Bartman MMA

I’ve been training with Greg Bartman for 7 ½ years, and he is an extraordinarily skilled trainer, both in martial arts and also as a regular trainer in the gym. He is welcoming of women, and of all age groups. He knows how to encourage you to push yourself, while ensuring that you stay grounded in the basics and get the details right. I feel now as if I could defend myself against almost any type of attack, thanks to Greg’s self-​defense teaching, and I could also defend myself if knocked to the ground, thanks to the Brazilian JiuJitsu training. And, thanks to the time in the gym, I am as fit as I have ever been. All in all, you can’t go wrong with Greg!

I have been going to Bartman MMA since November 2011, and have loved every minute of it. If anything as I’ve grown, I’ve craved the teachings even more, now going 3 classes per week. I started out at his other location in Bethesda, joined the «Women’s Kick Ass» class and Brazilian JiuJitsu classes here in Glenmont too.
It’s amazing, Greg and Tori (Women’s class co-​teacher) are amazing at what they do. They have been doing it a long time and you can tell. Not only by their technique, but their true passion for the sport. Anytime Relson Gracie is comin to town, they’re there, for support, to give accolades, to LEARN.
Aside from being great people, they are great teachers too. They communicate clearly, are happy to show moves in slow motion, from different angles, and hear your questions at any time; I am often guilty of saying «so…I was watching TV, and saw this move on Criminal Minds…»
They teach students of all kinds-​shapes-​and sizes. They have a kids class too, so you know what that means… if they can keep the attention span of little children and teach them how to protect themselves… they’re super coaches! What you really learn is how what they teach you depends on using your body to your advantage. It doesn’t matter if you’re big or small, strong or «room for improvement,» it’s a matter of physics… like working your body angles, pivot points, and leverage… like calculated chess moves.
I’ve learned self defense for the street, and proper grappling moves as well. The other bonus I’ve taken away is the mental aspect learned through all this. JiuJitsu is a calm of mind activity. Yes, you may rolling around on the ground, defending yourself, breaking a sweat (which is also a good cardio workout), but you’re also trying to keep your mind at neutral. You don’t want to waste all your strength in a battle for bronze (especially if you’re my size, you’d often lose that fight). You don’t want to tense up either. You stay calm, you keep in mind you are worth fighting for and there is always a way out of this. You «turn on your spidey senses» to feel where your partner/​attacker is grabbing you, and use your skills to maneuver around their grasp. Seriously – mind included – it’s a full body workout.
3^rd to last fun fact/​tip:
Greg and Tori hold seminars for private groups too (good for team-​building activities, safety lessons, birthdays, maybe even bachelorette parties… the moves I’ve learned, have definitely gotten me out of some tickle wars with my husband).
2^nd to last tip of awesomeness:
If you prepay for a class, or combination of classes, in bundles you get a discount! Be sure to ask when registering (because after this adoring review, how could you not sign up :-) am I right).
Okay, the real last tip/​fun fact:
Students are also welcome to open mat Thursday nights for more practice!