Fort Washington United Youth Programs

Fort Washington United Youth Programs offers Summer Camp 2025, an After-School Program, Kids Martial Arts, Tiny Tikes programs, Youth Jiu-Jitsu, and Youth Striking. The program also operates alongside Adult Boxing/Kickboxing, Adult Jiu-Jitsu, and Women's Self-Defense classes, with Women's Self-Defense noted as a new addition that may be added to the schedule if there is enough interest. Before and aftercare with academic tutoring and homework help is described in one of the program’s testimonials.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and program options Monday–Friday with afternoon and evening hours, plus Saturday morning options

Fort Washington United Youth Programs takes place at Fort Washington United academic and martial arts center. The program’s mission is to provide what it describes as the highest quality academic and martial arts center in the Maryland and D.C. metro area, with core beliefs focused on the ethos “mind, body and spirit.” The organization states it is veteran owned and operated with over 20 years of military service, and lists having taught over 5,000 students, both kids and adults.

The leadership team includes Stephen Hopkins (Owner/Coach/Education Director), Joshua Peters (Senior Black Belt), Karen Marshall (Daytime On-Site Manager), Jason Canamaso (MMA Fighter/Coach), Tiffany Vance (Business Operations), Lylie Suarez (Office Manager/Social Media Manager), Nicole Hopkins (Owner/Business Operations), and Bernadette Batong (Head Tutor/Summer Camp Director). Staff credentials listed include an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certified EMT and a staff member with a Master’s of Arts Degree with Honors. The program notes experience in Boxing (6+ years), Muay Thai (2+ years), Wrestling (5+ years), Jiu-Jitsu (15+ years), Kickboxing (3+ years), and Tae Kwon Do (3+ years).

The program states that it is “Leading the way in Education, Community Service, and Martial Arts for Youth and Adults.” One testimonial from a parent, Willie H., describes a situation where a child used skills from three years of Fort Washington training in a real-life conflict and thanks several coaches by name. Another grandparent, Henry R., describes observing a kids’ class with Coaches Nelson and Steve and mentions a bond and trusting relationship, as well as valuing the academic tutoring and homework help in the before/aftercare. A parent, Fairlane U., describes consistent communication from the after-school program and a Nerf Blast–themed birthday party hosted at the school. Another parent, Felicia B., shares that their child “loved” a week of Summer Camp and thanks the Fort Washington United Youth Programs team.

The program notes that if a participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign consent waiver paperwork, but does not have to stay while the child is in class. The organization also mentions a free class offer.

Last updated January 22, 2026.