After 8 months of training BJJ my daughter found herself extremely unhappy (as was I) with her training experience at her previous gym. On the referral of a trusted coach, (who also happened to move to DBA) we decided to give DBA a try. We live over an hour away and I had my reservations about making the move somewhere so out of the way, but DBA is worth every mile. My daughter's confidence has improved and she is making MAJOR improvements in her practical application of jiu jitsu techniques. I can not stress that enough! She is not just learning techniques like a robot --- she is learning how to utilize what she is being taught through real contact drilling with competent partners and expert instruction. Diego's staff is great (attentive, tough yet kind, fair... the list goes on), and they are proven experienced athletes themselves that offer so much invaluable knowledge. Best part is they all work well together to provide each student with the best training experience possible. While Diego's teaching methods are far and beyond what we were used to and what I expected, they come secondary to how he treats EVERY SINGLE STUDENT. He makes time for each student and does all he can to make sure they are not only well trained, but CONFIDENT and enjoying their time on the mat! He goes above and beyond to provide his students with opportunities to improve, and as a World Champion, sets an EXCELLENT example for those aspiring to compete. I have asked him probably 1 million and 1 questions, shared very specific concerns, and he is there to offer support without hesitation or any sign of irritation. I also have to mention that I look forward to going. The coaches, parents, and kids are great people that I not only don't mind spending almost 2 hours with every evening, but that I actually ENJOY. It's nice to have people around that make something that could be a pretty boring or stuffy 2 hours, an enjoyable time --- that goes by quickly! And the kids! A testament to the parents. They are all so kind. The older kids especially. You can tell their parents are doing it right. They help the little ones, even let them do submissions on them . There's plenty of students proving themselves in the competitive circuit as well, giving their teammates someone more their age to look up to, and helping them create their own competitive goals. Many of the kids are friends outside of the gym and train together often. It's great to see. Being a part of a sport isn't always JUST about the sport. DBA is a good example of this. Yes, there is much to learn and the right instructors are there to give you that specific knowledge. But more than that, it's a good place for kids to see positive examples, and how to treat others and generally be a good person. Best gym. read more

If you want to be at the top of the food chain in the sport of BJJ this is where you need to train in the Hampton Roads area. Professor Diego Bispo is a phenomenal teacher, full of passion, always caring about the performance and wellbeing of every student, and he backs it all up with his continuous personal pursuit of greatness as a world champion competitor. The people that call this Academy home are welcoming, humble, and open to fierce competition. Expect to work hard and be challenged, but in an environment where everyone is down to learn and aid each other in the journey. Lots of high level practitioners in class consistently. read more

This place... Let me tell you about this place. Hidden in the corner of a shopping center but exploding with high level competitors as well as your every day jiu jitsu practitioners. This place, one big happy family helping one another become better people. A school that's culturally and racially diversified that influences children to be themselves while having fun and grinding it out in one of the most highly regarded kids programs in the area. My kids and I love this place. So glad we found Professor Diego! He is dedicated to his school, students and families and especially to his jiu jitsu. There's No one better! read more

Awesome training, Diego knows his stuff. When I switched to this gym I felt like I started to become a bjj practitioner something I didn't have at the previous gym I trained at. He is very about his students and wants to see all of us reach our potential. We all joke around, have fun, and are about our bjj. It's awesome being around others that love this sport! Also Harvey the Muay Thai instructor is pretty much the nicest, knowledgeable Muay Thai instructor I've ever met! All around this academy is where you should go! read more

Diego's has been the most inspiring place I've ever been to. My husband and daughter have been going for over a year and half and I finally decided to join recently. I can't express the amount of support and encouragement this establishment has given me! If anyone is looking for a fun, good workout, and motivating environment for, honestly the whole family, this is the best place to go. I'm so incredibly excited to continue to learn jujitsu, and maybe some day be able to fair and square whoop my husbands ass! Haha. read more

As a Deaf mother to my 4 years old son, I have been very impressed with Professor Diego and his classes. My son was with this program for almost 2 years until we moved to San Diego, CA. It was definitely worth 20 mins drive 3 times a week all those times! The class we took him here in San Diego, was nothing better than this program and we realized how lucky we were to have him and wish we have more professors like him! I highly recommend any toddlers to attend this programs!! read more

I have been training here almost three years. I have never met anyone like Professor Diego. He made me feel welcome and treated me like a friend the very first day we met. Almost three years later he has been an incredible Professor and great friend. We have many black belts that specialize in several different areas as coaches. Your Jiu Jitsu skill will skyrocket as long as you show up and put out. DBA for life! read more

Diego, austin, and Anthony are the BEST hands down. I love the fact that they actually care about each individual student. Another great fact is that they will not leave a competition, no matter how late, until everyone one of their students are done. Professor Diego have this awesome ability to make you feel like and believe that you are a winner no matter what. My whole family trains here. read more

Diego Bispo acadamy, Owners and friends are very welcoming. The training is very excited and fun. My family and I love this place and have trained in other gyms before finding this one. great place for children and adults alike. They are passionate about their BJJ and treat people with care and importance. Diego and Austin have been great to my family and I. Thank you for all that you do guys. read more

I was very hesitate at first to join a BJJ gym especially being a petite woman but none of that mattered. Professor Diego takes the time to help you and everyone at the gym makes you feel welcomed. I enjoy doing BJJ and my daughter enjoys it as well. We are priveleged to have such an awesome instructor as well working with a great group of people who are willing to help you out. read more

Unbelievably accommodating! I visited this gym while on travel in between duty stations, and every person that I had the pleasure of meeting at Diego Bispo's academy was welcoming, professional and knowledgeable. This gym is perfect for children as the entire staff is great with kids! To Austin and Diego, thank you so much for allowing me to share the mats with you!! read more

I can't speak highly enough of Professor Diego. My whole family take bjj classes with him and hands down the best. We've grown and improved. The coaches work hard to serve the kids and members to successs not only in BJJ itself but also teaching them respect and responsibilities. Impressive place and best coaches. The parents are amazing too. Can't forget that. read more

What a great place to train. A lot of scheduled classes for everyone throughout the day. One of the best to teach on and off the mats. Professor Diego definitely leads by example. There isn't anything that he asks his students to do that he doesn't do in class or even more at competition. Come and train you won't be disappointed. read more

I love this place!!! People, places and events I'm sure I wouldn't have experienced any other way than with the team here at DBA (Diego Bispo Academy). Between Professor Diego and his Dark Knights, Austin And Anthony, my BJJ game is improving dramatically!!!!! Me and my kids can't get enough of this place!!! OSS!!!! read more

Diego and staff will make even the most timid fall in love with jujitsu!! He teaches with a soft but firm style. He has a passion for jujitsu and it's contagious. I have a new found love and appreciation for jujitsu and this is due to the supportive and encouraging environment you will find here!!! read more

Diego Bispo Academy is a top notch place to learn BJJ. The dedication Diego shows to his students is second to none. He creates an atmosphere excellence that is proven through the many competition accolades the Academy achieves each competition they go to. We'll recommend for all ages. read more

This place is amazing, best place in Hampton Roads with a kids program second to none. My daughter started 1 year ago and the strides she's made is mind blowing. You will not be disappointed whether you are looking for just being active or looking to compete you have to come try. read more

Diego Bispo Academy is an amazing world class gym! Professor Diego and the coaches are all very attentive and caring. They have a vigorous passion for the sport and share it with the students of all ages. It is the place to be no matter what stage of the journey your in! read more

Having Trained know for 16 years and competed against Diego. I can only say positive things about his Jiu-Jitsu and Professionalism. He offers top notch bjj with professionalism to bring the full package! I would not hesitate to bring my kids or family to the gym. read more