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Rising Tide Academy (Columbia) Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 159 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Columbia, Maryland
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
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 muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule risingtidemartialarts.us — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (443) 832-0904
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The coaching staff is knowledgeable, detail-oriented and genuinely invested in their students’ growth whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a serious competitor.”
“My kids (both 5) have been going for almost a year and I have seen so much change in their confidence and physical skills.”
“Whether you have ambitions of competing or you want to feel competent in defending yourself or others, Rising Tide has you covered.”
“This is a place where professional fighters as well as everyday people come to learn self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Mike has been around for a long time in the Maryland BJJ scene and has always been a great instructor and an example for his students and community!”
“It’s easily one of my favorite MMA and BJJ gyms in Maryland.”
What members say
“The coaching staff is knowledgeable, detail-oriented and genuinely invested in their students’ growth whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a serious competitor.”
“The coaching staff is knowledgeable, detail-oriented and genuinely invested in their students’ growth whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a serious competitor.”
“The culture here is incredible—everyone is welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping each other grow, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grappler.”
“Ask mike if it would be OK if I came to train with them I also informed him that I am an amputee and am missing my left leg.”
“Whether you have ambitions of competing or you want to feel competent in defending yourself or others, Rising Tide has you covered.”
“The gym itself is spotless, with well-maintained mats and facilities that are cleaned regularly, creating a safe and comfortable environment to train in.”
From the reviews
Honestly, what's not to love about Rising Tide? The mat space is HUGE and they clean it thoroughly after each class so it always looks and smells super clean. It's great for entire families to train together. The training itself helps deal with stress, anxiety and also builds up your confidence.
I can’t say enough good things about Rising Tide. It’s easily one of my favorite MMA and BJJ gyms in Maryland. The owner and staff are incredibly welcoming, and the culture they’ve built makes it a great place to train whether you’re a complete beginner, intermediate, or a high-level athlete.
As a gym owner myself, I have a ton of respect for what they’ve built here. This is a top-level school with high-quality coaching, a strong culture, and athletes who truly represent the program the right way.
Our family LOVES Rising Tide! My kids (both 5) have been going for almost a year and I have seen so much change in their confidence and physical skills. They are much less shy with the instructors and other students, which has carried over into school and other social situations.
New to muay thai? Start at Rising Tide Academy (Columbia) Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Muay Thai
Rising Tide Academy (Columbia) Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Muay Thai 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 program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. 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. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Rising Tide Academy (Columbia) Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Muay Thai
Nervous about walking into a muay thai 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 on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, 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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