into a more dominate position without hurting me. It was a pleasure to roll, (spar), with everyone in the class because I did not experience any extra unneeded pain while rolling. A few months after I started studying jiu jutsu, my 24 year old nephew came to visit me. One day we were playing around and happened to be on the floor. As we took turns practicing holding each other down, I realized how much I had learned when my nephew was unable to stop or hold me down whenever I decided I wanted to get up. Look at me, here I am with a young man almost 40 years my junior handling him without any problems at all. I was a beast!!! Well at least to him I was because I started teaching him some of the things I had learned in class. As we worked on the mat, I could see he did some wrestling, so we had a very nice exchange of information. Now my nephew knows, Uncle Eddie can handle himself on the ground! Thank you Professor John Emmett and my training partners at Zenyo Jiu jutsu!.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

John Clifton

Training at Zenyo is a must!. Athletes at any level of experience will come to appreciate and greatly benefit from coach John's unique approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu. You'll have tons of fun, feel safe, and progress quickly. John has done a truly impressive job studying, synthesizing, and implementing the most up to date research on how our brains and bodies learn and adapt. Come and try it out- you won't be disappointed (just a bit sweaty).

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Long Luu

Dropped into Zenyo Jiu Jitsu while traveling for work in July and was very pleased with my time there. Excellent grapplers, extremely welcoming, and a great atmosphere overall!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Devin Craig

Awesome place to train. Good for all skill levels

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Fabian Medina

Zenyo is in a class of its own. From the approach to the sport to how welcoming the gym is, John's efforts in revolutionizing the sport are visible. I have trained at various gyms before moving to Baltimore from New York and I have never felt more comfortable at a gym. Dropping in on some of my old gyms when I visit NYC has made me appreciate the environment at Zenyo even more. Whether you are looking to join or dropping in for a class, Zenyo is top tier!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Travis Maynard

I was in Baltimore for work from 2/10/23 - 2/26/23, I managed to train at Zenyo seven or eight times during my work trip. This gym, its instructors, and students were an absolute joy to train with. Extremely hospitable, great training partners, and with a very unique training philosophy. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to get started in jiu jitsu or someone who has been training a while and looking for something new. My bjj background, 43 year old purple belt training for 7 years. If I am ever in the area again I will certainly stop by. Thanks to John, Luis, Bryce, Dave, Chrys, and the rest of the team.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Robin Coleman

Here's the short version: if you're looking for a great place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, come and join us here. Here's the longer version: Whether you're new to BJJ, or you've been training for years, there are things about this school that you'll love. John is a really good teacher. If you're experienced, he going to challenge you and you will improve. If you're new, you're going to find out that Jiu Jitsu is really hard in some ways and really intuitive in some others, and you will find out that the community and friendship that John builds deliberately in his gym makes the hard days easier. When you step onto the mat at Zenyo, you're going to know you're among friends. And then you're going to try to strangle each other and laugh about it afterward. I can't wait until the next time I'm on the mats. John really cares about his students. It shows in the way he runs class, checks in with you afterward, the way he runs his amazing kids classes, and also in the way he has approached the pandemic over the last 13 months. I've been training at Zenyo for four years, and it wasn't long before all three of my kids were training here as well. To watch them in class is amazing. They take on a major challenge in a format where they are entirely on their own. They lose a lot; it's rough; John pushes them hard, and they get better at taking on hard challenges. Their spirits get more resilient, and their skills improve. And to see the way they feel when they have taken all of that on and they know it, is priceless. The kids love it--they don't know or care that it's beneficial to them--and I love to see them do it. One of the things that has inspired me to write this review is the way Zenyo has operated throughout the pandemic. John prioritized safety for his students and shut down when it was first recommended, but he quickly organized group and private zoom training and workouts. Then he created outdoor (very distanced) group workouts and even hikes for the kids in the summertime. And when the pandemic wore on, he found ways to let people train together in a safe way, while maintaining the virtual sessions he's been running multiple times every day. I can't say enough about how good it feels to be a part of a community that demonstrates care for one another from the top to the bottom. One of the key concepts John teaches is "mutual welfare and benefit," which is a training precept from Judo, and it's clear in every aspect of Zenyo Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're looking for a BJJ school for you, or for your kids, or if you've been thinking about it for ages but you don't think you're ready for it, do yourself a huge favor, and come try it out. Sign your kids up. If you're anything like me, the only thing you'll regret is that you didn't do it earlier.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Jess Mayo

I love coming here every week! I was a little intimidated to start, because I didn't know what to expect. But it has been such a rewarding experience. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. We're all just trying to learn and grow together and everyone wants to see you succeed.It's such a GREAT workout and, like dancing, you don't even realize you're exercising! I carried a few 80lb bags of concrete the other day, and my mom was so shocked I could do it and pointed out how much stronger I was getting lol. I love it

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Courtney Moore

I am grateful that I have been able to train despite all that is happening in the world right now. My time on the mats (and Zoom) has had a tremendous impact on my fitness, self-confidence, and mindset. It is incredible to think about how much I have grown since I first started at Zenyo in October 2019. I truly believe you can gain a lot from training with John and the Zenyo team. You will most definitely learn great skills and receive fantastic instruction, but the benefits expand way beyond that. Whether you want to train exclusively online or incorporate private rolling, I highly recommend you join us.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

J Oryp

John is a great teacher, you can learn a lot and also have a good laugh. I feel safe being here and it’s just a great environment to learn in.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Kritis Dasgupta

My 6-year old son and I both train with John David Emmett at Zenyo Jiu Jutsu and have benefited immeasurably from our training. My son is noticeably more confident, coordinated and able to stay focused after a year of training. For myself John’s ability to break down fundamentals and his fun, challenging training approach has significantly improved my BJJ as well as my fitness level. Because of the warm and friendly atmosphere John cultivates at Zenyo, I have developed great friendships with my training partners. John is a true teacher who is always exploring the best methods to transmit solid skills to his students. He has a very deep understanding of both jiu jutsu and correct body mechanics, which allows his students to train safely without causing long-term injury.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

terrence battlehunt

This has been my home for Jiu Jitsu for some time now. There are a lot of choices in the Baltimore area, but this is one of the best if not the best that Iv'e been to around the country. You can go to any school and learn X,Y, or Z technique, but John shows great knowledge, and skill when he breaks down how and why techniques work proper body mechanics, and the "in-between" things that few schools teach. The classes are good sized with a wide range of training partners. Give this school a shot you won't regret it. BTW john has medaled at the worlds at brown and black belt, levels so his techniques can be used all the way through your time on the mats.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Chip Smith

I was a newcomer to jiu jitsu when I joined Zenyo, so I did not know what to expect. What I found was a community that prioritizes safety, effort, and camaraderie. John leads and teaches with a direct but friendly approach. There is zero intimidation factor. No one is out to embarrass anyone. As long as you are ready to listen and work hard, you will grow in this community. I really can't say enough good things about it.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Mark Oswalt

I rarely write public reviews, but I can strongly recommend John Emmett and Zenyo Jiu Jitsu. John genuinely strives to make students better and focuses on proper technique, movement and attention to detail. His instruction will make you better both on and off the mats.

Instructors

Posted 7 years ago

Geoffrey Blake

I found Zenyo Jiu Jitsu on a google search for BJJ in Baltimore. There are other great schools in the area, but this one pulled me in because of its language regarding culture, and close proximity to my Remington apartment. The 5 goals of Zenyo Jiu Jitsu are • Be nice. • Safe Jiu Jitsu • Be a good partner • Good behavior on the mats • Learn good skills As a super active 39 year old, who relies on my physicality to teach Baltimore youth strength training, getting hurt isn’t an option. If you’ve ever heard those nightmare stories about going to a new gym, not getting taught properly, then getting mauled by all the more experienced ones, rest assured, Zenyo is the furthest you can get from that. Class is run with a warmup designed to teach your body how to move in efficient ways, skill based instruction, skill based drilling, then rolling. There’s even a beginner class for those who want to learn the fundamentals without all out rolling in the beginning. It reviews the mechanics and basics of rolling, falling, ground based movement, footwork, etc. Their culture is strong and inclusive, with your partners being super respectful, and challenging when you are ready. The kid classes are well run, and I’m seeing young humans grow with a level of respect that is taught best with a healthy martial arts teacher and student relationship. Women feel comfortable and welcome here, with John’s wife and other ladies taking class. I highly recommend Zenyo Jiu Jitsu!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Carter Freiburg

The Zenyo system of teaching allows anyone of any age or skill level to enjoy learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Highly recommend this school!!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

David Diaz

Very happy to have found Zenyo. This is the most positive spirited academy I've ever trained with, since I began in 2005. John is an insightful coach and a natural leader. His approach to instruction is a very welcome change to the typical "BJJ" instruction I've experienced in the past. I'm happy to have signed on after a 3 year layoff from jiu-jitsu.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

angela donn

We've had great experiences with Zenyo Jiu Jitsu for our 8 year old son. Professor John is great! He brings a fantastic balance of technique, social responsibility, and fun! Highly recommended.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Mike Guberman

Great culture and expert instruction. If you’re looking for a place to learn Jiu Jitsu and get a great workout without a bunch of meatheads, this is the way to go. John goes a long way to make newer people feel comfortable as well.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Jennifer Minke

John is a great coach!

Instructors

Posted 9 years ago

Latia Morton

Mr. John is a wonderful instructor. Very patient with the kids. I've watched my son through his instruction grow in jiu jitsu tremendously and he's only 4yrs.

Instructors

Posted 9 years ago

James Marciano

Very happy and lucky I found Zenyo. John's approach to teaching is different Than most and very effective. I have been doing BJJ off and on for 10+ years and I find John's take on body mechanics and training refreshing. Classes are exciting and you will learn.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Evan Carter

Extremely high-quality teaching. Fantastic people.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Carl Simon

Zenyo Jiu Jitsu is an excellent place and I would recommend it to anybody! John is an awesome instructor and takes great care in his craft.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Christina Fenton

Excellent martial arts program. My boys were two of the first kids to try John's class when he moved the program to Meadow Mill, where we are already members. At 4 & 5 Years old they are on the younger age range for the class, yet John is able to handle all the kids, while giving everyone attention. He is is very patient, energetic, encouraging and at the same time instills discipline when needed. He is a teacher, not a parent. The kids love the class. You can't beat the price compared to nearby dojos. I can't say enough good things. My boys are more confident and skilled as a result.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

David (Davy)

Been going to Zenyo about 6 months now and I couldn't have found a better place to learn BJJ. John is a very knowledgeable instructor, and really makes Zenyo a fun and friendly environment. Great instruction, great people, and a great workout. Couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Daniel Small

John is a wonderful instructor. His method is very low impact, explained in a simple way that's not confusing and is incredibly effective. The students are all very friendly and welcoming also! I highly recommend you give it a try - you won't be disappointed

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Rael Jero Salley

Awesome training at Zenyo BJJ. Great place & people with which to train, from new beginners to more experienced folks.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Dave Calico

John's school is like no other. I've been to other gyms, done the push ups, drilled techniques incorrectly, been ignored by instructors. John gives personal attention. Not only that, he makes it his job to allow students to find space to explore jiu jitsu concepts for themselves. Our warm ups center around stretching and body awareness. The purpose behind the training is made clear. I'm so happy I've trained with John and I encourage anybody who wants to improve their skills and understanding of the art to come check it out!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Becky Ross

If you are in the Baltimore area and don't stop in you are missing out! I learned so much working with John. He's a great teacher and will get to know you and how you learn so you get the most out of your jiu jitsu.

Instructors Location

Posted 10 years ago

Gabriella Souza

Instruction is spot-on—individualized, challenging, and effective. You will learn so much here, and have a good time doing it. I was a little scared to try jiu jitsu at first, but John David Emmett is a master of putting you at ease. Safey is first at every class, and that allows you to trust and bond with your training partners, no matter your age, size, or gender. I've noticed a difference in almost every aspect of my life since coming here. I feel more confident, it has helped reduce my stress, and is a heck of a good workout. Try this place—I promise you won't be disappointed.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Vollie Hollands

John is a very talented instructor who focuses on the principles of movement and flow. He also incorporates elements of other martial arts to provide a well rounded Jiu Jitsu experience. I had the chance to attend a seminar at Zenyo Jiu Jitsu and had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the introduction to Aikido as well. Give this a try.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Phil Lanni

Train under one of the best in a great environment.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Takanami

Great Jiu Jitsu by a great guy. John is a world class Champion and a world class Instructor. With so many years experience training with high level guys none of the important details are left out. Aside from the technical aspects of positions and submissions, John is very intuitive on connecting and reaching each student in his own subtle way. He makes sure you understand the technique as well as genuinely caring for your well being and improvement. On the mat training with John (in a competitive setting) words like smash and pressure come to mind. He some how applies his weight in such precise angles that you would swear there are 2 people on you. Aside from the heavy top game he overall has a very detailed and fluent game and 9 times out of 10 Im having a big laugh with him at the end of the round =) I hold the rank of BJJ Brown Belt and learn so much from him every time I get the opportunity to train with him. If you are new to Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned player I highly recommend his instruction.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Vaughan Jones

This is a best Jiu-Jitsu school I ever training one thing I like about it it is a fordable membership dojo and the coach he teach sport jiu jitsu and self-defense jiu jitsu but he teach a little bit more sport then self defense but he still teach self defense jiu jitsu and the facility is really clean friendly people and also they have a jacuzzi and a steam room the reason why I give it 4 stars because his jiu jitsu class is a hour short and you training for that hour but other than that it is a great school to learn

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Zenyo Jiu Jitsu

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