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Blog
Ed & Brandy Costa
01:00 05 Aug 20
BJJ is a way of life for our three kids, which is why we were apprehensive to move to a new area and begin the search for a new training facility. We went to every school in the area on our search for the right fit. From the second we walked through the door of Ivey League, we were treated like long lost friends and the entire family has felt welcome ever since. From the owner, to the staff, fellow teammates and other parents, everyone has been great from day one. There’s a great, friendly, fun-loving atmosphere for students of all ages and skill sets. It’s been especially great for our teenagers to work with others their own age who collectively support each other in working up to the next level. The staff and fellow teammates have created an awesome environment that balances fun with disciplined training. The owner and instructors are very engaged and do an excellent job working with students at different skill levels. They are clearly committed to helping each student reach their individual goals while also fostering a positive and motivating team environment. There hasn’t been one class where the kids have left disappointed. Every time they roll they come off the mat better people!read more
Shorter Shit
19:33 22 Jul 20
No matter what age you are if you would like to try out MMA, Muay Thai or Brazilian Jujitsu or all at once, this is the place to train. Master Danny Ives is well trained in all disciplines and a great instructor and fighter with many years of experience. I always had liked his good communication skills that made you listen, learn and retain what you were just taught. ILMMA is a family oriented kid friendly place so no one should be scared or intimidated to try to train. I have known him for over 15 years training under him and trained other students with him in Muay Thai.read more
Stephanie Barcikowski
01:44 20 Jul 20
My sons have trained over many years with Master Danny. He has always been dedicated to the children and their well being. Very professional and great with communication.read more
Tommy O
01:18 20 Jul 20
I've known Danny for 20 years ever since I started training in Pa. He's extremely knowledgeable and explains everything in detail. I highly recommend this school.read more
Matthew Gerber
08:08 07 Jan 20
I’ve known Danny for YEARS! He is a class act & is a great instructor. The way Danny & the other instructors break things down to the students makes it very easy to learn! Ivey League is extremely family friendly, they welcome everyone with a smile & open arms, I love the family friendly environment there!read more
gary buckler
17:19 15 Dec 19
Ivey league is a great family-oriented academy.
Master Danny and the rest of the coaches are very knowledgeable and friendly. There's a very laid-back atmosphere at Ivey League and they will work with you at your pace but will also help drive you to your goals as well as help you create new ones and they are very detail-oriented when it comes to technique. it's a great place to learn MMA or just get in shape and make some new great friends.read more
Ryan Johnson
15:05 12 Dec 19
My entire family trains at Ivey League MMA. It has a dedicated staff that want to help you reach your goals. Since I’ve started working out at Ivey League MMA I’ve lost 40 pounds, been introduced to one of the most fascinating martial arts in the world (BJJ), and made some incredible friends. Highly recommended!!read more
Dustin Crane
13:53 10 Dec 19
I cannot say enough about Danny and his coaches at Ivey League, Ive been in Jiu Jitsu since 2006 in the US Army, got out and then took off full aspect MMA. Ive trained at a few gyms in different states being military, also moving when I got out. But I have never been around such well rounded coaching, from Muay Thai to Wrestling to BJJ just the coaches knowledge alone blows my mind. They are very well versed and also very respectful to their students. White belt to Brown belt everyone is treated with the same respect. Danny, as the owner, you very rarely seen an owner as hands on as he is, driving kids to meets, never "to busy" to coach, he is an amazing professor, and funny too ( ill give him this credit too). I was out of training for awhile due to injury, and he sent me a Gi, in the mail without question, gave me the proper motivation to get back out there and get after it again. If you are planning to check out a gym, whether you are a beginner or experienced, kid or adult. This is where you want to be. It will become like your second home.read more
El Stahel
07:01 10 Dec 19
In the midst of this year's painful divorce and it's ignoble aftermath, I was left with a 2 choices. I could A: pack up my things and go back home to West Michigan, the place that is not only home to my entire family, but is quite sacred to me. Or B: find a reason to stick around in Maryland that wasn't just a job.
As I waited, having made primary plans to use the rest of my GI Bill to finish a degree and get a start at a new career in Michigan, I was all but on the road to the next chapter of my life.
On May 29th, something weird happened. I received a birthday card from Ivey League. (At this point I had not been in to train for nearly 4 months.) It made me rethink about my life here. I thought about Ivey League and the people I had come to develop friendships with in training. I thought about the enthusiastic and light hearted environment cultivated not only by Master Danny, but his staff of genuinely passionate coaches.
In July I moved into an apartment in Arnold so that I could be closer to the gym. In November I went 8-0 between two BJJ tournaments. I received two gold medals and my blue belt. The proudest achievement of my incredibly turbulent year is that I have not only made many new friends after coming back to train at Ivey League, but I found a home. A home that could be yours as well.read more
David Ward
13:25 08 Nov 19
Danny is a good friend of my coach and a really funny guy. I love training at Ivey League when I'm in the area. Danny mixes the old school and new school with a funny and friendly training environment. Great training partners and a great kids program.read more
christopher Gautier
16:36 30 Oct 19
Ivy League is a wonderful family oriented academy. We've attended different studios from Pennsylvania to South Florida. Master Danny and all the coaches are extremely patient and passionate. Our child looks so forward not only to class but all the extra activites and trips that they offer.read more
Ronnie Masgay
15:01 04 Sep 19
My fiancé and I started at Ivey League MMA around May of this year. We did plenty of research into where we wanted to go for training. She wanted kickboxing and I wanted to learn brazilian jiu jitsu. Even after just a week, I cannot say enough about the staff. Master Danny Ives and his team of coaches are always positive and I always feel welcome. Doing everything they can to promote a SAFE AND CLEAN training environment for everyone involved. The genuine care these guys put into the well being of the students is astounding, checking in with you and figuring out your specific goals. It's more than just a job for them. It's demanding but anything that is worthwhile is. I highly recommend taking a look into this school.read more
Maurice McGloin
13:05 02 Apr 19
This is the perfect place for kids martial arts. The kids have a great time and the coaches understand what it takes to get the best out of each of them.read more
LYDIA BRUNO
20:47 06 Jan 19
When I first moved to Maryland , I was struggling to find a gym that I felt comfortable in , that could cater to my schedule and my specific needs. I stumbled upon Ivey league by word of mouth and followed those great recommendations to the gym to try it out. I immediately felt at home, the knowledgeable ,warm , patient staff made me feel
Welcomed. I ended up driving 30 minutes everyday just to work out and train , with all the high level , highly experienced coaches that teach and work out there .This gym is clean, organized and family friendly . I highly recommend this gym to anyone that is an aspiring fighter, or just looking to get a good old fashioned work out in. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!read more
Blake Galey
23:52 03 Jan 19
I've been training off and on at Ivey League for about 4 years now, and I always feel welcome and safe. The owner, Danny Ives, as well as his employees, have always been more than kind to me, in and out of class.
There are plenty of different classes and class times to choose from, and I recommend this school to anyone and everyone interested in MMA/grappling/kickboxing in the area.
This is a great place to relax and learn a new skill, but I also know that they have created some fierce competitors as well.read more
George McGinnis
14:20 01 Jan 19
Absolutely one of my favorite places to cross train when I can. Their schedule is extremely accommodating, their coaches are knowledgeable, friendly and encouraging. And when it comes time to work, they will certainly help you reach levels in your journey that you never thought possible. So whether you're an absolute newcomer to the arts, or you've been training for many years like myself, Master Danny, Miss T and the rest of the crew will absolutely get you to your chosen destination.
- George M | York MMA Academyread more
Devin Collins
21:46 12 Dec 18
Ivey league it a great institution for learning and fun. Their staff is very knowledgeable and down to earth. We couldn't be happier with our sons success. His and our experience has been great! Not only do they create a team atmosphere they are excellent in making you feel like family.read more
Erin Cunningham
23:18 07 Dec 18
Ivey League MMA has been such an amazing find for our family. All of the staff are super helpful and encouraging and they really help pull kids out of their shell while teaching successful strategies for all aspects of their lives not just martial arts training. We have participated in children’s and adult classes as well as after school and various camps. Highly recommend this place and challenge you to find a more quality caring group of people!read more
Shelly Garcia
20:57 07 Dec 18
The coaches and staff at Ivey League are phenomenal! Our daughter started classes there when she was in Kindergarten. Coach Danny and Coach Teresa were amazing with her. She was shy and very passive but they were able to develop her self confidence and skills to the point that she not only enjoyed MMA she wanted to compete in the competitions! She's now a thriving teenager with a positive attitude about self confidence and living a healthy, physically fit lifestyle. We owe a good part of that to Ivey League's training. They believe in the kids they teach and it really shows.read more
Zoe Masters
15:30 07 Dec 18
I love training at Ivey League every chance I get. My husband and I have trained BJJ for 6+ years and we will make 4 hour trips just to join Master Danny's class. They have an awesome staff who are understanding to each person's needs and a clean facility. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for martial arts training.read more
Rickey Lawrence
15:18 07 Dec 18
Ivey League Is a great training facility with great Instructors. The kids are able to perform at a high level both in and out of competition. The Muay Thai program is great and a good workout.read more
Jason Rush
23:08 05 Nov 18
We brought our daughter to Ivey League 1 year ago. My daughter is a very passive easy going kid. Being 12 years old and in middle school, the stress of kids bullying her was getting to be an everyday occurrence. When we brought her to Ivey League she was nervous and not wanting to stay, that’s where the Coaches and Staff came in. They treated her like she has been there for years, made her comfortable and got her involved in the class. That evening she wanted to sign up and become part of where she is today. She has since started competing and has won a gold metal. Her confidence is incredible and we owe it to the staff at Ivey League for getting her out of her shell. They believe in teamwork and get the students involved to help each other. My daughter has a whole new group of friends and then make her feel like family. I highly recommend Ivy League!read more
Gregg Johnson
14:40 02 Nov 18
Our son has been a fan and participant of martial arts since his junior high days in Nebraska and has been a part of several different gyms, under various leaders. As an adult, now living in Maryland, he joined Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts. Several years ago he invited us to visit the gym and introduced his mother and I to the owners, Danny and Teresa Ives. We knew immediately that he had found another ‘family’ and I cannot stress that truth enough ‘FAMILY’. Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts isn’t just a ‘gym’; a way for the Ives’ to create an income - it is ‘family’ who trains hard, with determination and a life-goal of excellences; all while knowing and caring about one another, . Now not only is our son a member of Ivey League, so are three of our grandchildren. On every trip to Maryland to visit family - we love to visit our extended family as well and so we go to the gym and to share with Danny and Teresa. If you’re looking for Mixed Martial Arts training facility for yourself, and your family, you’ve found it here. Join up today - and your life will be changed forever.read more
Isabella
19:25 06 Oct 18
I have been going to this gym for about a year now and in my experience I have nothing but good things to say. The coaching staff are great teachers. The facility is cleaned daily and the classes range from getting great excercise to learning proper technique. You feel like a family when you attend this gym.read more
Nicholas Angiolilli
17:50 05 Oct 18
Personable and knowledgeable coaches who are very willing to help you learn and push yourself, and an overall great MMA gym. They have everyone from people who train weekends to people who compete, and everyone there is more than willing to help you achieve your own goals within mixed martial arts. The facility is nice and clean every single time, the classes are aptly paced and the technique is on point, and they have plenty of equipment for others to utilize for their own benefits.read more
Chris Cracknell
11:15 17 Sep 18
I’ve been kickboxing on and off since i was 7 years old I always try to stop in and check out different gyms when im traveling. I looked this place up online and decided to try them out.
As soon as i walked through the door I was greeted by the owner Danny Ives, who was standing there with a broom in his hands sweeping the mats
Coach Danny was extremely friendly and welcoming. He stopped what he was doing and took the time to give me a tour of his gym and told me the story of how he ended up teaching MMA in Annapolis.
I couldn’t tell from the outside but it’s actually two separate training floors. The upstairs is painted in a brighter color and I could tell this was the more kids/family training environment.
The downstairs training room was night and day different, with way more of a “Hardcore” look and feel to it. I liked the downstairs room more personally.
Also, most of the equipment is downstairs. They had a lot of stuff people could use on their own time like punching bags, a full weight room, bikes, treadmills and kettlebells.
They have a very clean and well organized layout, which was refreshing because most gyms are dirty and smell like an old sock.
I can't say enough good things about this place and even though I was only visiting for a few days I learned so much and never once felt like an outsider.
Egos are checked at the door unlike some other places I've been to. You owe it to yourself to check this place out if you are looking for a home to train Kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu. Top Notch.read more
Sharie Neptune
20:36 13 Sep 18
A great place to train! I joined this MMA gym as a fun alternative to the normal everyday weightlifting/cardio class gym. I was out of shape and needed to lose weight. Ivey League helped me to get into the best shape of my life and I’ve had a blast doing it. The instructors are amazing, and I've made some great lifelong friends along the way. My goal was never to become a MMA fighter, but I’ve certainly enjoyed getting to know the pros and those just starting out and supporting them throughout their fighting careers. I've also learned some great MMA moves and techniques that I never imagined myself doing.read more
Richard Hill
12:24 13 Sep 18
Martial arts is more than punch kick block! It is about empowering our youth to be better than they were yesterday and to grow up to be better than we are. Professor Ives and his team are dedicated to teaching the character lessons that are needed to succeed and grow in today's world. They are passionate about what they do and it shows! Great program for kids and adults as well!read more
Naomi Johnson
12:14 13 Sep 18
Master Ives and his awesome team of instructors are the best you'll find for martial arts anywhere, especially for children. My two younger siblings (now 8 and 10) started with Ivey League as beginner white belts a little over two years ago and It's truly been life changing for both of them.
The journey they have taken with Master Danny Ives and the Ivey League MMA team has provided them with excellent, realistic self-defense and martial arts skills, but it's also increased their level of confidence, leadership and personal integrity towards others. This was key for my younger brother who'd been the target of bullies for years.
What I really like about the kids program at IL (Adult program as well) is that they continue to evolve and improve their classes year over year to better enrich the quality of the instruction while at the same time keeping it both fun and interesting for the students.
It's now a whole family activity because both my dad and I started training as well. We are so lucky to have found Master Danny and his crew of amazing coaches and staff. Go Ivey League!read more
Sophie Collins
20:04 16 May 18
Master Danny and Ms. T. are phenomenal. All the coaches have been nothing but good to me and atheists atmosphere is magnificent.read more
Sam Moore
22:21 09 Mar 18
I've been training at Ivey League for several months and so far I'm really happy. My health has improved due to being active and my confidence has improved as well. Thank you to Danny Ives and the great coaching staff .read more
Marta Savage
00:52 29 Dec 17
Can't say enough good things about Ivey League MMA. My daughter has been a student here for almost exactly a year and absolutely loves it - and we love how it has helped her. She is more focused, confident, coordinated, and, of course, way stronger and learning great skills. The coaches are all extremely good with kids and good at teaching, keeping things fun and high-energy but also disciplined. Everyone here is professional, welcoming, inclusive, and friendly, and they really are like family. The summer camp is amazing, too.read more
Amy Bates
23:43 15 Dec 17
Though only in the area for a short two week period, Ivey League ensured I had the greatest possible experience at their gym. Not only was I given a free trial with t-shirt, they truly dedicated time and expertise to me as a student. Coach Joe and Sebastian were both professional, knowledgeable, and of the highest quality and standard I would expect from an MMA training facility. I finished every 1-hr kickboxing lesson wanting to keep working and learning, and I left wishing I still lived in Maryland. Thanks again to the staff and coaches at Ivey League, and I hope I can return one day!read more
John Laffin
02:03 07 Oct 17
This gym is outstanding. With a dedicated professional staff that cover the fundamentals and advanced elements of ground fighting, striking, athleticism, and discipline you are sure to have a rewarding experience at Ivey league. No exaggeration- this gym changed my life and I spend every second I can there. I highly recommend it.read more
Andy Grahn
16:03 08 Sep 17
***OUTSTANDING!!!*** Whether you want to learn self defense, get in shape or try a new hobby. Ivey League MMA is the place! The kids program is very good for kids of all ages. Danny Ives coaching is patient, fun, and disciplined. There are separate class rooms for different types of classes. All in all you won't be disappointed checking them out. read more
Whitebelt BJJ
07:24 19 Dec 15
Ivey League MMA is the most important place in my life. Since I have been a student I have experienced a complete life change. I have lost 60 lbs and feel that I can defend myself against any person. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most fun for me but I also like the Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts classes. Danny Ives is a great coach that truly cares about his students and offers to them plenty of individual attention. Each person is different, and Danny knows through his experience how to help people overcome their weaknesses to become great.
(Most important to me) Ivey League is the most friendly gym I have ever visited. There are no egos and no thug types. We laugh and have a great time together while pushing each other as a team to achieve bigger and better things. From my first day I never felt nervous or out of place. People immediately introduced themselves and were very welcoming. I had pictured walking into the academy and everyone staring at me like, "What are YOU doing here new guy?" It was not like that at all.
Training at Ivey League made me want to quit smoking, quit drinking and lead a healthier lifestyle, which I have done.
The best part to anyone on the fence about trying martial arts, is that you can join for 30 days risk free to see if you like the academy. Most places only offer a couple of free classes. 30 days is plenty of time to know if martial arts training is for you or not.
One last thing. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has seen fake black belts appearing more and more as the sport/defense system has grown in popularity. Danny Ives is from the Gracie family lineage. It does not get any more legitimate than that.
Hope to see you there!read more
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