The " Sanctum" , or it's idea has been in the Baltimore Area for over a decade. With Damien Kestle, the Lumsdens, and Morgan Thomas training together for fifteen years, the idea began to take form. Being that Jeet Kune Do is one of the founding concepts for MMA today, our core group began to realize that what was needed was a place where traditional artists could train, as well as the cross training artists that were just beginning to become popular ten years ago. We also wanted a place that would unite artforms from around the world, and introduce new close quarter combat, weapons and even firearm training. The Sanctum in its definition is a place of solitude and safety. Once you see the facility you will realize that it has to distinct parts: one traditional, and one made for mixed martial art hybrid training. You get the est of both worlds here, we offer training that you will not find other places, and certifications/ rankings under the people who are making MMA what it is today, as well as what it was when it started.

The octopus was chosen as the symbol for several reasons:
First, the octopus is extremely intelligent. It has both short and long term memory and high problem-solving skills. The second reason is that they are highly adaptable to their surroundings. The octopus is the only creature in nature that has the ability to change not only its color, but also it’s skin texture. It is able to completely meld with its environment. Some species are also able to mimic the shape and movement of other animals and appear to be the predator to the creature that was chasing them. The third is their movement within water. The octopus is able to glide easily, yet has the strength to attack and defeat aggressive creatures such as sharks. And, since they do not have skeletons, they are very elusive and natural escape artists. The octopus becomes a very useful totem. It is used in a way that reflects our way of thinking and fighting. One must be inquisitive, and always look for a way in and a way out. Always be thinking about the opponent’s limbs and using yours as if you had eight and not just four. Always be thinking about the counter to the counter to the counter. Keep your opponent tight, and relax in order to get a better position. Move like you are in water, be ready to be gentle, be ready to crash, be ice, be vapor. You must always adapt or you will stagnate and be useless. And always lend an arm to those who need learning, because you can always learn from any encounter.