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.

Recently moved from California and was searching for a new academy to train at. Black Cat is my new…read morehome from day one I knew I didn't need to check out any other gyms. The vibes are great the instruction is absolutely fantastic and intricate. I'm looking forward to training here as long as I call NoVA home.

One of the best gyms period. Instruction is elite. Adam is a world class competitor and…read moreinstructor who takes time to understand and connect with all of his students from white belt to black belt. The facility is first of all very clean, modern, and overall one of the coolest spots to train (you get to train 10 floors up with an incredible view.). All of the teammates are super welcoming. Most of all this is a safe and constructive environment where you will learn and get better.

We brought our kids to Capital MMA for a free trial and absolutely loved it! This was actually the…read moresecond gym we tried--our first experience elsewhere felt rushed and not very kid-friendly. But Capital MMA was the complete opposite. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and comfortable. The instructors are fantastic with kids: respectful, engaging, and age-appropriate. They strike the perfect balance between fun and structure--allowing room for mistakes and typical kid behaviors while still keeping everyone focused. Pricing is very reasonable, and they offer a free one-month trial before any commitment. Plus, they honor a military discount, which we really appreciate. Our kids are excited for every class, and we feel great about the investment of time and money. Highly recommend for any parents looking for a positive, disciplined, and inclusive martial arts environment!

Moved all around the country for the military. This is Best gym and crossfit I've ever been to.read more

I have been a member of one way for months now. It first started with my son being in the kids BJJ…read moreclasses. It was a great introduction to the sport since i was able to be on the mat with him! The staff are extremely helpful, treat you like family, and are consistently pushing their students to become a better version of themselves. The instructors have classes that are extremely immersive and hands on. If need be, one on one private sessions can be purchased to hone in on specific skills. I would highly recommend all that are interested in learning boxing, wrestling, jujitsu, and/or Muay Thai to join!

I joined this gym right around the time they opened. I had previously trained in jiu jitsu at…read moremultiple different gyms across the country. The atmosphere Mahamed, Patrick, and Jansey have created is second to none. It is a very family-oriented gym where everyone whether it's their first day training or they're black belt, feel welcomed from the second they walk in. All of the students are also extremely welcoming, and safe training environment. Can not recommend enough!

Sensei Roberto is a great sensei, funny, and really care about his students. Love going to this…read moredojo, all the teachers and students are very friendly and always happy help lower rank students.

BEST dojo in the State of Virginia (one of the best in the world, I am sure). If you want to learn…read morefrom a great Sensei (Roberto) and other blackbelt instructors, then Virginia Dojo is the only choice. I am so happy to be a part of this dojo! Sensei Roberto is quite simply AMAZING. He truly cares about his students and teaching karate. The atmosphere at the dojo is welcoming and friendly--from beginner to advanced! Everyone participates to help others learn. The women's class with Denise is fantastic as well! Denise is an inspring third degree blackbelt instructor who is passionate about women's karate and karate in general. As a student, you can take her classes and or the mixed group classes with Sensei Roberto. Check out this dojo for yourself. I signed up a little over a year ago with my kids and we love it and highly recommend.

I happened to be in DC for a week for a convention and looked up Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy's…read more Capital popped up and I am glad it did. I emailed and asked about classes and received a response with 30 minutes. I was invited to train while I was there with open arms. My only complaint is, I didn't have more time to go. These guys train true Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu! Not to mention, everyone was extremely friendly and willing to roll. If you're ever in DC and looking to to train, definitely reach out.

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!

Just want to say that HighNoon is a great place to train, even though it's not my home gym. They…read morebring a lot of people together and honestly have the best open mats around. It's a very competitive room, but they prioritize control and respect. It might look intimidating walking in because basically everyone looks jacked, but they are just as chill as they are strong. The facilities are excellent (large mats, big locker rooms/showers, plenty of seating). Highly recommend stopping by--make sure you meet Tim, the owner. Super nice guy.

We did a drop in kids BJJ class and it was phenomenal! We wish we lived significantly closer to…read morebring the kiddos here. The Saturday instructor really cares about the kids' development, and most importantly, you can tell the kids have fun. All are well behaved, which is not something you always see in kid's classes. This says a lot about the kids, their parents, and the respect they provide to their training.

We started my daughter's Jiu Jitsu journey here when she was 6. I can't say enough about how great…read moreChad and Paul are. Very humble and down to earth people, who just so happen to also be beasts on the mat. The coaches here are amazing, including Coach Kevin, Mo and Red, to name a few. They are all amazing with kids and do a fantastic job building strength and confidence in the kids. If you're considering signing up your kid, or yourself, don't hesitate, this is a great gym/community, with great instructors and members.

This studio is truly exceptional…read more I know a lot of parents in the region tend to look to taekwondo first as a place to put their kids- mostly because of the after school programs and summer camps. Some of these schools are great (specifically the Jhoon Rhee ones), but most are WTF belt factories. What makes this place special is that it is only a martial arts studio and workout gym. You come there to work and learn and be part of a community. The instructors are focused and passionate and they have my 10 year old reaching for aspects of himself taekwondo never did. This studio is a hidden gem and I fully recommend this place.