Ground Control Owings Mills

Ground Control Owings Mills has been part of the Maryland martial arts scene since 2009, with a coaching staff led by head instructor Ryan Mackin. Ryan is a homegrown Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, a former state wrestling champion, and a professional MMA and Muay Thai competitor. The team includes Alec Wolinski, who earned his black belt under Ryan after starting as one of the academy’s first students, and brown belts Tim Dodge, Byron Brooks, and Elaina Morisi. Each brings a different background to the mats, from IBJJF competition to MMA and wrestling, and most have been with Ground Control since its early days. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at Ground Control cover both gi and no-gi, with the adult program led by experienced competitors and teachers. Tim Dodge runs early morning and weekend sessions focused on fundamentals and situational sparring. Alec Wolinski teaches detail-driven no-gi classes throughout the week. Byron Brooks draws on his MMA background and competition experience at the world level. The gym also offers open mat sessions for visitors and members to roll freely. Kids’ programs are a cornerstone here, with classes for ages 4 and up, divided by age and skill level. Elaina Morisi leads the kids’ BJJ program, bringing more than a decade of experience and a strong lineage through Carlson Gracie Sr. and Andre Pederneiras. Ground Control Owings Mills is also the only martial arts center in the area with a Child Development Program License from the Maryland State Department of Education, reflecting its commitment to youth development. Alongside BJJ, the academy offers youth striking, wrestling, and even homeschool martial arts classes, making it a fixture for families in Reisterstown and beyond.

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