Our Programs

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Like every martial art, Jiu Jitsu's history dates back hundreds of years. Brought to Brazil in the early 20th century, Japan's Mitsuyo Maeda (known as "Count Koma") taught his art to Carlos Gracie who then developed the art known today as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Gracie's introduced BJJ to the United States in the 80's.

Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is top notch. We train and compete under Master Mike Moses and Team Evolve of Evolve Academy of Martial Arts in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Ryoma's competition team travels the mid-Atlantic region testing their skills against some of the top rated fighters in BJJ as well as submission wrestling. We consistently bring home victories while building the reputation of hard fighting yet very respectful competitors. We take great pride in being a part of Mike Moses' Team Evolve.

A typical class consists of a 20-40 minute warm-up, followed by technique training and finally free
sparring or "rolling". The warm-up conditions and prepares the muscular and cardiovascular systems for the intense workout to follow. Repetition of basic fundamentals and technique drills helps to train the body and mind to react without thought. Continuous rounds of rolling provide an excellent conditioning workout.

Personal Defense System
Personal Defense System (PDS) is designed to give students a challenging workout including cardiovascular and strength building techniques while utilizing the skills and techniques used by mixed martial artists.  Referred to as "Mixed Martial Arts for the Street", the PDS program incorporates seven areas of focus including upper body strikes, defense to upper body strikes, lower body strikes, defense to lower body strikes, self-defense grappling, street applications and weapons trainiing.

Most martial arts systems teach and train in a traditional way that has been carried on throughout the centuries.  A lot of the Hollywood-style punches and kicks will never work in a real-life situation.  This is great if a student wants to carry on the art as a tradition or wants to compete in a tournament or controlled environment; however it becomes useless in a real-life situation.  PDS trains the student for all areas of a real confrontation, making it the most functional martial arts system available!

As with all programs offered at Ryoma Academy, a high priority is placed on fitness, both physical and psychological. However, everyone is an individual and therefore works and progresses at his or her own rate. A safe training environment is always provided. This system follows the same path as other martial arts with short range goals of colored belt promotions leading the way to the long range goal of black belt. Always remember ... the destination is never as important as the journey.