Frederick Maryland Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu and Kick Boxing

Hi, my name is Luke Rinehart and I am the owner of the Clinch Academy. Let me say first that you have made a good decision to visit our site and consider our school as the place for you to train. There are many schools out there today that are great schools to train so let me tell you what makes our school unique in comparison. I have been training in different martial arts for over 20 years. One thing I have learned to value through the years is that martial arts is indeed an art. I have been an artist all my life but it took me many years to truly understand martial arts as a true art. Art is simply expression. Just like a painter beautifies a canvas or a musician creates a beautiful melody we too should be expressing something beautiful.

Martial arts is meant to be pure but can easily be perverted into something violent. I believe that each artist should eventually create his own interpretation while striving to keep it pure. This is exactly what I have done with my martial arts training. I have created my own interpretation of the arts and now I am sharing it with others and guiding them to do the same. Just like all the true masters I am still exploring the possiblities. Look at Bruce Lee who made a huge impact on the martial arts world or the Gracie family who did the same. They expressed themselves as artist. You would never take an art class were your teacher told you to paint like them and only like them. You would learn to paint but eventualy be encouraged to express your own master piece. This is what I encourage at the Clinch Academy. Yes we do have a curiculam and yes I do teach techniques and stratagies but I also allow for modification and personal exploration. There is an old quote from the book of the Samurai that goes

Expression is what martial arts is really about. Whether it be for self-defense, competition or for recreation, martial arts is always art. As I said before, there are many other schools out there to choose from. In fact, there are many really good schools. I have chosen to remain an independant school and to teach my version of the arts. We remain the only Mixed Martial Arts Academy in the Frederick area. We train every one from the kids to the house wife, average Joe or Professional MMA fighters. I have done my own share of competition through the years with accomplishments such as winning the Battle at the Beach advanced/pro division 2 years in a row! It was a total of six fights and I submitted everyone but one of them. In fact, the President of N.A.G.A was so impressed with my victories at Battle at the Beach that he invited me to fight in a Superfight against Pablo Popavich in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Pablo Popavich is the # 1 Ranked submission grappler in the USA and # 2 in the world! Although, I lost by decision, I went the full 10 minutes with Pablo and even pushed the pace for the most part. This was my 1st Superfight and only my 21st competitive match while Pablo had all ready had 200 victories under his belt.One of his recent victories was over Renzo Gracie! This says enough for the quality of instruction at the Clinch. Pablo has trained with the Gracie's since he was five, amoung many others while my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training started with my Father who was self taught. Although I have worked out with many different people, I have predominantly trained by myself since the year 2000 with my students and won the Battle at the Beach in both 2003 and 2004 and then fought Pablo in 2005. How did I do it? I did it just like all true martial artists, by seeing the art in martial arts. Check out my highlight video below!

Not only do I view Martial Arts as an art but I also hold to the concept that a true martial artist should consistantly be training their body to progress in the techniques of the art as well as their mind to represent the art in a positive way. Even more so, I believe that we should use what we have been given to glorify God. Remember, anyone can fight, but not just anyone can become a warrior. A warrior not only trains to become a better fighter but also trains to be a better person. A warrior is a servent and just as the samurai trained and fought in service of their lord, I also train and teach in service mine, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.

"I've trained in several places across the U.S. with a mix of great BJJ black belts, master Muay Thai instructors and elite wrestlers. Luke is the most advanced and dedicated martial artist I have ever trained with. He has a wonderfull balance between technique, competition experience, personality and humor that not only makes him a world class martial artist but also a world class teacher and coach."

"I began training BJJ regularly at an Academy that was over an hour from where I live. I entered a NAGA tournament several months into my training, where I was introduced to Luke. I watched Luke compete that day and was genuinely impressed with his display of technique and skill. After discovering that Luke owned the Clinch Academy in Frederick, I decided to give it a try and have been here ever since."

"A few years back, I walked into the Clinch Academy having a very strong wrestling back round with a high level coach. I was searching to find that same level of instruction in M.M.A. When I found Luke at the Clinch Academy, I found that and a lot more. Luke is the best teacher I have ever trained with. He can read where you are at in your game and knows just what to teach to bring you to the level you want to be. Through training at the Clinch I have realized that there are more levels to fighting than I realized. I have gone from wanting to just fight to establish a name for myself to learning to establish my name by being the best martial artist I can be in and out of the cage. That is the most valuable lesson I have learned through God and training with Luke Rinehart."

"I entered the Clinch Academy a few years ago under the advice of a family friend and I was instantly impressed with the level of skill and instruction The Clinch Academy had to offer. Luke offers not just world class instruction but a world class attitude as well. Everybody is constantly learning at the Clinch while helping each other improve as true martial artists. When it comes to The Clinch Academy there are no strings attached and it is easy to acclimate yourself to any class in any discipline regardless of your skill level. Whether you’re looking to compete in MMA, become a competitive grappler or merely get in shape the Clinch Academy has what you need. So do yourself a favor and join the family!"

I've trained at lots of BJJ studios around the world and the quality of the instruction, training partners, and respectful atmosphere makes the Clinch Academy hands down my favorite place to train. I've been fortunate enough to train with Luke Rinehart since 1996, and in that time I've developed a great respect for his technique and teaching style and he's also become a great friend. I've also had the opportunity to spread some of his tricks around the globe (watch for some sneaky submissions, sweeps, and guard passing if you visit Mancora Peru or Tonga!)

Whether your after self defense, technical BJJ, Professional MMA, or just trying to get fit, you'll find what your looking for at the Clinch! Come check us out!