After reading Victor's reply to my original review, which is still below, I have the following to say: My personal opinion is that the claims of being "world class" are highly misleading. Victor has a black belt in Judo, which is very similar to Jiu Jitsu and incorporates many of the same basic techniques. He competed in some smaller tournaments and the Pans, as a purple belt (Looking up his name in tournaments is easy and this is what I came up with... please do your own research before making any decisions). That is very similar to a black belt in Karate competing as a white belt in a Tae Kwon Do tournament; it is an enormous advantage. I noticed that many of Victor's placings were in comps where he was just one of two entrants in that weight and belt class. Even winning the Pans as a purple belt is NOT world class. World class is winning the Pans or world championships as a black belt, where the advantages of having a Judo black belt are no longer as significant. World class instruction is John Danaher in New York at Renzo's place. or Atos in San Diego, Pedro Sauer in Sterling, or JJ Machado at his studio. While this is my personal opinion, I think most would agree. That aside, I did not like what I saw when I went on a Saturday and chose not to train there, in the belief that it was not a well supervised open mat and the sparring not technique based. Again, just my personal opinion. That's what Yelp reviews are.... opinions that help guide others in making a choice. Feel free to formulate your own opinion and make your own choice. Here is the original review: The place advertises itself as "world class," so I thought I would check it out. Doing a search of its head instructor turned up little; Definitely NOT a world class BJJ competitor... Anyway, I went to the studio to try a free Saturday class. First thing I noticed is that there is just one large room to the side, right near the entry door, and there were no partitions. I guess they expected people to change in the public bathroom. I thought that was kind of gross. But then I watched some of the folks train and was VERY unimpressed. I saw aggression instead of technique and no one really supervising or watching over things. I did not think this was a good place to train so left and went to another gym in the area, which was a really good experience. Personally, and just my opinion, based on limited data, would avoid this place. Did NOT get a good vibe.... read more

Two years ago I timidly walked into this gym thinking BJJ was not for me. My husband begged me to try jiu jitsu. I was only going to humor him and say that I tried it at least once. But here I am 2 years in. I love it and I will never stop training. I owe that to this gym and to these people. I was greeted by the most welcoming and enthusiastic people I ever met. I was so impressed with them and I instantly loved everything about jiu jitsu. I was a travel nurse at the time so I unfortunately had to move gyms. After I left I continued practicing jiu jitsu and I went from gym to gym learning as much as I could. After experiencing so many different gyms I feel like i can honestly say that Victor and Beatrice had the best formula for success. Anyone can excel at jiu jitsu here. Whether you're looking to be a top competitor or just looking for a great hobby this is a great gym to go to. Their warm ups were the perfect length and intensity. Their warm up provides the athlete with movements specific to jiu jitsu. There is just the right amount of drilling and learning. After learning you get to practice a good amount with live rolling. You get appropriate feedback from Victor and he keeps everyone safe. Beatrice is inspiring and created a great space where women feel safe to train. read more

I am someone who lives out of town but visits NoVa/ DC regularly. The instructors ( Beatrice and Victor) have been tremendously welcoming, and ever since I came for a random free drop-in back in 2022, I have become part of an "adopted" family. The instructors here are great- friendly, approachable, fantastic at teaching. People at the gym, despite me being a "visitor", have all been great to train with- both men and women. Especially, I would like to recognize Beatrice for her passion in jiujitsu and promoting women in jiujitsu. Her weekly women's class and open mat are top notch experience that really helped me improve my game. But more than that, she creates a supportive community that promotes growth. I have been openly recommending this gym to everyone I know. It's also been a joy watching their community grow over the years I've known them- now they have an additional space. I would enthusiastically recommend this place to anyone, including both beginners and ones with more experience, without any reservation. Lastly, I'm surprised to see such a low average rating but it seems like there are a few "bad apples" trying to drop their overall very high ratings. I hope you don't let those few bad apples discourage you from trying out this gym. read more

I have been training at Kogaion Academy since 2019, and it truly stands out as the best martial arts dojo in the area. The facility boasts a clean and spacious mat area, and the atmosphere is welcoming and respectful for both women and men, with everyone looking out for one another. The instructors at Kogaion are incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and dedicated to providing an exceptional learning experience while making it enjoyable. The head instructor, with extensive outstanding experience in both BJJ and Judo, pays meticulous attention to every detail of technique to enhance our skills. He observes each student closely during training, offering valuable feedback and maintaining a supportive environment. His emphasis on team spirit and his firm zero-tolerance stance on bullying, harassment, or disrespect to anyone create a positive and inclusive environment. Always approachable, he is readily available to listen and offer support I highly recommend Kogaion to anyone interested in martial arts. Come and experience it for yourself! read more

Kogaion Academy is a true gem in Arlington/Alexandria! I train in the adult classes while my three kids attend the youth program, and we couldn't be happier. The instructors are world-class and are not only incredibly skilled but also patient, encouraging, and amazing with children. As a testament to their skill as instructors, my six-year-old son has had the confidence to compete and win in several tournaments in his first year of training. The environment is super welcoming--especially for beginners. Their intro-level classes are excellent, and they emphasize safety in every session. I've never seen a single injury in class, which speaks volumes about their approach. Pricing is the best I've found in the area, and the flexible schedule (morning, afternoon, and evening options) makes it easy to fit training into our busy lives. If you're looking for top-tier martial arts instruction in a supportive, family-friendly setting, Kogaion Academy is the place to be. read more

I have gotten to visit Kogaion Academy twice for their women's open mats. When I visited I was a bjj blue (now purple belt/judo green) woman who competes a lot and sought the open mat out specifically even though it is 4-5 hours away. The open mat was awesome and worth the drive - I felt welcomed and safe, everyone was there to roll and get work in, and I was challenged with technical rolls that matched my intensity. (I went more flow earlier rounds to get warm, and then more comp prep later and was matched with both!) Beatrice, who runs the open mat, is an inspiring competitor which is what drew me to the open mat, and she's also one of the most genuinely encouraging upper belt women I've had the honor of rolling with. I hope I can make it again soon and would definitely recommend to other women/visitors! My teammate and I also competed against Kogaion students in judo and were impressed by our opponents skill and sportsmanship/professionalism. read more

Talk to anyone training here and you'll quickly find out that while Kogaion students are serious about training and self-improvement, the reason they stay is the community. Victor has talent in fostering interpersonal respect and inclusion while pushing us to be stronger athletes, physically and mentally. Students are always super welcoming and make the effort to ensure new visitors have drilling partners, walk through basics if they are beginners, etc. As I trained with Victor before this gym opened and have since visited BJJ gyms throughout NoVa, DC, Chicago, and even California. Kogaion is where I feel I grow the fastest, in both understanding myself and the sport. read more

As someone who has trained under their BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai programs, I can only give my highest praises for this place. The environment is very welcoming and the instructors are all willing to ensure a fun and safe experience. The elevated platform in the green room makes it easier to break fall on multiple occasions with minimum pain. If you give Kogaion a shot, don't sleep on the Muay Thai classes; even if striking is not what you're looking for, these classes greatly amplify your flexibility, body coordination, and complement skills learned in Judo and BJJ. The curriculum, instruction, and community of Kogaion make it an amazing place to train. read more

Kogaion Academy is the place you want to train. I've done combat sports all my life and this is by far the best place I've ever trained. The Instructors are very skilled, knowledgeable and still compete with the rest of us! The Instructors run numerous classes a week to provide everyone the opportunity to get in as much time as possible. You will absolutely be able to find times that fit in around the busiest work schedule. My daughters love their Jiu-Jitsu classes as well as the friends they've made. Take the free trial class, meet a friendly community and get in amazing shape! read more

In January 2025, at age 72, I decided to start my bjj journey and joined Kogaion bjj & judo Academy's Over 55 class. My interest was, and is, to keep myself engaged and fit, as well as, learn self defense techniques. Kogaion has met my expectations and, while we learn bjj techniques plus have fun doing so, they provide us with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. I am happy to be part of this academy. I am certain that you won't be disappointed in your decision to come here. I know I am not looking back! Come join us! read more

Kogaion Academy offers top-notch instruction and provides a clean, safe environment to learn and hone your martial arts skills. Victor is an excellent, thorough instructor with many years of experience and has the patience and enthusiasm to encourage his students not only to excel, but to fully unlock the enjoyment in the sport and community of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you're looking to challenge yourself in learning new skills and make some friends along the way, Kogaion Academy is absolutely the place for you. read more

I have been to many open mats here to train with girls from the area. Beatrice and Victor are always super welcoming. The training vibe is great and competitive. I always look forward to coming back when I have time to make the drive. I recommend training here if you are in the area. read more

The instructors here are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Everybody is very welcoming and wants to help you improve. Parking is also really accessible (and free!). Definitely recommend. My kids love it and they're confidence is building everyday. read more

Amazing gym, devoted instructor, one of a kind environment. Victor is so knowledgeable and truly loves Brazilian jiu jitsu. The drills are intense and the instructor is committed to take the students to the next level. read more

Judo instruction at Kogaion Academy is superb, Sensei Victor has an efficient and pragmatic approach to imbuing students with applied Judo skills. The students are super friend and take care of each during training. read more

The judo instruction from Victor at Kogaion is excellent, it's been a great place for me as a judo beginner. They also have elevated mats and use crash pads to ensure safety. 5/5 read more

The dojo looks great and everyone is friendly and supportive. Victor is a great coach who takes the time to teach the technique at a good pace for students. read more

great training atmosphere!!!! wonderful, spacious mat with plenty of room to train! Victor is an amazing athlete and trainer for people of all levels !!!! read more

Very knowledgeable and caring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu professor. The facilities are also amazing! It feels like a second home! Highly recommend it. read more