I was only here for a week, but this place has been amazing. Keep in mind that this location is one…read moreof the few places I would confidently recommend to anyone who is serious about training in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and overall physical fitness. I'm from Chandler, Arizona, and I train at a different facility back home. Even so, I was surprised by how familiar and welcoming this location felt from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere reminded me of the kind of environment you hope to find in a high-quality gym--serious training, but with great people and positive energy. The people here are solid. Everyone I met was respectful, hardworking, and focused on improving their craft. That kind of environment makes a big difference when you're training, because the culture of a gym can push you to become better every day. The energy in the room is strong. Whether you're a beginner or someone who has been training for years, you feel motivated to work harder. There's a real sense of discipline and camaraderie that makes training enjoyable but also challenging in the best way. Another thing that stood out to me was how clean and organized the facility is. A clean training environment shows professionalism and respect for the athletes who train there. On top of that, the coaches and fighters here are high-ranking professionals. Many of them are top-level athletes and active competitors, which means you're learning from people who truly understand the sport and what it takes to

I've been training at Beta Academy in Washington, DC for 5 years, and it's one of the best martial…read morearts gyms I've ever been a part of. I primarily train in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I love that both disciplines are offered with a wide range of class times and skill levels. Before moving to DC and joining Beta, I trained 5 or 6 years at District Martial Arts in Arlington, Urban Boxing in DC and Arlington, Fight Academy in Pasadena, CA, Gracie Barra in Glendale, CA, and Muay Thai USA in Hollywood, CA. Beta Academy stands out among them for its consistency, quality, and community. One of the biggest highlights for me is that they offer classes on Sundays, which is a rare and much-appreciated option. They also have classes specifically designed for those 40 and older (I am 45), which shows their commitment to accessibility and community. The coaching staff is top-notch--many of them actively compete and bring real-world experience to every class. The facility is always clean and well-maintained, which makes a big difference in the overall training experience. The men's restroom has two showers, which I use after every training session. It's a small detail, but incredibly convenient. If you're looking for a serious, supportive, and well-equipped place to train Muay Thai, BJJ, or MMA, I highly recommend Beta Academy

I came to N-Flux to find a hobby and ended up finding a passion and a home away from home. Yes,…read moreit's a gym, and the new facility in the bottom level of 1722 I Street will blow your mind with all the new equipment and toys (no more stripper poles, just tons of mats, gloves, pads and other goodies). But more importantly, this place is a community. N-Flux has the best instructors and classes you will find anywhere in DC if you're interested in taking Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and all sorts of other martial arts and combat sports. Chris and Colleen are the best instructors I've ever seen. They don't just want you to get skills, they teach concepts, conditioning, and character. Part of the training is how to be a good classmate, and experienced students help newer students and welcome new people. As a result, you're not just coming for a workout, you walk away welcomed and encouraged to be the best you can be -in everything. The classes are challenging in the best way, even their Yoga classes (and I hated yoga before I took N-Flux yoga with the amazing Scott and Maicie!). Chris and Colleen are tough and push you to be your best. Since starting, I've lost 25 pounds, gained 25 new friends, and according to my work colleagues, "am the happiest I've ever been." This place is way more than a gym and you won't know what you're missing until you come try it for yourself.

If you are into Krav Maga, then this is the place for you. It is a small studio on the top floor of…read morea small building that is only accessible by way of a small elevator. But once inside it does not feel small at all. As a matter of fact you forget everything other than the class as even the beginner classes are intense. You come here to learn to fight and defend yourself. It's intense, it hard, and sometimes it hurts. But if you want to sweat, get a hell of a workout and kick some ass, then this is the place to be.

This is a hidden gem of martial arts studios that genuinely cares about tradition. I took a long…read moretime to sign on to a studio and was happy to find Sensei Hunter. (I definitely wanted to avoid taking my kids to a studio that use splashy stock photos or advertises kid's birthday parties or parents night off events.) I loved the smaller class sizes of Samurai Training Academy which allowed for Sensei Hunter to break down complex moves into their fundamental components. I loved that the studio had adult classes and was not just a dojo daycare. I loved that they did not pass all students for their belt testing. All good signs of a studio with integrity, which sadly, is more difficult to find these days. Sensei Hunter won over the kids with his irreverent sense of humor, his kindness, and his deep love for sharing his practice with his students. My son looks forward to every single class (even going embarrassingly early to classes just so that he could absorb as much as he could from his instructor).

From the owner: Karate, Jujutsu, Sword, Kendo, Kids Karate, Women's Self Defense, Police Self Defense and control…read moretactics

My background is in karate, so when I began training with Ben, his particular style of Wing Chun…read morethat incorporates pressure blew me away! I have really enjoyed taking a completely different perspective on my martial arts training, learning to deal with an attacker who is large and close simply by leveraging my own body structure. Ben and his senior students are extremely encouraging and supportive, so the classes have a real community atmosphere. I wholeheartedly recommend you take a class, whether you are a lifelong martial artist or absolute beginner.

I've trained in a number of different martial arts, including boxing, muay thai, and other forms of…read morewing chun, but Ben's blended approach and focus on structure has been a whole new level of practice for me. I've never really understood or believed in the application of internal power for practical use but, after one session of chi sao with Ben (and being thrown into a wall a few times), I had to concede that there was something real there. One thing I've always appreciated is that Ben is very clear where Wing Chun does and doesn't work. He teaches boxing, wrestling, and some MMA, but always in the context of where Wing Chun fits in. Full disclosure, this is not for everyone; it's not a quick fix, it's not a cardio workout, and it's not showy. This is a long process of understanding internal structure, physics, and how to exert your body in a different way than you're used to. If you're interested in gaining a new understanding of your own body and how to weaponise your posture (yes, posture can be a weapon), give it a try. Or, if you think this isn't real and doesn't work, come and try it anyway. The only way to know is try it out and we're always ready to welcome people with an open or curious appetite.

I met Mario many years ago and he first invited me to train, though back then I had injuries which…read moreI never thought I would train jitsu...I first came in 3 years ago to start training but between injuries and my mental health battle we parted ways .I just wanted to thank everyone at the Yamasaki gym but especially Fernando, Oscar, Elaine, Jessica, and Enzo (also Mario in spirit) for being so patient with me as I tried to use their gym as a positive coping mechanism for my mental health. God bless you all. I do not train there anymore but think it's a great gym for anyone to train, as they were all great people. Thanks for investing the time in me when I was not myself mentally. OSS.

Best BJJ academy. They preserve the roots of the culture and the traditions of the martial arts.read more

FCS Kali is highly modular art as developed by Tuhon Ray and taught by Regional Instructor…read moreMosi--all of the techniques we practice: stick, knife, sword and empty hand are all interconnected--everything you learn for one medium is transferable to the others. The group is dedicated, welcoming and mutually supportive. Mosi is highly dedicated to the art and to his students. I appreciate having this outlet to improve myself and to interact with some really great people. The class provides a safe environment for developing skills. If you have previous martial arts experience, this will give you another perspective. If you have no previous training, this is a good way to start.

From the owner: FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) training in the heart of our Nation's capitol!…read more DC Kali is the official DC Metro area training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Founded by Tuhon Ray Dionaldo, Filipino Combat Systems (FCS) is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. FCS is an organization with members from around the world which is based on Tuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA styles from Modern Arnis, Pekiti Tirsia, Sayoc Kali, and many more. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We've all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Disciplines of FCS includes single or double stick, single or double blade, empty hands combat, and sword & dagger.

Let me start by saying that if I could give more than 5 stars to a place, this would be it. Shifu…read moreChris and his wife manage and instruct students in this family-owned dojo. Shifu (master in Chinese) Chris is an excellent teacher. He has been doing martial arts for almost his own life, and he is very knowledgeable. He had spent 13 years in China working with different masters. As a result, he is an expert in different styles of martial arts such as Chinese boxing, Kung fu Shaolin. Following his mission to keep Shaolin kung fu alive in the US, he started this dojo in VA. Currently, they offer two free sessions to let people experience the school before joining. I joined this class after participating in two free sessions. The environment and students in the dojo are great. Everybody is friendly and respects each other. From a covid standpoint, everybody wears a mask throughout the class, and there are sanitizers for both hands and equipment. Each session includes warmup, practicing the basics, form, partner work, and meditation at the end. Shifu Chris changes the structure of the class and always has new activities and challenges in each session. After two months of going to this class, I already feel really accomplished. I am able to do basic techniques and self-defense. It had even effects on my day-to-day life and helps me to be more focused. I recommend this class to whoever is looking for martial arts or even looking for a fun and effective workout class.

Wonderful experience, great exercise, friendly classmates. The sessions have everything I enjoy --…read morestretches, warm ups, boxing, defense, individual and partner work, meditation, some qi gong... lots of variety and progressive mental/physical challenges so you're never bored and always growing. I started this class three months ago feeling very out of shape -- and as a total beginner to martial arts. Now, I feel like I have energy enough for classes, plus I'm starting to hit the gym more too and feel less stressed during the work week. It's definitely the kind of work out that isn't a chore -- it's energizing. Come take the two free lessons and try it out for yourself to get hooked too. Shifu Chris and Weiwei, who assists, are patient, thoughtful teachers who care about culture, health, and overall wellbeing. Class is always a positive, welcoming environment.

Training here has been such an unbelievable experience , this gym is great for anyone from a day…read moreone beginner up to a professional fighter. The Muay Thai coaching is some of the best I've experienced in many years between instructors who have fought at the highest levels , won national titles and local champions etc .. facilities and equipment are clean and plentiful. Robust kids program and grappling as well. If you're in the area do yourself a favor and train here as soon as you can ! Edit : And to be clear , I'm from out of town on business , didn't know anyone here and the front staff , coaches , and members did a fantastic job making me feel welcomed and invited in a new place.

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 started Judo at the Compound about a year ago. The gym is great, the instructor is top-notch,…read moreand the whole experience is low-pressure and fun. Everyone is nice-- there's a range of ages and skill levels and we're all having fun learning together.

Great atmosphere. Friendly instructors and students. Really appreciate how clean the space is as…read morewell.

Wonderful studio for beginner to dedicated Ashtanga practitioners. Welcoming atmosphere and a…read moregreat community that I've loved being a part of.

Background: I'm nearly 40 and was brand new to yoga six months ago. Was not a regular exerciser and…read morefelt intimidated by group classes. If it wasn't for the welcoming atmosphere and convenient location of Woodley Park Yoga, I don't know if I would've kept up my practice. As a newbie to yoga, I take the beginner class on Saturdays at 11am and the guided quarter primary class on Tuesdays at 7pm, both taught by Elsie. She has a calming voice, goes over the poses for new folks, and encourages you through the more difficult poses. The beginner class is easier if you've at least tried yoga at another studio or at home with YouTube videos. Be prepared to sweat a little! The studio is sizeable and allows 13-15 people max depending on the class. You can store your yoga mat in the back room, and there are wipes for your mat. I don't usually see blocks or towels readily available, but ask if you need them. The studio is on the third floor of a four-story building in Woodley Park, above Uni Sushi (no elevator). There's a small bathroom in the back of the studio. If I can think of only one downside, it's not being able to pay for classes online in advance, even though you can reserve your spot online. You need to go to the studio and purchase classes directly with the teacher, which takes time before/after class if you're waiting for others to pay too. Better to just buy a pack of 5, 10, or 20 classes if you plan to come back regularly. Checking in relies a bit on the honor system: you write your name on a card and the number of classes, then cross each number off when you show up to class. Whether your a seasoned yogi or a newbie like me, I highly recommend dropping in Woodley Park Yoga for a class!