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.

I am enrolled in the Muay Thai program here at Fairfax Karate. It is a great program and I am in…read moremuch better shape than I was before. I may even consider taking an amateur fight. Najim, the coach is great. He is very technical in his instructions but still very understanding that it takes time to learn the techniques. Plus he has a strong competitive record: Multiple Sabaki (full contact Enshin Competition) wins and multiple Muay Thai Titles. It should be noted that some of the techniques are modified compared to pure Muay Thai to more of a Dutch style of Muay Thai. The classes run one hour, with about 10 minutes of warm up and stretching, about 40 minutes of technique training, and then about 10 minutes of calisthenics at the end. The varieties of techniques vary class to class ranging from the very basics to sparring for the more experience students. Also available are: Children and Adult Karate - I don't know a ton about these but have seen Najim coaching the children's classes and the kids seem to be learning alot of good techniques and still having a ton of fun. Also Enshin Karate, being a combination of kickboxing and Judo, does teach many techniques that are very real world usable should the students need them in an actual self defense situation. Gracie Jiu Jitsu - These classes are taught by Toney Waldecker, a blackbelt under Relson Gracie, son of Helio Gracie - the inventor of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I don't know a lot about these classes either but Toney seems to be a very good trainer and Relson visits the dojo a few times a year it seems.

Took my 5- and 8-year-old to Six Blades Jiu Jitsu Nova for a free trial. The environment is…read moreno-nonsense and clearly built around serious training-- which as an Army veteran is something I personally respect and felt at home in, especially given the military-style banter. That said, I didn't find the tone ideal for younger kids. There was language and phrasing ("kick his ass!") that I didn't feel was appropriate for children, and I was disappointed by comments made toward boys being beaten by girls ("You'll walk home if you lose to a girl")--not exactly the message I want either of my kids internalizing. The instructors are absolutely skilled and committed, but they treat the kids like mini adults, which may work for some families, but not ours. We ended up going with another gym that's more youth-focused, closer to home, and offers more affordable memberships with military and family discounts. I think Six Blades would be great for adult students or older teens looking for high-level instruction, but it just wasn't the right fit for our young kids. Edited for further context: For further context, what the owner describes as "jovial" banter included quotes from coaches during the kids' training session: * "Kick his ass!" * "Whoop his ass!" * "You better not lose to a girl!" * "If you lose to a girl, you're walking home!" * "Pay attention, dammit!" "Banter" implies the kids could respond with witty comebacks--but what would they realistically say to grown men in a position of authority? They simply complied. That said, I truly appreciate the owner's openness to constructive feedback. It makes me feel more confident in my decision as a parent. For now, we'll stick with the more "budget" and kid-friendly option -- at least until my children are old enough to clap back at demeaning and misogynistic comments with confidence and humor that comes with maturity.

My son has been training at Six Blades three times a week for seven months. He's had the best…read moreexperience! The instructors are extremely skilled at jiu-jitsu and are natural teachers. The kids children's classes are full of super sweet kids and friendly parents. The community is very welcoming and I'm so grateful to have found it.

Henry is an awesome teacher for kids. He is very patient with my 3.5 year old who is the youngest…read morein class. He takes his time teaching him. He made sure my son does understands the activity. Would def recommend for tots ninja classes!

The more involved I become with Black Belt, the more impressed I am…read more The teachers are amazing, the manager, Mr. E, is incredible and the culture of this studio is that of a family - they literally want what's best for you. My preschooler started and months in, says it's the best part of his day. My elementary school daughter started taking classes here, and has become so strong that I started to wonder if she was going to have to protect me should we ever become unlucky enough to be stuck in a dangerous situation. I started taking adult classes two weeks ago for self defense (I'm petite and female - I always feel like a vulnerable target) and fitness (gyms are not my thing) - I couldn't be more impressed. From the first class, I walked away feeling powerful, capable, and confident that I was learning tangible skills - I was punching a punching bag (never in my life have I ever...) and kicking dummies. I walked away with at least 2-3 pearls that knew I could use immediately, and my muscle soreness implied that I got a good workout. I love that taekwondo is not a cardio-driven sport. Mr. Henry teaches kids and adults, and contextualizes the class and content to the skill level of every person in the class. Even though a class may have students at different levels, they are able to make each class propel students forward but at their own pace. The discipline your kids will pick up will amaze you. My kids ( on their own) started saying 'Yes, Mama. Yes, Daddy.' like they were responding to a drill sergeant, and while it was weird for a sec, I gotta say, I really appreciate it now. Their after school program is great - they will bus your kid from a handful of schools in the area, and will provide a snack, then many kids work on homework. STEM classes are an add-on. But what someone else said about the culture is totally true - they foster a familial culture - older kids help younger kids with homework and the younger kids have great role models ('She's a black belt. When I become a black belt.....') to look up to. This program includes taekwondo classes every day. Their summer camp is a hidden gem - the rates are extremely reasonable and includes field trips every day (at least during the non COVID era). The other thing I love? This sounds so stupid, but they have a microwave and a fridge, and will take your kid around University Mall to buy lunch if that's what they want - this means no more panic attacks at 10:30 PM about what shelf-stable/no-heat lunch you can make for your kid out of your cabinet (or 'OMG I can't believe I forgot to freeze the ice pack' mornings), and it also has taught my kids some life skills about being able to order meals for themselves. This program includes taekwondo classes every day. It's free to try a class. Try it and decide for yourself if it's for you/your kid or not - most kids are hooked after the first class. There are 'Bring a parent to class' days so you can get a feel for it yourself. They are so confident in their program and teachers that they offer a $40 for a free uniform and 2 weeks of classes deal. If it's not for you or your child, they are happy for you to part ways. But the pride that these kids have for the stripes and the belts that they (and myself) earn - that value is immeasurable. As they get older, they will have more formal tests to move onto the next belt. Early on, they will get experience with being judged, critiqued (where their only opponent is themselves, not another) and provided with constructive criticism - all crucial life experiences. I could go on and on. If you've ever given it a thought - give it a try, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

I have two children, 8 and 5 yo, enrolled in King Khong MMA and been extremely happy with how the…read moreprogram is run. The classes instill discipline and confidence in the children. They learned of a lot of Jiu Jitsu skills and actively practice the moves in class to progress. Master Bao along with assistant Master Zezao and Leo help provide direction and positive atmosphere. Happy to recommend to anyone as a parent.

This is a gym I love to come to at least 2-3 times a week. Coach Bao (owner) created a family…read moreoriented environment where we can come and sweat our tails off. King Kong MMA pushes you physically and mentally every time you step foot in the door. Learning self defense is a vital skill to own. It keeps you in shape but not only that, you stand a better chance protecting you and your loved ones. I've tried other MMA gyms in the area but they don't compare to king Khong. The instructors are 100% attentive & they even train you to fight competitively! The gym is clean (super important) Life feels so much more exciting now that this is a part of my life !

I was told $99/month by Dietrich then later $199/month by the blond assistant. I questioned the…read morechange in price and told her to forget it and started to walk out. Then she it would be 99/m instead. So which is it?

Great way to release stress and workout!!!read more

Mt. Kim Martial Arts was the first school I ever practiced taekwondo at as a child. The instructors…read morethere taught me to focus and use self-discipline, which as a spacey and chatty child was something I needed. I was so excited to see they opened a new location in Burke! Master Park is an excellent instructor and the community is very friendly.

My kids have attended classes here for the last two years. I can't speak highly enough about it…read more They really enjoy the classes and think the instructors are fun, funny, and nice - while providing a disciplined classroom environment. They tend to compare these instructors to a previous one in another city who was a little too hardcore for the kids. Instructors Aaron, Rebecca, and the others seems to understand how to maintain the proper level of discipline and fun to keep the kids interested and enjoying the classes. One thing I should note - the beginner classes tended to include a lot more standing in line waiting to do something than I expected. But once they advanced to intermediate, the classes became much more active and efficient.

AGMA is the perfect fit for our family. My son started in the Tigers Program (4 & 5 yr olds) soon…read moreafter the Fairfax Station location opened. Since starting Taekwondo at AGMA, he's gained confidence, improved manners, balance, and physical strength. My son has made friends with other students and been able to look up to his instructors as role models. The staff at AGMA is great at communicating with parents, updating us on our child's progress and offering plenty of options for working parents. All AGMA instructors are excellent with kids and work with each child individually to improve skills and build positive character traits. My son now loves going to the after school program where he's able to have fun, train and develop good homework habits. He is also looking forward to AGMA summer camp! I recommend AGMA to everyone! As a local family-owned and operated business with terrific an enthusiastic instructors and facilities, I feel that it is the best option for kids and adults seeking Martial Arts training in the Fairfax area. I want to add that AGMA is now offering Zoom Taekwondo classes. While the studio is currently closed due to Covid-19, my kids are continuing their lessons Monday - Thursday and on Saturday! TKD class is the highlight of their day! In fact, AGMA is starting a class next week 4/20/20 for first-timers (no belts). You can register for virtual classes on the website, http://www.rvtkd.com/virtualclasses.html

We LOVED this dojang and only stopped going when we moved. I and my two sons would highly recommend…read moreit to anyone! Master Andrew is amazing with kids and his staff is super caring. He has high standards and helps kids reach those standards through hard work and perseverance. The summer camps were also great quality. My kids always rushed me out the door in the morning to go.

This place has a really supportive and welcoming community. Both coaches and students are very…read moreaccepting and focused on everyone succeeding at their own pace.

Amazing instruction, the staff is very supportive and knowledgeable, the camaraderie is…read moreexceptional! Fantastic place to train!