"Team Lloyd Irvin by far has the best MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai team in the Maryland, Washington DC, & Virginia Area hands down. We are recognized as having one of the best teams in the Country. Our team has competitors fighting all over the country and a few of our team members are starting to compete in other countries. I may be bias being a member of Team Lloyd Irvin myself but our results speak for themselves. Try to find a school in our area that has produced more MMA Champions then us. It won’t happen. Take it from me; if you want to be the best you can be, you have to train with the best. PERIOD! Do yourself a favor and check our team out." 
"I moved to Maryland from Indiana this summer with the impression that my training was going to suffer. Facing the possibility of being away from my team and instructor (James Clingerman) for the summer was bad enough--the fact that I had a scheduled MMA fight waiting for me back home with the possibility of training myself for it was tantamount to disaster. When James recommended that I look into Lloyd Irvin's jiu-jitsu program, I was expecting a group of people to roll with once or twice a week to keep me fresh...still dreading that the majority of my training would alone. What I got, however, was a blessing....a full gym, consistent training partners (some of whom were females with high rank, which is an AWESOME and rare commodity most places), and daily classes with an emphasis on both fundamental and advanced training. When I mentioned to Master Lloyd that I was training for a fight, he designed a personalized conditioning program for me, which has left me in the best shape of my life.
I have found that in training he continually pushes his students to improve their game, both in examining the group as a whole and pinpointing the exact areas that each individual student needs to improve. The support I have received at LIMMA has helped improve not only my jiu-jitsu and NHB technique, but my overall sense of self on the mat...my weaknesses and strengths (physical AND mental) are pointed out to me daily and corrected with patience and understanding. What's more, there has ALWAYS been someone of high rank or experience available to answer any question I might have at any given time. I can't say enough about how grateful I am to have met and trained with such an extraordinary man and group of people. " 
Familiarize Yourself With What You Need To Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
If you have decided to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you must pay attention to several key aspects like finding an appropriate academy and learning the basics of the art. If you are living in Virginia or Maryland then you can definitely find a good academy to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without expending much energy. However, before learning the art itself, it is also important to have some basic knowledge about the things that are needed for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Uniform
The first thing that you would require to learn Jiu Jitsu would be the official uniform called Gi. This uniform is compulsory for those who are learning or performing Jiu Jitsu. Remember to choose the correct uniform for Jiu Jistu by checking the following:
- The right Gi uniform comprises of sleeves that are not more than a fist distance up the arm from the waist, in order to not allow the opponent to grab you from your uniform.
- Gi needs to be bought again, as often times it might get torn due to, too much of practice.
- Try to buy darker shades of Gi and not white or lighter shades, which tend to look untidy very soon.
- Also, try to keep your Gi uniform clean at all times, as this will enhance confidence in yourself while learning Jiu Jitsu.
Gloves & Feet Protectors
Since Jiu Jitsu is a self-defense program, you are bound to get scratches and wounds by your opponent, so it is important that you use all the protective measures. Do make sure to wear gloves and feet protectors while practicing Jiu Jitsu. Remember these things while buying gloves and feet protectors:
- These can be easily purchased from a sporting goods store.
- Gloves for Jiu Jitsu can be bought in open and closed palm designs.
- Before buying the gloves for your Jiu Jitsu training, make sure to get them checked by your instructor.
- Don’t buy gloves that have any metal, as it is not allowed, since it may cause scratches or cuts to the opponent.
Other Gear
Apart from the above-mentioned things, use the following gear so that you can practice your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques, feeing safe and secured.
- Since men are more prone to get hurt in groin while practicing Jiu Jitsu, they are advised to wear a cap there.
- Women practicing Jiu Jitsu should make it a point to wear a sports bra so that they are on the safer side and have enough of protection and support.
- You should always keep a notebook to make notes of some important tips and steps while learning this Brazilian art of self-defense.
- It is mandatory for Jiu Jitsu learners below 16 years of age to wear helmets to protect eyes, ears and forehead. Others can wear helmets too for their safety.
In the Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC area, you can check out Lloyd Irvin’s, Mixed Martial Arts Academies if you’re interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They offer a 30 day free trial program on any of the mixed martial arts programs.
"When I first started all I wanted to do was fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championships. I found Lloyd Irvin’s Martial Arts and was hooked. They didn’t just talk about it they did it. I never forget being invited to a special training session for the pros and I couldn’t believe my eyes how hard they were training. Lucky for me I didn’t actually participate in that type of training for a while but I knew this was the place for me. Then I saw a video of Master Lloyd fighting. I never wanted to train under someone that wasn’t willing to put it on the line themselves, it’s real easy taking instruction from someone that you know has been through what they are telling you to do. Master Lloyd does everything in his power to make sure we have the most up to date training methods available. Our conditioning routines are incredible and that is the main reason you don’t see our pro athletes getting tired in fights. If you’re looking for NHB training it just doesn’t get any better than this. Anyone can do our training the way our classes are structured; we have different levels of intensity for the beginner and the more advance student. Come and give it a try.."
"I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu five years ago after a friend convinced me that I should try it. I was weighting about 250 pounds and was drinking too much. But shortly after starting BJJ, I broke my neck in a car accident and was told I would never be able to do BJJ again. Defying the odds, I was back on the mats, within four months after the accident. I used BJJ to get my weight down to 178 pounds and to rehab my neck. Now at 52, I am in the best condition of my life since I was 21. Without a doubt BJJ saved my life!