Clinch Academy

500 Highland St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

4.9 (59 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo MMA Self-Defense Striking Wrestling

Classes

Adults Classes All Levels Black Belt Instruction Open Mat

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Get equipped with the skill to stay safe and the discipline to feel healthy, so that you can live with confidence!

Reviews

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Matt Ayuen

The coaching staff here is world class, the energy of the gym, cleanliness and how welcoming everyone was. Felt like home. I cannot recommend training here enough!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Kory C

Brand new amazing Muay Thai gym in Scarborough. Absolutely love it! Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or advanced, the coaches/instructors are great with all levels of experience and are able to share their vast knowledge of Muay Thai. Without a doubt I highly recommend!!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Conor OHagan

I've had a fantastic experience as a beginner. My coach has been very patient and helpful. Watching some of the other classes, I can say it seems like an excellent place even if you are not a beginner. I look forward to training here for a long time.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Alex Stauch

Had a great time training here while visiting. Josh was kind and gave my son and I a free class each. We both enjoyed our class and will definitely train here again whenever we are back in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Sherri Lewis

My 11yr old son had the best time tonight, he can't wait to go back!

Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Stephen Conner

Luke and the coach at Clinch do an amazing job to positively support each persons growth and development in health, fitness, and martial arts.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jamie D

My family has been a part of Clinch Academy for over 10 years. The results have been amazing. We have learned so many incredible skills through their classes. Our confidence has increased as we've learned how to protect ourselves, how to build solid health habits for everyday living and how to be a respectful and dedicated team player. Luke, Caty and their family have gone above and beyond to welcome us, train us and make us a part of the Clinch family. We recommend them 100%!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Andre W

The school is very inviting and they make you feel like family. They're patient with their instructions. The coaches are very skilled and professional. I would likely recommend a newcomer.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Cathy C

The instructors are always professional. They challenge to students to rise to a level of excellence. My son is developing not only skill, but confidence & character.

Instructors
Posted 2 years ago
Andy Nichols

The atmosphere is very welcoming and takes a lot of the trepidation out of what is an intimidating process. For me, grappling was a completely foreign experience and to start at 40 years of age gave me some hesitation, but I've been coming to Clinch for 7 years now and I've never questioned my decision. The coaches are great. They're patient and knowledgeable and very safety-conscious. The other folks training there have been awesome too and I've made some great friends. I own my own business and have a busy family life and the flexibility Clinch's schedule offers me is great. I can do lunch time classes or evening classes or just pop in for open mat. Luke runs a really nice program and I can't recommend Clinch enough.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Michael Stack

Dropped in from out of town to Saturday class. Great space - open, clean, and with a space for kids to hang out during adult class. Instructors and students very welcoming, Enjoyed the Saturday format focused on drills and then an open mat. Would definitely drop in again if in town.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Leah Mack

I have two teens enrolled in the BJJ classes here, and could not be happier. This place has great people doing great work in a positive environment. I just love the way my kids are both challenged and supported and I often recommend this excellent martial arts studio to other parents. In addition to exercise, coordination, and self confidence, I love that my son and daughter are gaining critical self defense skills. I don't worry as much about them being out in the world when I know they have such a deep well of skills and practice in protecting themselves.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Casey Rickerd

My husband and I started BJJ back in the beginning of august. I was so scared to go into a martial arts gym for the first time, but once we got there everything changed. Luke and Josh are some of the nicest people ever. Along with everyone else that attends the gym as well. There are important policies that ensures a safe environment to be able to learn and have fun! Everyone is super nice and willing to teach you or talk to you. 10/10 would recommend this gym for anyone and everyone! Don’t take it from me though, check it out for yourselves! (:

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Monique Jackson

My daughter and I are beyond thrilled about being a new part of the Clinch family. From the warm welcome Coach Josh gave prior to signing up for the free trial membership through present day of my daughter attending classes 4 days a week, we have not been disappointed. I love that my daughter isn’t a just a number but they know her by name and they take time to work with her as well as all of the children to make sure they all understand not only the positions and movements but the purpose of them as well. At Clinch they promote a positive learning environment that pays great attention to the culture of martial arts including discipline and respect. The coaches they have working with the children are patient and the understand how to teach them so they retain what they have learned. I also love how involved the owner is with the classes and is always ready to help or assist even just in passing. I honestly could go on and on about how all the wonderful things Clinch has to offer. But if you’re looking to get your kids involved in and learn martial arts in a positive environment where they can be challenged, this is the place. You’ll see them make friends, learn, grow and become more confident individuals. What parent wouldn’t want this for their child

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Rick Ulrey

The Clinch academy has put together a great program. It's methodical and paced incredibly well.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
C.A. Marg

Absolutely amazing staff that are patient and wonderful at hands on teaching for little ones. The facilities are very clean and I was impressed with what I saw. My son really enjoyed his class.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Dominic SARCHIAPONE

Excellent dojo centered around character & community! Adult and kids classes so parents and kids can train at same time! All instructors are top notch and are there for their students on and off the matt!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Nick G

All around awesome! Coaches are very knowledgeable. It is definitely more of a home feeling of a place rather than a cookie-cutter type of place.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Donald Fuller

Friendly family atmosphere. Fantastic instructors

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Johnny Prather

My Grandson loves the young warriors program. Very well organized and the instructors do a great job with the kids.

Instructors Classes
Posted 5 years ago
Erik holt

Great family environment with friendly and knowledgeable staff. It is a great place to train and improve your craft.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Natalie Cioffi

We have been going to Clinch for over 5 years. We have 4 boys and currently 3 are enrolled and are 4th will be as soon as he turns 4. This academy is not only amazing at teaching our children jujitsu but life long skills!

Instructors
Posted 6 years ago
Allison Stone

I have been going to Clinch Academy since 2013. It can be intimidating walking in to a martial arts studio when you have no experience or no idea what to expect. The staff at Clinch made it such a welcoming and warm experience. I started out taking bootcamp classes and then started BJJ in 2017. You won't meet a nicer community of people elsewhere.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Lauren Cottrell

We love Clinch! The instructors are super knowledgeable and patient with the kids. My five year old really enjoys coming to class each week, and he’s learning how to stay focused and more disciplined. The facilities are clean and well taken care of as well.

Instructors Facility Classes
Posted 7 years ago
Luke Staley

When I first walked into Clinch Academy my freshman year at school at Hood College in Frederick Maryland, I was immediately struck by the family friendly atmosphere. Even for me, a young Collegiate athlete, the aura of entering a MMA gym seem kind of intimidating to me. But all that went right out the door as soon as I met the instructors and felt the vibe at the gym. Now, a few years later, I'm a blue belt under Professor Luke Rinehart, a coach the kids program, and I am an amateur MMA fighter and they're mixed martial arts program. The thing I love most about clinch Academy, is the fact that there is a place for literally everyone. Regardless of age, athletic capability, man or woman, introvert or extrovert, the people at the gym accept you as a part of the clinch Academy family. I'm so blessed I found this place, if you are in Frederick, I would highly recommend you check this place out. If you've ever been curious about training Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, or MMA, the best day to start is today!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Mission Home Services

Very clean facility. Friendliest staff around. As the slogan says....”Battle tested, family approved!”

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Peter Atanasson

Clinch Academy offers modern combat sports training with a traditional Budo values while living up to their motto: "Battle tested! Family approved!" Classes at the Clinch strike the perfect balance between challenging you physically and providing you with technical proficiency and what's even more important: the culture and leadership at the gym is exemplary, which unfortunately has become a rarity in today's martial arts industry. If you live in the Frederick area, it's a no-brainer: This is the place for you to train!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Jenifer Zeglin

My kids love it here! The coaches are knowledgeable and encouraging, and it’s a family-friendly environment.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
David Chism

Updated Fall 2018 I've now been at Clinch since Nov 2014. I received my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Sept and attending 4-5 classes a week: mix between BJJ and workouts. Best place to train in Jiu Jitsu and keep in shape with great people and instructors. Original Review 2014+ Can't say enough good things about the Clinch Academy. I am currently enrolled in their Title Fight Fitness. It is an ongoing HIIT workout program. I had thought about joining CrossFit, but the schedule/timing didn't seem to work. Plus I wanted to ease back into a solid workout. Clinch was perfect. It is 3 days a week from 6:30-7:15am. It is the perfect workout before work! It is the most challenging program I've ever done, but it is also quite addicting. I actually look forward to class. Updated 4/28/2014 As I write this, I've been there about 5 months. I have never felt better and I plan on continuing long-term! Updated 7/18/2015 Still enjoying the great workouts at Clinch. I also started their BJJ classes last November and really enjoy them as well. The training is top notch.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Sean Pulsipher

Great family environment. Professor Luke and his coaches are great instructors and people.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Juan Rodriguez

Great friendly environment. Suitable for all ages and skill level!

Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Chris Morales

Always ALWAYS an insightful and energetic experience at Clinch Academy!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Absolute Home Solutions Inc

After researching and attempting to look for a good MMA establishment that was right for my son, we chose Clinch. From our first interaction with Tommy and Luke’s (owner) son, were very welcoming and made my son feel at home. My son, age 12, has been attending Clinch for about 5 months now. This has been a great experience for him and the coaches are patient. We have tried several sports and music lessons etc. even though he did well, it wasn’t anything he enjoyed. This activity to my surprise has lit a fire in my son. He use to be very shy and timid and now he’s exploding with confidence. He Ioves it so much that we find ourselves training on off days. Luke and his staff are amazing and the feeling of community is definitely felt here. I strongly recommend Clinch Academy

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Matthew Rodatus

I've been attending various classes at the Clinch Academy since the beginning. Luke is a world class instructor, a loyal friend and all around good guy. The BJJ instruction is rigorous and deep, the fitness classes are fun yet tough, and the children's classes are an excellent way to help your kids learn self-discipline as well as fitness and self defense. Clinch is very careful to teach kids to not use their skill to bully others and that the best way to win a fight is by not fighting. Self control over oneself and one's words in order to avoid fights is the best way to go. I highly recommend you check out all that the Clinch Academy has to offer, for you and for the whole family!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Matthew Schooley

Love this place. This was my first introduction into martial arts and i wish i would have started sooner. I originally thought I would give jiu jitsu a try for a few months and probably get bored with it. Wrong. For myself, Jiu jitsu has been one of the most exciting, humbling, exhausting, rewarding, inspiring and challenging endeavours. I now consider myself an addict. I have enjoyed my entire experience with the clinch academy and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in perusing martial arts. I have made it a family rule that my son and especially my daughter take bjj. To Luke and all the coaches at clinch, Thank you.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Matthew Fox

Went to Clinch Academy a few years ago and never got around to writing a review, but my brief 2-4 month experience was enjoyable, I learned a lot and the staff, the regulars and Luke himself were all very kind. A much friendlier environment than Frederick Fight Club to say the least.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Shimon David

I have been with the clinch family for over 2 and half years now. I have nothing but good things to say the coaches and the other students, they are all eager to help, learn, and achieve your personal goals. When i travel all around the country i always try other gym american top team for instance in orlando and still i have yet to find a gym that overall has more avaliable then clinch academy

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 13 years ago
Onesimus Asante

Very welcoming environment and engaging atmosphere. Luke is a great instructor and was very helpful for a beginner like myself.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Leon Steele

Clinch academy offers a wide selection of options for children, youth, and adults with a core focus of health, fitness, discipline, dedication, and integrity. Definitely living up to the recommendation made by another instructor from Virginia, which speaks volumes!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago