The only place to train real martial arts in Bethesda.

I have taken two self-defense workshops with Uriel so far and I strongly recommend Ascend Institute of Martial Arts. They teach real solutions that anyone can use for self-defense and the training is applicable to reality. Their programs are great for anyone with a willingness to be prepared for a situation where you may have to rely on yourself alone to protect you and your loved ones. You dont need to be coordinated or have any martial arts experience to learn this. The techniques Uriel teaches, and the mind set behind them, are simple and effective. You learn to defend under pressure and how the body reacts when you perform the techniques. Where many martial arts studios limit you to what you can learn in a certain amount of time, the instruction here at the Ascend is designed to teach as much as you can learn in as little or as much time as you need. Excellent instructors, practical and effective lessons, at a very reasonable rate make this program one of a kind. Time and money well spent!

This gym becomes home very quickly. The community consists of people from all walks and the instructors are so knowledgeable! I highly recommend Ascend to anyone and think it is extremely well-suited for folks looking to try jiu jitsu for the very first time.

Visiting family in the area and Josh and Ascend welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable and like part of the team! I highly recommend this place for great instruction and a family atmosphere. Thank you from Jodi!

My kids are in elementary and middle school and really enjoy going to Ascend Institute! It is the best Jiu jitsu studio in the area! The classes are very educational and everyone there gets along well. The Instructors are amazing teachers (blue and black belts) while giving you a very good work out. Its clean, free parking, and reasonable rates. Great adult classes too! Highly recommend for any skill level from beginner to advanced!

I really enjoy this place and the people that work there. I only do the strength & conditioning and cardio kickboxing classes (non-contact membership), which I thoroughly enjoy both and receive helpful advice from the staff. I would give 5 stars, but dont completely enjoy that there is only one changing room which is basically for the men.

Had a great session at Ascend with Uriel . We love that they are so supportive and instruction on self defense was greatly appreciated. This is a wonderful environment to learn Martial Arts !! Honest and supportive staff that is there when you need them.

I am very thankful that this place lets students from San Miguel go here. The people here are very nice. They certainly deserve to be recognized more than they are.

Non-transparent fee schedule and uncooperative staff who refuse to state anything on electronic record bar broad, general claims. Id recommend moving to a business thats willing to put their money where their mouth is and not hide behind verbal statements. When I asked why they refused to disclose information on record, they avoided answering the question.

Amazing first experience!! loved working with Uriel! Highly recommending for all parents in Bethesda area, it will change your kids lives!

I have been coming to Ascend since January 2018 for fitness classes. The classes are challenging, and I can tell that I am getting stronger and can handle more cardio than before.The coaches take their time to explain the exercises and push you to keep going even when it gets tough.

Great place for both kids and adults. Relaxed atmosphere. Good instruction, clean. Their HIIT/ workoutworkout are also good. Good prices for the area.

Amazing instructors, and one of the nicest facilities in the area. The brazilian jiu jitsu is fantastic. The location is convenient and metro accessible off the red line. I recommend stopping in!

Great instructors, awesome 6am class, excellent facilities, clean, convenient.

Amazing instructors, location and most importantly the culture here is inclusive, members are collaborative and beyond compare.

Josh is an amazing instructor and Ascend is one of the nicest training facilities in the area. The brazilian jiu jitsu program has very high level instructions and everything that is taught is practical and well thought out. I recommend stopping by and training there! The location is very convenient and metro accessible off the red line.

Great and friendly atmosphere for BJJ practice

Good gym good people.