I can't say enough good things about this gym. I started here when I was in college. I was very…read moreimpressed with the team, the instructors and the quality of training and the atmosphe Training with LLoyd Irvin was very beneficial to me as an aspiring martial artist and MMA fighter. After college I moved away and traveled the country learning, training and competing but I ultimately ended up moving back to this area specifically to train here. I learned so much so fast and I enjoyed the process. I have since won multiple jiu-jitsu tournaments and continue to compete into my mid 30s World class training for all ages and fitness levels. Everyone supports and encourages each other in and out of the gym to be the best versions of themselves. I highly recommend stopping by to find out for yourself.

Lloyd Irvin Martial Arts is by far the best martial arts academy around…read more I've been training for over 20 years now and I have never seen a more well structured, organized, disciplined and success performing school. They have a unique way to help people develop in self defense martial arts training while at the same time helping their student gain more confidence and achieve their goals! It is an awesome environment for kids, families, recreational enthusiast and competitors wanting to go pro. I Highly recommend to training here you will definitely learn a lot and grow as a martial artist and a person. :D

While I don't know much about any other Karate Schools, I can tell you that Seichou Karate is…read moreabsolutely amazing for children. Richard Romero takes a fatherly approach to each child focusing on their mental and physical development. He teaches Karate and life lessons with a passion for making children better not only at Karate but life as well. Additionally, he doesn't give his students anything and makes them put in the work and truly earn their next belts. If you are looking to enroll your kids in Karate, you really should check this Dojo out. Richard Romero is exceptional and the reason we drove 20min plus several nights a week for our kids to attend. I really am at a lost for words on how lucky we were to find this Karate Dojo!

This past weekend we had an awesome birthday party for our now five year old son. He and all of…read morehis guests (and parents) were very impressed by the entire experience the dojo provided. Thank you. We are also thankful for the photos and all the other extra touches the staff and Shihan Romero provided. We will highly recommend the dojo to others.

I've been a long time student of Master Folta since 2005. I started at Oak Marr Recenter, before…read moremoving up the ranks, and eventually teaching for his dojo. I'm very pleased to see that he finally was able to open his own independent dojo to celebrate traditional Okinawan Uechi Ryu Karate, as well as the rich cultures that Okinawa brings. The Cultural Center has many artifacts in a museum style in a side room. There's also many people from the community like the DC Okinawan Kai who utilizes the space. It is a safe and welcoming space for not just Okinawan people, but those interested in learning more about the culture and tradition. This spacious dojo has two kicking/punching bags ready for training, many talented instructors, and classes for children and adult alike! I am excited for what's to come for this OKCC! I hope new students can find their new karate home like it's been for me throughout the years!

I was studying Okinawan Uechi-Ryu karate for many years and had attained 6th Dan before joining…read moreMaster Folta's classes. During that time, he hosted some of the Okinawan masters at his dojo, which is how we met. Those were great classes, and when it was time for me to find a new dojo, I joined Master Folta at his new location. It's a fine space, and the training there is authentic and excellent. Master Folta is kind and genuine, while also encouraging everyone to reach for the highest standards. His careful eye has improved my karate in many ways, large and small. I was careful in my choice of schools, and picked the best one in the area. I've seen his students, both kids and adults, get better over time and stay with the program. If you're serious about learning karate that works, this is the place I recommend. There is a lot to learn, and this is the real deal.

Attending classes at Kim has been a wonderful experience for my son. He has improved his physical…read moreand social skills while learning self-discipline and perseverance. Instructor Keith and the instructors he has trained emphasize that the habits learned in class don't end when students "step off the mat" but continue at home and school. Instructor Keith partners with parents to support kids in developing their weaker areas in a positive environment. Watching this weekend's Black Belt testing was evidence of how influential this is. The students were impressive in their skills, determination and mental stamina, developed through practice during class and at home. I highly recommend this program and these instructors.

I have called 3 separate times left messages and sent email inquiries with no response from anyone…read more We were interested in a place for our two children in our new neighborhood, but will have to consider other options. Do better

After my first class I had doubts about whether I should learn Krav Maga under Brian or should I…read morereturn to Nova MMA where I took three classes in the past. In Nova MMA, I got to actually hit and learn combinations right away. As for Krav Maga Federation, you won't get to this until you pass your beginner test to the yellow belt. That being said, I do not regret sticking to KMF and not learning under a different instructor. After a few classes you actually realize that learning combinations and hitting stuff might not be the best idea because your form is awful and needs some serious work. Our classes are usually small, so Brian will give you a lot of attention. Even if you are standing in the back, Brian will see you and pick on you until you get the form right. Now, speaking about Brian. He is really patient with us. He will ask us after showing a new move or re-showing us a new move, if we have any question. If we do, he will answer the question regardless of how repetitive the question is or how ridiculous it might be. I haven't done any martial arts since I was a child and I didn't think I'd do again because I hated every instructor I had when I was a kid. That's different with Brian. However, Brian is a bit strict. He will not allow people to practice if they show up after hours. Keep that in mind when you are signing up for classes. If you are not sure you can make the times then talk with Brian or figure out a way to show up on time. Most of the class usually shows up fifteen minutes early to warm up and stretch and sometimes one will go over a move with Brian. I would definitely recommend KMF for anyone who is looking to learn Krav Maga.

I have over 10 years of martial arts experience in Hapkido, Judo and Taekwando, and must say, Krav…read moreMaga is the most practical thing I've tried. As the other reviews and Wikipedia state (check them for a more in depth description of the art), most martial arts teach based on some rules of fighting -- no groin shots, biting, etc. Krav Maga is all about training you to survive a dangerous situation, and consequently relishes these taboo techniques. It is all about developing your muscle memory and instincts so that, when it really counts, you avoid the deer-in-headlights effect. Ditto for speed/aggression: other martial arts focus on control and fundamentals for years before you get to anything practical. In my experience with Krav Maga, it starts with practicality from the get-go, and control, respect, technical excellence come as a by-product. This brings me to my first critique. I don't feel like people have developed the proper amount of control for the level of techniques we do. On our tests we are supposed to go a full speed and stop right before striking your partner. Yet I can't say that I'm totally confident that I won't get hurt as I train with some of the others. In contrast, I'd trust my Hapkido partners with a full speed spin heel kick to the head. This is probably a difference in philosophy between the Korean martial arts and Krav Maga, and shouldn't be seen as a critique of Krav Maga Federation DC. Likewise with technical excellence. If you want a pretty kick, a beautiful throw, a quiet roll, look elsewhere. If you want a spiritual, cultural, or historic connection to your martial art, Krav Maga probably isn't the best art for you. But if you want to learn how to defend yourself in a practical situation, period, Krav Maga is a go. On that note, Brian, the instructor, is really a great guy, a good teacher, and a skilled practitioner. He's a bit rough around the edges and intimidating at first (don't think about showing up late), but just stick it out and it will pay in spades after a few weeks of training. He's one of the most friendly and dedicated instructors I've had, once I got to know him. Krav Maga Federation DC is also associated closely with Krav Maga Federation, which is based in lower Manhattan and is a powerhouse organisation. I've gone there twice now, had wonderful workouts, played with world experts, and been welcomed as a member of the family (except that one time that Rhon laid into me). All in all I really like this club. If you are not a dainty flower or a meathead you will too. Actually, if you are a dainty flower come anyway. In short time you will not be.