Kogen Dojo defines what a quality martial art training center should be. Whether you are interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, or both, you will receive exceptional training at all levels of experience. Instructors and coaches at Kogen are all dedicated to their students and will invest their time and efforts into their training. The atmosphere at Kogen is very welcoming and family-oriented. I felt like a member of the Kogen family within the very first few classes at Kogen. In addition, training is disciplined and structured very well, even at the young children level. It is amazing to see little kids focused and interested in learning techniques at a martial art school as opposed to playing games.I have been training in martial arts for over 15 years and have seen several martial art schools. Kogen Dojo sets itself apart from other training centers due to its welcoming atmosphere, commitment to quality and development, professionalism, and exceptional training. There is no place like Kogen, and I highly recommend to anyone interested in martial arts and at all levels of training and experience.

Kogen Dojo -highly recommend! My daughter started at 8 and loved it, attending Muay Thai 2-3 times a week, they even offered yoga on Saturdays for parents!Kogen supports the community, participating in such events as “Burgers and Bands “ locally.Best of all they treated us with respect and taught my daughter that when she speaks up about how she feels, her voice is heard and valued.

When I walked through the doors of Kogen Dojo in September 2020, I had no idea how much I would come to love this place. As a woman in her 30s with no martial arts experience (really, no sports experience at all, unless managing my middle school volleyball team counts), I came here looking to develop some self-defense skills, but ended up acquiring much more than that. Everyone from the instructors to the students is friendly, respectful, and patient. Even though everyone is concerned about the safety of the participants, the atmosphere remains light and fun. The gym is clean, the people are kind, and the techniques are thoroughly explained and supervised. I didnt know what to expect that first day, but I have found a community of good-hearted souls that occasionally try to arm bar me. I cant explain the dynamic, but if youve ever considered doing jiu-jitsu (or muay thai), work up the courage to walk through the front door of Kogen; it might end up being one of the best decisions you ever make :)

Great teaching staff. Very positive and encouraging environment. Recommend for parents looking for something to get their kids into.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had my kids in 4 different BJJ academies in the Severna Park/Pasadena/Annapolis areas due to moves, academy closures, and choice. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Kogen is THE BEST. We have been members for 2 years now. It is a ‘no ego’ academy. It’s a mix of old school respect and new school fundamentals. The instructors and staff genuinely care for the members. In another academy, I watched kids chanting for one child to win over another when they were rolling, and the subsequent emotional withdrawal of the one who was being chanted against. That is not tolerated at Kogen. At one academy, I watched a kid ask an instructor how to do a move that was taught by the main instructor at the beginning of class and heard ‘I’m not sure’ as he walked away. That doesn’t happen at Kogen. At one academy, I watched the star pupil get all the attention from the coaches to help prepare him for competition. At Kogen, everyone is trained equally. It’s more about truly learning fundamentals and self defense - not tournament fighting. The concern, the professionalism, the respect - both taught and given - are amazing. My child doesn’t get excited about regular school, but couldn’t wait to get to Kogen to see his friends. From having a variety of experience to draw on, I knew from the first couple of lessons that it was going to be ‘home’. And two years on, I was correct in my initial assumption.

After a pretty extensive search for a school to train Muay Thai, I ended up choosing Kogen and I couldn’t be happier. Detailed instruction by knowledgeable and friendly professors. Perfect for a beginner or an experienced martial arts practitioner. Warm, community aspect makes Kogen a place where you can feel right at home almost instantly! Highly recommend to anyone looking to experience training with high level and quality instruction.

If there is one thing that I could during this quarantine, it is participating at any class at Kogen Dojo. If you are looking for excellence in martial arts, look no further. The first thing aspect I noticed about Kogen Dojo is how welcoming everyone in the gym is, whether it be instructors or attendees, everyone there treats you like family. This gym is spotless, instructors are diligent with how often they clean. I am very impatient to go back and train with this community that I feel is home for anyone. 10/10 would recommend!

There are a lot of fake gyms out there and Kogen Dojo is not one of them. It epitomizes what you want in a martial arts gym. Knowledgeable teachers, respectful staff and students, great clean facility, and most importantly a bonding community focused on making everyone a better version of themselves. If you are a serious martial arts nut, just looking for a place to get fit, looking for a casual hobby, or want to learn self defense, this is the gym for you.

Kogen Dojo has been instrumental in the development of my mental and physical discipline. They have plenty of classes to fulfill your busy schedule. But the most important thing is that they take time to know you and the instructors are very knowledgeable and willing to help you attain your goals.

Super clean amazing people

Awesome place to train. The owners are extremely nice and always looking to provide the best possible instruction to students. As well, the academy is immaculate and someone is always cleaning the mats. Whether you are looking to get in shape, to compete or to learn self defense Kogen can exceed your expectations.

Our son has been training jiu jitsu for about 2 years now and I cant speak highly enough about Kogen. They focus on the kids really being able to defend themselves while educating them on the level of responsibility they are taking on in doing so. I hear some schools train kids to compete, focusing on speed and efficiency in submitting an opponent or gaining the most points possible. The coaches at Kogen recognize this interest, however I feel they concentrate on educating people on how to defend themselves in real life scenarios. My son looks forward to training multiple days per week and has never been bored.

Great place to train. Clean, well configured, with great instructors. Additionally, they regularly bring in highly skilled champions for seminars to push their students to the next level. If I lived closer I would train there all the time!

Ive been training at Kogen for about a year and a half. As a committed practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, I was excited to find a Gracie school as their commitment to self-defense and real-world scenarios can often plague other martial arts that value form of function. Kogen is the real deal. You will learn to protect yourself. You will learn why things work and one of my favorite things about Kogen: alternatives are explored often to see why some things just dont work. From staff that train to a commitment to cleanliness and respect, Kogen has something for everyone.

The three local men who own this place are not just awesome at what they do, they care about the community they live in as well. I love watching how they have built a place where families learn martial arts together but also where they have created a true sense of community.

From the very beginning I felt welcomed and treated like I was part of the family by everyone. I had never practiced Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai, so I was definitely hesitant to do it for the first time. However, the instructors were patient and understanding. Couldnt have picked a better place to lay fundamental training techniques with. If youre seeking to learn something new or just continue with your training, you will be joining an exceptional family that is always willing to push and motivate you. Thank you Kogen for an unforgettable experience!

This place is absolutely amazing! I watched the transformation from the beginning until now and see the many great practices and teachers that come with it. From BJJ, to Muay Thai, to yoga and more of this great team here. I love that teachers, professional fighters, practitioners from all over share their wisdom with everyone from adults to kids. If youre ready to take your life to the next level, I say check it out asap!

I trained Muay Thai and a little bit of Jiu Jitsu here for just under a year, and it was an outstanding experience. From the time I signed up, they have been extremely interactive and promoting of self betterment. The community they have created is high quality and the facilities are always clean, as they clearly put effort into making it so.

Amazing environment. Incredible coaches, I’ve trained with Matt on and off for years, he’s an amazing teacher. Its not just a place to train it’s a second home.

What a fantastic Academy! Whether you are looking into Kogen for fitness, self defense, or socializing this dojo has it all. Wonderful instructors with a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

FANTASTIC environment run by highly engaged and enthusiastic people....very clean facility and there is a STRONG emphasis on safety....GREAT place for people who are serious about martial arts/fitness while maintaining a friendly attitude and a sense of humor...I HIGHLY recommend Kogen!

TOP NOTCH - Love this place, love the people, love what they do for our community! Inclusive, respectful, responsive. I have found Robert and the guys to be all that and more. They connect with clients on a personal level, meeting them where theyre at, helping them grow in this craft and sport. Thank you Kogen Dojo! - Annapolis resident.

By far the most inviting gym for Muay Thai and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu!Its the perfect balance between hard training and a safe family environment.The facilities are clean. The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly.The gym offers a trial period for new members and has equipment available for purchase at the dojo, so there is no reason not to try it out!(The dojo also offers Taikyoku Budo and yoga!)

I met the folks from Kogen Dojo in my search for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy for my son, and Im very glad I did. We now both train at the academy regularly, both in BJJ and Muay Thai, and I couldnt say nicer things about our experience. Outstanding coaches, great training partners and best of all, you really do feel as though youre part of a family, the Kogen family.Matt, Robert, Bowie, Tommie, Ike, Christian, Drew and all the rest of the folks there do it because they love it, and to me that makes all the difference. They care about the people who train with them and it shows.

Awesome place to train Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids and adults! The environment is very family friendly and there are tons of class times. Kogen Dojo is definitely the place to go in Severna Park for martial arts!

It was a great experience to train at this dojo for almost a year. I’ve been a martial arts practitioner since I was 8 for karate & then jiu-jitsu later in life and was quite surprised at how knowledgeable Matthew my Muay Thai instructor is. I’ve learned a tremendous amount in such a short period of time. The school is friendly to other martial arts practitioners, which is always a great thing. The rest of the instructors are awesome too! The school is clean & friendly. Great environment for children too! I highly recommend it!!Sincerely,Ron Harris

A friendly environment that teaches self defense first! A great way to get fit and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones. My wife, 4 year old, and I never once felt intimidated. All of the instructors are very knowledgeable and make my family and I feel at home. I trust them completely.

This is the best place I’ve ever trained Martial Arts at, I love it here. Great Coaches, Staff and awesome people to train with!!!

This has to be the best martial arts gym in the severna park, arnold, annapolis and pasadena area. They are located in severna park which is a middle spot for all of those surround areas. They have some of the best instructors around and are amazing with kids. Also pretty affordable too! My son lives it there. Very friendly and clean environment as well. A+++++++. I 100% reccomended this gym for kids and adults of all ages.

Awesome staff that really works with the individual to help you get the most out of your experience!

Kogen Dojo has a great staff and community and has one of the best vibes I’ve ever gotten from a martial arts dojo. The Jiu Jitsu is top notch being a Relson Gracie affiliate that not only focuses on the technical aspects of grappling but also prioritizes self defense. The Muay Thai is top notch given that Coach Matt’s technique and teaching are great to learn the striking art, and has experience fighting in the ring in Thailand. Great environment, technique, and coaching, if you’re in the Severna park area this is your gym.

When I first wanted to start training Muay Thai ... I must’ve called/messaged three or four places and the only place that didn’t give me the cold shoulder or the run around was Kogen. I missed my first appointment to check out the dojo and the staff at kogen reached out to me to reschedule and every since I’m glad those other dojo’s ignored me. The staff and coaches are amazing and when I walk in to kogen it’s like walking into a second home, joining kogen will not only teach you self defense but is also a good way to get in shape and healthy. I highly recommend kogen dojo you won’t be disappointed

Amazing academy. Love everything about this place. From the amazing coaches to the friendly community atmosphere. I truly feel like it’s my second home!

Hands down the best academy in the area. I love that you can train in any of the programs they offer. Mr. Bowie is awesome with the kids! I would recommend to anyone.

Great place to train for all levels of experience,the instructors are very hands on and attentive of students needs.

The coaches and staff here are kind and patient. My 7yo son can be a handful, and you can tell the coaches care and are there for the kids. The adult classes are also a blast! Check them out if you can!

Great gym with good vibes and awesome coaches for people that are experienced or just starting

It is an honor to be teach and train traditional Japanese martial arts and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Kogen Dojo in Severna Park, bringing self defense for the whole family to Anne Arundel County.

Excellent instructors.