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 was in the area for work and did a drop-in bjj class at Pentagon MMA. Everyone was extremely…read morewelcoming and there were a lot of tough rounds! The gym is beautiful and has everything you need (showers, weights, plenty of mat space). Highly recommend! If youre in the DC-area definitely check them out!

This place is really great and the Senseis have a real gift with children especially Sensie Sean…read more I'm so happy to have found this place.

One of my items on my bucket list can now be marked as 'in progress.' #4) Earn a black belt in a…read moremartial art discipline. I've been going to Urban Kempo since July 2014, and love, love, love it. I've become obsessed. Urban Kempo is more than a dojo; it's a place to workout, a place to make friends, and because of the dedication and hard-work the Owner/Sensei has put into his business, it's become a community meeting place with dedicated and loyal members. As a recent west coast transfer with no familiar ties, I've finally found a place where I feel accepted and at home in my new environment.

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.

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 daughter and son attend Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do and we couldn't be happier. The instructors are…read moretruly exceptional--they remember every child's name, offer seamless and well-structured instruction, and tailor their approach to each student's needs. Every child receives individual attention to help them progress confidently and correctly. The school is extremely organized and runs like a well-oiled machine. You can tell the staff genuinely cares about the kids and their growth. My children love coming here, and we've seen such positive development in their skills and confidence. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a supportive, professional, and top-notch martial arts program!

We have had an incredible experience at this studio. Masters Shackelford, Pineda, Hawk, and Rome…read morehave all played key roles in our daughters' development. Our youngest was a student there when she was very young, and the support she was incredible. As her parents we were in awe of just how committed to her well-being they were. Now that her older sister is a student, we are so appreciative of the skills and lessons she's learning, that are helping her to be a better athlete, but also respectful and hard working young adult. We highly recommend this studio to anyone!! Everyone there is wonderful! Layton G

I've been wanting to train here for years so the bar was high and it exceeded expectations from the…read moreminute I walked in the door! The environment was so friendly and welcoming. Family oriented with kids and parents all there to hang and train. Snacks and some play areas for kids and a beautiful bright matted area with amazing pictures from Ryans career fighting and cornering the most recognizable faces in the game. The instruction was absolutely incredible I cannot recommend Ryan and his academy more. Definitely check it out if you are in the area I wish I could train here more! - Nick Lamagna

High recommend this martial arts academy!…read more Our kids have been going here for about 10 months and love it. Started with BJJ, but then switched to capoeira which they enjoyed more because of the acrobatics. The coaches and staff are really supportive and patient with the kids. The gym is pretty big and they have cameras so parents can observe from the lobby. Parking can be tough if you don't get there early, but there's room on the neighboring side streets which aren't too far away. Typically there's always people leaving between classes so I have always been able to find a stall. The prices are reasonable. Upfront costs may seem high, but it includes the uniform and which they need anyway. Otherwise it's a great price. They also offer discounts for siblings, military, etc.

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.

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!