I love this place. I…read moremoved here from Denver for a job and the first thing I did was look for a Muay Thai gym recommendation, and this was the gym that was recommended. It was so important to me that I even chose my house to be close to this gym. When I got here it did not disappoint. Almost immediately I met kru Jom who has since taken my Muay Thai to the best level. To be completely honest, I move with a lot of Ego. I thought I had to be fast , strong, and impressive in order to be "good at martial arts" and kru Jom called me out immediately. "Sahira, I need you move more. Too tense" and "Sahira, I need you play more". In the 5 month I've been working with Kru Jom I've become more playful and relaxed in my motion, which is also translating into my regular life. Anger issues have noticeable decreased and I find myself applying Kru Jom's life philosophy into my healing practice as well (I'm a chiropractor). Kru Jom is my guy, and the entire gym holds excellent standards and requires high levels of discipline from me, which is the environment I thrive best in. "Train. Win. Repeat." is our motto, and it holds true both in the gym and outside of the gym. If you want friends to sweat with, play with, and get better with, this is the place for you. Oh, and we have a cold plunge and sauna as well as an entire boxing ring. The amenities are great, and the community is better.

I've been training at Pentagon MMA for the past two years doing both BJJ and Muay Thai, and it's…read morehonestly one of the best gyms and communities I've ever been a part of. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve, no matter your experience level. They create an environment that pushes you to grow while still making training fun and welcoming. The atmosphere here is what really makes the gym special. Everyone is respectful, supportive, and willing to help each other learn. Whether you're brand new or experienced, you'll feel comfortable walking through the doors. I've learned so much over the last two years and couldn't recommend Pentagon MMA enough.

This not a place anyone should train here. The head trainer is an absolute joke, and culture is…read moreterrible. I trained her for years, and I recently decided to leave.

This is a great school with awesome students. Very supportive and non-threatening environment. I've…read morebeen training a long time (16 years Bjj) and at Kogaion for four years and never had a bad interaction with an instructor or student. Exceptional technique instruction and knowledge from the lead instructor Victor. Support this school and do yourself a favor and drop in for a free class to see for yourself.

I want to give a major shout out to Trulynd Hall & Hannah Lee from Be Ryong Martial Arts studio in…read moreAlexandria. They went above and beyond to show our campers an amazing demonstration of basic TaeKwonDo skills. Highly recommend their instruction, patience, and expertise!

Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life. I started here (At the school which is…read morelocated in Alexandria, VA) as a hapkido white belt with absolutely 0 martial arts experience, and left as a black belt when I regretfully had to move away. That's literally the only thing that could stop me from coming to class (4 times a week). Also important, this is a sparring school, so all the things you learn are put to the test. Master Yun is all of the following: - Kind - Smart - Incredibly Skilled - A good teacher - A BEAST (Seriously, sparring with this guy is like sparring with a tree that hits back with the force of a car accident) - Gentle (He can take you all the way to your limits without hurting you) The other students and instructors at the school are outstanding, and i'm proud to have trained with them. You will forge friendships and skills, as well as your mind, body and soul. I can't recommend this school enough for hapkido and taekwondo martial arts training.

I have a black belt from Potomac Kempo, and I have witnessed a rapid deterioration at this school…read moreover the past few years, with very troubling developments at this dojo. Here are some highlights of what has gone wrong. 1. Martial arts skills no longer seem to matter. The most shining example is the new instructor hired at this dojo last year. She is really, really bad at martial arts. At another karate school, she might be a yellow belt at best (the instructor of one such school said as much), but at Potomac Kempo, she was promoted to black belt and then full-time instructor. It's a slap in the face to every student who takes martial arts seriously. 2. Along with numerous other students, I have witnessed this woman crying monthly, weekly, and even daily over the years--about everything from her personal problems to her poor kempo skills. Deceptively, all the crying masks a whole lot of spite, and all the tears are a vehicle to bring forth endless lies and dumb drama. She once made a brazen attempt to ban a student in good standing from another Potomac Kempo dojo, and went about her scheme by doing what she does best: crying and lying. Said student had triggered her venom by unfriending her on Facebook (!!!!!). Instead of reprimanding her, Potomac Kempo offered her a job as a full-time instructor at this dojo shortly thereafter. Not surprisingly, the falsehoods and vitriol have continued to ensnare students and infest the school. 3. Potomac Kempo's shortcomings go beyond just a bad hire. One problem is the volunteer instructor program that runs across all dojos. At this school, you have to pay to become a volunteer instructor. Yes, YOU PAY Potomac Kempo to WORK FOR Potomac Kempo. It's a deal many fine martial artists simply won't accept. In turn, it has attracted more than a few "instructors" whose skills are mediocre at best. Every student can get better, and some who volunteer bring respect and humility, and make vast improvements through the experience. But for certain others, they puff themselves up with false pride and a sense of entitlement. The new hire at this dojo personifies the worst of both: As a volunteer instructor, she made a habit of disrespecting dojo rules and etiquette and other students, believing that she had the "status" to do so. It is quite a bad look for students to behave this way but it's much, much, more outrageous when so-called instructors do so. Sadly, this has occurred with regularity in the past few years. Instead of insisting that all behave professionally, Potomac Kempo coddles the offenders. Hiring the worst offender as a full-time instructor has sent the unmistakable message that this dojo, and the school in general, will elevate bad martial arts, and even worse character. 4. Martial arts is ultimately about becoming a better person. If all you want is fitness, you could get yourself a beefy trainer at a gym. At a dojo, time-honored values like honor, courage, and loyalty should matter. Potomac Kempo does not impart or emphasize these values. A while ago, I stuck my neck out to defend the school's reputation. I would've preferred never to have been involved, but the situation was serious and action was required. Though the chief instructor at another dojo has offered his appreciation for my intervention, the management for this dojo has enabled and empowered those who, lacking any common sense or business judgment, have sought retaliation. 5. I used to enjoy training at this dojo. I have attended class here many times, trained with its students and instructors, and participated in school-wide belt tests, seminars, and other events with many of them. A former instructor here was Sensei Dan, and I regularly came here and sought him out when I had trouble mastering new material. He was simply fantastic. How times have changed. 6. For a long time, my friends and I at this school paid our dues, went to class, stayed committed to our training, made sure to be welcoming to new students and helpful to lower ranks, and cared about our dojos. We didn't agree with everything the school did, but overall, we enjoyed being students here. Looking back on the past 2-3 years, it feels as if we blinked and the school went downhill and became barely recognizable.

I have been studying Shaolin Kempo at Potomac Kempo - Fairlington for about seven months now. I…read morelove it. I studied MMA at another gym but never felt like I mattered. People did not speak. No one knew my name. My questions often fell on deaf ears. At Potomac Kempo - Fairlington it is the exact opposite. Sensei Cassie is the best. She greets everyone by name. My dojo mates always greet each other and we make sure you know you were missed if you miss a few classes and have returned. If i have a question, anyone who knows the answer will help. Our black belts set the tone of helping, answering questions, helping one another learn, and just being good people. I have about 18 years of experience working with kids. I have seen some horrible teachers. But Sensei Cassie? Her patience is phenomenal. She is great at teaching them to control their bodies, listen to and follow directions, and at the end of classes, often discusses the finer points of character. Just the thing a parent needs to ADD to the parenting already being done. If I had any little kids in the family in the area, they would be at Potomac Kempo studying. This is more than a place to come work out. It is a place to come relieve stress, gain a sense of accomplishment as you earn higher belts and do exercises you have never done before, meet good people, and just have fun.

5/5 starts. I love the knowledge and philosophy of the head trainer. I would recommend.read more

Stopped by Testudo while in National Harbor for a conference so my hubby and I could get some Jiu…read moreJitsu in. I was only able to drop by once for the women's class and adult class after but my husband was able to go several times and had a great time. Great people. Professor Ervin was great and made us feel welcome. Seemed like he had a nice organized way of instruction and used class time efficiently. We walked in as the kids class was wrapping up and it looks like he is great with the kids. If we lived here we would definitely make it our dojo.

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.

The best. My favorite place for classes. So kind and helpful and lovely. Need stress release or a…read moregreat workout? Go here.

Justin is an amazing and super motivational instructor. In his classes I feel like I can accomplish…read moreanything! Joel's classes are insanely energetic and difficult - he has great scrappy tips on how to win a fight. Walter's classes are more technically broken down to explain things and make sure you're doing it all right. Thats not to say he won't kick your ass - his classes are also difficult and he makes you WORK. Spike's classes are difficult but fun - some days he's in a burpee mood, other days he's more lax. His music is great and he fixes your mistakes on the bag! Id say his classes are my go-to on a daily basis.

I've been practicing at Aikido of Northern Virginia (ANV) for about nine months. I chose ANV…read morebecause of their schedule (classes six days a week), very reasonable pricing (with discounts available for Military and Law Enforcement), and experienced instructors. What keeps me at ANV is the welcoming, energetic environment and dynamic, multifaceted style of Aikido which is taught. ANV instructors and students are able to deftly and expertly suit their pedagogy to a wide variety of students regardless of their skill, physical abilities, or cognitive style. ANV has ample parking and is located directly across the street from the Ballston Metro Station. ANV regularly hosts affordable seminars featuring a wide variety of experienced Aikido and other martial arts instructors from around the world.

I've been with Aikido of Northern Virginia for over 9 years, and it's been great. The instruction…read moreis top notch and is great for beginners and experts. I would definitely recommend trying it out.

Trained here for 3 years and I don't regret it Great…read moreinstructors and amazing training partners and coaches that help succeed in any mix martial arts

I've been with the Mikido family and mikido MMA centers for over a decade. Anywhere and anything in…read morefitness you want to achieve , this is the place . Master Brent Hess is a world class coach and with his prestigious experience in martial arts , boxing, wrestling , and BJJ, he gives you the right guidance in achieving your fitness goals and your goals in competition.

Went to try out the kickboxing class with Mike Logan on 8/4... I was sore for four days! Went back…read moreagain tonight and signed up for the next two months of classes. The two classes were similar but very different. They started off the same with a light run around the studios to warm up and then a few minutes of stretching. In the first class I went to, there were only three of us. We did bear crawls, lunges, leg lifts, and sparring with Mike in rotation. Three sets. Ended with punching bags and sparring with Mike. Tonight there was a larger group, probably nine or ten of us. We did bear crawl, punches, and high knees. Three sets. Rotation from lunges to using the medicine ball, to shuffling around pylons, to sparing with Mike, to beating on a body bag, to punching bags, to jumping jacks. Then crazy moving all over the studios punch combinations with jumping jacks and push-ups and crunches. By the end of both, I was completely exhausted and felt like jello. But I must say, kickboxing is a good way to end a crap day.

Master Bahroody and the rest of the teachers are excellent with the kids! They helped my boy learn…read morethe importance of physical and mental strength, self-control, discipline, and helped him become more confident. Not to mention burning off the boy's excess energy so he could nap well that afternoon and give his mother a moment of peace.