Main Line United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
About
Main Line United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Philadelphia offers comprehensive training across multiple martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. The gym is led by a deep roster of experienced instructors, most notably owner and head instructor Steve Bowers, a 4th degree black belt, and owner Paul Miller, a 1st degree black belt. The coaching team spans all belt levels, from black belts like Katrina Filer and Sean McGrew to dedicated colored belts, ensuring guidance for practitioners at every stage. Additional specialized programs include kickboxing and striking instruction from professional MMA fighter Hector Pacheco, as well as the Girls on Guard and Play It Safe classes taught by Annie Dennison. Members benefit from a structured curriculum complemented by wrestling classes and a highly regarded open mat session.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's welcoming and friendly environment, describing it as a place with good vibes and a true team atmosphere where people work hard and help each other. Reviewers highlight the excellent instruction, particularly from Coach Steve Bowers, and note the high level of training partners, including many black belts and advanced practitioners. Specific standout features include the Sunday open mat, which is free, has a great turnout, and is considered the best in the area, with a variety of games and techniques being shared. The culture is described as stellar, with novel technique and a community so positive that some members drive nearly an hour to train there.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Valor Boyer
a month ago
Always good vibes. Great place to train!
Nathan Preuhs
a year ago
Great place to train with a friendly environment. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a regular place to train or just coming for an open mat. Open mat on Sunday is free and always has a great turnout.
George Beatty
9 months ago
This place has THE BEST Sunday open mat in the area. Many black belts and other advanced belts Variety of different games being played as well highly recommend They also have some dope wrestling classes other than normal good instruction
Philip Mento
4 years ago
Main Line United BJJ is one of the most welcoming and friendly places I have ever trained. Coach Steve Bowers is an excellent instructor and the training is always great. Every time I've been there the mat was filled with awesome training partners and people who want to work hard and bounce techniques off of each other. It really feels like a team environment. Highly recommend checking this place out
John Homa
a year ago
Absolutely stellar gym. Great culture and novel technique. I visited them for their open mat from another gym and it's safe to say I will be back again. Worth the almost one hour drive for me.
Contact
52 Greenfield Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Paul “Jaxon” Miller
Owner | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Steve Bowers
Former wrestler. Trained in Krav Maga under Ernie Kirk. Certified Girls on Guard and Play it Safe Defense instructor.
Aaron Reich
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Main Line United Brown Belt
Professor at a nearby university. Teaches many of the Noon classes.
Sean McGrew
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Black Belt under Steve & Paul
Began training in 2013. Teaches youngest students and rolls with the dawn patrol. Day job in education.
Ben Mauro
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Main Line United Purple Belt
Teaches kids classes. Also a Police Officer. Both of his daughters train at Main Line United.
Katrina Filer
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Steve Bowers
Martial arts for over 30 years, training Jiu Jitsu since 2011. Heads up women’s BJJ class. Teaches self-defense.
Hector Pacheco
Kickboxing | Striking/MMA instructor
Professional MMA fighter
15+ years experience in American Kickboxing, Muay Thai & Savate. 30 years boxing experience. Trained at Grays Ferry Boxing Club.
Annie Dennison
Girls on Guard | Play It Safe Instructor
Purple belt under Steve Bowers
Certified instructor in both Girls on Guard Self Defense for Women and Play It Safe Self Defense for children.
Tony Patarino
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Main Line United Black Belt
Teaches adult and teen classes. Also a professional tennis coach.
Steve Bowers
Owner | Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
4th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Grappling for close to 30 years. Wrestled in high school and college. Took up Judo under Fred Murty in Scranton, PA.
Rachel Pollard
Owner/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Main Line United purple belt
Teaches kids classes.
Jimmy Nguyen
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Main Line United Brown Belt
Teaches many noon classes and the Sunday Fundamentals class.