The class was excellent. I really appreciate the verbal part. Then I appreciate the physical. Both…read moreof them are a excellent tool to have. Yours truly, Nancy Boyd

I have taken both Women's Basic Self Defense and Beyond Basics. The classes are small, so you get…read morea lot of individual attention. You train full force, so you won't pull your punches in an actual altercation. You learn simple techniques that anyone can do, and you learn a mental state that allows you to function in a scary adrenalized situation. Possibly the most important thing you learn is to consciously present yourself as trouble to a would be assailant. This isn't traditional martial arts - it isn't spiritual discipline, it is a down and dirty way to end a fight fast. I recommend this to all the women I know.

I had an uncomfortable experience with the sales process here and think it's important for others…read moreto know what to expect. The pricing was not transparent; I was quoted $200/month over the phone, but in person, the price jumped to $270/month plus a $200 initiation fee. When I asked to try a class before committing, I was told that wasn't possible. The meeting focused heavily on "closing the deal" that day, using high-pressure tactics. Most concerningly, when I asked about the schedule for female instructors, the tone shifted and I was asked, "Why are you asking that?" It felt like a dismissive response to a reasonable question about a training environment. The salesperson also disparaged other local gyms, which felt unprofessional. In an activity where physical vulnerability and trust are key, this environment felt neither transparent nor supportive.

My teenage daughter and I were looking for a physical activity we could do together, and liked the…read moreself-defense benefit that Krav Maga could add. We had never taken a class, but I had read about CDK Krav Maga and we decided to give it a try. It was a great decision (especially as we have tried many different types of classes). We met with the owner DJ who took real time with us -- listening to our goals and explaining how Krav Maga builds confidence and practical self-defense skills, especially for women. We took a complementary class. Everyone made us feel so comfortable. The classes are instructional, not competitive, and people go at their own pace, which is something we also liked. The instructors are great. David worked with us initially and was knowledgeable and encouraging. DJ's wife Emma made the onboarding process so easy and welcoming. They were also incredibly flexible in helping us find a class schedule that worked for our busy lives. If you're interested in Krav Maga, CDK is a great place.

Been training with Greg at the adult BJJ class for a week now, and it's been the best training…read moreexperience for me so far. Warmups aren't too difficult but they get your joints ready for drilling and sparring. The techniques are taught in a clear, step-by-step manner that has both street safety and sport effectiveness in mind. There isn't any aggressiveness but everyone trains respectfully and there are plenty of purple belts who have helped me really hone in on details. Everything is handled in a way that pushes you to strive for detail-oriented jiu-jitsu while respecting your training partner.

I have been going to Bartman MMA since November 2011, and have loved every minute of it. If…read moreanything as I've grown, I've craved the teachings even more, now going 3 classes per week. I started out at his other location in Bethesda, joined the "Women's Kick Ass" class and Brazilian JiuJitsu classes here in Glenmont too. It's amazing, Greg and Tori (Women's class co-teacher) are amazing at what they do. They have been doing it a long time and you can tell. Not only by their technique, but their true passion for the sport. Anytime Relson Gracie is comin to town, they're there, for support, to give accolades, to LEARN. Aside from being great people, they are great teachers too. They communicate clearly, are happy to show moves in slow motion, from different angles, and hear your questions at any time; I am often guilty of saying "so...I was watching TV, and saw this move on Criminal Minds..." They teach students of all kinds-shapes-and sizes. They have a kids class too, so you know what that means... if they can keep the attention span of little children and teach them how to protect themselves....they're super coaches! What you really learn is how what they teach you depends on using your body to your advantage. It doesn't matter if you're big or small, strong or "room for improvement," it's a matter of physics... like working your body angles, pivot points, and leverage.... like calculated chess moves. I've learned self defense for the street, and proper grappling moves as well. The other bonus I've taken away is the mental aspect learned through all this. JiuJitsu is a calm of mind activity. Yes, you may rolling around on the ground, defending yourself, breaking a sweat (which is also a good cardio workout), but you're also trying to keep your mind at neutral. You don't want to waste all your strength in a battle for bronze (especially if you're my size, you'd often lose that fight). You don't want to tense up either. You stay calm, you keep in mind you are worth fighting for and there is always a way out of this. You "turn on your spidey senses" to feel where your partner/attacker is grabbing you, and use your skills to maneuver around their grasp. Seriously--mind included--it's a full body workout. 3rd to last fun fact/tip: Greg and Tori hold seminars for private groups too (good for team-building activities, safety lessons, birthdays, maybe even bachelorette parties.... the moves I've learned, have definitely gotten me out of some tickle wars with my husband). 2nd to last tip of awesomeness: If you prepay for a class, or combination of classes, in bundles you get a discount! Be sure to ask when registering (because after this adoring review, how could you not sign up :-) am I right). Okay, the real last tip/fun fact: Students are also welcome to open mat Thursday nights for more practice!!

Took classes there many years ago. Sifu Ramos is phenomenal. Sifu Ramos taught me various art formsread more

Paul Ramos is an amazing instructor who addresses the talents and needs of each individual student…read more I attended several tai chi classes and learned much about the patience and skill that Paul has for the Pushing Hands form of tai chi. His guidance was encouraging but neither demanding nor unreasonable. During class, he would always warm up with everyone and then guide students individually to improve their skills based on his or her own pace and success thus far. I was always impressed at the calming strength of these classes in providing a balanced workout- though in a non traditional sense. If I had more time in my schedule, I would be back! If you want to learn this traditional art, coming to Wu Shen Tao with Paul Ramos would be wise!

When my kids finally expressed interest in taking taekwondo, we checked out 4 schools and had a…read morelist of criteria: good teachers and classes, clean, good philosophy, and not a black belt diploma mill as most schools are. We found all of that and more in DCSDKA. The teachers and classes are great. The kids not only learn taekwondo but also Krav Maga self-defense, and how to be safe in everyday situations, especially for little kids. The school fosters respect, responsibility and camaraderie and my children have found lots of good friends in the school. I'm very particular about what school they go to since I have experience in taekwondo, and I highly recommend this school.

GrandMaster Sensei Carol Middleton is a world-class martial artist. I get chills when I see her…read moreskills in action. As a student, I love that the dojo is a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, that the values of respect, responsibility and leadership are taught and displayed by the instructors and students and I am thankful for the the precision of training I get. DC residents are lucky to have this incredible resource at their fingertips. I hope others will take advantage of these classes, whether they are looking for self-defense, fitness, social opportunities or just wanting to learn a valuable new skill.

Master Lee is a terrific instructor and has supreme patience. I love the training studio. I have…read morebeen training with Master Lee for almost 5 years, earned a black belt in taekwondo, now training Muay. Cannot recommend more.

Quality has gone downhill after Master Noah took a step back. Coach David is the only other good…read moreinstructor there. The new guy doesn't know how to teach and he doesn't have the skills our previous instructor had. We were learning something new everyday from different arts from bjj to Muai Thai. Noah and David were the only two who knew how to practice and teach them. All the students I used to train with no longer go here.