Coach Dave Carter is amazing. He has the rare ability to teach you basic concepts and string…read moretogether various concepts all within one session. As someone new to MMA, I am finding myself accelerating my learning at a rapid rate. The private sessions are a perfect complement to the group sessions. I highly recommend taking lessons from Coach Dave, he can adjust his teaching to all skill levels.

Constantly attending Jenny's classes and wow gorl!! You are motivational!! Thanks for letting me…read moreblow off some steam and learn to defend myself against stalky creeps.

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.

After a long search I finally found an All Woman's Gym! Absolutely no men around and Absolutely no…read moremean girls! I started in April of 2023 and as of today Jan 19th 2024 I am down 50lbs and have lost 3 dress sizes! The instructors are there because they want to be. They are encouraging, fun, upbeat and have become like family. They push you when you need it and always have an encouraging word when you are struggling to get that last rep in before the buzzer. The other client's are also outstanding and miss you when you are not around. If you are looking for a gym that caters to all ages, sizes and fitness levels then this is the place. Regardless if you are super fit or just getting started you will find that Empower Fitness is your new favorite spot!

So glad I found this gym! I had been going to the drop-in…read moreclasses at Oak Marr Rec Center for about a year (4-5x/week), when my favorite classes started to get so crowded that I had to show up 15-20 minutes early just to get in (and still I'd have to fight for space on the floor) and eventually I pulled something in my back and had to stop exercising for several months. Empower Fitness has everything I wasn't getting at Oak Marr: small, uncrowded classes (that you reserve a spot for); classes on holidays (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day...); workout routines that change regularly and often; and, most importantly, attentive instructors. They teach the proper form for each exercise and keep an eye on you during class, giving suggestions and encouragement. All fitness levels are welcome, and the instructors provide modifications to accommodate ability and injuries. I've been going 12x/month for a year (4-5x/week during the summer) and I am still injury-free and looking forward to every class.

This is the type of gym that I needed. I signed up about two weeks ago right after I returned to…read morethe States. The concept is all about working with a trainer and personal responsibility about your fitness. They don't have an open gym here, it's all either small group training or individualized workouts with a personal trainer. I like the fact that there is structure, because my way to work out- hasn't worked out. My previous goal while I was in Mexico was to workout three times per week. Work and fun always got in the way. Now I am forced to be committed to my personal workouts. You actually get a real workout from the trainers who help you here, and I definitely feel it! Hopefully I will see great results soon!

I went there for physical therapy with Liz Bracken. She is fantastic! I was told by doctors I may…read moreneed back surgery but after many sessions with Liz I don't need it! She uses manual therapy. I was skeptical at first but when she explained how that is done I understood and made perfect sense. I added on sessions for a pins & needles types of pain on bottom of my heel and wrist pain. She said slowly in time they will heal. Both are healed!!! Give her a chance to help you. She will be honest if she feels she can't help you or can't help you any further.

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

Outstanding facility with exceptional coaches across a wide range of martial arts disciplines. I…read moreset up private training sessions while in town. Coach Leah created a custom training plan based on my goals and skill level. Excellent balance of technique, high intensity training, partner work. Even added on post-training vinyasa yoga. From the students to the other coaches to the owner Ajarn Scott Howard, all around world-class experience.

I was worried when moving from Los Angeles to the Washington DC area that I wouldn't be able to…read morefind a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school for myself and my two kids. I am thankful that I found the Yamasaki Springfield location. I tried out several different schools in the area and finally settled on Yamasaki because it felt like the perfect fit between the kids and adults programs. My kids train both judo and jiu jitsu at the school and both programs are great. Coach Mo is a great judo coach and they have a dozen or so black belts able to assist the kids classes on a regular basis. My son's take downs and standup have improved dramatically since training judo there. Professor Neto does a great job teaching both the kids classes and the adults class. The kids classes are the perfect balance of discipline and fun. Neto explains the various techniques with an extremely high level of detail and thoroughness. The adult classes have a good mix of beginners and advanced students. There are several black belts that attend class and can lead the class if Neto is away. The academy is air conditioned and comfortable in the summer months and Neto is a stickler keeping the mats clean.

My son has been coming here for over a year now and without a doubt has been a great experience for…read morehim. The facility is clean and the instructors are professional and very experienced. Most importantly they make it fun for a 7-year old. Another big plus is the number of senseis available per student. The small ratio gives a more in-depth teaching per student which at times may be required. Overall a great place to train and grow! Looking forward to seeing my son advance! Enjoy.

The reviews for Oakton Strength Systems were really good, and so I was prepared to sign up with…read morethem quickly. But after getting an initial acknowledgement from them, I hadn't heard back, and I was actively looking for a new gym. So I went with another -- but in fairness, it was only like 12 hours later, and they were really good about it when I told them I'd made other plans. It was just that I needed a new gym soon, as my old membership had just ended. I have a good feeling about these guys, so when the time is right, I'd like to give them another try.

I've worked with 2 trainers so far and they are each very helpful and knowledgeable and explain…read morethings well. I am probably one of their older clients and I started having balance problems and fell a few times. I decided to go to OSS to feel better and be safer. After 2 months I am stronger and steadier! Thanks to Terrence and Laura! I actually enjoy going there. Another good thing is the ease of scheduling and the consistency.

Kaizen has cultivated a love of MMA in my active and often unfocused son since he was 6 years old…read moreand it's been 3 years running. He's learned fighting and defensive techniques, discipline, and how to show respect and I am very grateful to the team there. Special shout out to Senpai Matt, who has been phenomenal and has a master touch in gently and positively redirecting and motivating my boy when he gets distracted (which is often)!!! Definitely recommend!!

My daughter attends their after-school care program and enjoys it quite a bit. Each day is a…read moredifferent discipline; Thursday is game day and Friday is something different so the kids do not get burned out. The staff are wonderful with the kids; they know how to communicate with all the age ranges that are there. My daughter always feels respected and challenged. I will keep her in the program as long as possible.