Trained here for almost four years and was approaching my shodan test. I used to think of aikido as…read moremy organizing principle. That all changed when a third-degree black belt instructor dropped me on my head. He was showing off for his buddy, the chief instructor. Both those men are no longer at this dojo, but regardless I cannot train any more as I used to - following my concussion, I tried to come back (after time off for recuperation). But after weeks/months of headaches, and trying various sorts of accommodations, my doctor strongly recommended that I discontinue training. Aikido may be called the "art of peace" and its practitioners may say that good ukemi will neutralize any throw. But it is still possible for a careless person to injure you badly. I used to think (see my previous review) that if I spoke up, was careful about whom I trained with, and practiced diligently, it would protect me from harm. Not true. Being a good driver does not always save you from the bad drivers. (I decided to update my old review, after much time and thought, so that newcomers will have a more complete picture. It's hard to ask questions of people who have left.) As with any endeavor: caveat emptor. Do your research. Visit multiple places and compare them, before you choose. Ask around - what is the reputation of the place you are considering? What is their record for follow-up when someone gets injured? How long have the most senior students been training at this place? Are classes made up of mostly newbies - i.e., does the student body turn over regularly, or are there a lot of stalwarts? How many black belts come to practice regularly? (an indication of whether the place continues to offer room for growth, once that first black belt has been attained). How often is the chief instructor present and instructing? What precautions are in place when junior (smaller/younger/inexperienced) students train with senior (stronger/faster/aggressive) students? How long has each teacher been teaching? (Being a skilled practitioner is not always the same as being a good teacher.) Pick your partners (and teachers) carefully. (Even if everyone says "but he's such a nice guy!" - if you break a collarbone because he attempted a too-ambitious throw, you will be the one in a sling, not the nice guy.) How often does the dojo host community events? Do senior staff/teachers show up for community events? I have visited from time to time. (I still hang out socially with many friends from here.) With all my heart I still miss the practice and the community I used to have. But I have had to step back from both.

NEEDED to find a social outlet for my 5-year old grandson while he is on an extended visit from out…read moreof state. NEEDED to find a safe, social, in-person way for him to spend time and energy with little people his own size. So perfectly pleased to have found DC Aikido --- perfect fit. He was hooked from the first class. 3x a week - in the dojo - with 30 minute sessions is exactly the right prescription. Right across the street from the Red Line Metro --- and free parking garage for drivers like us. The most important part: The instructors are amazing. Patient like saints but with an eye toward discipline. Great instruction at the 5-6 year old level mixed with discipline and exercise. The classes are very disciplined for spacing, too --- all of the students and staff are good about wearing their masks and keeping the students on "their own square" to keep social distance norms intact. So sorry my grandson is going home at the end of this month. Thank you, DC Aikido!

As a parent, there's nothing more concerning than the welfare of your children. Their mental,…read morephysical and emotional health are our responsibilities. So when my wife researched and found Dennis Brown Shaolin Wu-Shu Kung Fu Training Center a little over a year ago, I was thrilled! To say that the staff is awesome is an understatement. Our 10 year old son not only has learned so many valuable techniques to defend himself, but also has competed in international (US Capitol Classics China Open) and local (DC Youth Classics) tournaments. He's consistently getting straight A's in school and his confidence in himself is quite apparent. Grand Master Brown, Master Seto, Master Chisolm & Shifu Victoria are just a few of the leaders that our family are indebted to. We highly endorse and recommend this school !!!

I came here with my buddies towards the end of last year to take a few kickboxing classes with a…read moredeal/promotion found on the internet. Their kickboxing class runs Monday and Wednesday nights and Saturday morning. Their kickboxing classes definitely kicked my butt. For 45 minutes a night, it is non-stop cardio and you will break out a sweat. The instructors that led the class were real professional and knew what they were doing. They lead the class and encourage everybody to work their hardest. The routine is filled with a variety of kicks that primarily build core strength and cardio. I've lost a few pounds from taking these classes, and my buddies (who still take the class) are loving it more than ever. When you wake up the next day feeling sore all over, you know you had a good workout and that is exactly what Dennis' class gives. Furthermore, the staff there are really friendly and personable. Dennis Brown himself teaches the class every now and then and is a pretty awesome dude. To see his accolades, check out their website. I thought this place deserved a better review than I've seen.

This place was great! I was in town for a bachelor party and stopped here for a class. Everyone was…read morevery friendly and welcoming, the class was exactly what I was expecting, very familiar format. Clean and welcoming. I'll absolutely go back when I'm back in town.

I have always been physically active in many sports. I decided to get BJJ a try. I location a BJJ…read moreStudio in Berwyn Heights/ College Park, where I met the owner Joe who welcomed me. I must say after the first class I was hooked. I recommend anyone who is interested in a friendly and knowledgeable atmosphere to come take the 10 day trial class and become part of the BJJ family.

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!!

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.

https://youtu.be/g90i2epDE8U…read more I just completed the 3 week course with Sifu Michael Speights! Learning from him is more then learning an form of self defense, learning from him increase OVERALL self improvement! You body and mind will be inspired and tested as you learn one of China's greatest art forms. He's the real deal, and his teacher was taught by the REAL MASTER YIP MAN. I am humbled, and eager to continue.

Sifu Mike is a very knowledgeable. His genuine enthusiasm for Wing Chun makes him a great teacher…read more With him YOU WILL WORK HARD and become an overall better person in the process.

Wonderful experience! I've been training here for over a year. Great instruction and very clear…read morelevels of advancement. Join with the intent to train and get fit. Hanshi Polander is the genuine article. He is a Master at what he does. As a result, you will learn and you will have improved fitness when you listen, study, follow instruction and carry out the lesson. We have a lot of fun in our classes (adult) and everyone is there to help each other. Highly recommended!

great teachers great training I am glad I made the choice to join Polander academy of martial arts…read moreit makes you feel great and brings out the best in you of your looking to get in to martial arts or want to expand your expertise I highly recommend polander academy

We held my son's birthday party this past weekend at Master Lee's. Master Lee was a consummate…read moreprofessional-both incredibly responsive when scheduling the party and wonderful to deal with at the party itself. He handled 17 little kids (including my 3 year old running around throughout the demonstration) incredibly well and with a ton of patience! We highly highly recommend using this venue for both your tae kwon do and little kid party needs! Thanks again!!

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.

Wonderful group dynamic - serious when needed, easygoing when possible, and always supportive of…read moreeveryone's discipline and growth! Our family is in our third year with Kim Studio, and we love the studio and its teachers more than we can say.

I've been training with Kim Studio for over 25 years. I have visited a lot of other schools out…read morethere, tried a lot of styles, met some great martial artists. But, the people who train at Kim Studio are a cut above: humble, friendly, dedicated, knowledgeable, serious martial artists who train hard. It has been like a second family. It is a safe and welcoming place for kids and adults alike. Whether you are just a beginner or an advanced student wanting to study karate and martial arts at a more serious level, Kim Studio is the place to be.