I was intimidated by Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts and just exercise in general. I thought I had to "be in shape" to start. I thought I needed some kind of athletic background to be successful and have fun. I was way off. Prof. Ben Eaton has a unique talent for making Jiu Jitsu and self-defense approachable and possible for anyone who wants to put in the time and work to learn. All you have to do is show up. When I started I quickly realized a few things: This is not a punching or striking gym. No one is going to pummel me. Students are matched up with new students of similar size and skill or with a more experienced student. The more experienced students care about the new students and take a genuine interest in making the experience fun as well as helping them grow. This is not a gym. It is a Jiu-Jitsu Institute and Prof. Ben ensures his students get the same level of professionalism and guidance they would expect from any highly regarded higher ed institute. Prof. Ben has created a revolving curriculum that ensures students are ready before moving into more advanced classes. The lessons of Jiu-Jitsu have carried over into other areas of my life and I truly believe it has made me more success as a student (MBA), employee and husband. The discipline and focus have helped my personal life immensely. I keep going back because of the camaraderie, community, quality of instruction and professional atmosphere. I highly recommend Prof. Ben Eaton and the Yorktown Jiu-Jitsu Institute. Full disclosure: I am student. As a photographer I occasionally shoot events at JJI. I don't get paid. I do it because I believe in the mission of the school and the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. read more

Ben Eaton is the man. I said Ben Eaton is THE MAN! I am born and raised in Virginia but I live and train in New York for the past 7 years. When I visited home, I contacted Ben to train at his school. The first thing I noticed was how gracious and humble he is. He is a gentleman in the truest since of the word. When you get to his school, you feel at home immediately. He treats you like a brother and he endears himself to you like a true friend. His attitude and work ethic are evident and contagious. He is very open about his life, his training, and how he feels about the evolution of Jiu Jitsu, as he has been practicing a very long time. His personable demeanor is so warm that his students take on the same personality. He attracts some of the best and brightest of Virginia. I got to meet and train with a great cross section of people that all treated me like a brother. I had the honor to roll with some of Virginia's finest officers, firemen, soldiers, and students. And they all are beast! The atmosphere that Ben creates is second to none. The school is spacious and clean. Every time I visit Virginia I do not feel complete unless I stop by to say hi to a man I consider a privilege to call my friend, Ben Eaton. Run, don't walk, but run down to the Jiu Jitsu Institute and meet some great, highly skilled bjj practicioners who will immediately accept you as family. Thanks everyone! read more

Ben Eaton runs the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / martial arts academy at which I've ever had the pleasure to train (I've trained at 11 as a result of repeated relocations). He is an outstanding instructor, with tremendous personal skill, demonstrated repeatedly in competition against other professional and black belt competitors. What truly separates Ben's academy from the others though is his personality, commitment to academy culture, and ability to communicate with his students. His relaxed, enthusiastic attitude fosters a supportive, upbeat, safe environment; his demeanor lets every student and academy member know he/she is important, regardless of age, talent, skill, or experience. His instruction is easy to understand, clear, personalized, and tailored to individual students. Ben is a positive role model for his younger students; watching him teach kids BJJ classes, it was easy to see that the children looked up to him. This is a highly value academy for any student, and I'd recommend Ben to anyone looking for a place to learn or train BJJ in the Virginia Beach area. read more

I started training BJJ under Ben Eaton in March after a four year layoff. I was apprehensive about a brand new school, but I can't even begin to explain how much I've enjoyed RJJA-Yorktown! On top of being a highly technically-skilled black belt, Ben has a rare talent for explaining and teaching concepts. He tailors his instruction to the needs of the individual, whether you're experienced or brand new, young or old, interested in competing or just looking for a new hobby. The atmosphere is very friendly, very professional, and everyone has a good time. If you're looking to start something new or get your kids into something exciting and positive (Ben is great with the young ones!), you can't go wrong with Jiu-Jitsu! I wish I'd have started years ago, and I'm looking forward to getting my boys in there soon! Come out and join us! read more

Hi, I'm Brian Campbell; I'm 23 years old, born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia. I've done a ton of martial arts in the area: Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Kali to name a few, but none of them have had such a profound impact on me as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I've been to many gyms in the area, some of them teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but Ben Eaton's is by far the best. Not only is he the only black belt teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the area, he fosters one of the kindest and friendliest martial arts environments I've ever seen. This is not a gym where only the strong survive and people get beaten up. This is a very friendly environment in which your team is your family, and everyone takes care of each other to make sure you grow as a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and as a person. Come check us out! read more

I have been training in the martial arts for 18 years. In that time I have trained Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Isshin-Ryu, Kali and of course Jiu-Jitsu. In all my years I have never experienced a better run, more positive, or cleaner martial arts academy. Ben is one of the strongest martial arts instructors I have ever learned from and lets just say that number one on that list was Dan Inosanto. That will let you know just how much I respect Ben's teaching. For anyone looking for a place to train in the martial arts I know no other school in the area ( and I have been to most of them) with as friendly an environment ,with a teacher that knows the art, practices the art and teaches the art better than Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Yorktown. read more

I have been training at the Jiu Jitsu Institute for almost a year now, and its by far the best BJJ academy Ive been to. The environment is very professional and traditional, yet fun and family oriented. Egos are checked at the door and everyone is on the same page to help each individual reach their goals. Professor Ben Eaton is very knowledgeable and always looking out for the students best interests. The rest of the coaching staff is excellent, and always ready to lend a hand. Ben and staff also keep the academy very clean, which is great considering the horror stories of infections from dirty mats! If you are in the area and interested in BJJ, please come by and check it out! read more

I have had the pleasure of training with Professor Ben Eaton for four years now. I have trained and visited a lot of other schools but nothing compares to home; and that is exactly how you feel when you train at the Jiu-Jitsu Institute - HOME! He creates a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. The level of instruction is world class and the school is always clean and neat. I live almost an hour from the school and pass other Jiu-Jitsu schools to train with Ben at the Jiu-Jitsu Institute. Do yourself a favor, if you are in the Hampton Roads area, stop by and see Ben. You won't be disappointed! read more

The Quality of excellence in the teachers at this Jiu Jitsu Institution has exceeded my expectations in every way possible! The instructors are dedicated to help you and your family achieve whatever your individual goals are: self-confidence, self- defense, fitness, concentration, relieve stress this school will take you there! I wanted a positive sport that mother and daughter could build a bond that will last a life time but also teach her values and respect that will shape how she views the world around her! I am looking forward to our journey with this family oriented Institution. Laura read more

I have been training with Ben since January 2011 after changing schools. I have never looked back or regretted my move. Ben is an excellent instructor who is always looking to improve his skills so that he can bring it to his students. Everyone is the school is really close which makes going to class an even better experience. The kids love coming to class and have great respect for Ben. My son can't stand missing a day of class. If you have any interest in BJJ look no further and stop on by. read more

Anyone looking for a place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu do not need to look further. Ben brings a wealth of knowledge from years of training with list of the sport's elite. His affiliation and time on the mat with the Ribeiro brothers alone are more than anyone could ask for. He also has a very patient and laid back personality to go with it that will always make learning fun. I have known and trained with Ben for well over 10 years and enjoy every opportunity to get on the mat with him! read more

Both my husband and my two boys train here and have since the Academy opened. This place is as professional as it gets! Both of my boys started when they were 4 and I trust both Ben and Heidi (and all the instructors for that matter) with their development. This place has such a welcoming vibe and perhaps most importantly, is always clean! Wouldn't send my kids anywhere else to train! read more

I have been training at the Jiujitsu for about 16 months PRofessor Ben is one of the most knowledgable instrutor that have ever been a student I have been doing martial arts for over 20 years ay my age at 57 thats means a lot to train where it such a great place if you looking for a place to get in shape this is the place to be at any age William BRady . read more

I have been training at the Jiu Jitsu Institute since the beginning. Ben is a very knowledgable and compassionate instructor who can elevate your game if you are a competitor, build self confidence and discipline if you are a beginner, and get you in shape if you are looking for a great work. It's a great family environment for ages 4 to 50 plus. J Burke read more

Ben's a highly skilled jiu jitsu instructor and an all around great guy. Whether you are new to the gentle art or an experienced bjj practitioner looking for a new teacher, Ben is going to provide top quality jiu jitsu instruction in a clean and safe environment. read more

I've been training here since August 2016. I have since lost 30lb and increased my cardio and strength back to where in was in my mid-20s. Ben Eaton is a awesome coach, with a Harvard library in his head for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. read more

Ben is a humble person. A great instructor and a great leader. He make sure that every single student do the right move and he's always on your side if you need some questions. I will recommend this gym to everyone read more

Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu is awesome! Professional staff & excellent teaching for both adult and children's classes. I would recommend anyone looking for some challenging fun to give it a shot! read more

I highly recommend this academy for kids. Ben sets high expectations for the children and supports their efforts in a calm and gentle manner. Fantastic atmosphere! read more