I have been training at Team Passos for three months, and there is no way I can fit all of the positive aspects of this Academy into one review. So, I will focus on the Academy's staff, facility/curriculum, and general atmosphere. The Professors and coaches are top-notch. They take the time to get to know you as a person and student. I started training at another academy, and my interaction with the coaching staff/leadership was limited to on-mat instruction, which made me feel like they did not care if I showed up for class. The leadership and coaches at Team Passos are the complete opposite. I feel like they are genuinely interested in understanding what I hope to accomplish with my training and, more importantly, how they can help get me to where I want to be. They also know everyone's name, and there are quite a few students across the Academy's programs, which further illustrates that you are not considered another tuition payment at Team Passos. The facility is fantastic. The entire facility is immaculate and well-maintained. The curriculum is comprehensive and allows students to progress at their own pace. The Professors and coaches (and training partners) are patient and go out of their way to make sure you understand the concepts and techniques you are learning. The atmosphere is welcoming. I read a lot about what it was like to begin practicing jiu-jitsu before I finally committed to taking a class. I read many articles and anecdotes about how jiu-jitsu is very cliquish and unwelcoming for beginners. My (brief) experience at my first school validated everything I read, which is why I left. Again, Team Passos is the complete opposite; the Academy feels more like a community than a gym. I highly recommend Team Passos to anyone looking to begin or continue their journey in jiu-jitsu. read more

Dropped in to train at Team Passos while on a work trip in Northern VA and was recommended by one of their students who trained with us while on vacation in Hawaii. When it got closer to me getting to VA, I connected with Andrew through Facebook and he was very open and welcoming throughout the process of me finding information on times to train, price, classes, etc. When I actually arrived Andrew greeted me, got my paperwork/waivers filled out and gave me a brief facility tour. Everyone training there was super nice and welcoming. Professor Josh and Coach Meghan were teaching the class I was in and it was top notch. I really appreciated everyone's time and expertise. Team Passos will definitely be someplace ill stop in to train whenever I'm in the Reston/Sterling area for work. Other Notes: - Their training facilities are very clean! Professor Josh himself swept and mopped the mats after class along with one of their students to ensure that it stays fungus and bacterial-free. - They have men's and women's lockers with little cubbyholes to keep your stuff which is a plus when you have 20+ men and women training. - More than ample parking. I didn't have a problem finding a stall and parking is free, which is a definite plus. - Just enough mat space. The class was bordering on too big, but we had just enough mat space for everyone to train without bumping into each other. 4 more people on the mat and that probably wouldn't be the case. This isn't necessarily a problem though as it means its a good school, people are enjoying their training, learning, and getting a lot out of it. My home gym has the same problems where the mats are packed at nights. read more

I trained at few different academies in the past and Tony Passos BJJ is by far the best in my personal opinion. What sets it apart for me is that all classes are taught by highly experienced black belt. This way you get your progress measured by the same person each day so that you can tweak your game (Tony watches his students roll, and he is very approachable after the class to talk about what you did wrong or right. To me it is a huge plus, since I feel that without this feedback, you keep making same mistakes class after class.) Another HUGE plus, is that Tony goes over one technique and drills it sometimes for entire month to develop muscle memory and to break each technique to fine details, head/hand placement, etc. A lot of schools go over several techniques per class and next class it is something completely different. For old timer like me, I need repetition and if I learn few techniques per class, I dont remember them next week since I did not drill them enough. Tony concentrates on body mechanics and on fundamentals that flow (i.e. open guard, establish side control, mount, finish). None of the flashy youtube stuff. Plus, what attracted me in the first place to Tony is that he is not forcing you to sign up on the very first place or annoys you with follow up calls like many academies do. So feel free to visit and train to see for yourself! read more

I have trained at other schools in the past and I regret not having come directly to Tony Passos first. His knowledge, passion, and skills are a cut above anybody that you will find in the DC Metro. If you miss more than a week of classes, Tony will reach out to you. If your training seems adrift, Tony will reach out to you. Even when everything is fine, I get random messages from Tony just to say hello. His classes are not cluttered with random pseudo-techniques, disconnected concepts, or disparate theories. Everything is well-thought out, connected, relevant, and effective. More so, there are no easy classes. Tony pushes us to train a little harder and with more purpose at every session. Amazingly, my injury rates have gone from 'constantly' to 'barely'. The team here also makes this a great school. This is the first school I've been to where there is zero ego. No drama queens, pissing-contests, or sore losers. Part of this is because of Tony and in how Tony runs his classes, but it is also in the attitudes of everyone here. Everyone is training hard and has the competitive spirit like any other BJJ school no doubt, but the emotional maturity amongst our team is not as common in other schools. So to sum: Great coach, great classes, and a great group of jiu-jitsu players read more

I have been training with Tony and the team for over 6 years. Over the course of those 6 years Jui Jits has made me a better person and has taught me numerous lessons, all thanks to Tony and his teaching/coaching/motivating/caring. His focus on technique is really all about the end game of better understanding of the basic body mechanics which can be translated to any position. He is constantly learning new details, which he passes on to the team. He is like a kid in a Jui Jits candy store; he can't contain his love for the art and strives to show you it's beauty. Tony also cares about the progress of each of his students (not just in Jui Jits), which is amazing considering at one moment he could be in China coaching Andre Galvao or someone else from the ATOS team and the next week it's me. The classes are a right mix of structure, drilling and rolling. There is a curriculum so you have an idea of what is coming. Everything builds on itself. The team is more then a team. It is a mixing bowl of people, various backgrounds, ages, sizes, skill levels, but at the end of the day we are a team, everyone has got everyone's back. The competition in the gym is great, forces you to get better which in turn forces the next guy to get better, and so on. read more

I've been lucky enough to train with Tony for nearly 8 years. He is an incredible instructor, and is very passionate about his profession. His teaching emphasizes learning core concepts which apply across all positions and techniques, and he has a very well established, thought-out and well presented long term curriculum. This allows the students to always see the big picture, to remember where we came from, and to see where we are going. Besides that, Tony takes responsibility for the training of his students. He will sit with each person throughout the year to understand their goals and desires and he will hold them accountable as such - if you just want to train and have fun, that's fine. And if you want to compete at the world level, you better be prepared! In the kids program, Tony takes a hands on approach and makes sure the kids actually learn BJJ. If you are looking for babysitting for your children, look elsewhere! The kids learn real jiujitsu, but still have fun in the process. It is an incredible environment focused on both physical and psychological development. In short, I couldn't have asked for a better environment to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu and to maximize my potential in the "arte suave." It truly is as good as it gets. read more

Professor Passos is truly as good as it gets. I love training at his academy. He also finds time to come to Gaithersburg, Maryland to teach at the academy I train at and I almost never miss it. Whenever I can I make it a point to go to Sterling to train at his academy. Every class I attend my mind is blown. When I started training in his classes my game evolved drastically. We do not simply learn cool moves we gain a strong understanding of concepts and body mechanics. This is so great because you can be in a situation and figure out what to do. His knowledge and love for this beautiful art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is unmatched. The system is structured with a set curriculum we focus on specific positions not just a bunch of techniques. Not just a teacher but is also a brother and friend. He is committed to his pupils young and old, both on and off the mat, he is a mentor to all. If you are just doing BJJ for fun or as a serious competitor Tony Passos is the guy you want to train with. This is my home away from home and my second family. You will not regret training with Team Passos. You will be pushed , you will be challenged, you will grow and you will be glad you decided to train with this team. read more

I train at an affiliate school under the Tony Passos patch, but have always wanted to try a class here in Sterling as well. It can be a little intimidating, so I was waiting until one of my training partners could come up with me. Finally, just bit the bullet and showed up by myself. I dropped in for the morning class and Josh was teaching. It was a top-notch experience! Immediately, people came over and introduced themselves, making me feel like family. I won't pretend I won any rolls (that's not why I came here) but what impressed me was how safe it was. I am a 6ft, 250lb purple belt and have been to other schools where people are pretending it's the ADCC finals, and I stole their lunch money. At Passos, everyone was smooth, technical, and SAFE! (more importantly, they were willing to show me what they did so that I can improve.) I am sure I will be coming back many more times. Even in one class, I learned a few tricks to share with my unsuspecting partners once I returned to my home school. Simple recap: the gym is clean, fun and very welcoming. The instruction is phenomenal. If you are in town, you should try it. The only thing you will regret is not trying them out sooner! read more

Legitimate world-class jiu-jitsu isn't exactly easy to come by in Virginia. Tony Passos and the environment at his gym is just that: world-class. Athletes from the very pinnacle of the sport--see BJJ World Champion Andre Galvao--to average joes like myself have sought out Tony for his expertise, unique training principles, and most importantly his mentorship. Personally, one of my favorite aspects of Tony's approach to jiu jitsu is that he is very much a student of the game, and, as such, he motivates all of us to study the art in a way that truly engenders understanding of the fundamentals. Simply said - Tony's style of teaching works. Tony has a long list of tournament-winning students at his gym, but he also has dedicates himself to the regular guys like me who use jiu jitsu as an outlet, or another way to stay in shape. All walks of life roll at Tony's gym and the atmosphere is competitive, yet friendly and inviting. His kids' classes are amazing, too, and watching even the youngest of his students perform technical BJJ moves is a testament to his teaching ability. Joining Tony's gym five years ago is one of the best things I've done. read more

I've been training at Team Passos since July 2019, and I wish that I had started long before that. I was apprehensive for many years to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, for a variety of reasons. Mostly because I thought that it would be beyond my ability. Those fears were all for nothing. What I found at Team Passos was an extremely knowledgeable team of professionals, who not only taught the art of BJJ, but also conditioned the body with a comprehensive warm up session. Each class is a challenge, mentally and physically, and is exactly what I was looking for in a Jiu Jitsu academy. From the moment class begins, until the end, is filled with instruction, practical application and development, not one minute is wasted, and all students, no matter their capability, are mentored and provided the necessary tools to perform. Again, I can't recommend this academy enough, and encourage anyone who wishes to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to join Team Passos. This is not a corporation looking to boost numbers, but has become a branch of family tree, and I couldn't be more proud to wear the patch on my back. read more

I have had the privilege of being under the tutelage of Professor Tony Passos for the past three years. I have been an avid BJJ and Judo practitioner for the past eight years. I have been under two previous clubs and can ultimately say that being under the Passos name has been the best for me. Professor Passos teaches Jiu Jitsu to the extent that it could be an advanced university physics course and yet explains in terms that can understood and applied by all. My jiu-jitsu has grown in levels where I understand it to a scientific application rather than just an advanced vocabulary of moves. This feat is really only taught by a small percentage of BJJ teachers. Professor Passos holds his teaching and product to extremely high standards and will hold you to high standards as well to reach your goals. He already has a reputable resume and he surrounds himself with those who add value to the art. (Such as: Guto, Lepri, and Galvao). Professor Passos works to accommodate those with fitness goals, high level competition goals, and goals to increase their overall understanding of the art. read more

I began training at Tony Passos BJJ about 3 years ago. It has, and continues to be an amazing, yet humbling, experience. Tony is a person who genuinely cares about all of his students. He is there for you in more ways then just jiu jitsu. I have learned a lot about myself on his mat. Every class is full of energy and knowledge. We push hard EVERY class. Good, conditioning, hard rolling, but most importantly is the knowledge that Tony shares. His understanding of human mechanics, and how it applies to jiu jitsu is off the chart. I've trained in many places along our region and NONE of them have this unique system of mechanics and concepts. It is an ever growing system and it shows when Tony has light bulbs flashing. I am an owner, and strength coach, at my own gym so I can relate to him. He is always learning more. It is very clear to me that Tony truly dedicates his life to jiu jitsu. Training at Tony's gym has changed my life. It is a place to learn, train hard, and meet cool people. As long as he is around, I choose to be on his mat. read more

Tony Passos is one of the most knowledgeable Jiu Jitsu instructors that any student could ever come across. Having worked in the sports industry most of my adult life and understanding that great coaches are not only motivators, but great teachers as well...Tony, definitely falls in this category! Asside his Jiu Jitsu acumen he is also well rounded in that he passionately coaches all who are part of Tony Passos BJJ. If you are serious competitor, you will have much to gain & if you are just guy or girl who likes to reamin active & uses physical ativity as a release, Tony certainly welcomes this as well. In my opinion, the biggest & most important thing he's done is create an "AWESOME" culture & safe enviornment at his academy. A good person with a good personality who cares about all of his students. Their is also a great kids program @ Tony Passos BJJ, so to all who are interested in jiu jitsu wheather you are local here in Northern Virginia, or from out of town you will be impressed with his passion, support, and knowledge. read more

I have been training with Tony for five years. Before this I had trained at a few other academies. I have to say that Tony is an amazing coach, friend, and brother. Tony takes the time to make everyone feel welcome and gets to know each and every individual that walks through the door. His commitment to his students is undeniable and he will do whatever it takes to support his students in reaching their BJJ goals. As for the BJJ instruction, it is phenomenal. Tony teaches in a way that anyone white belt or black belt can understand. He does this by teaching body mechanics and then applying them to the techniques of BJJ. He also makes sure to devote equal amounts of time to all students to ensure that the understanding levels are equal across all students. Joining this gym has been one of the best decisions of my life on a personal, physical, and spiritual level. If you want to be the best you have to train and learn from the best and that is exactly what you will do at Tony Passos Jiu Jitsu! read more

I HIGHLY recommend Team Passos! I started training here a few weeks ago. I have absolutely zero experience in any martial art, and walked in completely clueless. I was instantly welcomed with open arms! Not only did I feel very comfortable in an unfamiliar setting, but I felt cared for. Everyone I came into contact with was excited I was there and was willing to help me in any way they could, especially on the mats! I expected to be intimidated, but that's not even close to what I found. Every class I go to, the professors and my partners take the extra time to walk me through sequences and moves. They are patient with me when we roll, and give me pointers on how to integrate what we learned in class into the roll. It's an awesome workout, I am learning so much, and I genuine look forward to class! I am so grateful for this experience thus far, and am excited for what's to come! If you're looking for an academy that is welcoming, kind, professional, and just plain AWESOME, look no further! read more

Hi all, I have been training with Tony for the last two years and all I can say is that you will never find a better and more knowledgable professor to learn BJJ from. His style is concerned with body mechanics and principles and he teaches in a different way which is easy to both understand and apply. His principles are easily applicable to each and every technique. He is very detail oriented and he is truly concerned with student progress and general wellbeing. I have grown under Tony not only as a BJJ player but also as a person. He has helped me understand and see life under a new prospective. Tony is a man of strong character and admirable conviction. The academy is very friendly and family oriented. Recently my wife has also started to train jiujitsu seeing the positive difference it made in my life. The classes are geared towards individual goals and different individual skill levels and everyone gets personal attention from professor Tony. BIG double thumbs up!!!! read more

I've been training at Tony Passos BJJ for 8 months now and couldn't be happier with the results. Tony has a great mix of students, ranging from people who are very serious competitors to those who train BJJ more as a hobby (all ages as well). It's amazing to know that a novice such as myself recieves training from the same coach that trains very high level people from all over the world. He's in a very convenient location in Sterling VA; however, I can tell you that many of his students drive very far and pass perfectly good Brazillian Jiu Jitsu schools along the way to train with Tony Passos. In addition to his vast knowledge and expertise in BJJ (a black belt from legend Ricardo De La Riva), Tony has an infectious positive attitude and outlook on life, which in my opinion, enables his students to better recieve and comprehend his instuction. If you are in NOVA, and are looking to train BJJ, you would do yourself a service by meeting and talking with Tony Passos. read more

Tony Passos is more than just a Jiu Jitsu coach. He is a friend that offers real world advice that goes far beyond Jiu Jitsu. I have been his student for three years now and he has not only impacted me but he has also impacted my whole family. My three kids and my wife now attend Jiu Jitsu. This is a very competitive environment but it is also great for the family. Tony creates an environment of learning that mixes high level Jiu Jitsu with a sense of comradery like I had when I was in the Marines many years ago. I have seen great results with my step daughter who has become an A student. Personally I have seen great physical benefits in my own body. I have lost 20 lbs. Since I have started training and my stamina and endurance are thru the roof. I recommend our gym to anyone who is looking to work hard and learn new things. My wife is in great shape and for a woman who can do six pull ups even she says it's a great work out! read more

I've been coming here for about a year and a half because it's the absolute best place to learn jiu jitsu. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. The rolling is competitive but there are no egos and everyone is eager to learn and help others. I've trained at other gyms that are run by black belts but the classes are actually taught by people with much less experience. One of the best things about this gym is that Tony personally teaches all of the classes himself. He gets to know every one of his students and works with each of us. What sets Tony's instruction above everyone else is that he doesn't simply teach a move but instead explains the body mechanics of a technique so you develop a complete understanding. He's a world class coach and his knowledge of jiu jitsu is on a different level than other black belts. There's definitely a reason why you see Tony coaching so many champions in the best jiu jitsu highlight videos. read more