Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Rave Review

"...In The Best Shape Of My Life Since I Was 21-years Old."

Three and one-half years ago, I was eating and drinking too much and engaged in very limited physical activity. I was 48 years old and weighed 250 lbs. It was then I decided to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - a decision which literally changed my life. Now, at the age of 51, I compete as low as 179.99 pounds and am in the best shape of my life since I was 21-years old.

Unquestionably, I personally recommend Lloyd Irvin's Jiu-Jitsu taught by Julius Park to any interested trainee regardless of age, sex, size or skill level.

Michael Atkin
Mechanical Engineer Technician

2006 Intl. Master & Seniors Gold Medalist
2006 Intl. Master & Seniors Gold Medalist (OPEN)
2006 Pan-American Gold Medalist
2006 Pan-American Silver Medalist (OPEN)

Rave Review

"...When I Found Julius I Stayed With Him, Because He Knows First Hand The Kinds Of Things That Are Going On In The Tournament Scenes."

My name is Amie Turton.  I am 18 years old and have been training submission grappling since i was 8 and started competing by age 11.  When I was 8 years old I came home from school one day and told my mom that I wanted to do karate.  We called some schools and the first one we tried was perfect at the time.  My first tournament ever was at a small high school that was holding not only jiu-jitsu but various styles of martial arts tournaments.  We were shoved off to the side with maybe a dozen other kids waiting to compete.  Only one match went at a time so I waited patiently for my turn.  When they called my name and a little boys name, the boys instructor said his student was not going to fight a girl and he should automatically win.  My instructor talked to the guy and got me the match.  In about 15 seconds the boy was tapping and had tears in his eyes.  From that point on I have competed as much as I could. 

At the age of 14, I started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu and traveling more to compete.  At the school I was training at, I hit a plateau and stopped progressing.  I started to look for a new school to train at and an instructor who would be able to bring my jiu-jitsu to a new level.  I met Julius Park through Danny Ives who I also began training with.  Being only 16 and not being able to drive by myself yet, Julius and I would meet in Philadelphia.  It was over a 2 hour drive for him and over an hour ride for my mother and me.  Being the dedicated instructor that he was he always cleared time in his busy schedule to meet with me at least once a week for a few hours.  Julius changed my whole way of training.  We drilled more and fine tuned my basics which were things that my previous instructor did not do.  He made my game so much more detailed which was exactly what I needed to excel both in class and in competition. 

Being an active competitor in most of the tournament circuits it does get a little nerve wrecking.  Julius makes it to the tournaments and is always in my corner coaching me and helping me through the matches.  Whether I win or lose, we always talk about the match and what I can do to improve.  If I don't understand, we get down on the mats and he shows me to make sure there was no confusion. 

Once I turned 17 and received my license, it made things easier because I did not have to rely on people for rides to train.  I also had the choice to train at schools that were closer to my house.  I stayed with Julius, making the 3 hour drive to Baltimore on Saturday mornings to train him.  I would rather only be able to train with him for 2 hours a week then train with someone 5 times a week with half the knowledge and experience that Julius has.  What makes him such a great instructor is that he still trains on a regular basis and competes throughout the year.  Trying to find instructors that still do those things are hard, so when I found Julius I stayed with him, because he knows first hand the kinds of things that are going on in the tournament scenes and the things I am going to have to know in order to succeed. 

Julius runs his class extremely well and everyone benefits.  I have been to schools that have shown completely ridiculous techniques that look cool but cannot be pulled off.  I have been to schools that show 3 moves in a class that have nothing to do with each other.  At 88 BJJ, moves are always shown in order with their counters and how to prevent the counters.  Everything taught flows together.  That alone allows his students to learn at a faster rate than most other students in different schools.  I have been with him for 2 years already and I do not see myself leaving, I will continue to make the three hour drive down there to train with the best.  I would like to thank Julius for opening up so many more opportunities for me that I would have never gotten at any other school.

Amie Turton
College Sophomore

2006 Mundial Silver Medalist
2006 World Cup Silver Medalist
2006 Pan-American Gold Medalist
2005 Pan-American Silver Medalist

Rave Review

"It Amazes Me To Now See Julius Creating So Many Great Competitors And Passing On The Knowledge That He Has."

Me and Julius go back along time. I met him at a tournament back in 99. I remember that he beat the #1 guy in his weight class and right away I knew that this kid was special.

We've been training together for many years and I have had the pleasure of seeing Julius grow into a great fighter and coach. It amazes me to now see Julius creating so many great competitors and passing on the knowledge that he has. I always tell my students to go to his academy and try to learn as much as they can from him.

I've been to the very best academies and fight gyms in the world, from Pat Miletich's gym in Iowa to Brazilian Top Team in Brazil to the Gracie Academy in California, and I know quality instruction when I see it. Julius has made my bjj game better by leaps and bounds and he can do the same for yours!

Danny Ives

2001 Pan-American Gold Medalist (Purple Pena)
15x NAGA Champion
3x Copa Atlantica champion
Grapplers Quest Champion
Undefeated in MMA

Rave Review

"You will learn more, be pushed farther, and gain more confidence than you thought possible."

After being diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis and falling into terrible shape, I was able to get my disease under control and work my way back into reasonable condition. Able to work out again and back in decent shape, I was left searching for a goal to focus towards. With some wrestling and a bit of judo in my past, I decided to give BJJ a try. I was worried whether my body could take it, though.

I found Lloyd Irvin’s website and the link to Julius’ school, and decided to shoot him an email. He was very understanding of my concerns, and worked with me to ensure all of my worries were addressed. Once I began training with Julius, his instructors, and his other students, I was hooked. I was welcomed quickly into the family of the school, and everyone was friendly, accommodating, and worked together for the improvement of everyone else.

Training at 88BJJ got me into the best shape of my life, even helping me manage and control my bad joints. I learned a tremendous amount from Julius in a short time, as he truly is a great teacher. Yes, bumps and bruises were common, but I came to wear them as badges of honor and reminders of the work I was doing. While never pushed to compete, I was encouraged, and was one of the best decisions I made while at 88BJJ. It gave me a tremendous experience in a short time, and showed me how everything fit together.

It became obvious to me very early that 88BJJ is one of the best schools around, and I would recommend them to anyone in a second. You will learn more, be pushed farther, and gain more confidence than you thought possible. If you show a desire to learn and are willing to work, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. And, on top of all of that, it’s a blast!

Mark Parrella
US Navy

Rave Review

"Word for Word, [My Instructor] Said, 'Josh, If You Have An Opportunity To Train Under This Guy, You Take It. He Really Knows His #$%#!'"

Studying medicine can be extremely stressfull both physically and emotionally. BJJ has been my outlet throughout my schooling. Having just relocated from Delaware, it was crucial that I find a place to train. I visited and trained at schools all over the Baltimore and DC area for almost 2 months. I was repeatedly disappointed by each school that I visited.

Sharing my frustrations with my instructor in Delaware, he told me about Julius Park's Crazy 88 BJJ. He said "Josh, you have got to check this school out." Word for word, he said, " Josh, if you have an opportunity to train under this guy, you take it. He really knows his #$%#!"

I visited 88BJJ, and after 10-minutes of training I knew I had found my new BJJ home. The level of talent, and skill was amazing. Julius has critiqued my skills, and has provided me with the tools and the training to take my BJJ to the next level. If you are new to Jiujitsu, or veteran, you want to be at Crazy 88 BJJ. If you want to be the best, then you’ve got to train with the best.

Joshua Wallace
Medical Student

Rave Review

"The Class Has And Is Helping Me Lose Weight."

I have been training at 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about a year now and have found it to be a great experience. I do not compete (well at least not yet) and had no experience coming into the class and I find it fun and challenging and a great workout every time I go. The class has and is helping me lose weight and get more in shape along with making me want to get more in shape. Some of the workouts are intense and normally would not do them on my own but being in the class makes me want to do them because I know it will only make me better.

In general, I have found the class to be awesome and I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to get in shape and learn something too.

Eric Lipsius
Systems Engineer

Rave Review

"After Less Than Six Months Of Training, I Have Noticed Significant Improvement In My Technique."

Prior to training at 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I trained another local school. After a few months at this school, my improvement plateaued out. A friend who was training at 88 BJJ invited me to try out the school. I immediately noticed the difference between the schools.

My first impression was how well 88 BJJ was organized. For example, areas in which students were experiencing difficulties were listed on the monthly syllabus and stressed in class. Also, I noticed the Julius' dedication toward his students. Despite the high turnout of students, Julius met with each student and provided detailed input on how he or she could refine his or her technique.

After less than six months of training, I have noticed significant improvement in my technique. Julius has worked closely with me to develop a style ("game plan") that fits my strengths and body type. I would recommend 88 BJJ to anyone interested in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Jason Hanfman
Information Technology Consultant

Rave Review

"With 88 BJJ In Elkridge, I Now Have Great BJJ Instruction Closer To Home!"

As a long time Team Lloyd Irvin member I’ve always wished for an affiliate closer to Baltimore to train with. With 88 BJJ in Elkridge, I now have great BJJ instruction closer to home!

Julius’ passion for BJJ and all things grappling comes through in his teaching and competing. He wants nothing but the best for his students and holds nothing back while instructing.

Like all Team Lloyd Irvin affiliates, the training will be strenuous but always in a friendly environment where the goal for everybody is continuous growth and development.

Phil Proctor
BJJ Brown Belt
Judo Black Belt

Rave Review

"There Have Only Been Two Times I’ve Gone To Schools And Walked Away Knowing That I’ve Improved. The First Being When I Started At MMA / BJJ In Philly And The Second Is Now."

I’ve trained with schools in Philadelphia to Mississippi, with instructors that would have you drill only techniques without sparring, to instructors that only gave instruction when you’d ask. For the most part the techniques were the same, where a choke was a choke and a pass was a pass. The body only had specific ways to move and the only difference between schools was the subtlety of the explanation.

I would question why is it that the body was most effective moving one way over another, why it was important for me to know how to fall, how does this work, what’s the point of this gi? Whenever I would ask why the answer was always “Because it works” or “Because it makes you a better fighter.” There are very few schools out there that explained the mechanics of how position works, but 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is among that elite group.

You don’t need to look far to see the science behind Julius Park’s method of instruction because it’s apparent with the success & growth of his pupils as well as the at-home feeling you get when you step onto his mats. There have only been two times I’ve gone to schools and walked away knowing that I’ve improved. The first being when I started at MMA / BJJ in Philly and the second is now.

There isn’t anything else that can be said to support what I know about this camp, so if my testimonial and the accolades of others aren’t enough; I’d say come and check it out for yourself, then find a school somewhere else and compare the two — the difference will be almost immeasurable.

Khalil Gonsalves
Graphic Designer

Rave Review

"My Decision On Choosing A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School Was Based On Team Unity."

My decision on choosing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school was based on team unity. I found that team unity at Team Lloyd Irvin taught by Julius Park. Everyone was friendly, and helped me understand the concepts of all the techniques we would learn each class.

Even during sparring, its not about how fast or how many times you can submit someone.   The goal is to help each other achieve proper technique. After my first introductory class I knew this was the school that I wanted to be associated with.

Michael Florey
Small Business Owner

Rave Review

"All You Need To Show In Return Is Heart And Discipline."

I believe some people are just born with the ability to read other people, know what makes them tick, and coach them to their full potential. That’s why I trust Julius Park! I know that he has taken the time to figure me out as a competitor and others as well. His approach to train each of us is unique because we are all unique fighters. He will do the same for you.

He is a competitor himself, a great one, and he knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and he will share this with you. All you need to show in return is heart and discipline. Why did I win Pan Ams? Maybe for a couple of reasons, but you can bet your life on the fact that he was coaching me from the sides, telling me opponents were tougher than they were because he knew that as an individual I perform better that way. A great coach, great competitor, a great friend.

Roberto Torralbas
Electrical Engineer
2006 Pan-American Gold Medalist

Rave Review

"The Hardest Part Was Getting Out Of My Car And Into The Gym The First Day."

My name is Eric McCrory, I have been in the U.S. Army for 17 years. After leaving an overseas assignment I found that my next assignment would be as an instructor to NCOs on many basic Army subject areas, one being a system called the Modern Army Combatives (M.A.C.) which is based on Jiu-Jitsu. Not knowing anything but hand to hand combat techniques from basic training and experience as a JV wrestling dummy in a school of 125 kids 20 years prior, I knew I needed to find a subject matter expert quick.

Knowing that I would be soon sent to Army Combatives School, I searched a 4 state area with the powers of the internet. I searched every forum, chat room and read every magazine article related to the Modern Army Combatives system and Jiu-Jitsu. In my search the Lloyd Irvin School kept popping up and there was one just up the road from my house, so I gave it a try, after all you can’t learn what a school is really about from a website alone. The hardest part was getting out of my car and into the gym the first day…honest. I explained what I needed to get out of this class to Julius on the first day and it seemed as though he wrote a lesson plan specifically for me from then on out.

In the next three months I went as hard and often as my aging body would deem possible at 88 BJJ and learned as much as I could in the short amount of time. I was also sent to Army training for Level 1 and Level 2 Combatives courses which I no longer was worrying over so I was able to enjoy and welcome the training. I actually felt ahead my peers in a sense because I had already seen these moves and how they are properly employed and linked to other moves.

The instruction, conditioning and experience that I got from 88 BJJ in just three months gave me that extra boost and confidence I needed, when I needed it. It allowed me to couple this specialized training in Jiu-Jitsu with my official Army training in M.A.C. making me a more effective soldier. While I don’t claim to be great, I am still learning but I feel great inside just for what I have learned and experienced so far. I will continue to go to class and soak up all the knowledge possible so that I can achieve my new goal of competing in an Army Combatives tournament sometime this year. I don’t have to place as I have already won.

Eric McCrory
US Army

Rave Review

"There Are No Egos On The Mat At 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Which Goes A Long Way To Creating A Learning-friendly Environment."

The entire club is great. The atmosphere is friendly and always encouraging. There are no egos on the mat at 88 Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, which goes a long way to creating a learning-friendly environment. I’m proud to call the members, my training partners, teammates, and friends.

Don Walter
Law School Student