★ 5

Reasons Edwin Cihlar Is the man.
1. Soft skills, he’s always engaged with people on the right level. Not what they want, just what they need.
2. Personally, he literally made sure my number was in your phone & that I had his # the instant I initiated for a personal training.
3. Dynamically, one of the things I wanted to learn, he immediately incorporated into that days group lesson, on the same day!! Which was amazing.
4. As far as a coach can go, he always knows when who needs what & most importantly who needs to problem solve for themselves before his assists.

Source: Google

★ 1

When I first checked out Method MMA, I was genuinely excited. I moved into the area with prior BJJ experience and was looking for a new home gym. I had all my own gear and took advantage of the free trial, which was solid — the instruction was good, and the classes seemed well run.

But when it came time to talk pricing, things turned sketchy fast.

After my second trial session, I finally asked about membership costs. The coach avoided giving a direct answer at first, then wrote the pricing on the back of a random scrap piece of paper — no contract, no formal breakdown, no printout or paperwork.

The quote was over $600 to start, which supposedly included a gi (even though I already had my own). Then it would be $100 every two weeks just for the BJJ program, not MMA. On the front of the same paper, I noticed pricing tiers for belt testing at various levels — a big red flag if you're familiar with how legit BJJ programs work.

There was no official contract to review, no explanation of how the program worked, just numbers scribbled down with zero transparency. It honestly felt like I was either being:

Targeted with a different price than other members

Or being given a “go away” number so they wouldn’t have to say no outright

Either way, it felt unprofessional, inconsistent, and not like something I could trust long-term. I wouldn’t have written this review if it had just been high pricing — it’s the way it was presented that felt totally off.

Lastly, the fact that this gym has no negative reviews anywhere online also feels suspect. That’s rarely the case with any gym, and it makes me think that critical feedback might be getting flagged or removed.

If you're a beginner just looking for fitness, you might have a different experience. But if you're coming in with prior training and expect transparent pricing, structure, and respect — I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym makes you feel like family from the moment you step foot on the mat. Extremely welcoming, amazing coaches & great programs for all ages & levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place feels like a second home. The owners and staff are always friendly and especially great with kids. Their business practices are genuinely family-oriented, which builds a strong sense of trust. All the coaches bring an impressive wealth of knowledge to every class. My daughters truly enjoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and have learned and grown so much in a short time. We couldn’t be happier with the experience. I’m looking forward to their continued progress and hopefully beginning my own training soon.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very knowledgeable and welcoming. Highly recommend for all skill levels

Source: Google

★ 5

Eddie and his team are the best. I love how they treat us like family from the 1st day we arrived. Great place!

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to Method with little to no experience in the world of martial arts and was welcomed with open arms from day one. The entire staff is top notch from the way they work with the little ninjas(their children’s program) to the attention you receive when taking private lessons (shout out Coach Greg)!

Look no further when exploring gyms, because the Abney’s and company have you covered! ✊🏻

Source: Google

★ 5

We really like the teachings at Method. Our previous BJJ program was good however, Method has more to offer. We like the size of the classes because it allows our son the opportunity to practice with different skill sets and enhance his technique.

Source: Google

★ 5

i love method you should come here coach hedgward is totally the coolest

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband bought me a gift card to Method years ago and I was nervous to start. Everyone was so welcoming and still is to this day. Almost 6 years later I couldn't imagine training anywhere else. Method is like a family and has wonderful coaches that are very attentive. Each coach brings something different to the table. I can't recommend Method more!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Method MMA in Forrest Hill is incredible! The coaches are top-tier, and the culture is unbeatable. Training here is effective and fun which is perfect for all levels. The sense of community and passion is real. If you want to level up your BJJ, Muay Thai, or MMA…. Method is the place to be. It’s our family’s second home.

Source: Google

★ 5

Method MMA is a fantastic school with coaches who are great instructors and who also care deeply for their students. Couldn’t be happier with our decision to join!

Source: Google

★ 5

Wanted to get my Son into martial arts. Walked into Method and saw immediately these are professionals….parents. They’ve created a wonderful environment to learn, grow, and thrive in so many areas. That was 10 yrs ago! Now my Sons college bound and I’m still training. The Method team is an amazing group of professionals and compassionate instructors. I consider them family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Method is an AMAZING gym! We love it at Method - it’s our home away from home! Great training, great people, great place!

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been members for about 3 years, and cannot say enough about how Method has become like extended family. My son started out in Little Ninjas, and the coaches were fun and nurturing. They made it so easy to fall in love with jiu jitsu.

Source: Google

★ 5

Method is a very special place. Michelle and Eddie have created a family friendly environment for all ages and skill levels, backed by the best coaches in the area. Drop in for a class, you won’t be disappointed.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Method! The instructors are very knowledgeable and great with the kids.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 9 year old son has been part of Method for almost 3 months and it has been the best experience of any sport or program he’s been a part of. The instructors are top notch and they treat everyone like family. The owners Eddie and Michelle are awesome at keeping things fun while also helping each student grow at their own pace. I can’t say enough about how great this experience has been.

Source: Google

★ 5

Started taking jiu jitsu lessons in Jan as a 42 yr old guy a bit apprehensive about joining at a later age. Eddie and team are absolute professionals that have created a culture or learning and mentorship. No one has an attitude, people are willing to help, and I've developed a passion for the sport largely due to this gym. I recommend for anyone of any age to join if you want to learn from some of the best out there.

Source: Google

★ 5

Method had always treated us like we are family. I love the atmosphere, the coaches and the teammates. Michelle and Eddie are very knowledgeable and welcoming. Gym produces high level competitors in multiple disciplines. This is the best choice for your time.

Source: Google

★ 4

I trained at Method for the better part of three years. This was a long time ago, before I left Bel Air for the Navy in 2014. It was an awesome experience. I even had the pleasure of being around when they moved into what is their current gorgeous facility.

All of the staff/coaches are all incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and kind people. They always fostered a great training environment. I have nothing but good things to say of this experience.

I still visit MD from time to time with my wife and children. I had the idea recently of reaching out to one of the coaches who I was always really fond of to see if he is available for a private session (which I naturally intended on paying full price for). I was excited to show him how far I have progressed over the years as a martial artist and to catch up with an old acquaintance.

He responded promptly, in a manner that was simultaneously very brief/indirect while also very friendly/bubbly. Shortly into the conversation, it became pretty evident that he was simply feigning enthusiasm & not interested in a private lesson or really any further interaction with me. He offered to pass me off to another one of “the guys” (another really cool person who I was also always fond of).

At this point, I politely informed him that this wouldn’t be necessary, as I was reaching out to him specifically. I indicated in so many words that I could take the hint and I’m sure he is very busy with his competition athletes. I wished him well and terminated my end of the interaction. He gave my message a “heart react” without a word further. At one point leading up to this, he even stated that he does do private lessons. Didn’t offer the slightest explanation as to why he is unwilling to accept my money/see me. Didn’t ever even really acknowledge my question other than offering to pass me off to the other fella.

My feelings were genuinely hurt. Not something I really expected when reaching out for what essentially boils down to a business transaction. I know this gentleman doesn’t owe me anything, but still. Some kind of pleasantry or something. “Thanks for understanding”? Fib and say you’re all booked up? Idk but I’m a grown, educated man. He sort of dismissed me like a fool. Really did just about everything shy of tussling my hair and calling me champ lol.

Looks like I’m pretty much the only one with an experience like this though; So that speaks well for them. At the end of the day, it’s a fantastic school with great instructors so I’m not gonna attempt to trash them with a bad rating. They’re all good people and I still wish nothing but the best for this man. Come check the school out.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great coaches for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this gym. Not only is the instruction great but the environment is very fun and welcoming. Everybody is very friendly and really care about you as a person. Can't go wrong here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in the east coast to make it pro, clean, professional, and best coaching out there

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing coaching by Sensei Eddie! Highly recommended

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been a part of the Method family for several years. I call it that because that’s the way the Abneys make every member feel. The coaches are top notch and are invested in your growth. You will learn so much about yourself at this gym! Don’t forget to sign your kids up! It’s the best thing we ever did for our daughter. He confidence and skill level went through the roof once she stared training here! Highly recommend this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing family friend school. Owners and coaches are attentive, my kids love it and have developed great friendships and amazing skills. If your looking for a martial arts school that you’ll love, this is the one

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Always enjoy going and watching my grandsyes in their favorite sport

Source: Google

★ 5

Simply amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

I went and trained jiu jitsu here for the first time this week. The owners and all the students were very friendly and welcoming from the second I walked in. They have classes for all levels, from brand new beginners to high level black belts. I can’t wait to start training here and become part of the Method martial arts family! Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

The folks at Method are awesome. The facility is clean, and everyone is friendly and welcoming. The kids program has been a great experience, the coaches do a great job teaching the art of Jiu Jitsu to the younger students.
You feel like part of a family at Method.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Good people. Great program!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, all the coaches give great classes.

Source: Google

★ 5

Method is a very special place. Great coaches, training partners, and environment. The gym is clean and the music is always on point. If your looking to learn in a safe environment with great people, look no further.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Method is easily the best gym I've ever been to. The community is amazing and so is the training! All the coaches are great and I consider myself lucky to be able to train alongside a lot of the people there!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Went for the first time the other day, very professional and welcoming for all. Was an awesome experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

Method is a great place to learn martial arts. The owners Eddie and Michelle are amazing people and have worked hard to build an inclusive environment that is welcoming to people of all skill levels. From day one I felt like I had been going there for years. They break down the lessons so they are easy to grasp. It's a great place for people of all ages.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent place to learn for all ages. I have known the Abney’s for years. I met them when I joined their school years ago. I highly recommend Method MMA.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Trained here for two years off and on (because of life, not the gym). All of the instructors are great, the facility is nice and clean, and anything you want to learn in the fisticuffs and grappling games you can find quality instruction for here. If I didn't just move a state away I'd still be there - highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

The best in Harford County!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The owners and trainers are great, the best.
I highly recommend for anyone to join.

Rick E. 👍

Source: Google

★ 5

Method MMA is absolutely the best MMA school around!! The coaches are amazing. You are not just a member, you are part of a family and I love it!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Came in as an out of town guest. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Made me feel right at home. The classes were diverse in skill level, from beginners just starting out, all the way to professional fighters, and the classes were taught in a way that everyone could benefit from. Very spacious clean facility. Anyone in MD should really consider joining.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great jujitsu school . Eddie is a top notch coach and takes passion in what he does. If you want to train and learn jujitsu this is the place to go in harford county.

Source: Google

★ 5

Such an amazing place to come and train. The people here are like family. Eddie and Michele are outstanding coaches and motivators.

Source: Google

★ 5

OSU

Source: Google

★ 5

I always have a great time when I step on the mat here. Absolutely amazing people with a great amount of knowledge!!! So much fun and loving the kickboxing life!

Source: Google

★ 5

osu

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome training! They do mixed martial arts, bang muay thai, and brazilian jiujitsu for adults and kids. Super fun atmosphere to learn!

Source: Google

★ 5

Method Mixed Martial Arts Academy is the best Martial Arts facility in Maryland! Professor Abney and his World Class staff have programs for all levels and ages!
World Class Jiu Jitsu
World Class Kickboxing
World Class Kids Program for ALL! We absolutely Love Method MMA!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

There is no better place on the east coast to practice MMA. The proof is in the pudding. Proven success by owners and employees who dedicate their lives to their students. They turned my child into a bully proof athlete who is both respectful and goal oriented. You can do as little or as much you would like with no pressure from ownership. The sky is the limit and Method MMA can take you wherever you wish to go !

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best martial arts academy Eva!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome martial arts gym! Great people, environment, and training!

Source: Google

★ 5

This academy is affiliated with the BANG Muay Thai kickboxing program. They follow a proven path of martial arts skills and drills that are fun, safe and effective. Along with an amazing staff, kids programs and Jiu Jitsu Classes taught by a real Martial Artist!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

They're just so nice and professional. Quality martial arts taught here 100%. Whether you want to learn how to fight to compete or just a workout or stress relief, this is the best place in the area by far.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place with classes for every age and skill level. Where you want to train for a professional fight or get into the best shape of your life this is the best place in Harford County.

Source: Google

★ 5

I went there and i loved it

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google