Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was founded in October 2014 by Nick Tissue, a certified instructor with over 15 years of martial arts experience. Our academy specializes in authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art emphasizing leverage and timing for practical self-defense. We offer structured programs for all ages and skill levels, including Gracie Combatives, Master Cycle, Youth Bullyproof, and Women Empowered. Our instructors hold certifications from Gracie University and bring over 60 combined years of martial arts expertise. The 7,500 sq. ft. facility in southwest Baltimore features two full-size mats and free onsite parking.We prioritize safety, accessibility, and community-building, creating a family-friendly environment where students develop physical strength, mental resilience, and self-confidence. Our affiliation with Gracie University provides students free access to online curriculum resources. Since 2014, we have focused on empowering individuals through systematic training that adapts to diverse physical abilities and life circumstances.
Services
Gracie Combatives
Master Cycle
Youth Programs
Women Empowered
Self-Defense Training
Bullyproof Curriculum
Reflex Development
Pink Belt Program
Family Martial Arts
Beginner Jiu-Jitsu
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 60+ years combined martial arts experience among certified instructors
- Free access to Gracie University's online curriculum resources
- Family-friendly environment with age-specific training programs
- Structured curriculum for all skill levels from beginners to advanced
- 10-day risk-free trial with unlimited class access
Associations and certifications
- Gracie University
What people say
World-class instruction
Family-friendly environment
Patient instructors
Confidence building
Structured curriculum
Services
Gracie Combatives
Our beginner program teaches 36 core self-defense techniques through 23 structured lessons. Students learn standing and ground techniques in cooperative, no-sparring environment. The curriculum focuses on real-world scenarios, emphasizing leverage over strength for all body types. Classes last one hour with flexible start times.
Master Cycle
Structured advanced curriculum organized into seven positional chapters for blue belt and above. Combines technical instruction with controlled sparring exercises. Includes 1.5-hour sessions with reflex development drills. Progresses systematically toward black belt proficiency through positional mastery.
Women Empowered
Specialized program addressing 20 most common attacks against women through 15 lessons. Teaches physical techniques alongside awareness principles and boundary-setting strategies. Culminates in pink belt certification. Classes emphasize safety and confidence-building in supportive environment.
Youth Programs
Age-specific classes developing physical skills and character traits through Gracie Games. Programs for 3-13 year olds focus on coordination, confidence, and social skills. Non-competitive environment with parental participation for younger children. Combines fitness with practical self-defense techniques.
Reflex Development
Progressive training phase combining learned techniques into realistic scenarios. Requires completion of core curriculum lessons multiple times. Develops muscle memory through repetitive drills. Prepares students for belt promotion tests and practical self-defense application.
People
Nick Tissue
Owner/Head Instructor
Black Belt certified by Gracie University with 15+ years martial arts experience. Former amateur MMA fighter who opened Baltimore location in 2014. Specializes in adapting techniques for diverse physical abilities.
Alexis Schaefer
Co-Owner/Women Empowered Instructor
Pink Belt certified instructor with focus on women's self-defense programs. Combines administrative expertise with hands-on teaching since 2018. Emphasizes confidence-building and practical application in training.
Justin Roem
Instructor
Brown Belt with Gracie University certification since 2016. Teaches youth and adult programs with emphasis on technical precision. Has trained at this location since its founding in 2014.
Haley Chitty
Instructor
Brown Belt with competitive tournament experience. Trains and teaches since 2010, joining this academy in 2016. Focuses on breaking down complex techniques for easier learning.
David Lee
Instructor
Purple Belt and former law enforcement defensive tactics instructor. Brings real-world security experience to training methodology. Certified Gracie University instructor since 2018.
Questions
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a 10-day free trial with unlimited class access for new students.
What should I wear for my first class?
Loaner uniforms are provided during trial. Comfortable workout clothing recommended for Women Empowered classes.
Is prior martial arts experience required?
No experience needed. Our beginner programs accommodate all skill levels with cooperative learning environment.
Are classes safe for beginners?
Yes, classes emphasize safety with no competitive sparring in beginner programs and controlled drills in advanced classes.
Do you have family-friendly training options?
We offer age-specific programs and family discounts with instructors certified to teach all age groups.
How do belt promotions work?
Promotions require completing structured curriculum, reflex development classes, and passing technical assessments.
