Get On The Ground With Maryland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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By Rochelle Karina

If you think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is only for big, beefy guys fighting Mixed Martial Arts, you obviously haven’t been to Maryland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Pasadena. Owners and head instructors Monroe Hall and Duke Koblinsky may themselves be experienced competitors, but their school is geared to appeal to everyone, especially families.

Hall and Koblinsky, both accredited BJJ instructors, opened their school in 2007. Both had been teaching at other gyms but wanted to create a place where families could learn in a safe, friendly environment.

“I’d been an athlete and done jiu jitsu for years,” explained Hall. “I was a competitor and had been working 9-to-5 jobs while teaching on the side. This was a way to do something exciting.” Hall is especially proud of the relaxed, family-friendly element found at the school.

“With MMA becoming more prevalent, a lot of gyms have young guys beating each other up. We went back to the original intent of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, teaching the common man how to defend himself effectively,” Hall explained. “We offer programs for families and a lot of kid’s classes.”

That doesn’t mean competition isn’t part of their focus, however. Hall won the Pan American Games 2010 for both his weight class and the open weight class. “We’re starting to see some younger guys who are interested in competing,” says Hall. “We have a few on the horizon of breaking into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions.”

“Jiu Jitsu can look intimidating,” Hall continues, “and a lot of schools are really intimidating with all the meathead guys on the mats. Our school is receptive to the average person; here you can learn and test your own boundaries without fear of getting hurt while doing it.”

That family-friendly focus is not just lip service. Hall and Koblinsky are planning a beach clean-up day over the summer months. “We’re planning a BBQ and pick-up day,” explains Hall. “Our school is a little community where everyone takes care of each other.”

Hall encourages people to be smart when looking for a school. “Look at the demographic on the mats. If it’s all 20-something men, you won’t find a lot of families, kids or women there.”

His advice to prospective students looking into BJJ for the first time is to look at the instructor. “Find a fun instructor, someone who is relaxed and knowledgeable with no projection of aggression.”

He suggests checking out the other students and looking for a wide spread of people and abilities. “Check out the cleanliness,” he laughs. “In BJJ, you’re grappling, you’re going to get sweaty; it’s like wrestling. The facility should be squeaky clean.”

Maryland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Pasadena offers two different children’s classes, one for 5- to 7-year olds and one for 8- to 12-year olds, as well as several adult classes ranging from fundamentals to MMA and self-defense. Find out more on their website, www.md-bjj.com.

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