Ground Control Owings Mills
About
Ground Control Owings Mills offers comprehensive mixed martial arts training with a diverse team of experienced coaches. The gym provides instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling under professionals like Head Instructor Ryan Mackin, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts Alec Wolinski and Tim Dodge, Muay Thai champion John Vu, and boxing trainer Wayde Breegle. Their programming caters to all levels, from beginners seeking fitness to professional fighters preparing for competition, with specialized kids programs led by instructors like Elaina Morisi and Dana Bittner-Krideler.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe Ground Control as having a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, creating what many call their "second home." They praise the coaches for treating all students equally regardless of gender, age, or skill level, with specific mention of the supportive environment for women and children. Reviewers highlight increased confidence, life-changing experiences, and the gym's ability to cater to both casual fitness enthusiasts and serious competitors without pressure. The only minor concern mentioned is not wanting to miss classes because they're all so engaging.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Carlos Santoro-Siguenza
a month ago
For the past month of me training here i can safely say this is my second home, everyone here is super cool and down to earth. I genuinely love the environment, the coaches and the overall vibe of the play. Literally everyone here is just like family 🖤🥊
Leon Nelson
2 years ago
This is great program and I love the family environment they create and the camaraderie thats present with the students. They teach the students MMA but also discipline and self control. I signed my grandson up because he was being bullied in school (elementary school), then he got jumped and beat up in the bathroom. He's been in the program just about a month and I can see a difference in how he carries himself. His confidence has increased and he isn't as timid. The bully approached him in school again and needless to say the outcome was much different.
Kevin Harvell
a year ago
Amazing place to learn martial arts regardless of your goals whether it's fitness or to be a fighter. They cater to all levels and welcome you like a family. They also have an amazing kids program. Choose Ground Control, you can't go wrong!
Sheina Taub
2 years ago
This will sound like an exaggeration, but this gym has changed my life. I signed up for the free 7-day trial about a year ago and never looked back. I started during a dark time in my life, and this place and its people have provided a safe space, a community, a team, and a support system that have added to my life in immeasurable ways. Importantly, this is a great, safe gym for women. Every single coach treats you with respect regardless of gender, age, or skill level. Issues with other members (of which I've seen almost none) are dealt with professionally and discreetly by staff. This gym is taken seriously in competing because so many members compete and win, but no one is pressured to compete if they just come for fun and fitness. This past year I won Rookie of the Year, which made me realize that this place rewards effort, hard work, and heart over anything else. I plan on staying with this gym as long as possible, which I hope will lead to more friendships and me beginning to compete.
Nick Stephens
3 years ago
Ground Control has something for everyone. From those that just want to be in shape, to those that want to learn new skills or those that want to go pro. I’ve been a part of three MMA gyms and visited many others before I’ve claimed this as my home gym and the sense of community I’ve found here is like no other. The variety of classes, students and instructors who teach here are incredible. Each class has its own vibe and instruction style making sure you’ll get multiple looks at your training while all the classes link together to take you to the next level. The only negative is not wanting to miss a class because they’re all amazing! I came here looking to be in shape and to learn new skills. Along with achieving those I’ve found a family that’s irreplaceable. Give some classes a try and you’ll see why this is the home gym you’ve been looking for.
Contact
12400 Owings Mills Blvd, Reisterstown, MD 21136, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Ryan Mackin
Head Instructor
Black Belt, Professional MMA and Muay Thai Competitor, State Wrestling Champion
Homegrown Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, as well as a Professional MMA and Muay Thai Competitor. Grew up in Columbia, Maryland where he was a State Wrestling Champion and NHSCA All-American in 2001.
Alec Wolinski
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Black Belt
Started as one of the first students at Ground Control Owings Mills in 2009. Received black belt from Ryan Mackin in 2023. Teaches No-Gi classes.
Tim Dodge
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Brown Belt
Has been training BJJ since the gym opened in 2009. Teaches 6am and Saturday classes. Competes in IBJJF tournaments and SCA heavy armored combat.
Byron Brooks
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Brown Belt
Started training in 2009, coaching since 2014. Former MMA fighter on the ground control fight team. Has competed in BJJ at world level and WKA Nationals.
Elaina Morisi
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Brown Belt
Started training BJJ in 2011. Earned brown belt under Ryan Mackin. Teaches kids BJJ classes Monday-Thursday.
Dana Bittner-Krideler
Kids Program Support
Para Educator for Baltimore County Public Schools. Counselor and co-director of TNT program at J Camps. Supports families and students at Ground Control.
John Vu
Muay Thai Instructor
2011 118-lb WKA North American Champion
Began training at Ground Control in 2009. Homegrown coach who has helped coach multiple Muay Thai/Kickboxing and MMA champions at amateur and professional levels.
Paul
Striking Coach
2010 WKA Open 165 champ, 2010 WKS Worlds Bronze Medalist
Started training in 2007. Has been coaching and cornering teammates for 7+ years. Also trained jiu-jitsu for 2 years.
Jesse Stirn
Muay Thai Instructor
Professional MMA fighter (13-2), Professional Muay Thai fighter, Purple Belt in BJJ
Decade of full-time martial arts training experience. Professional mixed martial arts fighter with over a dozen pro bouts. Has competed in Thailand.
Wayde Breegle
Boxing Trainer
Jr Olympic National Champion, 3x Pittsburgh Golden Glove Champion
Professional boxing trainer since 1997. Extensive amateur record of 56-12. Trains men and women with no experience necessary.