I trained at BETA Academy for the summer while working in D.C., and I can't recommend it enough…read more The coaching is technical and detail-oriented, the training partners are welcoming at every level, and the room has a genuinely friendly culture with zero ego. Classes are well-structured whether you're drilling fundamentals or looking for hard rounds, and the facility itself is clean and well-kept. The front desk and staff were also great to work with from sign-up to my last day. If you're in D.C., this is the place to train. I'll be back next summer.

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

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.

Evolve All is awesome and I am pleased to leave a review of them…read more I recently checked out Evolve All since I was in town but wanted to train (muay thai/striking) in a friendly learning environment. I was in town for such a short time that it'd be better for me to drop-in classes rather than buying a monthly membership. Evolve All was just the place for that. The owner, Emerson, made me feel welcome when he responded to my inquiry saying that he'll find me someone who'll work with me. That special attention to individuals is definitely what separates a warm/welcoming gym from the rest of the pack. When I went to train, I saw how beautiful the space is. Green and white mats lined practically everywhere. Coach Elijah worked with me and another student and I can honestly say that if I were still in Arlington, VA (I returned to Philly), I would be a member of Evolve All because of my interactions with the staff/coaches, the facility, and the training + community there. Overall, Evolve All is a great family-oriented gym. I can't recommend it enough for anyone who is searching for their next spot to train and looking to level up while still feeling like part of a friendly/welcoming community.

This review is from the perspective of someone new to DC and new to martial arts. I tried two other…read moregyms before settling on EvolveAll. There was hardly a contest, in terms of the welcome my roomie and received, as well as the kindness of the staff and owner. I chose a BJJ membership where I have the opportunity to join about three classes per week (as a beginner, more as you grow), access to a weight-lifting space, and free reign to practice rolling when there is a free mat. I CANNOT speak enough about the amazing crew that runs EvolveAll. The owner and general manager take the time to truly make you feel welcomed and excited to be in their space. The instructors are of the highest level and ensure that you understand new moves and drills on an individual level. They make sure to invite experienced members to the beginner classes so that way new members can train with someone who's comfortable with the movements. I HIGHLY recommend EvolveAll for individuals of all ages, skill levels, and fitness. Every class starts with some conditioning, goes into a couple of moves, and ends with optional free rolling.

This is the best school in the DMV for authentic Capoiera Angola taught in a warm atmosphere that…read moreis welcoming and of high quality. The instruction is top-notch across all areas of the art, including music and movements. Also, the founder and director, Dale Marcellin, ontinues to hone his skill with regular trips to Bahia, Brazil, which builds off his long-time training under the famed master Cobra Mansa, as well training under Grandmaster Joao Grande. My pre-teen son has been a devoted student of Dale at Universal Capoiera for about a year and a half. While my son is currently the only kid in the school, he is mentored will with very positive adults and challenged in a healthy environment. Dale's senior students are also extremely supportive and helpful. As an example, the Friday night Beginners class taught by one the more experienced students provides an ideal intro to Capoiera, with effective instruction in the basics. This is THE place to quickly learn traditional Capoiera Angola in DC.

I joined the academy about a year ago, and this place has become my second home. The environment is…read morevery relaxed and warm, and everyone there is like family. The head instructor was a student of Cobra Mansa and Joao Grande, so his game is tight. My game has evolved so fast, that most people think Ive been playing all my life. Stop by this place and get ready to sweat.

This has been the best place for my daughter in the past year-she has absolutely loved coming to…read moreclasses here and loves all the instructional staff here who are all incredible in what they do as teachers but also as role models and mentors. We tried a few places before going here but none matched what we were looking for which is a community for our daughter but also balanced discipline with solid instructional guidance. She has now earned her way through a few graduation belts and continues to thrive. Most important she looks forward to her weekly class schedule which have now become part of her routine. She is always welcome here with first name as the master knows every student and is always encouraging. Our son will be starting here as well in a few months. here

I've been with this studio for almost four years and recently received my black belt from them…read more This place is like a community of support where you are rewarded for doing your best. I'm also jumping in to disagree with Christine H's review. Granted, the space is small, but dirty? I constantly see the instructors cleaning it. I get the feeling that Christine is expecting a million-dollar mansion and for her child to be treated like a saint. Yes, they discipline the kids...but do you expect them to run wily-nily sans discipline? Better the studio instill discipline in these children while they're young instead of letting bad behavior go unchecked. Another misconception is that more than one kids' class goes on at once---not true. The kids' classes are large and are split in smaller groups which each instructor is assigned to handle. Yes, the space is small, but we work with what we've got. Obviously it's a great studio because for every student who leaves, more sign up.

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!

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).

One of my besties has been a member here for months and finally dragged me to a full class. A lot…read moreof the folks there were pretty experienced and I was very much a beginner but the instructors were very patient and friendly and good about meeting people at their individual experience levels. I don't have a lot of flexibility so they gave me some modifications for some of the exercises that were much more achievable for me. The facility is super clean and easy to get to.

When me & my friends went for the group private training. It was a friendly environment , the…read moreinstructor was great & the training was amazing. Definitely be coming back soon.