I initially looked into Tai-Chi at the recommendation of my doctor of osteopathy to help with back…read moreand joint issues (at a point where normal doctors had completely failed, not just to address, but even to identify what my issues were). After only a couple months, I was seeing signs of relief, not just in the affected areas, but in many other areas. My lower back opened up, I gained flexibility, and found increased vitality and stamina. It's important to note that I didn't just experience relief from pain or the ability to manage pain, but have gained some actual healing and strength. It hasn't been an instant-fix miracle: the process has been gradual, but that's the Tai-Chi way: taking the time to build real strength, to re-orient your body to move through the world in a healthy manner, not just masking symptoms. I'm feeling healthier than I have in years, and am so grateful to have stumbled upon this school. Be careful going with your run-of-the-mill, community-center, inauthentic Tai-chi programs. The old Chen style, taught in this way with a blend of Eastern and Western teaching styles, is the real deal.

This is one of the best excercise, martial arts and overall physical practice to take with Stephan…read more He's a true teacher and expert in Tai Chi. Highly recommend it.

Sifu Michael is a masterful teacher. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the proper technique, and…read morestill able to break it down to the basics for the fresh beginners walking in off the street. He has endless patience, and will show me the same technique countless times, until I get it right. While class is highly focused and can become intense, there is always an informal and lighthearted attitude shared among the students and teacher. We help each other out and get stronger every class. I highly recommend coming to try out a class. He has an offer of the first month free which is unparalleled in any other martial arts studios in the area.

This class focuses on the application of Wing Chun while being ever so mindful that Wing Chun is…read morebased on principles and ideas that must be adhered to. The instructor is there before and after class for questions and more in-depth analysis of techniques.

We have been coming to Family Focused Martial Arts for over five years, and it has been an amazing…read moreexperience. My son, Ari, started at age five and earned his black belt at 10, thanks to the incredible guidance and support of the instructors--Mr. and Mrs. Dolan, Mr. Dove, Mr. Gayle, and Mr. Ojumu. The instructors are genuinely invested in each child's growth. When my son lost motivation for karate, they encouraged him and helped him push through. Mr. Ojumu even provided one-on-one lessons multiple times a week at no extra cost, purely for his development. This school teaches far more than martial arts. Kids can join the optional Storm program, where they learn leadership, responsibility, and volunteering while helping instructors. It's an amazing way to grow both on and off the mat. The families here are wonderful too. Over the years, we've gotten to know many, and it truly feels like a community where families connect, support each other, and grow together. We are so grateful for this school and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a place that builds strong kids, leaders, and families.

May 2026 update. The classes continue to challenge our abilities, grow our skills, increase our…read moreknowledge and refine our forms. The instructions are done in a way that helps us to understand the proper forms and techniques. The individual and partnered practice sessions help us apply the instructions to practice. We're in black/yellow belt and plan to keep going.

Jorge is an excellent instructor and has a very welcoming and helpful group of dedicated students…read more His classes are good for beginning to very experienced practitioners. The tone of the class is serious and respectful. I highly recommend for anyone interested in learning or practicing Tai Chi.

Wonderful human and instructor. Highly knowledgeable and goes the extra mile. He teaches beginners…read moreand advanced students.

On Tuesday (5/7), one of the school management (not the manager) approached me and asked me about…read morethe previous review I posted on Yelp. We had a conversation about the issues. And the school agreed to work on it and would try their best to communicate better in the future. On Sunday (5/12) the school manager invited me to meet and we had a conversation about the other issue. She apologized, explained the situations, and promised to do her best together with parents to make the school better. I appreciate all the efforts the school had made to solve these issues.

Like the focus on training by Shaolin monks from China, with careful attention to meditation and…read moremental aspects of practice. Sorry to say not many can hope to become as skilled as the monks, but the mental and physical journey toward expertise is no doubt beneficial. Thankfully the monks and management set outstanding examples.

Let me start by saying that if I could give more than 5 stars to a place, this would be it. Shifu…read moreChris and his wife manage and instruct students in this family-owned dojo. Shifu (master in Chinese) Chris is an excellent teacher. He has been doing martial arts for almost his own life, and he is very knowledgeable. He had spent 13 years in China working with different masters. As a result, he is an expert in different styles of martial arts such as Chinese boxing, Kung fu Shaolin. Following his mission to keep Shaolin kung fu alive in the US, he started this dojo in VA. Currently, they offer two free sessions to let people experience the school before joining. I joined this class after participating in two free sessions. The environment and students in the dojo are great. Everybody is friendly and respects each other. From a covid standpoint, everybody wears a mask throughout the class, and there are sanitizers for both hands and equipment. Each session includes warmup, practicing the basics, form, partner work, and meditation at the end. Shifu Chris changes the structure of the class and always has new activities and challenges in each session. After two months of going to this class, I already feel really accomplished. I am able to do basic techniques and self-defense. It had even effects on my day-to-day life and helps me to be more focused. I recommend this class to whoever is looking for martial arts or even looking for a fun and effective workout class.

Wonderful experience, great exercise, friendly classmates. The sessions have everything I enjoy --…read morestretches, warm ups, boxing, defense, individual and partner work, meditation, some qi gong... lots of variety and progressive mental/physical challenges so you're never bored and always growing. I started this class three months ago feeling very out of shape -- and as a total beginner to martial arts. Now, I feel like I have energy enough for classes, plus I'm starting to hit the gym more too and feel less stressed during the work week. It's definitely the kind of work out that isn't a chore -- it's energizing. Come take the two free lessons and try it out for yourself to get hooked too. Shifu Chris and Weiwei, who assists, are patient, thoughtful teachers who care about culture, health, and overall wellbeing. Class is always a positive, welcoming environment.

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 best martial arts studio in Virginia! I studied there for years and would still be there but…read moremoved too far away.

Don't waste your time Kung Fu doesn't work in a real life self defense situation especially Wing…read moreChun.