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Yamasaki Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Rockville, Maryland
Plan your first class
- 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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Website & schedule grappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (301) 770-0969
The classes they run
“The instructors are attentive and helpful, the environment is friendly, and they cater to all skill levels.”
“Its worth every second of the drive PLUS I get to spend more time with my daughter.”
Other martial arts here
“You have dozen's black belt, if you want a real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school, it's one of the best in the area.”
What members say
“Fernando Yamasaki is a world class instructor, competitor and human.”
“The level is very high, the students range from beginner to high level, and the place is pretty big.”
“The instructors are attentive and helpful, the environment is friendly, and they cater to all skill levels.”
“The instructors are great with kids.”
From the reviews
I loved training here. The community atmosphere is amazing. People are very nice and supportive. Coming from no background in BJJ, I felt welcomed and encouraged. Fernando and his instructors are world class. I highly recommend.
I can’t say enough good things about my time training at Yamasaki Academy. From the moment I started, the environment was welcoming, respectful, and truly focused on growth. My husband and I first visited the academy back in November, driving about an hour from our home just to check it out.
Fernando Yamasaki is a world class instructor, competitor and human. The level is very high, the students range from beginner to high level, and the place is pretty big. You have dozen's black belt, if you want a real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school, it's one of the best in the area.
I attended a few Muay Thai classes here while I was in the area and it was great. The instructors are attentive and helpful, the environment is friendly, and they cater to all skill levels. I highly recommend them!
New to muay thai? Start at Yamasaki Academy
Yamasaki Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Yamasaki Academy
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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