Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
About
Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Baltimore offers training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. The academy features a diverse team of instructors led by founder and head instructor Kenny Nero, Jr., a brown belt, with additional expertise from a first-degree black belt instructor and coaches certified in striking, kickboxing, and Gracie Survival Tactics. The facility is well maintained, providing a clean and comfortable environment for training, observation, and work.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy as having an incredibly welcoming and supportive atmosphere where instructors and students make everyone feel like family. They consistently praise the clear, well-structured teaching methods that build confidence and practical self-defense skills for both children and adults. Specific instructors like Coach Kenny are highlighted for their enthusiasm and ability to connect with students, creating judgment-free environments in programs like Bullyproof and Gracie Combatives. Reviewers emphasize the positive impact on self-esteem and the clean, comfortable facility, with several mentioning they only left due to relocation.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Jennifer Garces Rodriguez
a year ago
We've been coming to Bowie Jiu-jitsu since my son was 4 years old & now he's 6. We love the atmosphere & the instructors are amazing. We're like family now & we love Mr. Kenny. And they have a Woman's Empowerment class too which unfortunately due to my job schedule I couldn't continue participating in but that was an amazing experience as well. They teach the kids & adults techniques to defend themselves. I feel confident that my child will know how to handle a bully in the future. I would recommend for anyone to join whether you're an adult or a child. This place is AMAZING!!!
Maiyana Pearson
4 months ago
My Girl Scouts Troop recently took a trial class and Coach Kenny did an amazing job with them. His instruction of self-defense and enthusiasm during the introductory session made a significant impact on my scouts. He was able to connect with the girls and inspired confidence made enjoyable for all. It was an educational, positive and welcoming environment for the group. We had such a positive experience with everyone that we encountered at Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Keep up the great work and we appreciate what you bring to the community.
Belinda Vasquez
3 weeks ago
Enrolled my 14 year granddaughter and she has found her tribe! Lot's of self confidence and self-esteem building. Many, many thanks to the wonderful instructors !!!!!
Ian Whittington
6 months ago
I’ve been attending Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy for some time now, and from day one the instructors and students have been welcoming and encouraging. The classes are well-structured, and the techniques are explained in a clear and straightforward way that makes them easy to follow. I highly recommend this academy if you’re looking for a clean, supportive environment to learn BJJ, with skilled instructors and a great group of training partners. Stop by for a visit—and don’t forget to leave your ego at the door.
A. D. Wallace
a year ago
I don’t know anything about Jiu Jitsu but my son expressed interest and so we set him up for the free trial lessons. When I say I have never seen a more welcoming group of instructional staff, I am not exaggerating. My son began in the Bullyproof program and I was very impressed by how the class was led. Not only do the children learn the basics of this martial art, but the instructors dedicate time to reinforce self-confidence and respectful behaviors. My son then transitioned to the Gracie Combatives program. At first we thought he was disadvantaged since the majority of this class comprised of adults. Both the staff and these students made my son feel comfortable and took the time to help him learn the techniques; there was ZERO judgment or frustration when they paired up with him. As someone who works alongside Instructional System Design teams and Human Performance Technology experts, I can truly say that Kenny and his team know exactly how to motivate a group and produce positive results. These results are not only learning the art of Jiu Jitsu, but also building an atmosphere of respect. As for the facility, it is very well maintained and provides a comfortable environment to read, work, and/or observe the class. The ONLY reason we left the school is because my job required us to move to a different state. Kenny is the epitome of a positive role model and we need more people in this world like him.
Contact
6820 Race Track Rd, Bowie, MD 20715, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:20 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Izumi
Assistant Instructor
Blue Belt (BJJ)
Assistant instructor with a passion for the women's self-defense program, DefendHer. Certified to teach self-defense since 2017.
Jon Spiers
Instructor
Blue Belt (BJJ)
Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt who started his journey at the academy. Teaches and has a background in military training.
Donrell "DJ" Johnson
Jiu-Jitsu and Striking Instructor
Purple Belt (BJJ), ISSA Kickboxing Instructor, Fit to Fight® Coach
Decades of experience in multiple martial arts including Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Judo, Kali, and boxing.
Kenny Nero, Jr.
Founder and Head Instructor
Brown Belt (BJJ)
Founder and Head Instructor. Trained in Gracie University system and now under Cat5BJJ. Focus on safe, effective, self-defense jiu-jitsu.
Mark Miller
Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt (BJJ), Lead Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Certified Instructor
First Assistant Instructor. Purple belt under Gracie University. Trains law enforcement in GST.
Anthony Nelson
Mentor/Instructor
1st Degree BJJ Black Belt, Black Belts in Taekwondo and Hapkido
Key role guiding the instructional team. Owns Tidal Wave Jiu-Jitsu. Trained military special forces. Certified Level 2 Gracie Combatives instructor.