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Zenyo Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Baltimore, 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 levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule zenyojiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 443-301-7679
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 am, 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 am, 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–8 am |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10 am–2 pm |
The classes they run
“There’s even a beginner class for those who want to learn the fundamentals without all out rolling in the beginning.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“There’s even a beginner class for those who want to learn the fundamentals without all out rolling in the beginning.”
Other martial arts here
“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.”
What members say
“John is a very knowledgeable instructor, and really makes Zenyo a fun and friendly environment.”
“From the approach to the sport to how welcoming the gym is, John's efforts in revolutionizing the sport are visible.”
“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.”
“Come and try it out- you won't be disappointed (just a bit sweaty).”
“The kids love it--they don't know or care that it's beneficial to them--and I love to see them do it.”
From the reviews
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 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.
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.
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.
New to BJJ? Start at Zenyo Jiu Jitsu
Zenyo Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all 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, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Zenyo Jiu Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a BJJ 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 basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals 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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