Coaches with huge egos. Do you want to learn jiu jitsu or join a cult ? They like to yell at their…read morestudents and make cringe jokes. Honestly any other gym has been a better experience than this one. The coaches have favorites and won't progress you if he doesn't like you.

Nothing fancy, pretty basic, some equipment, and a decent amount of room for their different MMA…read moreclasses (including two large matted areas for you to flip on, be pushed on, and fight/dance it up!) If you're unsure about it all, breathe in, breathe out, and woosaa - 1st timers get 2 free weeks of whichever class they want to pop into. Try them all if you want. They even have classes for kids. I once knew nothing about the many different forms of martial arts and I honestly have nothing to compare Fairfax Jiu Jitsu to, but I strongly believe it is the people who can make or break any kind of establishment. Needless to say, it is everyone here, from Dave (one of the managers) to the students in the [I'm not telling you what I took!] class, that make this place amazing. Classes will challenge you, you will learn, and you'll enjoy it all. I think I found my 2nd family. Try it out, let them know you saw my review, and that you're ready for some ass kickery!

I've been going to Silverback for a couple of years now and it's the best self defense gym with…read moredifferent class options (Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, & more) multiple times and days. You're definitely going to find something that works for you! The gym is a warehouse with plenty of parking around it. Just make sure you don't park anywhere that says do not block (you would think people know, but you'd be surprised ). The owner, Sean, is very kind and helps walk you through all of the options that you have for classes. You can tell he really cares about all of his students and is easy to talk to. Additionally, everyone else in the gym is extremely welcoming and friendly. They make sure that you feel like you are part of a team even if it's your first class. If you are looking to switch gyms or try something new, this is the best place to try it!

I'm very disappointed with my experience with Silver Back Academy. I have been trying to contact…read morethem regarding my gym membership because I moved out of state and am no longer able to use the facility. I tried calling the phone number listed on their website, but the number is out of service. I also contacted them through the email address provided on their website and received no response. I even attempted to reach them through social media, but again, I received no response. I understand that memberships may have specific policies, but it is extremely frustrating when there appears to be no reliable way to contact the business to discuss an issue or get guidance--especially when I am continuing to pay for a service I can no longer use. I would strongly recommend that the academy provide customers with a reliable and responsive way to communicate with them, particularly for membership-related issues.

I've been a long time student of Master Folta since 2005. I started at Oak Marr Recenter, before…read moremoving up the ranks, and eventually teaching for his dojo. I'm very pleased to see that he finally was able to open his own independent dojo to celebrate traditional Okinawan Uechi Ryu Karate, as well as the rich cultures that Okinawa brings. The Cultural Center has many artifacts in a museum style in a side room. There's also many people from the community like the DC Okinawan Kai who utilizes the space. It is a safe and welcoming space for not just Okinawan people, but those interested in learning more about the culture and tradition. This spacious dojo has two kicking/punching bags ready for training, many talented instructors, and classes for children and adult alike! I am excited for what's to come for this OKCC! I hope new students can find their new karate home like it's been for me throughout the years!

I was studying Okinawan Uechi-Ryu karate for many years and had attained 6th Dan before joining…read moreMaster Folta's classes. During that time, he hosted some of the Okinawan masters at his dojo, which is how we met. Those were great classes, and when it was time for me to find a new dojo, I joined Master Folta at his new location. It's a fine space, and the training there is authentic and excellent. Master Folta is kind and genuine, while also encouraging everyone to reach for the highest standards. His careful eye has improved my karate in many ways, large and small. I was careful in my choice of schools, and picked the best one in the area. I've seen his students, both kids and adults, get better over time and stay with the program. If you're serious about learning karate that works, this is the place I recommend. There is a lot to learn, and this is the real deal.

My son has been coming to this dojo for 1 1/2 years and has enjoyed the classes. The Senseis are…read moreknowledgeable and communicative with the kids. They are also kind but firm, encouraging the kids to be the best to their potential. I would recommend this dojo to any family looking to start in martial arts or to try a different form.

After multiple failed attempts at Martial Arts a friend recommended Shoshin Ryu Martial Arts…read more Holowell Sensei is an amazing instructor and role model. Our son has always struggled with physical activity due to hypotonia and autism he enjoys class. He has thrived and shown great pride in his accomplishments. He has truly earned his stripes and belts and loves knowing that he has grown and mastered a skill and that his instructor is truly proud of him and encourages him to improve. His self esteem is up and his confidence is improving and more importantly his negative thoughts and self talk are decreasing. Love the method, model, and mentorship this program and school provides.

I have been a student of Dimitri Chrisos since April 2018 and I am proud to be his student due to…read morethe amount of attention and knowledge he provides for his students and new arrivals. He provides the insights of the bjj art and touch basis of the philosophy and its history. Dimitri is a great instructor along a great friend. Try out and see for yourself

Our son enjoys his training and is developing great life skills. The work outs are rigorous and we…read morelike the emphasis on respect and discipline.

Look no further for a better school to learn Wushu. With various international competitions and…read moreaccolades under his belt, Stephon Morton is already very well-known in the Wushu community. Outside of competition, however, Stephon has found his true calling as a beloved teacher and father figure to his young students. They say that only the great ones pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Stephon is the perfect representation of that sentiment, truly embodying the warrior spirit.

From the owner: Northern Virgina Wushu Academy is a professional martial arts center that teaches contemporary and…read moretraditional wushu styles along with weapons, health qigong and tai-chi. At NOVA Wushu, our primary focus is on the development of the student, either concerning personal growth or physical exercise.

I decided to check out Tae Kwon Do for my kids because I had read that it really helps them with…read moreself-discipline, self control, and discipline. I did a search for all the Tae Kwon Do dojos near me, and I emailed the three that had the best review. I asked a few questions. All of them responded, but Brian (owner of Highkicks) was the only one who didn't send me a canned response and answered all of my questions. The kids were reluctant, but after their first time, they (especially my son) loved it. We have been going ever since. Everyone there is nice and welcoming. When we enter, everyone greets us. One thing that struck me was that all the instructors knew my kids' names. My son had been doing running through FPYC for years, and the coaches didn't know his name. It wasn't the case here. Another thing that I loved was that my son loves it. I don't know you remember that Mastercard commercial where the dad puts his son in all these activities, and finally, the son loves Chess, and the dad yells with joy. It's EXACTLY how I feel. He wants to go and smiles the entire time. We did a month trial and signed up. Master Jake said to me that if there is any time I see that the kids are having problems with something, please let them know so they can help me. What?! I almost fainted when I heard that. I'm so glad that I chose them because they really care about the kids.

What a great discovery I have found for my two boys age 3 and almost 6. We came to a trial classs…read morefor my oldest and he's been going regularly to classes for a couple months now. Their structure is very versatile, from going once a week to 2-3 times and even every day. Staff is all abundantly friendly. Each seems to really make an effort to get to know your child and help them with the skills they need. Recently my younger (only 3.5) started as well. They reassured us that even though he wasn't able to hold focus or stamina for a whole class it's still good for him to have the exposure and hopefully as time goes on he will adapt. But both love it! We look forward to having the kids spend the professional days off from school here as well as perhaps doing some weeks of camp in the summer time.

Stephon Morton is a stand up guy, he's someone that truly cares about his students as well as the…read morepeople around him. Being ranked 8th in the world at one point also proves that hes legit. This is the school that I would've went to when I was a kid.

From the owner: Established in 1993, under the direction of Sifu Xiaolin Lu, O-mei Wushu Center is a professional…read moremartial arts center that teaches contemporary and traditional wushu styles along with weapons, health qigong and tai-chi. At O-mei, our primary focus is on the development of the student, either concerning personal growth or physical exercise. O-mei has experienced instructors to provide the opportunity for students to compete in all categories of Chinese martial arts tournaments at the local, regional, national and international levels.

Good evening, Best One Kick,…read more I attended a trial class at your school, and I want to be upfront about my experience. First, the environment felt overly strict and rigid--almost like a military school. Taekwondo should be about discipline, but it should also be enjoyable. The atmosphere felt way too intense for a beginner's class. Second, I found the instructors' teaching styles difficult to engage with. One in particular, the Korean instructor, was not effective at all. On the other hand, I did find the white instructor to be the only one who made the experience tolerable. Finally, the overall atmosphere of the facility was too distracting, and I just didn't feel comfortable there. I don't think this is the right place for me, and I won't be returning. Thank you for letting me attend as an examiner, but based on my experience, I don't believe this place is suitable for others either.

Our two daughters really love tae kwon do classes with Master Oh and Instructor GP. They are having…read moreso much fun while learning respect, excellence and patience. I love how they teach my daughters to be disciplined. You can come for a free lesson and see for yourself! They also hosted our daughter's 6 year's birthday. It was amazing!

Coach James and Coach Joshua are excellent coaches, patient, professional, and very supportive…read more They create a positive and disciplined environment while keeping the classes engaging. My son Ryan has grown in both skill and confidence thanks to their guidance. Highly recommended.

From the owner: Faith-based Kung Fu for students of all ages - 4 & UP. Kick-start your child’s confidence and…read moreenroll them in our after-school martial arts program today. Grandmaster Martial Arts Academy offers a unique fusion of authentic Shaolin Kung Fu and faith-based discipleship. Rooted in the traditional Hung Fut system, our program emphasizes self-defense, deep cultural respect, and physical excellence —while also nurturing strong moral character through weekly Bible-based virtue lessons. What sets us apart is our mission to train the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Each class integrates scripture, discipline, and mentorship, creating an environment where students grow not only as martial artists but as leaders, peacemakers, and followers of Christ. From Little Warriors to Adult programs, we provide age-appropriate instruction that balances fun, challenge, and meaningful life lessons. Whether students are pursuing black sash mastery or simply looking to build confidence and focus, they’ll find a community here that supports both personal and spiritual growth. Grandmaster Academy is more than a martial arts school—it’s a training ground for champions of character.