I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a student of Grandmaster Dong's teachings. I started…read moretaking classes because my daughter was, and I thought it might be good for my health and fitness. Initially, during my first class, I remember thinking, "nope, this is not for me!" I felt way too uncoordinated and clumsy to do any of it. But I was encouraged to hear from the other students that they felt that way at first too, but then they started to get the hang of it. And so I kept coming back and I got the hang of it too. Eventually, my husband, our daughter and I all earned our first-degree blacks belt from Grandmaster Dong's School. Our daughter got hers first, when she was 16. And the confidence she gained from her sticking it out, even when she didn't feel like it and accomplishing her goal--and honoring her commitment--was life-changing for her. I use what I've learned from my training in every day life. I have become much stronger and my balance is much improved, and I move around much more efficiently and am quick on my feet. My reflexes are faster. I have also had use my skills to actually defend myself recently, and I was able to do so effectively and automatically, without hesitation. Everyone needs to know how to defend themselves, especially women. But what I have gained from training goes far beyond the utility of self-defense. I'm stronger overall mentally and physically. One example is last summer-my husband and I decided to take a surfing lesson. He was 50 and I was 48. Surfing is not easy! It requires a significant amount of strength and stamina to pop up, balance and stand (or crouch) and actually stay upright and ride a wave. Well I was able to do it on my first attempt. If I had not been doing martial arts regularly, there's no way I would have been able to get myself up on the board at all, let alone remain upright all the way to the shore without breaking a hip. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do it again after that. Beginner's Luck? Most likely. But I know I definitely had the strength because of the years of training at Grandmaster Dong's. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to come here.

Both our son and daughter attend Dong's Karate. They have grown so much through these classes…read more There is not only an expectation to learn and understand the taekwondo forms and philosophy but to also become caring, empathic human beings, embrace discipline and build self-confidence. What a well rounded program.

I was in Richmond visiting my sister and wanted to get some training in while I was up there. I…read moreusually train in Miami, so I reached out to Mongrel BJJ through their website just to see if I could drop in. Frank actually called me himself and we started texting from there. He made it easy and told me to come by. When I showed up, JB took care of me right away. He gave me a full tour and made me feel like I had been there before. The space really impressed me. Two large mat areas with plenty of room to move, heavy bags set up, and a full strength and conditioning area in the back. They even have a massage therapist right next door. It is honestly one of the nicest setups I have seen. JB ran the class I attended and he stood out immediately. Super personable, remembered my name, and just had that easygoing presence that puts people at ease. You can tell he has a deep well of experience, but he carries it in a grounded way. He represents what you hope to find in the jiu jitsu community. The training environment was great. Everyone was friendly, joking around, and still serious about getting better. I never felt out of place or pressured. The adult gi class had a good mix of skill levels, and the techniques we worked on were practical with smart variations that I can actually use. After the instruction we got some solid rounds in and I left feeling like I had a real session, not just a drop in workout. What really stood out to me was that the day after I trained, Frank texted me to ask how everything went. That meant a lot. It showed me they are not just running classes, they actually care about the people who walk through the door. I will absolutely be back the next time I am in Richmond. Whether you are brand new or have been training for years, this is a place where you can grow and enjoy the process.

If you want a family atmosphere this is the place to be. The kids the kids Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moreclasses are outstanding the coaches take their time to teach your children the right way of doing things. JB the owner and main instructor is a great leader and wants everybody to grow in the sport of Brazilian jiu jitsu and you will do whatever it takes to help you along your journey. What better way to release your negative energy in such a positive place. My daughter and I go there for a few years now and love the vibe that this place presents. Thank you JB, Chris, Nick, Tim, the awesome twins, sorry if I'm forgetting the other and storages names just so many to list. I can't say enough about this place it makes me feel as I'm home.IZZO

great vibe - students were very welcoming and respectful to someone who doesn't train there on a…read moreregular basis Head instructor is very conscientious and very willing to help If you are looking for Gracie Combatives, Gracie Bullyproof or the Master Cycle curriculum , I would endorse this place without hesitation

I have had my children in the Bully Proof Prevention program for over 3 years now and I have to…read moresay that it is a fantastic program. The things that are taught are LIFE LESSONS not just the tactical moves of Jujitsu. The lessons are to be built upon and it will be repetitive to build the memory of it. This is not learning to punch or kick someone but how to get your child (or yourself) out of a harmful situation and remain in control. The instructors are loving but expect respect (again life lessons here) during the practice. We have loved watching our children absorb this program and will often carry the same messages home for them to use at school and with friends. Mike, Suzanne and Brandy are wonderful instructors and make this place feel like an extended family every time If you are not sure come by and you can always do a trial class for free!

Extremely professional and friendly environment!! Incredible classes for all ages. It doesn't…read morematter your skill level, Grandmaster Vazquez has the ability to teach individuals and meet them at their skill level from beginner to expert. Learn self defense, get fit, and have fun all at the same time!

What can we say about RTMA? Well, it is this simple - if you want to be as good as you can get at…read moremartial arts, if you aren't willing to settle with going to a "belt mill" studio where your earning belts is more a function of the checks you write than the skills you have developed, then this is where you should go. Be warned - it is fun, but you will work for it. And the better you get, the harder you will work and the more will be expected. This is how it should be - and you will feel better about yourself for it. The instruction and facilities are all first rate, prices are very reasonable (especially compared to some of the other studios around Richmond), no contracts, and you will truthfully learn some martial arts stylings (Atemi Ryu Juijitsu) that is not offered anywhere else in the area. So if you want to be the best you can be, want to go to a martial arts stchool that still treats it as a discipline and an art and not a sport, then do yourself a favor and try out RTMA.

Highly recommend Master Gibson. He is an amazing teacher. Really don't understand how he is not…read moremore well-known in the Chesterfield/Richmond area.

From the owner: New students are welcome to attend two free trial classes.read more

Judo Instructor Leo Valdes (3rd Dan) makes this place a must visit for judoka in RVAread more

My son has made it to black belt at Dong's! The instructors are good and over time learn the names…read moreof everyone. In addition to instruction, they focus on how to be a well rounded person. Their current location is more spacious and there's plenty of parking! In a video generation, a place like Dong's is incredibly welcome!

Not a good place at all. I've tried them twice. The first time my son was enrolled and before and…read moreafter school and they gave notice mid school year they wouldn't do before care anymore. Then I tried summer program. They are horrible at communicating and when I withdrew my son they continue to charge my account even after my requests to stop. I checked with my bank and they are manually entering my card info to charge me. They clearly have no moral code which is ironic based on the type of business they have which should pride themselves in having stellar morals and ethics. Unfortunately they do not at all. The owners wife now refuses to answer texts and just continues to take money so now I'm having to report fraud to my bank and giving them a few more days to refund my money before I file in civil court against them. Also had to block my card as apparently this is the only way to prevent them from stealing what isn't theirs. They did absolutely nothing with son during the summer program but charged an activity fee. They close their program for the most ridiculous reasons and little to no notice which leaves parents scrambling for care. Their karate program is less than impressive. My son previously went to martial arts world and we tried blast when we relocated and they don't even hold a half the standard martial arts world did. It's literally the same exact class every single week where the kids are basically teaching each other and the instructors are just there and don't give the kids enough attention. There's probably 5 black belts that are under the age of 8 years old. How is that even possible? Seems like their standards are pretty low to get a black belt which teaches them nothing of the actual art of karate. Black belts should take years of work and experience....not being able to recite a couple movements but not be able to utilize them in an actual match or life experience. Overall this place is less than impressive and steal your money.