Aikido has been on my bucket list since I took an introductory course on it as a college freshman…read more This year I opted to finally get started with it, after I spotted H&E here on yelp being close to home. Having studied Zen Buddhism and Bushido while younger, the core philosophy of Aikido very much catered to what I was seeking in a martial art. In my 2 months of practice I have found Sensei Ericksen to be an experienced and patient teacher with a unique style (no two classes will ever be the same outside of ritual), but he is also an admirable human being on a personal level which I find very important in a coach of any kind. One of the coolest aspects of practicing Aikido at H&E is the variety of students. I have practiced with young children as well as senior citizens. The dojo is filled with a wide variety of friendly students and instructors, and is open to learners of any age, gender, or athletic level. Some of Sensei's key teaching philosophies is that students should constantly practice outside of their comfort zones, and you will also find yourself teaching others while learning. This real world grounding towards training and communal learning format is time tested across generations and simply a more positive experience. For those out there seeking a novel way to get in more exercise I can certainly attest that classes will be a workout. Sensei will never ask you to do what you are physically unable to, and is a keen observer for any health concerns or nagging injuries. That being said, he has no qualms pushing you to your limits, wherever they lay that day. 2 months in, I have yet to not be sore after a class, and I am usually breaking a healthy sweat before warm ups have finished. For anyone on the fence on taking martial arts, or not convinced of the practicality of learning a self defense technique centered on not harming one's aggressors, I would invite you to try some classes and see how you feel afterward. There are a number of elements to physical fitness, and in my 2 months of classes at H&E I have found all of them challenged so far.

From the owner: AIKIDO. Heaven and Earth Aikido is affiliated with The…read moreUnited States Aikido Federation and The Aikikai World Headquarters in Japan. Our purpose is to provide instruction in the martial art of Aikido according to the principles of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido is a path of self development that leads to physical, mental and spiritual improvement. Every other Wednesday night we have meditation and we host a Medieval German Weapons practice group on Sunday mornings.

LBE is the best program I could have possibly enrolled my kids in. I've got an eleven year old who…read moreis learning self & emotional control, and a seven year old who is finding a place to channel her energy. They have fun while learning incredible skills. The staff are AMAZING. Cannot recommend them more!

Mr Andrew and the other instructors are amazing. It feels like a small community. It has taught my…read morechildren confidence and self reliance.

I enjoy learning from the excellent staff . I feel challenged but encouraged . My balance has…read moreimproved 75 percent . Bonnie Bowers

This is an outstanding school and I am extremely happy I found it…read more My health is really what drove me to try this place out. As I got older, I started developing back problems. I did a ton of research on ways to strengthen my core, and Kung Fu repeatedly came up as a recommendation. Reviews like the ones here helped guide me to the Jow Ga Shaolin Institute. I was hesitant to take on Kung Fu as a middle aged adult. I had always considered martial arts as a younger person's sport and didn't want to be the older new guy in a sea of 12-15 year olds. My experiences at JGSI have totally eliminated that misconception. The classes are diverse in age and experience levels. The instructors are patient and adjust their teachings to the individual they're working with. The other students are warm, welcoming and extremely supportive. The classes themselves are challenging, but rewarding. They focus on concentration, stability, meditation, and strength with styles rooted in both traditional Northern and Southern forms. The school is well rounded and teaches multiple styles and solid technique, as well as real life applications of the forms. They also stay true to the culture of Kung Fu and support the history and tradition that has made this art form so great. It doesn't matter if you are looking for self-defense or exercise, discipline or focus, you can find each of those and more at the Jow Ga Shaolin Institute.

The instructors are very knowledgeable and are great at teaching kids. The studio has a friendly…read moreand positive vibe, with fellow students supportive. Our children have improved a ton going here and always look forward to class.

Hard work Martial Arts Incredible place for kids, My…read morechildren going since last year to Hard work Martial Arts camp. They love it. They are having great time at water park and field trip. They have developed a lot of flexibility and strength. They made friends. The Coach is really knowledgeable and nice person. He doesn't hesitate to help. The staff is very good and friendly.I have recommended to other families to this place. I would say one of best place I ever had found.

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!

From the owner: Phantom Jiu Jitsu Academy is dedicated to bringing high level instruction to the Herndon, Virginia…read morearea. Headed by BJJ black belt, Frank Rosenthal, Phantom Jiu Jitsu Academy provides a fun and safe learning environment for individuals to adopt the ideals of Jiu Jitsu and incorporate them into their everyday life. From day one white belts to experienced competitors, Phantom Jiu Jitsu is here to provide you with the Jiu Jitsu experience you need.

We have been going here for over a month now and really enjoy it . It's really generous that the…read moreowner lets the kids try out the program for a free two week trial. My son had never participated in anything like this before but as soon as he had his first class he really loved it and kept asking to continue . I like how the coaches don't treat the kids like babies and add a sense of discipline. Jake is one of the coaches there and it's really awesome to see him calling the kids by their names and supporting them throughout the class.

First off, I am obsessed with Muay Thai. Been training since 2014 and competing since 2017, with 3…read moremonths training in Thailand. I'm not a great fighter at all but muay thai is something I truly love. I look forward to it at the end of the day and see it as something that gives and rejuvenates me rather than taking away from me. Anyways, I came to TAG MT during a business trip and had known about this school already from watching TAG MT youtube instructional vids. I came early and got to see the kids class. It's a great balance of technical drills but also having lots of fun as the reward. The coaches are great and the kids look up to them, fully engaged and are adorable in their big Muay Thai shorts :P Head Instructor Kru Chris Aboy has an amazing personality and teaching style. His encyclopedic knowledge and teaching methodology is phenomenal. He can read each student individually while also making adjustments to the class as a whole depending on where everyone is at with the previous drill. You don't feel left behind at all. Coach James is amazing as well leading the partner drills and demos (for both Kids + Adults). In general, Phase 1 covers fundamental techniques including movement, defense, attacks, and counters through progressive partner drills. Coaches will demo technique, then go around reading students and providing helpful corrections and explaining the reasons why. Calistechnics and shadowboxing in-between rounds really push the conditioning. Controlled sparring drills towards the end adds just enough unpredictability yet retaining safety and technique. Phase 2 builds upon Phase 1 and adds in more advanced drills, focusing on more advanced strategies and technical sparring. For seasoned nak muay, TAG offers an in-depth knowledge and well rounded in all aspects. I really love their elbow/knee/clinch game. Nothing is watered down at all. I learned a LOT of new details to improve my technique is just one session. Most importantly, I felt taken care of and safe the entire time. If you live in the DC Metro Area and are interested in learning Muay Thai, whether it's for self-defense or competition, I strongly suggest checking out TAG Muay Thai. You will learn authentic, pure hard-hitting Muay Thai at TAG, along with the humility and respect of Traditional Muay Thai.

I am really impressed with the coaches and management at this location. I began learning boxing…read morefundamentals with a personal trainer and when I outgrew him, started to look for a place that would help me advance. I'm so glad I tried UFC! The manager, Weber, is really engaged with the members. He knows everyone's name and ensures that they are getting the experience they want. The coaches I've worked with so far are very experienced, fun, and help each member individually. Lorenzo is fantastic. It is clear he cares about each of his students and knows how to help them whatever level they are at. If you are looking for a boxing/kickboxing/Jujitsu gym with a great community, try UFC!

I've been a member for long time. very good equipment, nice staff. only wish they were open more…read morehours.

It's rare when you get an opportunity to learn Jiu Jitsu under this level of a lineage. I…read morepersonally know multiple people (both instructors and students) from One Spirit, and I'm nothing short of impressed. The environment is professional, clean, and best of all, very welcoming! Pedro Sauer is a legend, and he has created an amazing legacy of grapplers around the world. It's an honor to know and have a connection with One Spirit! If you are in the area, and you are looking for more than just "a place to train," then I highly recommend you check them out! Amazing BJJ School!

Excellent World conference 2015 and Winter Camp. All levels, all ages, and both male & female…read morewere present. The instructors are very professional! And all the students are also respectful and helpful. Highly recommend taking one of Pedro Sauer's courses or seminars. This is our second time at Winter Camp, we drove over 4 hrs to get here. We are very impressed. The NEW LOCATION is GREAT! Master Pedro Sauer's instruction is the epitome of the art and philosophy of Jiu Jitsu! As we mentioned last year - if you live near here... definitely try it...well worth it. We wish there were instructors as great as Pedro and Team Sauer near our hometown. Cannot thank them AND Pedro Sauer enough. Don't miss this gem!!!