I had the impulse today (not for the first time), to thank Frank for his patience. I decided to…read morewrite this long overdue review instead. To begin with, Phantom has a culture that is friendly, competitive, safe, and welcoming to every level of skill and experience. I started two years ago as a 36 year old woman, with no previous martial arts background. I never felt dismissed or ignored. Frank paid as much attention to me on day one as he would to any other member. I have never been afraid I was going to get injured on the mats, or that my partner would be a bully, because that is not the culture that Frank has developed. I am small, but I can train knowing my partner and I will play games based on good positions rather than just size and strength. Members greet each other and make small talk before class. There is no visible drama. Frank's instructions when demonstrating are clear and precise. His lesson plans are clearly thought out, and often build on previous units. I appreciate that he is punctual, and that he doesn't waste our time with filler stuff like conditioning or a prolonged warmup. It is all dense learning and drilling, followed by training. Additionally, I have never met a business owner who was so generous with their time. He regularly stays late after class to monitor and assist students who want to continue to drill and train. He has given me additional assistance and instruction whenever I have asked. I'm not special in this regard. I believe he is genuinely invested in his students development, and will match the time you are willing to put in with his own. Finally, this is one of the cleanest gyms I've ever been to. The mats are sanitized at least twice a day. The bathrooms are clean. The atmosphere is modern. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to give it a try.

My husband has been going here for over a year and loves it. He says there's professional trainers,…read morestructured (and open/sparring too) training and is an overall a high quality academy. Recommend for anyone - not sure of the age limits but it looks like they have all types of weight classes. Go in and ask for "Frank" the owner and he will get you set up!

This place is amazing. I tried my first class here and immediately loved it…read more From the start, everyone made me feel welcomed and comfortable. The environment is friendly, supportive, and perfect for beginners, which made starting jiu-jitsu feel way less intimidating than I expected. Huge shoutout to Professor Hani, Professor Sean, Coach Alex, and Amber for being patient, kind, and genuinely helpful. It really feels like a family here and everyone takes the time to support you as you learn. They also offer classes for all ages and levels, including kids, adults, beginners, and more advanced students. And for all the ladies who are interested in an all-women's class, they also have that available at this location. If you are thinking about trying jiujitsu, this is a great place to start. Your first class is free and they make it very easy to get started, just call ahead before coming in.

My daughter has been enrolled here for almost 2 years and she and I really love the location and…read morethe people. She has no prior martial arts experience. The professors and coaches all have made meaningful connections with her and built a wonderful community of people, even sometimes having events and potlucks for that purpose, which we've enjoyed. They prioritize safety and I often hear them correcting and redirecting, explaining to the participants what their safety concern is. They model such an excellent camaraderie that it permeates the other students as well and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. My daughter has had some really amazing experiences here like special seminars, competitions, and once they even helped her attend a special women's class at another Gracie Barra location. She always enjoys her time in class, even the really hard ones, and has made some great friends. They've been accommodating of our schedule when we've needed to pause her membership and have a very easy process for that if needed. I highly recommend GB Great Falls.

I can't say enough good things about Team Passos! Been training here for 3 years and I am so…read moregrateful. The quality of instruction and curriculum are top-notch, great facility, but more than anything the culture of respect, community, and support is amazing. We have hard core competitors and hobbyists training together and having a blast. Come join us!

Team passos is truly a world class Jiu Jitsu Academy, the best in area. I have been training here…read morefor the past two years. The professors are outstanding and truly care about the students. There is strong sense of community and everyone is welcomed regardless of their gender, age or fitness level. If you're looking to improve your Jiu Jitsu, adopt a healthier lifestyle or make new friends. Give team passos a try, you will love it!

I still remember the first time I walked through those doors many years ago, and to this day,…read moreDisciple MMA continues to give me the same feeling--a warm welcome and a true sense of family. That's exactly what I look for in a martial arts gym, and Disciple MMA delivers that and so much more. Whether your goal is to compete, learn practical self-defense, or simply get in the best shape of your life, you'll find everything you need here. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping every student reach their goals, no matter their experience level. I couldn't recommend Disciple MMA more highly. If you're looking for a place where you'll grow both on and off the mats, this is it.

Great place to train!! Took me from a 0 to a hero in no time. Great team of people thereread more

I have been going to American Tob Team Ashburn for a little over a month now, and I really can't…read moresay enough great things about this place! For context, I am 40 years old with almost no combat sports experience, so I was a bit anxious/intimidated before starting the classes. That didn't last long though as the coaches and other athletes here are all extremely friendly and welcoming. The training is top notch and the coaches are exceptional at what they do. You will not only learn the skills but also get an awesome workout. They also offer a wide range of disciplines (ju-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, muay thai) and usually have around 10 different classes daily from early morning to later in the evening to accommodate for different schedules. They have definitely created a great culture and community at this gym and I look forward to continuing my journey here.

I love this little place for my daughter! I wasn't expecting it to be so packed with kids when we…read morefirst walked in and Top Team had so many girls making it easier for my daughter to fit right in with new training. Very happy with how everyone is treated and everything is organized in sections. Definitely will be recommending this place to anyone that asks about it.

Coach Lima was one of the best parts of my experience at Kaizen…read more He's super level-headed, honest, and actually takes the time to help you improve, no matter your skill level. You can tell he genuinely cares about the people in the gym and isn't just going through the motions. I really respect people who are straightforward, patient, and helpful. and he checks all those boxes. If you're training here, you're in good hands with him.

Kaizen MMA has been apart of my life since 2020, and it has changed me for the better. It helped me…read moregain confidence for myself, during a time where I was lacking such. This place challenged me, and ultimately made me a better fighter and better person both mentally and especially physically. The MMA/Kickboxing classes are top notch, and I've made many friends during my time there. If you want good exercise and good teaching (shoutout coach Jay, Eduardo, and sensei nima!) this is the place to be at. I'll never forget kaizen and all it's done for me. Highly recommend! 10/10

I had the pleasure of meeting the awesome staff at Kaizen MMA/Enshin Karate a few weeks ago when I…read morepicked up my nieces from their Day Camp Program. My sister had searched high and low for a reputable place to put the kiddies in and happened upon the Karate Day Camp. With all the foolishness in the world, this Auntie is happy to know that her nieces are protected and cared for by "Handsome" MMA trained professionals that could snap an assailants wind pipe with one quick karate chop. (Yep that's how I feel .. smile) The girls get the required exercise time and calorie burn that most American children refuse to get with that unhealthy connection to tablets and video games that prevent them from riding bikes and visiting playgrounds. I watched through a glass window as children completed sessions of bear crawls, mountain climbers, side rolls and various other exercises that would make the average child cry (small laugh). They listened to their Sensei and showed him respect during his instructions... another attribute lacking in our youth today. My nieces seemed happy as they engaged with other staff and older school aged teenagers hired during the summer for additional help. This establishment reinforces discipline and the instructors convey any and all concerns to the twin about the girls. A perfect co-parenting relationship. The nieces informed me that they also attend fun-filled field trips and also have many trips to the pool. The Dojo Mommy helps the little ones change so no parent need fret about the thought of their little girls interacting with male staff in the bathrooms. Also of note, the facility is super clean, offers an activity area upstairs and rents their space for Birthday parties. My sister invited me to her Boot Camp session and after one hour of circuit training I was sweating up a storm. Instructor Mike had these legs, arms and thighs on fire. I was glad to know that while the girls received their workouts, classes here, were created to keep parents and aunties Just as Fit. We know that all great things must come to an end and I hate that my sister will have to leave this amazing place when she moves with her military husband next year. Next year my nieces will be more fit, more confident and prepared for self defense. You can tell the instructors love what they do, love the children and know that the children love them. On my last day of vacation we picked up the girls and I watched some MMA students completing warm ups with their instructor and created some new fitness goals for myself. Kaizen MMA has what you're looking for and more, highly recommended! Da Islandgal29412

I used to love this location (Fairfax) of Kaize . However, recent changes have made me decide to…read morepull my kids out and go to a different location. My kids are in the youngest age group (under 7). They used to be taught by adult Sempais, and I could see them gaining skills, self control, respect, etc. But this location recently changed to allowing older kids to serve as Sempais and run the class. These kids don't have any experience with teaching children - they're still children themselves. The focus of classes has shifted from learning skills to just "conditioning" - running, sit-ups, push-ups, etc. And these child instructors just don't have the self-control to serve as instructors. At the end of most classes, the Sensei/Sempai ends with a fun game to conclude on a fun note. But recently, the child Sempai leading a dodgeball-type game got carried away and way too competitive and was throwing the ball full force into little kids' faces. I saw a 4 yr old get slammed in the face (by the Sempai) so hard she fell down. And the Sempai appeared to like it and continued to throw full full force at other 4, 5, and 6 year olds. That was the breaking point for me. The other Kaizen locations are good, and we'll stick to those ones.

This review is from a mom's POV for the academy's kids' program. I don't take choosing a place for…read moremy kids lightly, especially when it comes to something as physical, formative, and values-driven as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Enrolling my kids in the kid's program at ABJJA Abmar Barbosa Jiu‑Jitsu Academy has been one of the best decisions we've made as a family. From day one, what stood out immediately was the standard of care. Hygiene and cleanliness are clearly non-negotiable here. The mats, the space, the routines, everything reflects deep respect for the kids' health and safety. As a parent, that peace of mind matters more than words can say. This is, without question, the best kids BJJ program in the area. The class flow is incredibly strategic, thoughtfully structured, developmentally appropriate, and somehow still pure fun. My kids are engaged the entire time. They're learning discipline, body awareness, confidence, and resilience while having a blast. What truly sets ABJJA apart is the environment. It is warm, safe, and deeply supportive. The coach-to-student ratio is impressive, and it shows. Every child is seen. Every child is guided. The coaches go above and beyond; not just teaching technique, but encouraging effort, kindness, and growth. The support given to the kids feels personal, not transactional. The community here is something special. It's welcoming, respectful, and values-driven. You can feel that this academy cares about raising strong humans, not just good athletes. And finally, value. The class options, the access, the level of coaching, and the overall experience make this an incredible value for money. You get far more than you pay for. If you're a parent searching for a martial arts program that prioritizes safety, excellence, character, and joy, this is it. We feel incredibly grateful to have found ABJJA. It's not just an academy; it's a place where kids are genuinely nurtured and empowered.

The training is truly designed to create winners. When juggling a full-time job and a lot of…read morepersonal responsibilities, training at Abmar's feels like therapy because it is the one place where everything else fades away and the only focus is on improving on the mats. The **coaching** is patient, detail-oriented, and encouraging, and the training partners are supportive, which makes the whole environment both challenging and welcoming.