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.

My son has been training at Six Blades three times a week for seven months. He's had the best…read moreexperience! The instructors are extremely skilled at jiu-jitsu and are natural teachers. The kids children's classes are full of super sweet kids and friendly parents. The community is very welcoming and I'm so grateful to have found it.

I've been taking Filipino martial arts here since i moved back into the area in 2021. The people…read moreare amazing, the cost of classes is the lowest I've seen. (I've been doing Kali for a long time and have had to pay triple what they charge). I love all the coaches and the community here is really great. The gym is super supportive and coming every week has been a big highlight to my weeks.

The smartest decision I ever made…read more I have been attending this gym for almost a year now. Classes are frequent and at times convenient to all schedules. The instruction is top notch and you will not only get a great workout, but you will learn life saving techniques to get yourself out of trouble. The gym is pretty basic - think no a/c or heat. Train like you fight. They offer Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, and Filipino Martial arts (think stick/knife fighting - which is my favorite :)). It's no nonsense, get it done type of training. This isn't training for martial arts sports, you're training to end the fight and get out of the situation. In addition to the classes (almost 7 days a week), you can participate in sparring on Saturday mornings. No invite needed, just show up and feel what it's like to fight someone fighting you rather than a willing victim that you get during the week during training. There is gear you can borrow for the day, but I highly recommend getting your own as soon as possible. There really is no other way to learn to fight than with someone that's uncooperative. This gives you a chance to try a new things that you've learned to see it in action in real-life. You'll love it!

I love this place. I…read moremoved here from Denver for a job and the first thing I did was look for a Muay Thai gym recommendation, and this was the gym that was recommended. It was so important to me that I even chose my house to be close to this gym. When I got here it did not disappoint. Almost immediately I met kru Jom who has since taken my Muay Thai to the best level. To be completely honest, I move with a lot of Ego. I thought I had to be fast , strong, and impressive in order to be "good at martial arts" and kru Jom called me out immediately. "Sahira, I need you move more. Too tense" and "Sahira, I need you play more". In the 5 month I've been working with Kru Jom I've become more playful and relaxed in my motion, which is also translating into my regular life. Anger issues have noticeable decreased and I find myself applying Kru Jom's life philosophy into my healing practice as well (I'm a chiropractor). Kru Jom is my guy, and the entire gym holds excellent standards and requires high levels of discipline from me, which is the environment I thrive best in. "Train. Win. Repeat." is our motto, and it holds true both in the gym and outside of the gym. If you want friends to sweat with, play with, and get better with, this is the place for you. Oh, and we have a cold plunge and sauna as well as an entire boxing ring. The amenities are great, and the community is better.

I was in the area for work and did a drop-in bjj class at Pentagon MMA. Everyone was extremely…read morewelcoming and there were a lot of tough rounds! The gym is beautiful and has everything you need (showers, weights, plenty of mat space). Highly recommend! If youre in the DC-area definitely check them out!

I have two children, 8 and 5 yo, enrolled in King Khong MMA and been extremely happy with how the…read moreprogram is run. The classes instill discipline and confidence in the children. They learned of a lot of Jiu Jitsu skills and actively practice the moves in class to progress. Master Bao along with assistant Master Zezao and Leo help provide direction and positive atmosphere. Happy to recommend to anyone as a parent.

This is a gym I love to come to at least 2-3 times a week. Coach Bao (owner) created a family…read moreoriented environment where we can come and sweat our tails off. King Kong MMA pushes you physically and mentally every time you step foot in the door. Learning self defense is a vital skill to own. It keeps you in shape but not only that, you stand a better chance protecting you and your loved ones. I've tried other MMA gyms in the area but they don't compare to king Khong. The instructors are 100% attentive & they even train you to fight competitively! The gym is clean (super important) Life feels so much more exciting now that this is a part of my life !

The best. My favorite place for classes. So kind and helpful and lovely. Need stress release or a…read moregreat workout? Go here.

Justin is an amazing and super motivational instructor. In his classes I feel like I can accomplish…read moreanything! Joel's classes are insanely energetic and difficult - he has great scrappy tips on how to win a fight. Walter's classes are more technically broken down to explain things and make sure you're doing it all right. Thats not to say he won't kick your ass - his classes are also difficult and he makes you WORK. Spike's classes are difficult but fun - some days he's in a burpee mood, other days he's more lax. His music is great and he fixes your mistakes on the bag! Id say his classes are my go-to on a daily basis.

Started training there when I was 16 and always felt welcome, encouraged, supported, and safe…read more Continue to train as an adult even though I am much further away because it is rigorous, the instructors are amazing, and it's fun. My injuries have always been accommodated, my questions have always been answered, and the instructors have always been incredibly kind to me. Especially as a woman, I've been to other martial arts gyms where it was not welcoming or safe for women, instructors were inappropriate, etc. however at Krav Maga NOVA, instructors are respectful, ask for consent to touch you to demo something, and create a safe place to train.

Incredible staff and instructors, good vibe, serious but fun. Learned a lot and had a great time…read more Be ready to work your butt off!

Henry is an awesome teacher for kids. He is very patient with my 3.5 year old who is the youngest…read morein class. He takes his time teaching him. He made sure my son does understands the activity. Would def recommend for tots ninja classes!

The more involved I become with Black Belt, the more impressed I am…read more The teachers are amazing, the manager, Mr. E, is incredible and the culture of this studio is that of a family - they literally want what's best for you. My preschooler started and months in, says it's the best part of his day. My elementary school daughter started taking classes here, and has become so strong that I started to wonder if she was going to have to protect me should we ever become unlucky enough to be stuck in a dangerous situation. I started taking adult classes two weeks ago for self defense (I'm petite and female - I always feel like a vulnerable target) and fitness (gyms are not my thing) - I couldn't be more impressed. From the first class, I walked away feeling powerful, capable, and confident that I was learning tangible skills - I was punching a punching bag (never in my life have I ever...) and kicking dummies. I walked away with at least 2-3 pearls that knew I could use immediately, and my muscle soreness implied that I got a good workout. I love that taekwondo is not a cardio-driven sport. Mr. Henry teaches kids and adults, and contextualizes the class and content to the skill level of every person in the class. Even though a class may have students at different levels, they are able to make each class propel students forward but at their own pace. The discipline your kids will pick up will amaze you. My kids ( on their own) started saying 'Yes, Mama. Yes, Daddy.' like they were responding to a drill sergeant, and while it was weird for a sec, I gotta say, I really appreciate it now. Their after school program is great - they will bus your kid from a handful of schools in the area, and will provide a snack, then many kids work on homework. STEM classes are an add-on. But what someone else said about the culture is totally true - they foster a familial culture - older kids help younger kids with homework and the younger kids have great role models ('She's a black belt. When I become a black belt.....') to look up to. This program includes taekwondo classes every day. Their summer camp is a hidden gem - the rates are extremely reasonable and includes field trips every day (at least during the non COVID era). The other thing I love? This sounds so stupid, but they have a microwave and a fridge, and will take your kid around University Mall to buy lunch if that's what they want - this means no more panic attacks at 10:30 PM about what shelf-stable/no-heat lunch you can make for your kid out of your cabinet (or 'OMG I can't believe I forgot to freeze the ice pack' mornings), and it also has taught my kids some life skills about being able to order meals for themselves. This program includes taekwondo classes every day. It's free to try a class. Try it and decide for yourself if it's for you/your kid or not - most kids are hooked after the first class. There are 'Bring a parent to class' days so you can get a feel for it yourself. They are so confident in their program and teachers that they offer a $40 for a free uniform and 2 weeks of classes deal. If it's not for you or your child, they are happy for you to part ways. But the pride that these kids have for the stripes and the belts that they (and myself) earn - that value is immeasurable. As they get older, they will have more formal tests to move onto the next belt. Early on, they will get experience with being judged, critiqued (where their only opponent is themselves, not another) and provided with constructive criticism - all crucial life experiences. I could go on and on. If you've ever given it a thought - give it a try, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

I go there for taekwondo class and when I first came everyone was nice and kind. I fit in…read moreimmediately and now I'm a 1st degree black belt.

This is a great place for young children to be nurtured and taught discipline that will be needed…read morethroughout life. The staff is great and caring!