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AFFILIATIONS

Our affiliations give our students and instructors access to the best instruction in the world.  Within our networks, we are able to provide our students with the most current reality-based self defense instruction as well as the ability for all of our instructors to continue their training.  We take specific pride in who we associate with and look for the world's best because that is what we demand for our students and instructors.

GRACIE JIU JITSU MARYLAND
ISRAELI TACTICAL SCHOOL MARYLAND
krav maga Maryland

Our team

Cesar has been training in martial arts for over twenty years. Beginning his training in the traditional martial art of Shotokan Karate when he was in middle school, it only took Cesar one time seeing Royce Gracie win the UFC to realize how impressive and dominant Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling actually was. Cesar began training religiously in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the direct instruction and supervision of Master Pedro Sauer in 2006 and was honored to receive his Black Belt directly from Master Sauer in December, 2014.

César Paredes

3RD DEGREE BLACK BELT

César Paredes
Marcus is a U.S. Army veteran, and current first responder in Washington, DC. Marcus began his martial arts training by receiving some Krav Maga training while in the military. Years later Marcus received some basic Gracie self defense training for first responders. In 2012 Marcus decided to continue his training and took his first Jiu-Jitsu class. After that he was hooked, and made Jiu-Jitsu a priority and part of his lifestyle. Marcus began training with Cesar Paredes, and has been actively training for about ten years. Marcus has earned all his belts under Cesar Paredes/Pedro Sauer. Belt progression: 2012 - Started his Jiu-Jitsu journey 2013 - Awarded Blue Belt 2017 - Awarded Purple Belt 2020 - Awarded Brown Belt

Marcus Stevens

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BLACK BELT

Marcus Stevens
Growing up, Ken had always been intrigued by the allure of martial arts from watching old Bruce Lee movies. However, due to a lack of local schools and funds, Ken settled for wrestling in middle and high school. This was, however, a blessing in disguise as wrestling provided him a great foundation for grappling. Fast forward ten years, after getting married and having two kids, Ken felt the desire to learn martial arts and found a school that taught Wing Chun, the same martial arts that were the foundation for Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do style of kung fu. After a few years, the realization that a true martial artist needs to learn more than just punches and kicks led him to learn jiu-jitsu -- a widely unknown martial art to him during his youth. Being only 5'7" and 160 lbs, he knew that he was at a physical disadvantage if a larger opponent would bring a fight to the ground. After just a few classes, he was hooked and saw the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu. Ken started his jiu jitsu journey in December 2012 and earned all his belts under Cesar Paredes, a second-degree Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer. Ken's Belt Progression: December 1, 2012 - Started his Jiu Jitsu journey April 7, 2014 - Awarded Blue Blue April 14, 2017 - Awarded Purple Belt January 1, 2022- Awarded Brown Belt

Ken Ong

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BROWN BELT

Ken Ong
Since being introduced to Jiu Jitsu two and a half years ago Ariana found a sport that is challenging, fun, and a powerful life skill to possess. She has competed twice thus far, receiving double golds at each tournament. Ariana loves interacting with the kids and enjoys teaching them important Jiu Jitsu skills. She cherishes the family-like atmosphere at Urbana Academy and is happy to have found this school.

Ariana Hossain

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BLUE BELT

Ariana Hossain
Victor was born in Brasilia, Brazil. His first experience in martial arts was when he began training Capoeira, a style that is known for its dynamic, acrobatic, and complex maneuvers. In 2008 Victor saw a sign in a gym for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and given the increasing popularity, he thought he would give it a try. Victor trained exclusively under Professor Pedro Galiza and was awarded the Faixa Preta in November 2019. Victor is an avid competitor at all levels both locally as well as internationally and his accomplishments include Brasilia State Champion and competing and placing in Abu Dhabi Intl. trials. At Urbana Academy Victor instructs BJJ kids and adult classes. Belt Progression – All belts awarded by Mestre Pedro Galiza Blue Belt - December 2012 Purple Belt – December 2015 Brown Belt – December 2017 Black Belt – November 2019

Victor Guerra

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BLACK BELT

Victor Guerra
KRU Certified Muay Thai Instructor Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2nd Dan Black Belt Tae Kwon Do Lior began training in martial arts as a young man. In 1988 he discovered the traditional Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do and trained extensively in it for many years, reaching the rank of yi dan, or second degree black belt. With a desire to further expand his martial arts background, Lior began to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2006 and in Muay Thai in 2007. He has been training in both exclusively since. In 2012, Lior became a certified KRU Muay Thai instructor and brings a wealth of experience and instructional expertise to Urbana Academy where he is the lead Muay Thai instructor. In addition, Lior has certifications in Krav Maga as a Level 1 instructor through Krav Maga Worldwide. Outside of Urbana Academy, Lior is a physical trainer with greater than 20 years of experience and is A.C.E, N.S.P.A. certified and is a certified Cross-Fit coach

Lior Kleiner

KRAV MAGA CERTIFIED

Lior Kleiner
Wrestled for Clarksburg high school and won county and regional titles in 2017 as well as placed 3rd in the state in the 3A-4A West region in 2017. Wrestled division 3 for Elizabethtown College at 141, 149, 157, and 165 lbs. Graduated in 2022 from Elizabethtown College with a degree in Criminal justice.

Nick Gonzáles

UA WRESTLING COACH

Nick Gonzáles
13 years of training. Focused entirely on self-defense. Black Belt (2016) & Certified Instructor in “Personal Defense System” under Mike Moses. Gracie Combatives Instructor training 2018 Gracie University. Black Belt Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 2021 under Cesar Paredes & Pedro Sauer. “Self-defense training particularly Jiu-Jitsu, has given me the courage and confidence to connect with people in a more real and meaningful way. For this, I am eternally grateful”

Jason Light

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BLACK BELT

Jason Light
From seeing his first UFC fight, where the effectiveness, utility, and elegance of Jiu Jitsu was on full display, Peyton knew that this was something that he wanted to learn. Unfortunately, at that time there were no schools around and way too many time commitments from finishing up graduate school and starting a family to allow him to start training Gracie Jiu Jitsu. When he moved to Frederick, he noticed a small school within a mile or two of his house and stopped in to see what it was all about and if it was something a 40 year old could do. Having wrestled before he quickly took to it and was immediately hooked, signing up when his first class ended and has been consistently training ever since. In April of 2017, Peyton was awarded his Blue Belt. Peyton also further expanded his training to include Judo, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga as a compliment to his Jiu Jitsu training. In September 2020, Peyton was awarded his Purple Belt. Peyton’s journey in Jiu Jitsu has been absolutely transformative, leading to significant weight loss and a more active lifestyle. He has enjoyed competing in both the local and IBJJF tournaments and appreciates the comradery found in the academy. Peyton has recently been entrusted with the opportunity to work with younger students to encourage and guide their growth in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Belt Progression April 30, 2016 – The journey begins April 07, 2017 – Blue Belt Awarded by Cesar Paredes September 15, 2020 – Purple Belt Awarded by Cesar Paredes

Peyton Hobson

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU BROWN BELT

Peyton Hobson
Rich started his love of martial arts in his youth but really started his training in earnest as an adult in the mid 2000’s. Training for a decade in Korean martial arts and kickboxing, he earned his 2nd degree black belt in Tang soo do/Aikido/Hapkido styles. Looking to improve upon his skills he decided to focus his training on BJJ and joined the Pedro Sauer team under Cesar Paredes at Urbana Academy. With the patient and Knowledgeable instructors at UA, Rich was able to immerse himself in training and reach the purple belt rank. Having the opportunity to now help instruct other students at UA has allowed Rich to continue a long time passion of teaching and coaching. Rich has actively been involved in youth sports for the better part of the last 2 decades. Coaching basketball and football has been fun for Rich, but baseball was always his passion. Starting out coaching travel ball with the LOUYAA baseball organization, he has been involved with many travel organizations including Frederick, Clarksburg, Urbana travel and HS teams, and currently is the President of the Frederick Rangers Youth Baseball Association. Being involved in the mentorship of hundreds of young men and women and watching them grow up to not only be strong athletes but self confident and respectful young adults has been the highlight of his coaching career. Rich takes the responsibility of instructing at UA as he has all of his coaching endeavors. Seeing it as a privilege to be involved with the training of all the students at Urbana Academy.

Rich McCleaf

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU PURPLE BELT

Rich McCleaf

 

Welcome to Urbana Academy, your premier destination for martial arts training in Frederick County, MD. Our academy is dedicated to providing top-notch instruction in a variety of martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai and Self-Defense.

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Our Mission

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At Urbana Academy, our mission is to empower individuals of all ages to achieve their personal best through the practice of martial arts. We believe in fostering a supportive and challenging environment where students can develop their physical skills, mental strength, and overall well-being.

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Meet Our Instructors

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Our team of highly skilled martial arts instructors is the heart of Urbana Academy. With years of experience and a deep passion for teaching, our instructors are committed to helping each student reach their full potential. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, you'll find a welcoming community and expert guidance here.

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Why Choose Urbana Academy?

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  1. Expert Instructors: Our certified instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in various martial arts disciplines, ensuring that you receive high-quality training tailored to your needs.

  2. Comprehensive Programs: We offer a wide range of programs for all ages and skill levels, including kids' classes, adult classes, and advanced training for competitive athletes.

  3. State-of-the-Art Facility: Our modern training facility in Monrovia, MD, is equipped with everything you need to succeed, from spacious training mats to the latest equipment.

  4. Community Focused: At Urbana Academy, we believe in building a strong, supportive community. Our students and instructors form lasting bonds, creating a positive and motivating atmosphere.

 

Join Us Today!

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Discover the benefits of martial arts training at Urbana Academy. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or compete at a high level, our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

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Visit us in Frederick County, MD, and experience the Urbana Academy difference. Contact us today to schedule your first class and begin your martial arts journey with the best instructors in the area.

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