Combat Principles MMAThis is one of the best mma gyms in the DMV.
Expert coaches will guide you, be it Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, Muay Thai or Sanda. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned fighter CPMMA will help take you to your next level.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
This is one of the best mma gyms in the DMV.
Dropped in for a class tonight; everyone was extremely welcoming.
Josh is terrific with the kids and he is incredibly experienced.
This is my Home away from home.
Top notch MMA gym with everything you need to become an elite martial artist
Combat Principles MMA academy offers MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Striking, Strength & Conditioning, Kids Classes and Private Lessons. A grand facility with everything a fighter could need: approximately 2000 sqft of mat space, a boxing ring, a weight area, a sauna, and separate men's and women's locker rooms with showers! Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned fighter, CPMMA will guide you on your martial arts journey; be it Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, Sanda, Wrestling, or MMA. Our expert coaches will take you to your next level! We're next to the Post Office.
Head Coach / Owner
Josh Peters started martial arts under Sifu Dennis Brown in 1988, studying Shaolin Wushu. In 1990, he started to train at King Tiger Martial Arts under Sabeom-nim Kim, obtaining a 2nd degree black belt and participated in numerous Taekwondo, karate and American kickboxing style competitions. In 2002, he began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Maguilla BJJ school. He now is a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Randy Malacas with the famed Chute-boxe academy. Josh has fought professionally in mixed martial arts and submission grappling. He is the head coach of Combat Principles MMA and has produced and trained a number of amateur and professional athletes in the DMV area.
We don't just teach Mixed Martial Arts — we build better people.
Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With a 5.0-star Google rating, our standards speak for themselves.
From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Combat Principles MMA. This is a family, not just a gym.
Parents and students report improvements in focus, confidence, and discipline within the first 30–60 days. Our structured curriculum ensures every student progresses at every level.
Something for everyone — from toddlers to adults, beginners to competitors.
This class focuses on the building blocks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling. This class is designed to give the beginning grappler the needed skills to understand and train Jiu Jitsu, and the more advanced grappler a better understand how grappling works.
This is our Striking program! It is a combination of Sanda, Muay Thai, and western boxing. Providing an intense workout where you will learn the proper way to throw a multitude of knees, kicks, punches, and elbows. As well as integrated clinch work and throwing techniques. An integral part of our self defense curriculum, the intensity will get your heart racing!
The oldest martial art in the world, learn how to pick people up and put them down! Our wrestling program is focused on both developing high school wrestlers and wrestling for grappling and MMA. This class focuses on developing the needed endurance and technique for competition.
Judo, created by Jigaro Kano, is the art of using leverage, timing and technique to throw, pin and submit your opponents. Taught by World Champion, Sensei Gerard Cadet. This is an all levels class.
Our Women's program is built to help women feel safe and comfortable on the mats. This class is great for beginners as we focus on the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, grappling, and self defense. This class is for women only ages 13+.
The focus of these classes is on positioning, submissions, reversals, restraint, and escapes. Structured drills are used to help develop and refine motor skills and allow children to practice the techniques of the day in every class. Students wear a Gi or Kimono and work to earn belts and stripes. Rumble Bee classes are for kids ages 5-12.
The focus of these classes are to learn techniques using your opponents leverage and timing to throw and pin them. Students wear a Gi or Kimono and work to earn belts and stripes. Our Judo program is taught by Sensei Gerard. Rumble Bee classes are for kids ages 5-12.
This program is for both developing and experienced youth wrestlers with a focus on folkstyle wrestling. Our Wrestling program is taught by Coach Dan. Youth Wrestling classes are for kids ages 5-12.
This program works on developing striking skills in a safe environment. There is no head contact for youth. They will learn how to punch, kick, clinch and take each other down. Rumble Bee classes are for kids ages 5-12.
Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.
Click the button below or call us at 301-246-0181 to reserve your free intro session at a time that works for you.
Arrive in comfortable workout clothes. We'll give you a tour, introduce you to the team, and guide you through your first class.
If you love it — and you will — we'll find the perfect program and membership that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
No commitment. No experience needed. Just show up.
Rated 5.0 from 81 reviews on Google
"Our family has had a great experience at Combat Principles. Our 5-year-old son takes both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sanda classes there, and he absolutely loves it. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and amazing with young kids. They create a fun and positive environment while also teaching discipline, confidence, respect, and teamwork. Our son always looks forward to class and enjoys training and spending time with his friends there. Since joining, we’ve seen a big improvement in his confidence, focus, coordination, and overall happiness. The gym feels welcoming, supportive, and family-oriented, and it’s clear the instructors truly care about the kids and their development. Highly recommend Combat Principles to any parents looking for a great martial arts program for their children."
via Google
"This is my Home away from home. Began my BJJ journey with coach Josh and I can say this has been the best experience I’ve ever faced , from the beginning I was always welcome with open arms. The environment is amazing and Coach Josh runs an amazing Academy. Judo, Wrestling, BJJ & Muay Thai . We do it all. Come take a class & I promise the only thing that you will regret is that you didn’t start your journey sooner ."
via Google
"The best martial arts experience I have ever had. I have trained Karate, Tae Kwon Do, BJJ and wrestling for over a decade. However, this was the first place I felt like I truly belonged. The owner, operator, head coach and incredible man that is Joshua Peters is a welcoming coach who has no problem teaching newbies the fundamentals or black belts nuanced to improve their game. The environment is friendly, playful and skillful. I do not say this lightly, this is my third bjj gym and Josh is the first teacher I've had that I call coach."
via Google
"I rarely leave reviews, but I absolutely had to let people know that this is one of the best gyms I have been able to be apart of. It’s probably one of the most inclusive gyms I have had an opportunity to train at as well. You have so many different types of people, from beginners to pro’s, housewives to construction workers. Professor Josh manages to seamlessly Integrare all levels in such a fun and encouraging way. His experience shines through in his detailed instructions. A teacher that is a master of his craft. If your in the area and your looking for a good home CPMMA is where it’s at!"
via Google
"The Rumble Bees (kid classes) are fantastic! I currently have three children registered at CPMMA (10, 8, and 6). They love it! Josh was an elementary school teacher for more than 10 years and he is excellent with the kids. It's a fantastic environment. And it's stunningly affordable. I can't recommend it strongly enough."
via Google
"Dropped in for a class tonight; everyone was extremely welcoming. Josh is very hospitable and has very good technique. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone at any skill level who is looking to learn in an encouraging environment."
via Google
"My husband and (2) kids frequent this gym. We are in Rumble Bees at least (2) days per week. Mr Josh is a former elementary school teacher and it shows. My anxious kindergartener is blossoming under his tutelage, and this has been a great way to harness all of his energy. We love that the class is mixed gender and ages! Highly recommend. Thanks Mr. Josh and CPMMA!"
via Google
"Just have to share my experience with Combat Principles MMA in Burtonsville, MD. I have been training in self defense/martial arts for over a decade, but because of a recent change I came to Coach Josh Peters. I am retired and a senior so a lot has changed over the years in the way my body responds to training, recovery, and risk of injury. I am training with Josh in private sessions as that fits my schedule and my physical needs the best. My original goal was to continue my martial arts training, with him, but for the next few weeks we are training to improve my conditioning and agility so that I can keep up pace with my dog in agility competitions. I am super pleased that Josh is more than up to the task of pushing me, helping me improve my strength, endurance, and mobility to suit my goals. As soon as my agility trials are done, I plan to ask Josh to resume some of his training with me in martial arts. Adapting to my goals and needs is something Josh is excellent at. His positive attitude and encouragement help me push myself. When you reach the sixth decade of life there is a strong temptation to slow down and take it easy. But there is always room to push yourself to do better, to be physical in your life, to improve your conditioning, learn a new technique or brush up on established skills. Never stop training at any age. Having a coach like Josh that understands and tailors our training towards my evolving goals is invaluable."
via Google
"I have been going to comma since I started high school they create such an inclusive environment and they are so understanding when it comes to members there instructional are great for all levels of training. They have a very diverse staff especially for wrestling ranging from folks type, freestyle and Greco."
via Google
"My 10 yr old son started a few weeks and it's been great so far. It's been awhile since I've seen him really enjoying an activity this much. Josh is terrific with the kids and he is incredibly experienced. You also can't beat the prices."
via Google
"My family comes here to learn martial arts and exercise. Mr. Josh is very kind and cheerful. He always creates the best conditions for everyone to come here to exchange knowledge and experience. So that everyone can develop their abilities. they skills are better. Thank you, my husband and my children really like him and everyone in the club."
via Google
"This is a great school. I take my daughters to train in jujitsu here; they learn a lot. The teacher is excellent. I hope to train here soon too."
via Google
"For years it's been the best I've ever known. My grandson attends there and it's the best experience and education he's received in martial arts, etc."
via Google
"I've been training with Josh for over 25 years. He's a dedicated martial artist and he runs a great place."
via Google
"Top notch MMA gym with everything you need to become an elite martial artist"
via Google
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