Hot Sweaty and smells like bleach…read more Eric Burdo has run this joint for almost ten years; don't be fooled by his youth or casual demeanor, he is a PROFESSIONAL. He's one of Richmond's longest standing black belts, and instructor to several of the guys that now run their own schools. ROOTS! There are more high ranking guys training here than anywhere else in town. There's also a large student body and plenty of training partners at all times.

I've been attending this academy for a little over two years. In that time, I've been extremely…read morepleased with my experience here. The students and instructors are welcoming and dedicated, and work very hard to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Richmond BJJ covers both self-defense and sport jiu jitsu applications. They also offer muay thai classes which I do not have experience with, but that seem to be well-attended. This gym is extremely female friendly. It can be nerve wracking to come into a male-dominated gym, but not once has any student or instructor made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. Liz occasionally hosts women's classes that are great for building relationships with other women in jiu jitsu. Not only that, but it's amazing to be able to consistently train with a woman who is as knowledgeable about jiu jitsu as Liz. She can speak to many questions that women and/or smaller people might have about using technique over strength to defend yourself against a larger opponent. Excellent school all around!

Training at X-Factor has genuinely changed my life. I've never felt more motivated, supported, or…read moreconfident in myself and my body. The programming is smart and effective, and putting in the work to see real progress has made me invested in weight training for life. Brett is an incredible coach. He really knows his stuff, but more importantly, he knows how to bring out the best in people. He pushes you in the right ways, celebrates your wins, and helps you build strength and confidence. He created a genuine community at X-Factor and it feels good to know everybody on a first name bases and celebrate their accomplishments as much as my own. These people make showing up easy, even on tough days. Thank you, Brett and X-Factor, for making me the best version of myself I can be!

I was in Richmond visiting my sister and wanted to get some training in while I was up there. I…read moreusually train in Miami, so I reached out to Mongrel BJJ through their website just to see if I could drop in. Frank actually called me himself and we started texting from there. He made it easy and told me to come by. When I showed up, JB took care of me right away. He gave me a full tour and made me feel like I had been there before. The space really impressed me. Two large mat areas with plenty of room to move, heavy bags set up, and a full strength and conditioning area in the back. They even have a massage therapist right next door. It is honestly one of the nicest setups I have seen. JB ran the class I attended and he stood out immediately. Super personable, remembered my name, and just had that easygoing presence that puts people at ease. You can tell he has a deep well of experience, but he carries it in a grounded way. He represents what you hope to find in the jiu jitsu community. The training environment was great. Everyone was friendly, joking around, and still serious about getting better. I never felt out of place or pressured. The adult gi class had a good mix of skill levels, and the techniques we worked on were practical with smart variations that I can actually use. After the instruction we got some solid rounds in and I left feeling like I had a real session, not just a drop in workout. What really stood out to me was that the day after I trained, Frank texted me to ask how everything went. That meant a lot. It showed me they are not just running classes, they actually care about the people who walk through the door. I will absolutely be back the next time I am in Richmond. Whether you are brand new or have been training for years, this is a place where you can grow and enjoy the process.

If you want a family atmosphere this is the place to be. The kids the kids Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moreclasses are outstanding the coaches take their time to teach your children the right way of doing things. JB the owner and main instructor is a great leader and wants everybody to grow in the sport of Brazilian jiu jitsu and you will do whatever it takes to help you along your journey. What better way to release your negative energy in such a positive place. My daughter and I go there for a few years now and love the vibe that this place presents. Thank you JB, Chris, Nick, Tim, the awesome twins, sorry if I'm forgetting the other and storages names just so many to list. I can't say enough about this place it makes me feel as I'm home.IZZO

The kindest lead instructor who treats EVERYONE like family!!! Dave Kenworthy should be…read morePresident!!! Regardless of religion, color or class...everyone is loved and received at AEGIS!!! Life changing experience for my kids!!! Clean and neat gym too!!!

I had the privilege of dropping in again at Aegis and wow is it so nice to be in such an incredible…read moreacademy. This is easily the best BJJ academy I've ever trained at. It smells wonderful. 3rd degree black belt Professor Dave is amazing as his black belt Brian. They are the most generous guys in all of BJJ and I'm not exaggerating that. I learn something new and useful every time I'm here. A black belt that I train with in Los Angeles noticed that I wore an Aegis t-shirt and he recognized it as one of his favorite places he's ever trained at and he trained under Roger Gracie. So that's saying a lot.

The best in the business. Many of the clients are…read moreincredibly talented high school kids who are aiming to be the best in their sport, but there are many adults, ranging from young adult to senior citizen. I am a young adult who left my Crossfit gym to pursue Olympic lifting full time and am thrilled with my decision. I am confident that I am receiving the best coaching to improve my technique and maintain my safety. Coaches Bob Blanton and Keith Wright are true experts in their field.

I had the great pleasure of taking a fly casting lesson with Andrew Stiles! I have been to multiple…read morefly casting seminars and once took a lesson with one of the legends of the sport, but Andrew's teaching blew them all away. Not only did he improve my casting but he revolutionized how I will approach fish from now on! He is a natural teacher and a great guy to be around! I recommend a lesson with him to everyone! Worth every penny!

Andrew Stiles is a great and knowledgable instructor. He helped me make sense of all my…read moregrandfather's gear. He's patient, energetic and passionate about his students' success. I learned so much on my first session with Andrew. He gives you both a technical and practical education. I can't wait for my next class!

Where do I start?…read more Andrew is a fantastic, very professional and knowledgeable personal trainer. Also he's very patient with me, and truly kind. Further, I love that he's not promoting a "cookie-cutter" gym program; he tailors all of the sessions to your goals, and meets you where you are in your health journey after careful observation and assessment. What I enjoy most about working with him is that he explains WHY we're doing what we're doing -- something I personally respond to. And he actually LISTENS! Did I mention he also laughs at my dumb jokes? lol Anyway, he's a unicorn, and I will recommend him to anyone who listens.

************* REVIEW 248 ****************…read more After my broski got ill in NOV 09, I was in the hospital every day for the next 3 months. Forgot to eat healthy food, hospital food was the only choice! You know how hospital food tastes, when you are actually there! So I was skipping the gym & then another 4 month after that, next thing I know! My body was completely out of shape! Thanks to Andrew Duffy, he helps me to get back on track, with a work out plan that would fit my busy schedule even when I'm on the road & sleep only 4hrs a night! I'm still have a long wait to go, but having Andrew support & training, make feel a lot better & so much easier than when I just go to the gym alone. Andrew is very professional, warm personality & push you a step higher to achieve your goal that totally doable & fit your lifestyle. I high recommend it him to all.

My son started training here in early 2022, then my husband started training a month or two…read morelater... and with the encouragement of one of the instructors, I decided to try out one of the intro classes in September. BJJ is not a sport I ever thought I would do, but I am loving it. And I think it is due in large part to the welcoming, family-friendly environment at this gym. I had wanted to do some sort of self-defense class but haven't been able to find anything. The 6-week jiu-jitsu intro class provided me with some basic self-defense fundamentals. I didn't intend to continue beyond the intro class but I love the community I have found here and it's been fun doing a sport alongside my son.

Been training here since 2021 with my son. Instructors are knowledgeable and have great teaching…read moretechniques. Training partners are warm and friendly. Advanced kids class is money. Overall awesome vibe.