Alliance Jiu Jitsu Maryland

Fantastic experience: Technique-based BJJ atmosphere. From the top down focus is on teaching good technique vs. strength and inflicting pain. Partners tend to coach in skill and resistance drills, and even while rolling. For a relatively new program Foundry family members have done quite well in competition in both junior and adult divisions. Students benefit from the owner's extensive experience including Japanese and Brazilian JJ, Judo and more. Muy Thai features a Thai-trained instructor who is getting rave reviews from students.

Fantastic experience: With no prior martial arts experience, I've been training at Foundry since early 2014 and it's been great. The atmosphere is very friendly and there are a lot of black, brown, and purple belts who are willing to give advice and spar with lower belts like myself. It's a credit to the owners Noel and Missy that they create this type of environment. The technical instruction week-to-week is high level. A number of the students (and instructors) are still active competitors who have been successful at IBJJF and other grappling tournaments. Just this summer the Foundry hosted a two-day seminar taught by Lucas Lepri which I enjoyed a lot. Whether you want to compete, learn simple self-defense, or just get in shape, you can't go wrong with Foundry.

Fantastic experience: Definitely the best place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Metro DC area. No attitudes, just a challenging but friendly atmosphere where you can learn the gentle art. Attracts quality students that genuinely want to help each other get better and learn together--not just take out their frustrations on somebody. Noel is an extremely knowledgeable, open, and patient instructor with a lot of wide-ranging experience in BJJ and other martial arts, incorporating them into a system that anyone can grasp (great taste in music, too). If you want to start or improve your BJJ, skip the "training UFC" spots and check out the Foundry.

Fantastic experience: I'm going on 30 and began training in Brazilian jiu jitsu at the Foundry about 6 months ago. The atmosphere is friendly, there's a great selection of classes, and the owners and instructors bring an impressive amount of knowledge and experience to every session. Male-dominated sports like BJJ can be intimidating to women, but I have always felt welcome and supported not just by the instructors but by the other students. A ladies-only class taught by a female black belt is offered on Monday nights (and is awesome). Disclaimer: Obsession comes on quick; be prepared to start planning your life around classes and trying to talk all of your friends, family, and coworkers into taking up BJJ (at the Foundry).

Fantastic experience: This is a Brazilian JiuJitsu gym of opportunity. If you want to compete at the highest level, come to Foundry. If you want to learn self defense, come to Foundry. If you want to get in the best shape of your life regardless of your age, come to Foundry. With top quality instruction, not only will you sharpen your mental and physical capacities, you will meet people of the highest moral caliber. Foundry is good family. I invite you to join us.

Fantastic experience: I cannot say enough good things about the Foundry. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's very much a mom-and-pop operation. The head instructor, Noelie Danforth, is one of the kindest and most technical instructors you could hope to meet. It is a small school, so you can expect a lot of individualized attention from their blackbelts. They also have beginners classes without rolling, but which are still attended by many higher belts. If you have some rank they're perfect for working on tightening up your basic moves, and they're also great for introducing new people who aren't ready to get smashed yet. The advanced classes run long, go deep on technique, and have a healthy balance between drilling and rolling; they will challenge and improve your game. Try this place out if you want highly-focused classes for quality BJJ.

Fantastic experience: I joined Foundry after bringing my son to train with the head instructor and his wife. He had been bullied at school and the instruction he received here was the only thing that finally turned things around - without a single punch or kick! That's the beauty of jiu jitsu and the instruction provided at Foundry; it is the peaceful art and technique is king. There is no ego at this school and they take great care to match students with the best parter based on ability level. It was not easy for me to start something new at 48 years old but now I am hooked AND in the best shape of my life. Don't trust me - drop in and see for yourself!

Fantastic experience: You just cannot beat the instruction, attention to detail and atmosphere at Foundry. I looked at other schools and chose Foundry because of its culture. Noel has built a school where students are helpful to each other & not overly aggressive. Higher ranked students give up their time to work with lower ranked students. I am grateful for their instruction & assistance. Starting to train BJJ as a woman can be intimidating. At Foundry, there is a women's only class taught by Missy, who is a black belt herself. It's a great class for women of all skill levels. I highly recommend training at Foundry. Starting to train BJJ here was the best decision I made last year.

Fantastic experience: Professor Noelie Danforth is a very traditional BJJ teacher. He emphasizes the core values of martial arts like self defense, discipline, tradition, etc. The techniques that he teaches are very clear and concise. He remembers everyone of his student's names. He brings in BJJ world champions to teach seminars! Not enough good things can be said about this place! It is a safe, family friendly, family run and owned establishment. The mentality of the students reflect this as well. No one has a bravado attitude.

Fantastic experience: I could not say enough good things about the Foundry. Do you want to train with people you can also build friendships with and have long term training partners? Do you also want to train with experienced instructors who have nothing better to do than to make you the best you can be at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? My experience with the Foundry has been top notch instructors, and great students. Let's face it, it's time to stop wishing you could learn to break bricks and boards, and come learn an incredibly effective art that can be used in many different applications. (You can still learn to break bricks in your spare time)

Fantastic experience: Foundry is a great place to train and learn the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Noel's instruction is top notch which makes learning new techniques easy to follow and understand. As an older BJJ enthusiast and health care practitioner, I'm more interested in doing this for as long as I can without destroying my body in the process. I would highly recommend Foundry and Noel for both new and experienced BJJ students alike.

Fantastic experience: Best BJJ school in this area!!! Noel is a super friendly guy with high level grasp of the art. Very nice technical instruction (he has to be, he is half my weight). Beginners don't feel out of place here and pick up moves very fast. No egos at this school, everybody helps each other get better. Check it out for 30 days free!!!

Fantastic experience: I joined Foundry about two months ago and have had an amazing experience thus far. If you are in the DC metro area and really want to learn Jiu Jitsu, I can't imagine there is a better place to do so. The community and team environment fostered at Foundry make you feel immediately welcomed and the more experienced practitioners go out of their way to teach and encourage you. The owner Noel knows every single person by name and offers private lessons if you want to really hone your skills (I took a few before I started the classes, but you dont have to). I was also nervous because I'm coming off two shoulder surgerys and didn't want to re-injure but I've never once felt in jeapardy of doing so in the classes. Don't go to a McDojo- they will leave you to flounder on your own...Foundry is where it's at.

Fantastic experience: Great place to train! Everyone I met at this facility was incredibly welcoming and genuine. Excellent instructors, clean facility, friendly atmosphere, simply a great place to start or continue your jiujitsu journey! I’ve trained at a number of jiujitsu schools and this stands out as one of the best. Classes are structured, which I greatly appreciate, as well as providing opportunities to roll and train with belts at every rank. Highly recommend Alliance Jiu Jitsu as one of the best places to train on the East Coast!

Fantastic experience: Great experience. If you are in Montgomery County and want to learn Jiu-jitsu, this is where you want to be. Good customer service, they are very knowledgeable and the fee is very reasonable. You will not regret it

Fantastic experience: THE BEST BJJ ACADEMY IN MARYLAND CHAMPION COACHES - First and foremost the coaches in this academy are currently competitors at the highest levels. Their step by step approach on techniques have been tested and tried resulting in multiple gold medals, achieved by adults and the kids at The Foundry. Coach Noel, Felipe, Taidaya, Andre, Ezra and Kevin are all wonderful coaches and will give you the very best jiujitsu in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. All you have to do is show up and expect to train and have fun. OUTSTANDING ACADEMY- The academy is clean! The people are respectful and always friendly. I give The Foundry Alliance BJJ my highest recommendation for anyone looking to train bjj. I hope one day, my children and I return to train here again. Oss!!!!

Fantastic experience: Joining this gym was a life changing decision for me, and my family. The instructors are world class champions who also happen to be the some of the kindest and most generous people you will ever meet. The students help create culture that is equal parts challenging, competitive, rewarding, and fun. I look forward to training every day, without exception. Can’t say enough about Alliance Maryland (Foundry). Come train here and become a better person, period.

Fantastic experience: Best BJJ school in the area. I gladly drive past several academies to train at Alliance MD. World class instructors. Huge number of women who train here (BIG green flag). Have found great community and support here while developing incredible BJJ.

Fantastic experience: This is the ONLY true BJJ gym in the area. This place has become a 2nd home to me. Classes for all people in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The instructors are phenomenal and it shows. I hear the front desk person is kinda cool too.

Fantastic experience: The atmosphere and instruction is top notch. All the instructors are active high level competitors who now how teach the basics as well as the more modern advanced BJJ techniques. Each instructor is friendly, personable and willing answer questions and help in any way they can. The students enhance the training environment. I take classes in the morning and afternoon and each class is filled with friendly personalities who are also willing to take time help other students regardless of their level. The atmosphere that has been fostered at the Alliance Md location is like a family. I would not train anywhere else!

Fantastic experience: World class instructors , great atmosphere, very team oriented. I drive over an hour from West Virginia because there’s just not a gym around here that has such quality instruction and the positive environment that foundry jiu jitsu academy offers !!!!

Fantastic experience: I started here in January, coming from another gym. I was welcomed with open arms. I have already learned so much here. I used to think that “jiu jitsu is jiu jitsu” no matter where you learn it, but the attention to detail and the quality of instruction here is spectacular. World class instruction and world class people. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Enrolling as a student at Foundry BJJ (Alliance MD) is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The quality of instruction is second to none, and each instructor's many years of experience teaching and training jiu jitsu is evident in the technical soundness of their craft. These expert martial artists are friendly, welcoming and patient with all their students - and the gym itself is very clean and well-kept. I highly recommend this academy to anyone looking for the best jiu jitsu in the area.

Fantastic experience: The instructors are exceptionally skilled and technical. At 51, not having trained in over 10 years, and having put on some extra pounds, I was struggling . However The students/training partners were very encouraging and patient. Possibly Foundry’s best quality is the family atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: Amazing BJJ school with excellent instructors!

Fantastic experience: There are many places to train jiu jitsu, but finding a gym that has amazing instructors that care about their students, great training partners and a clean/fun/welcoming atmosphere is like finding a needle in a haystack. My friend recommended that I try out Foundry when I moved back to the area, and I'm so glad that I did. I was at a Roger Gracie academy beforehand and was relieved to find the same high-quality level of instruction in the DMV. I also loved how many parents with kids, spouses, and friends train together here. Whether you're a beginner or a higher belt sharpening your game, I highly recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: The best BJJ gym in Maryland. Amazing instructors, full of knowledge and passion to teach and yet so humble. This place feels like home so glad I found this place. Thx a lot !!!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality , Value Foundry is a wonderful place to learn BJJ. The teachers are exceptional and the students you train with, regardless of experience, are warm and welcoming. I simply cannot recommend them highly enough, and am personally grateful to train here.

Fantastic experience: World class Bjj with Top Notch instructors that competed at the highest levels. They are very knowledgeable and great at teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The atmosphere is friendly and space very clean and safe. I highly recommend anyone looking to train or just try something new to sign up at this location Foundry/Alliance jiu-jitsus Academy. I made great connections here and learning a lot everyday.

Fantastic experience: The Foundry, aka, Alliance Maryland is hands down the best BJJ school in the area. Before joining I did my due diligence and researched all of the other schools and attended free trial lessons for me and my kids. In all the other places my kids were begging to get them out and in tears half way through their first class. My kids for the most part do not enjoy sports and are very sensitive about odors and cleanliness. After one lesson at Foundry they were hooked and 2 and a half years later all 5 of my kids ages 8 to 22 have been training here (as well as my myself). I NEVER have to force them to attend class, it is something they look forward to. You will not find a cleaner facility, more knowledgeable instructors, and above all coaches who care about their students. Training at Foundry has been a life changing experience; my kids confidence has skyrocketed, and bullying is no longer an issue for any of them. As for me, it has helped me lose weight , I sleep better, eat better, I’m less repulsive in the eyes of my wife, and my stress magically goes away after training. I can’t say enough about this place and all the instructors. If you are looking to get fit, learn self defense, or all of the above, look no further. Do yourself and your family a favor and give them a try.

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for a fantastic place to train Jiu Jitsu, this is it! I have been training at foundry for 2.5 years. The first class I attended with my wife, we were greeted by the instructor as well as several of the women who had been training there for years. Right away the environment was welcoming. There is a strong emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness. They have done a wonderful job taking precautions during COVID and even offering virtual training options. All of the instructors are fantastic and emphasize skill and technique. The atmosphere is one of respect and support. Wonderful place to train!

Fantastic experience: I actually was scoping this place out to try for a couple years before I started in 2020 right around when quarantine for businesses was being lifted in Gaithersburg. I started with zero jiu jitsu experience and right off the bat I got very personal individualized instruction and I felt that the coaches worked very hard to create a welcoming environment for myself and other new students. Every coach here is a phenomenal teacher and teaches students from the perspective that jiu jitsu is for everyone. In my time I've seen people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life excel at this gym so if you're even a little bit interested don't wait like I did.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Value My family loves training at Foundry BJJ! My daughter has gained confidence and the boys channel their crazy energy in a healthy way. The instructors are kind and patient, while ensuring their high expectations are met. A great place to train with great people.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been training at Foundry Alliance Bjj for over two years now. It has been everything I’d hope it would be in a jiu jitsu class. I’m just over 40 and look forward to many more years with my Foundry family. Instruction, atmosphere and the people are great. I also have all four of my kids going now. They love it as much as I do which is incredible. I only wish I had this opportunity as a kid growing up!

Fantastic experience: Top notch instructors! They keep the gym super clean. I'm more worried about getting communicable diseases at my house than I am at Foundry. I have 2 kids at Foundry and they love going to class every opportunity they get. The instructors make it fun for them to learn jiu jitsu. I believe they offer classes almost everyday at convenient times. Try it out, you won't be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality What a great place to learn/train BJJ! The instructions are first-class and are taught by excellent and dedicated coaches. The coaches have a great amount of passion and discipline for the art. If you’re interested in learning BJJ for self-defense, competition, fitness, or other reasons, this is the place to be.

Fantastic experience: Brief highlights: - Attention to detail in techniques (Addressing the many "what if" and ensuring technique is done as intended) - Emphasis on safety (Minimizes injury in a contact sport and allowing one appreciate the effectiveness of "the gentle art" - Personalized attention to help each student achieve their SMART goals (Whether competing for the first time, improving competition performance after the nth time, strengthening overall health, or any other personal goals, the instructors are committed to helping you formulate, action on, and refine those goals.) - Commitment to cleanliness (Ensuring each student is accountable for their personal hygiene, allowing for a better training experience for everyone) - Academy also offers kickboxing (increasing your confidence in striking at the same time) Trained at a different Jiu Jitsu association prior to moving to the DMV area back in 2018, and I was concerned about finding a quality BJJ academy in the area. Signed up with Foundry (Alliance Jiu Jitsu) after the first trial day as the quality of instruction was apparent. The instructors are very experienced, knowledgeable, and share techniques that have been trialed and proven effective. Prior to training here, I had a preconceived idea of my limitations in bjj. However, as I continued to train here and with the support of my training partners, my confidence grew and was able to step out of my comfort zone. The academy offers a safe space to train and prepare for situations you may face in competition or self-defense situations while still simulating real life factors, minimizing chances of error when it comes time to use what you have learned. I highly recommend training at Foundry (Alliance Jiu Jitsu), or at the very least allow them the opportunity to alleviate any concerns you may have in doing so.

Fantastic experience: I started my jiu jitsu journey out in LA under Cobrinha’s academy, who happens to be one of the best BJJ competitors to have ever competed in the sport. When I moved back to the DMV area, I was looking for an Alliance-affiliated school that Cobrinha was a part of, and I was super excited to see there was one in The Foundry. After checking out my first class, I was extremely satisfied and pleased that I signed up immediately. The Foundry’s teaching philosophy was very similar to Cobrinha’s – when it comes to new students who are just starting BJJ, they are extremely patient and they help build a student’s confidence through practical fundamental drilling. The Foundry has an extremely knowledgeable and friendly set of instructors that focus on techniques in a methodical way rather than relying on brute force or athleticism. I’ve tried other schools where they just throw new students to the wolves, and no stripe white belts are just getting crushed by upper belts during sparring. I’ve been that white belt and just ended up quitting. It wasn’t until I tried the Alliance schools where I finally stuck around, and The Foundry is just top-notch when it comes to teaching and facilitating confidence in their students. Plus, it’s great to be surrounded by others who are just as passionate about the sport as you are. This is definitely the place to be if you want to learn some world-class jiu-jitsu.

Fantastic experience: Since moving, I needed to find a good gym in the DMV area, and I came across Alliance BJJ. They participate in the Adopt a Cop BJJ program which was founded by a NAVY SEAL, it provides training for Law Enforcement Officers up until the rank of Blue Belt. The quality of this place is tier one, I plan on continuing my training well beyond Blue Belt. Everyone here is super friendly, welcoming and very Pro-Police, It's truly like a close-knit family. I can't stress the quality of the training enough. The instructors, Felipe and Noel, are so thorough and knowledgeable. They make sure to teach and guide you and really make sure you understand the movements instead of just letting you slide by with poor technique. If you keep up with the Jiu Jitsu world, you’d know that the Alliance BJJ lineage has a prestigious reputation of quality and a deep-rooted history. They are also very high on cleanliness and they have done an amazing job running their gym during this covid pandemic. They have plenty of covid protocols in place, I feel more than safe and comfortable training here. I know their name reads Alliance Jiu Jitsu, but they also have a solid kickboxing program!!! The instructor Fabio is an amazing teacher, and we have great training partners. You must check this place out! You can't beat the quality and environment that this gym provides. I can proudly call this place my home gym.

Fantastic experience: Amazing instruction, great training partners, super CLEAN environment to train in.

Fantastic experience: I love this place it is great if you want to competitive in jiu jitsu or just pick it up as a hobby Tons of great people and the coaches are great

Fantastic experience: Always top shelf coaching! Great family run BJJ School. Oss????????

Fantastic experience: Great place to train! Top notch instructors who care about the safety and progress of each student.

Fantastic experience: Prior to training at The Foundry, I attended another jiu jitsu school in the area. The difference was night and day. The level of instruction at The Foundry is top notch. The proof is in their accolades. This school is home to world class jiu jitsu competitors (refer to their trophies/medals). If you’re interested in obtaining the best level of instruction in the area, look no further than The Foundry. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who wants the best jiu jitsu in Montgomery County.

Fantastic experience: When I moved here from Philadelphia, I was doubtful I would find another BJJ school I would fit in to and feel comfortable in. The instruction here is highly technical, the students are friendly and supportive, and it's the only school in the area with a women's class (taught by a female black belt), which has been extremely helpful. I especially recommend this school to women/young girls looking to start or continue their BJJ training.

Fantastic experience: I have to travel as part of my job, and often walk-in to Bjj gyms. Foundry BJJ was one of the best gyms I have been stopped by coach Noel and Felipe were great. Great technique with high focus on finesse. During rolling (sparring) all those I rolled with were very respectful but at the same time competitive in I way that push me to be better. Rather you are planning on starting bjj, looking for a walk-in gym or a new gym, I recommend going here.

Fantastic experience: Before I started at Foundry, I’d never done any martial arts before. It didn’t take long before I was hooked. The instruction is GREAT and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Also a huge bonus: the ladies program is awesome and there are many female training partners. I can’t recommend Foundry enough!

Fantastic experience: My son has been going to Foundry Jiu Jitsu for about 4 years. Coach Noel and his teaching cadre are the real deal. They are knowledgeable, disciplined, and patient with the kids. The skills that my son learns here will benefit him his entire life. If you, your kids, or your entire family want to learn jiu jitsu, this is the place - you will not be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: With quality instruction and a welcoming training environment The Foundry is simply the best martial arts gym around. They prioritize Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but there is also regular Muay Thai instruction. Jiu Jitsu develops your mind, body, and spirit, and not only have I felt the holistic benefits since starting but I can plainly see them manifest in my fellow team mates. I tried a few other gyms before, but there was simply no comparison. The community at The Foundry is a harmonious union of intense dedication to training, along with positive reinforcement and a welcoming environment. You get intense, authentic, quality instruction without the off-putting ego or overly macho sensibilities sometimes found at lesser gyms. The classes are diverse in age group, body type, gender, and background. Also there is a dedicated group of women who are always at the general classes and who also meet once a week for a women's only BJJ class. It's normal to feel a little apprehensive or intimidated when considering trying out BJJ, but take it from one of many happy white belts at the Foundry...DO IT! If you stick with it you won't be sorry.

Fantastic experience: Jiujitsu will change your life for the better. The foundry is a clean, positive, environment filled with people who love jiujitsu, and want to share that with everyone. Highly skilled, patient instructors, foundry is not just an academy, it's a home away from home. No place better!

Fantastic experience: One of the best decisions of my life was to start training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I walked into the Foundry and was nervous because I had no idea what to expect. Noel Danforth, Alliance Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and the other students welcomed me with open arms. It's a great workout and you actually learn how to defend yourself. It's a great family environment here as well as clean and spacious. My only regret is that I didn't start training sooner.

Fantastic experience: I'm so glad I joined this gym. I never imagined martial arts could be so much fun, let alone that I would start getting addicted to it at 43 years old. The teachers at the Foundry are patient and committed to teaching everyone who walks through the door. There is also a great spirit of respect and camaraderie among the students.

Fantastic experience: The Foundry is home to me. The instructors are tremendous, the facility is immaculate and the students are great to train with. Most of all, the safety of the students is the top priority at this academy. The instructors take the time to get to know the students and make the effort to ensure they are safe while training. Noel and Missy have cultivated a team first culture that all the students follow.

Fantastic experience: Excellent BJJ school. I started a few weeks ago, and I love it! Top notch instruction, everyone there is welcoming and always ready to help. If you are looking for good quality BJJ instruction and well rounded and effective self defense instruction, The Foundry Jiu Jitsu Academy is the place to be!

Fantastic experience: I am so glad I took the leap and signed up for Jiu Jitsu. It has been one of the most fulfilling steps in my life. I could not imagine a better academy to train at. The head instructor, Noel, knows every student by name and actually monitors students' progress. He is a bjj and judo black belt, and I appreciate that we train techniques in both disciplines. The academy is spacious and clean, the students are tight-knit and very friendly, and the instruction is top notch - hell, even the fundamentals classes are taught by black belts. If you want to learn self-defense, compete, or just get in shape, you will not regret training here.