If you build it, they will come.
If you create a positive and uplifting environment, they will not only come, they will carry those elements out into the rest of the world.
That’s how a ripple effect is created.
Groundswell MMA creates this ripple effect not only on the mat, but in young beginners, experienced athletes and the surrounding community.
“If you want to have an impact, you must first focus on yourself,” said Zach Davis, Groundswell’s owner and a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. “Then you can branch out to your neighborhood and community. Eventually your influence is being felt on a much larger scale, all because you started small.”
Located on Gas House Pike, the mixed martial arts facility offers classes seven-days-a-week (starting as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m.) which cater to nearly everyone, including newbies curious to explore the sport, athletes looking to compete in more advanced training and sparring, and individuals hoping to challenge themselves physically and mentally.
“Almost everyone who comes in is going through something, whether it be family, professional, personal or relationship issues. We are creating an environment where a positive community is the norm, the expectation,” Zach said.
Athletes train in the same large room with youngsters on one side and more experienced members on the other side, allowing all participants to inspire and encourage one another. Client ages range from as young as four to as mature as 65.
“I'm really proud about the scope of people we are able to reach through this platform,” said Zach. “When people start seeing the way they have changed because of martial arts, they want to share it with others. Our instructors grow out of people who have taken classes and want to teach other people the lessons they have learned.”
“It's because of the safe space Groundswell provides that youth and adults discover who they are and what they're capable of. We have seen people come into the school timid, unsure of themselves and scared to even step on the mat. Six months later... you wouldn't recognize that individual... and they don't recognize themselves!” said Zach’s wife, Courtney.
A multi-sport athlete in high school, Zach began studying mixed martial arts while attending college at the University of Maryland. After graduation in 2006, Zach worked odd jobs and competed on various levels. Building his reputation by winning matches, he separated himself from the pack and drew the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organization.
Zach was invited to compete in season 13 of the Ultimate Fighter reality show, which features professional MMA fighters living together in Las Vegas, following them as they train and compete against one another to earn a contract. He advanced to the quarterfinals before retinal tears prevented him from continuing to compete. He came back to the East Coast a little “disenchanted and bummed out.”
“Honestly though, I’m a silver-lining kind of person. I have friends competing who have never, and may never, get an opportunity to compete in that arena. I had the opportunity to touch that point and train with championship-level athletes. That’s something I will always be grateful for,” said Zach.
Equipped with an increased passion for the art, Zach’s sights were not only set on training, but also pivoting to find a way to make MMA a viable professional path.
“It’s hard to see teaching as a career opportunity. There are a lot of moving pieces that go into it,” Zach explained.
Zach worked as the manager of Soldierfit’s: The Fort MMA in Frederick for eight years, before purchasing the academy in 2021, and then rebranding it to Groundswell MMA in 2022. “Working with Soldierfit allowed me to watch, learn and better understand all those moving pieces. When the time felt right, I was ready to begin the next chapter of my journey.”
“Zach is an exemplary example of what's possible if you're open to change, have faith in your purpose and walk in faith even when that next step seems impossible and/or scary,” said Courtney, whom Zach credits as his biggest supporter.
Working in the field of leadership and executive coaching gives Courtney experiences and insights that have helped Zach during this new endeavor. “A gift from coaching has been my ability to help my husband identify his leadership blind spots and ask powerful questions that allow him to pull out from within himself the answers to his own challenges,” said Courtney, who studied Tang Soo Do for six years before finding Jiu Jitsu in 2013. She is currently working on her purple belt with Groundswell Instructor Mike Fuller.
Zach and Courtney chose the name Groundswell because of their mission to lift others through and above hardships and challenges they may be facing at any given time. Not only does this apply in the gym, but it also carries out into the real world, especially the Frederick community.
“We try to do a lot to give back to this community because it has done so much for us,” Zach said. This not only includes inclusive classes, but also offering self-defense seminars, holding classes for adults with disabilities and sponsoring elementary fundraisers such as a recent fun run.
“I want people to see the opportunities you have when you not only believe in yourself, but you also find something you love that you can use as a service to others,” Zach said.
GroundswellMMA.com
“If you want to have an impact, you must first focus on yourself...Then you can branch out to your neighborhood and community. Eventually your influence is being felt on a much larger scale, all because you started small.” - Zach Davis