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 had the pleasure of meeting the awesome staff at Kaizen MMA/Enshin Karate a few weeks ago when I…read morepicked up my nieces from their Day Camp Program. My sister had searched high and low for a reputable place to put the kiddies in and happened upon the Karate Day Camp. With all the foolishness in the world, this Auntie is happy to know that her nieces are protected and cared for by "Handsome" MMA trained professionals that could snap an assailants wind pipe with one quick karate chop. (Yep that's how I feel .. smile) The girls get the required exercise time and calorie burn that most American children refuse to get with that unhealthy connection to tablets and video games that prevent them from riding bikes and visiting playgrounds. I watched through a glass window as children completed sessions of bear crawls, mountain climbers, side rolls and various other exercises that would make the average child cry (small laugh). They listened to their Sensei and showed him respect during his instructions... another attribute lacking in our youth today. My nieces seemed happy as they engaged with other staff and older school aged teenagers hired during the summer for additional help. This establishment reinforces discipline and the instructors convey any and all concerns to the twin about the girls. A perfect co-parenting relationship. The nieces informed me that they also attend fun-filled field trips and also have many trips to the pool. The Dojo Mommy helps the little ones change so no parent need fret about the thought of their little girls interacting with male staff in the bathrooms. Also of note, the facility is super clean, offers an activity area upstairs and rents their space for Birthday parties. My sister invited me to her Boot Camp session and after one hour of circuit training I was sweating up a storm. Instructor Mike had these legs, arms and thighs on fire. I was glad to know that while the girls received their workouts, classes here, were created to keep parents and aunties Just as Fit. We know that all great things must come to an end and I hate that my sister will have to leave this amazing place when she moves with her military husband next year. Next year my nieces will be more fit, more confident and prepared for self defense. You can tell the instructors love what they do, love the children and know that the children love them. On my last day of vacation we picked up the girls and I watched some MMA students completing warm ups with their instructor and created some new fitness goals for myself. Kaizen MMA has what you're looking for and more, highly recommended! Da Islandgal29412

I used to love this location (Fairfax) of Kaize . However, recent changes have made me decide to…read morepull my kids out and go to a different location. My kids are in the youngest age group (under 7). They used to be taught by adult Sempais, and I could see them gaining skills, self control, respect, etc. But this location recently changed to allowing older kids to serve as Sempais and run the class. These kids don't have any experience with teaching children - they're still children themselves. The focus of classes has shifted from learning skills to just "conditioning" - running, sit-ups, push-ups, etc. And these child instructors just don't have the self-control to serve as instructors. At the end of most classes, the Sensei/Sempai ends with a fun game to conclude on a fun note. But recently, the child Sempai leading a dodgeball-type game got carried away and way too competitive and was throwing the ball full force into little kids' faces. I saw a 4 yr old get slammed in the face (by the Sempai) so hard she fell down. And the Sempai appeared to like it and continued to throw full full force at other 4, 5, and 6 year olds. That was the breaking point for me. The other Kaizen locations are good, and we'll stick to those ones.

This review is from a mom's POV for the academy's kids' program. I don't take choosing a place for…read moremy kids lightly, especially when it comes to something as physical, formative, and values-driven as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Enrolling my kids in the kid's program at ABJJA Abmar Barbosa Jiu‑Jitsu Academy has been one of the best decisions we've made as a family. From day one, what stood out immediately was the standard of care. Hygiene and cleanliness are clearly non-negotiable here. The mats, the space, the routines, everything reflects deep respect for the kids' health and safety. As a parent, that peace of mind matters more than words can say. This is, without question, the best kids BJJ program in the area. The class flow is incredibly strategic, thoughtfully structured, developmentally appropriate, and somehow still pure fun. My kids are engaged the entire time. They're learning discipline, body awareness, confidence, and resilience while having a blast. What truly sets ABJJA apart is the environment. It is warm, safe, and deeply supportive. The coach-to-student ratio is impressive, and it shows. Every child is seen. Every child is guided. The coaches go above and beyond; not just teaching technique, but encouraging effort, kindness, and growth. The support given to the kids feels personal, not transactional. The community here is something special. It's welcoming, respectful, and values-driven. You can feel that this academy cares about raising strong humans, not just good athletes. And finally, value. The class options, the access, the level of coaching, and the overall experience make this an incredible value for money. You get far more than you pay for. If you're a parent searching for a martial arts program that prioritizes safety, excellence, character, and joy, this is it. We feel incredibly grateful to have found ABJJA. It's not just an academy; it's a place where kids are genuinely nurtured and empowered.

The training is truly designed to create winners. When juggling a full-time job and a lot of…read morepersonal responsibilities, training at Abmar's feels like therapy because it is the one place where everything else fades away and the only focus is on improving on the mats. The **coaching** is patient, detail-oriented, and encouraging, and the training partners are supportive, which makes the whole environment both challenging and welcoming.

My kids have been going for several months now and enjoy it. The coaches are patient, kind, and…read moremake the class a fun and safe environment to learn. The class schedule is flexible which works well for us. The gym is a decent size and has a good amount of seating for parents. There is also a lot of parking which is nice! Highly recommend this place!

I have attended introductory classes and woman's self defense classes with them in the past and, if…read moreI lived closer, I would've definitely continued to train with them because I believe they're the best in the NOVA area. The instructors are patient, helpful and they teach really well. I highly recommend them!

Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu is an academy that focuses on M.A. based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This place…read morewelcomes everyone, both children and adults, from those who have no experience to those who do, to an environment that is safe and is all-encouraging. I also love that they customize and tailor your lessons so it's you-centric! Looking at their schedule, I like that their hours cater and can work for those who have school/work. Reaching out to Mr. Emil to obtain more information, I loved that he was extremely responsive, very friendly, and was readily available for any assistance! I can see why this place receives such high and positive feedback from their happy clients! +ask for Mr. Emil! +jiu-jitsu! +friendly staff +safe environment

Took my 5- and 8-year-old to Six Blades Jiu Jitsu Nova for a free trial. The environment is…read moreno-nonsense and clearly built around serious training-- which as an Army veteran is something I personally respect and felt at home in, especially given the military-style banter. That said, I didn't find the tone ideal for younger kids. There was language and phrasing ("kick his ass!") that I didn't feel was appropriate for children, and I was disappointed by comments made toward boys being beaten by girls ("You'll walk home if you lose to a girl")--not exactly the message I want either of my kids internalizing. The instructors are absolutely skilled and committed, but they treat the kids like mini adults, which may work for some families, but not ours. We ended up going with another gym that's more youth-focused, closer to home, and offers more affordable memberships with military and family discounts. I think Six Blades would be great for adult students or older teens looking for high-level instruction, but it just wasn't the right fit for our young kids. Edited for further context: For further context, what the owner describes as "jovial" banter included quotes from coaches during the kids' training session: * "Kick his ass!" * "Whoop his ass!" * "You better not lose to a girl!" * "If you lose to a girl, you're walking home!" * "Pay attention, dammit!" "Banter" implies the kids could respond with witty comebacks--but what would they realistically say to grown men in a position of authority? They simply complied. That said, I truly appreciate the owner's openness to constructive feedback. It makes me feel more confident in my decision as a parent. For now, we'll stick with the more "budget" and kid-friendly option -- at least until my children are old enough to clap back at demeaning and misogynistic comments with confidence and humor that comes with maturity.

Mountain Kim has been an incredible find for our kindergartener. We wanted an after‑school program…read morewith more substance than the typical classroom/playground setup, and Mountain Kim has delivered. The school pickup and transportation make everything seamless for parents as well--this is the only way we could make this work as a family. After our daughter's first week, we asked her what she liked most about school, and she immediately said, "taekwondo." She's learned so much in just a month and loves the instructors, describing them as "strict, but so kind" -- and proudly reminding us that "if you want to do well, you need to listen." In a short time, we've watched her grow stronger, more confident, and excited to show off the Korean words she's learning. We highly recommend Mountain Kim! A big shoutout to Master Andy for his genuine care for both kids and thoughtful approach to families.

My 3 kids have all gone to Mt Kim taekwondo for years and the youngest (5) started later and is…read morestill in it. The older two are on pause due to scheduling conflicts. I have nothing but good things to say. My shy one was brought out of her shell through this class and gained confidence in her athletic ability. All of them went willingly and looked forward to progressing to the next tape/belt - a great motivator! All the instructors are so good at getting to know the kids individually and working with them to help them advance. They split the kids up in groups of 3-4 for forms and technique, which is super helpful. I did tkd growing up and think this would have been great if my dojang had the resources tot each us in small groups. Highly recommend Mt Kim.

Don't waste your time. I've quit while signing up for the trial class. The owner is paranoid about…read morecovid and shows irrational hostility towards new members. This is the only gym in the neighborhood that makes you QUARANTINE for 14 days just to start your trial class. You are not allowed to drop in, have to make 48 hour prior appointment for a class because of covid. It's 2022. Even our government doesn't have restrictions anymore. Why are they being paranoid? Their website said I can provide a negative result to take the class faster so I told them I'm willing to provide negative test result. Then the management literally replied with a threat saying "we will ban you if you show up before 14 days." Then they sent me another email saying they won't accept me as a member and etc while I was writing this review. How do you expect to teach people martial arts when you are this paranoid, rude, and irrational? I've been to few local gyms here but this is by far the worst experience just by contacting them. Glad I didn't even waste my time attending here.

I just had my first class, and I absolutely loved it. Kru Carlos and Instructor Jeff were very…read morewelcoming. I am not the most athletic person, but the atmosphere of the class and the energy of the instructors made me feel like I absolutely did not want to give up when I was tired- which happened pretty quickly . I have never felt the motivation to push myself to the degree that I felt tonight. If you are having any doubts, don't! Go ahead and sign up for a class. You won't regret it.

My son is in kindergarten, since he started he been more focused and his motor and listening skills…read moreis advancing as well as learning the solid fundamental's of martial arts. I'm very happy with High Kicks and there awesome staff here at High Kicks in Chantilly VA!

My daughter attended High Kicks after morning kindergarten and a few days for Spring Break. Tia is…read morewonderful. She clearly loves the kids. The facility is clean and our daughter loved the Taekwondo lessons. The kindergarten enrichment was spot on with what she was learning in pubic school and a nice complement. You could tell everyone who worked there enjoyed being with children and wanted the best for them. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is there isn't an outdoor playground equipment. We were not a client long as it just wasn't the right fit for my daughter but I would recommend it to other families. Reasonably priced, good hours and a loving environment.