I signed up for Defend Yourself classes earlier this year. I'm more than halfway through my 10-week…read morecourse and I'm already sad that it's almost over. My class is made up of supportive, encouraging women and I've already found myself using some of the one-liners I've picked up from my instructor, Lauren Taylor. Things like, "your coping mechanisms are not your fault," for example, have been majorly helpful. We've spent weeks learning different defensive maneuvers and hitting targets (which is a major stress reliever) but the course also focuses a lot on assertiveness, from being able to say "no" at work to setting boundaries with harassers, family members and everyone in between. Personally, I've benefited from the lessons on deescalation tactics, learning to stay on MY message, rather than arguing, etc. It's a great course. I highly reccomend it.

Lauren Taylor is a true champion and master teacher. I am the author of Beauty Bites Beast, a…read more"how-come" not "how-to" book about women and setting boundaries. I've also made a movie by the same name. This is all by way of saying that I am not new to the field of women and groups at risk learning to take care of their own boundaries. Lauren is the real deal and I would send my closest friends and family to her in a heart beat.

In the past I always struggled to motivate myself to regularly work out, but that completely…read morereversed when I started coming to N-Flux: I just wish I had more hours in the week for more N-Flux. First of all, the classes are challenging and engaging. The instructors do a great job pushing you just the right amount, so as you learn one thing, there is a new technique to improve. If you're like me and get bored at a regular gym, classes at N-Flux are great because you are building up to something and there is more to think about (although I'll admit my brain gets pretty slow by the end of an intense class, so I can't say *much* thinking happens at that point...). The second thing that makes me excited to get out as much as I can is that the community is incredible -- supportive, kind, funny, diverse, interesting. You definitely don't feel inadequate as someone new and inexperienced: more experienced students are always willing and eager to help out. The instructors work hard to cultivate an environment that is welcoming and supportive. So here I am, probably in the best shape of my life after just a few months, and it felt so easy! Well, not the classes, which are hard in the best kind of way, but I would take heading over to N-Flux any day over tv, social media, reorganizing, or browsing funny animal videos on the internet. If you want to learn martial arts, get in shape, and have fun doing it -- look no further, N-Flux is where it's at!

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.

CDK is a fantastic community welcome to everyone: teens to 60+, women and men, those just…read moreinitiating their journeys to the experienced. It starts from the top with DJ's expertise and a commitment to excellent teaching that he instills in the cadre of passionate instructors - Erica, David, Tay, Ramon, Luke, Rachelle, Victoria, Anna, and Chloe. They all give it their best so you can be your best.

As a beginner, they have been kind, understanding and VERY helpful. I have watched the higher-level…read moreclasses and they do very advanced moves. The two instructors which have taught the majority of classes I have taken are Erica and Anna. They are amazing. If you are interested in self defense, it doesn't matter the age. I am 70 and some of my classmates are in their 20s. It is a great workout, I am learning a lot and improving my skills.

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.

My kids have been going for several months now and enjoy it. The coaches are patient, kind, and…read moremake the class a fun and safe environment to learn. The class schedule is flexible which works well for us. The gym is a decent size and has a good amount of seating for parents. There is also a lot of parking which is nice! Highly recommend this place!

I have attended introductory classes and woman's self defense classes with them in the past and, if…read moreI lived closer, I would've definitely continued to train with them because I believe they're the best in the NOVA area. The instructors are patient, helpful and they teach really well. I highly recommend them!

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.

The Bethesda location gym is simply amazing and specifically coach David is a world class trainer,…read moreteacher and makes the box experience for students at all levels dynamic. Boxing is not only a full body workout but David makes the classes so much fun and motivates you to never give up. He brings the best out of you in all of his classes and as someone who was never a routine gym person boxing for me is simply everything and more and I continue to enlighten and invite others to join!

One coach for the intro to sparring class is terrible. He matched my teenage year old son in…read moresparring with a high school kid and a full grown man much bigger than him, and did nothing as my son got pummeled. He doesn't pay attention, he's always on his phone or helping another fighter while one kid is getting ripped to shreds by someone 60 pounds heavier that him and a half foot taller. He also cursed at my son for asking for help with his headgear. He doesn't help you with advice unless he considers you developed (or if you pay for one on one coaching), and if he doesn't, he ignores you or chastises you when you ask for help. Coach David and Coach Sula are great, I loved their classes, but unfortunately, it doesn't even bump up the rating to two stars. That coach should not be allowed in a gym.

Dear Sensei "Clyde" Takeguchi, It's been an eternity since last I trained with you. I just wanted…read moreto touch base with you and thank you personally for teaching me how to fall. It has on many occasions saved my life and prevented me from sustaining some possible serious injuries. Best regards to you and your Family, JKD Sifu Mike Goldberg USAF Veteran Fort Worth, Texas

The facility is great, the instruction is great, and the dojo operates like a big happy family…read more They will teach you how to fall, how to protect yourself, how to attack, and how to throw (really more like how to cause an attacker to fall down). The dojo is also a not for profit organization, so the dues just cover operating costs for the facility.

Highly qualified instructors (including yours truly), a deep sense of community, and a great…read moreworkout while you learn all there is to learn about the martial art of Aikido. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, or Osensi as Aikido practitioners fondly calls him. This martial art is based on the principles and philosophies of peace, non- violence, and unity/ harmony. Come check out the place if you're looking for a good workout, good people, and good place to learn self-defense. Just be prepared to sweat in the summer time; we don't have a working AC in the training area.

Beautiful Dojo (looks like its straight out of the training scene in "The Matrix"), ample training…read morespace and excellent instruction....what else is there to say? Oh yeah, Saotome Sensei, has been training for 50 years and is one of the last surviving disciples of O-Sensei (Ueshiba) - the founder of Aikido. The dojo is run as a co-operative and your monthly dues allow you to take as many classes as you'd like. I've always liked how the most senior students and instructors are open and available to help the beginners and answer any and all questions about Aikido, etc. There are numerous classes every day and the regular class instructors are all ranked Sandan (3rd black belt) or higher. You can train before work or after. The biggest challenge is getting used to the basic moves and getting comfortable rolling. Once you start rolling with ease, you'll soon find that it's an excellent workout, in addition to a beautiful and spiritual martial art. They also have excellent instruction for children weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Overall: I didn't know Jiu-jitsu gym was a thing. My little…read morebrother wanted to do karate for the longest time since other kids were also doing it. I never had the time to take him. My boyfriend was going to this gym and recommended it to me. With covid going on, I was scared of taking my brother to such activities. However, I was worried for nothing. This gym takes such great precautions with the pandemic. My brother loves coming here and looks forward to it every week. I personally never took a class here, but I would observe on the sidelines when taking my brother. I really recommend this gym and jiu-jitsu practice in general. I have much respect for this gym. The coach: He is a great teacher and especially with kids. He explains moves very well for kids to understand. He teaches discipline and yet still makes it fun for them. The coach offers private classes, which we have been doing until kid's classes open back up. My brother really enjoys his sessions with the coach and other members of the gym. My brother was awkward at first, but as classes went by, he became more comfortable. My brother would talk about his coach and what moves he taught him--shares stories about his new friends and uncles. Pandemic Precautions: Everyone wears masks during sessions. The coach would also sanitize in between sessions. There is hand sanitizer available. They are also temperature checks among arrival. Parking/Locations: The parking is limited in front of the gym. There are many spots to park though. There is additional parking at other Buisness's. Its located in a Neighborhood with lots of mini shops and studios. The gym: It is pretty spacious for private sessions, in regards to big classes. The gym max occupancy would seem to be about fifteen people. The is a bathroom available. Mats are laid out very spaciously. Classes are about an hour. Scheduling classes are very flexible. The gym is closed on Sundays.

It was a amazing experience I enjoyed my time there I learn how to defend myself and I had fun.read more