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Ground Control MMA Columbia
4.9 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Columbia, Maryland
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule columbia.groundcontrolusa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (410) 992-4662
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Coach Ale and Coach Sara do an incredible job with the kids, skillfully introducing the fundamentals of BJJ while fostering focus, respect, and discipline.”
“GCC has been super patient with their instruction and very open to me as a beginner, I was very nervous to try it out, but I was quickly put to ease with patient, safe instruction.”
“I was fortunate enough to attend one of the Friday Open Mats at Ground Control Columbia, and have been long overdue to finally drop these guys a review.”
“I mainly train jiu jitsu, and the classes work for everyone from casual practitioners to serious competitors.”
“Also has Muay Thai and Boxing, along with plenty of kids classes so there's something for everyone!”
“Also has Muay Thai and Boxing, along with plenty of kids classes so there's something for everyone!”
“They also offer personal training services.”
Other martial arts here
“Also has Muay Thai and Boxing, along with plenty of kids classes so there's something for everyone!”
“Also has Muay Thai and Boxing, along with plenty of kids classes so there's something for everyone!”
“I also train muay thai, boxing, and mma occasionally - which also have some great instruction.”
“I started off doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and even though it was intimidating at first, all the staff and students throughout the ranks have been extremely helpful.”
“I started training here roughly two months ago with no martial arts experience prior (other than some kids karate classes as a young lad).”
What members say
“The training is incredible and Max Gimenis is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had the pleasure of training under.”
“GCC has been super patient with their instruction and very open to me as a beginner, I was very nervous to try it out, but I was quickly put to ease with patient, safe instruction.”
“I love the atmosphere from the moment I walk in, very clean facility and everyone from the front desk secretary to the owner are super friendly and always very inviting.”
“I love the atmosphere from the moment I walk in, very clean facility and everyone from the front desk secretary to the owner are super friendly and always very inviting.”
“I love the atmosphere from the moment I walk in, very clean facility and everyone from the front desk secretary to the owner are super friendly and always very inviting.”
From the reviews
I started training here roughly two months ago with no martial arts experience prior (other than some kids karate classes as a young lad). GCC has been super patient with their instruction and very open to me as a beginner, I was very nervous to try it out, but I was quickly put to ease with patient, safe instruction.
Ground Control is an amazing place for ju-jitsu! From the very first phone call, the staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. The standout was the guy at the front desk—he went above and beyond to walk us through everything and made us feel at home the moment we arrived.
I was fortunate enough to attend one of the Friday Open Mats at Ground Control Columbia, and have been long overdue to finally drop these guys a review. From the moment you walk in, you can tell that it is a spacious and clean facility, with people working out, taking classes, and just hanging out and talking matside.
My 4-year-old started BJJ a few months ago, and he absolutely loves attending his classes at Ground Control. Coach Ale and Coach Sara do an incredible job with the kids, skillfully introducing the fundamentals of BJJ while fostering focus, respect, and discipline.
New to kickboxing? Start at Ground Control MMA Columbia
Ground Control MMA Columbia comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Ground Control MMA Columbia
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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