Aamerican Colleges of Jiu Jitsu and Karate

11250 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23238, USA

4.5 (31 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo MMA Self-Defense

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Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction

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Mat Space

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Martial Arts School, After-School Care and Summer Camp in Richmond, VA.

Reviews

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A Graves

Both my boys attend this school and have learned many valuable lessons so far in Karate and JiuJitsu. The staff here truly cares about the students. Here it is not just the lesson at hand but how it leads to the next step in growth and development. Sincerely pleased with the programs!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Alex Graves

Both my boys attend this school and have learned many valuable lessons so far in Karate and JiuJitsu. The staff here truly cares about the students. Here it is not just the lesson at hand but how it leads to the next step in growth and development. Sincerely pleased with the programs!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Sarah Clock

My 9 year old son has been attending this after school martial arts dojo since the fall of 2022 and he absolutely LOVES IT. The owners, Master Rick and Sensei Katrina, are passionate about this program, their students and about teaching respect, discipline and self control. My son has much more confidence, strength and manners since he has started. This dojo understands children, especially boys, need movement as well as discipline. They have martial arts 3 days a week, and the other two days involve trips to the park, hiking, sumo, dodgeball, gagaball, ghosts in the graveyard, pickle, etc. My son has done everything in the past including lacrosse, soccer, rugby, swimming, Taekwondo at the Y, and nothing stuck. I’m telling you, this program is the best money I’ve ever spend on him. Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
SilasMabilas

I attend this school as one of the evening class students, amazing experience with well-done disciplinary learning. Highly recommend for parents looking for things their kid can do.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
He maccabe

The teachers are excellent. Really care. Best place in Richmond for your child to learn responsibilty and self-defense. And your child should be learning.

Instructors Location
Posted 4 years ago
Pete Woods

My daughter has loved going to the dojo. She says that the best part is the people, both instructors and students.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Arlene Arslanian-Jones

My boys have been attending for a few month now and what a positive change I have seen in them since they started! They both are so excited to attend, and they love ALL the instructors! Master Rick and Sensei Katrina are amazing! I don't ever worry about my boys when they are in their care! They are very attentive and caring with the kids and the open communication is by far the best! You can see how much heart they have for children! I HIGHLY recommend them!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Jason Kerrick

My son started going here back In February and we were a little nervous because he is autistic and has ADHD. But wow what a difference it has made in the short time he was being going here! Katrina and Master Rick are very attentive as is all the staff. My son loves going to his classes and he has become more focused and relaxed. We really love the individual attention he has gotten when he needs it and he has become so so proud of his Gee and patches. Plus we feel very at ease when we leave him there for his classes!! We can not say enough good things about Katrina and Rick.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Banechannel TV

My son recently came on board with this great organization. I highly suggest if you have interests in pursuing American Karate Jujitsu etc this would be the place to attend! May it be an adult or if you are seeking a sport for your child /children. The pricing is very fair but more importantly if you are seeking excellent customer service a caring environment for your children a lifetime of positive experiences there is No Other. We are grateful to the owners and staff to have found you. A genuine experience reliable dependable that you can rely on! Thank-you so much!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Rebecca Catalfu

If you are looking for an inclusive place for your child to learn self defense and how to practice self respect I would highly recommend this program. This martial arts practice comibines real world situations with an old school feel emphasizing respect. My child has excelled not only in self confidence and martial arts but also in school. The expectations are set high but are thoroughly explained and in a variety of ways making this school very inclusive. My child has enjoyed his time at this program and we are grateful for the child focused instruction and guidance that he has received.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Rodim

Wanna learn karate? This is the place. Master Rick and Sensei Katrina care deeply about everyone who walks in the door and care deeply about their staff. They run the school like it’s one big family. I looked at some of these posts previously written with 1 star about kids being hit or someone being rude to the kids. It’s not true. I’ve know the owners for 11 years and they don’t do that. The staff doesn’t do that. Hopefully more will leave comments on here that are truthful and not falsely slandering one of the best karate schools I’ve been to and it’s master.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Cohl Brooks

I went here for several years and I loved it very much. I had to move away and I miss it a lot!I miss you so much master Rick! (PS: this is cohl)

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Ben Kass

Lost interest.

Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
shakura flowers

Where do I begin? This place feels like home. Everyone knows how intimidating a Dojo can be; but not this one. Everyone here is welcoming and comforting. My child was very timid and shy when he first came for his trial class. I kid you not, by the second day he was noticeably more confident. I love the change I’m seeing in him, even his behavior in school. The kids here are so nice, respectful, and tells each other how well they are doing; it’s a beautiful thing. My 3 year old who is not in class yet comes to every class to watch her older brother and loves Master Rick with all her heart. He always give her the love back that she seeks from him, it’s a great feeling. Master Rick and his wife are starting to seem like family to us, and we’ve only been here since January 2020. Best money I EVER spent and super affordable, I can’t wait to see what the years have to come!!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Brian Floyd-Woodbury

My child had recently started coming here. My child is 5 and enjoys coming here thru out the week.Its is a very clean and comfortable environment. Master Ricks takes time with each student to make sure the doing every move correctly to prevent injury. I really enjoy how they build confidence within students. My child came into here shy at first but now has friends all ages. I would recommend this place to everyone.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Austin Perry

A bunch of people recently left a chain of bad reviews to hurt the owners business. Those bad reviews are far from the truth. I've trained here for 15 years. Master Rick is knowledgeable, the staff is friendly and they provide a safe place for kids to train. The after school is exceptional! Can not say enough good things about this place!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Jay Sykes

We have been there for five years and have had a great experience. My kids have learned a lot about martial arts as well as respect and hard work. They also run a great after school program as well as Summer camp. I endorse them wholeheartedly.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Ian Hanawalt

Aamerican Colleges of Jiu Jitsu and Karate is one of the best schools in the area for people of all ages to learn practical self defense. The martial arts styles they teach incorporate American Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, along with aikido, judo, boxing, wrestling, and basically anything that works in a real life physical conflict situation, including gun/weapon defense. Master Rick Van Auker is usually running class, and his years of experience and wealth of knowledge make every work out enjoyable and informative. I recommend ACJK for anyone who wants to learn actual self defense, get in shape and have fun all at the same time.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
EKP EKP

My son started in August in the summer program. He came home happy and tired everyday. They take great care of them and instill respect for others. Now in the after school program he gets his homework done by the time I pick him up and he looks forward to Saturday classes every week. Oh and did I mention the price is better than any any daycare. We would definitely recommend this place to anybody.

Instructors Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Robin Crane

I am absolutely amazed with the after-school jiu jitsu teaching program for kids 5 and up. My seven-year-old BEGS to go to class two hours early. He's enjoying himself incredibly. The class moves quickly, thus keeping the kids involved and attentive. It's literally fun, and there's a great deal of concentration going on as well; you can just see the kids TRYING to watch and learn from the teachers and the other kids. It's wonderful to see my serious quiet grandkid punching the heck out of the punching bags and grinning all the time in sheer joy .

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 12 years ago
Daryl Garcia

The class is full with friendly people and Master Rick is very knowledgeable, experienced and helpful.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 14 years ago
Susan Thompson

My son has been attending ACK for over 2 years. This was the best decision I made for after school care and for summer camp. I feel very confident in Master Rick and Sensai Katrina and all the teachers in providing my son with the tools he needs to become not just a great martial artist, but a good person. They teach him values, respect, confidence and how to have FUN ! Every day is an adventure during summer camp and my son asks me to pick him up as late as possible after school because he enjoys it so much. I highly recommend Aamerican Colleges of Jiu Jitsu and Karate to kids and adults (I've taken some classes myself -GREAT workout and fun)

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 15 years ago
Mr. and Mrs. Sean Taylor

1st time visiting. Great people, super friendly and family owned. The dojo is spacious. Great place for kids to learn your basics and seems like you can graduate to the adult class where the discipline is on point.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Stephanie Mcdough

My grandson told me that he preformed a move wrong and an instructor here hit him in response to his mistake. I’m not pleased hearing about this. Karate or not, that is unacceptable behavior.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Travis Ellison

Definitely never coming back to this place. The manager was rude to me and to my daughter. No thank you.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Karen Fry

Owner is arrogant and unreasonable. My car battery went dead, so I had to drive my 24 foot RV to take my autistic daughter to her doctors appointment. Being considerate of other shoppers, I chose to park at the back of the parking lot where there was no one else parking. My RV took up two spaces front to back and another foot over the line of two others. So, essentially one and a half spaces front to back. A man in a bus parked SIDEWAYS across four spaces asked my daughter to move the vehicle as we hurried to our appointment. Since nothing was wrong with where I parked and it was obviously not inconveniencing anyone as there were lots of spaces all around… I chose leave it parked where it was parked... in the back of the shopping center where no one else was parked and no one was being inconvenienced. When we got out of our doctors appointment, I found my car boxed in by FOUR busses that advertise this business. Did not find out until I called the police, that I was dealing with the owner of this business. He took offense because I parked "in HIS spaces". There were no signs no indication that where I was parking was incorrect or inconveniencing anyone. It was apparently his opinion was I should've parked at the front of the mall and blocked other shoppers from parking closer to the mall stores. He was rude and abrupt, arrogant and nasty. I question whether you'd want your kids around someone like this. My autistic daughter is now so upset that she does not want to return to her doctors office because she doesn't want "the bad man" to yell at us anymore. Took him about 15 or 20 minutes (and a phone call to the police for help) to actually move his vehicle so I could leave.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago