I've been taking Filipino martial arts here since i moved back into the area in 2021. The people…read moreare amazing, the cost of classes is the lowest I've seen. (I've been doing Kali for a long time and have had to pay triple what they charge). I love all the coaches and the community here is really great. The gym is super supportive and coming every week has been a big highlight to my weeks.

The smartest decision I ever made…read more I have been attending this gym for almost a year now. Classes are frequent and at times convenient to all schedules. The instruction is top notch and you will not only get a great workout, but you will learn life saving techniques to get yourself out of trouble. The gym is pretty basic - think no a/c or heat. Train like you fight. They offer Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, and Filipino Martial arts (think stick/knife fighting - which is my favorite :)). It's no nonsense, get it done type of training. This isn't training for martial arts sports, you're training to end the fight and get out of the situation. In addition to the classes (almost 7 days a week), you can participate in sparring on Saturday mornings. No invite needed, just show up and feel what it's like to fight someone fighting you rather than a willing victim that you get during the week during training. There is gear you can borrow for the day, but I highly recommend getting your own as soon as possible. There really is no other way to learn to fight than with someone that's uncooperative. This gives you a chance to try a new things that you've learned to see it in action in real-life. You'll love it!

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.

Mountain Kim has been an incredible find for our kindergartener. We wanted an after‑school program…read morewith more substance than the typical classroom/playground setup, and Mountain Kim has delivered. The school pickup and transportation make everything seamless for parents as well--this is the only way we could make this work as a family. After our daughter's first week, we asked her what she liked most about school, and she immediately said, "taekwondo." She's learned so much in just a month and loves the instructors, describing them as "strict, but so kind" -- and proudly reminding us that "if you want to do well, you need to listen." In a short time, we've watched her grow stronger, more confident, and excited to show off the Korean words she's learning. We highly recommend Mountain Kim! A big shoutout to Master Andy for his genuine care for both kids and thoughtful approach to families.

My 3 kids have all gone to Mt Kim taekwondo for years and the youngest (5) started later and is…read morestill in it. The older two are on pause due to scheduling conflicts. I have nothing but good things to say. My shy one was brought out of her shell through this class and gained confidence in her athletic ability. All of them went willingly and looked forward to progressing to the next tape/belt - a great motivator! All the instructors are so good at getting to know the kids individually and working with them to help them advance. They split the kids up in groups of 3-4 for forms and technique, which is super helpful. I did tkd growing up and think this would have been great if my dojang had the resources tot each us in small groups. Highly recommend Mt Kim.

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.

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.

So happy here! My son can not wait to go to his lessons. We love that this is a small family…read morebusiness that clearly cares about their community.

We joined Sun TKD in March of 2017. My son was 4 and I was looking for an activity'. What we found…read morewas so much more than that, we truly found a family. Austin has blossomed under the instruction of Master Tak, Master Han and the entire team. They truly care about the students and the instruction really focuses on the whole childe, not just the movements. Austin is encouraged to utilize the Rules of Discipline and Rules of Manners in his world outside of the dojang. In addition if you are looking for a fun filled summer or holiday camp I highly recommend! The camp program is incredibly enriching and adventurous. In sum, we live the studio and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone considering TKD.

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.

My family has been practicing here for 5 years. I keep an eye on all the local schools and can…read moretell you what I like about this one: The Head Master of the school, Master (Wayne) Kim (who incidentally is not the owner), is highly skilled in many martial art disciplines AND equally important, he is amazing with the kids. They love his instruction and respect him immensely. He combines fun activities/drills with useful self-defense techniques and teaches traditional Taekwondo (WTF/Kukkiwon for those in the know). Their prices/fees are in accord with the local competition and the dojang is clean and well appointed. His classes are also great for families who like to practice together. I know they have after school and summer programs but I don't know much about them. For older kids (I think 16 and up?) and adults there is Hapkido. This Korean martial art emphasizes (almost exclusively) situational 'real life' self-defense scenarios/techniques. This class is good for anyone who wants to learn how to better take care of themselves if ever faced with a bad situation. Great for women. Hapkido meets: T-Th 7:30-8:30 and Sat 11:30-12:30.