AFS Academy of Martial Arts

427 Big Hill Ave, Richmond, KY 40475

4.9 (65 reviews)

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Train at the area’s top martial arts academy offering 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and real-world self-defense. Expert coaching, proven systems, and classes for all skill levels.

Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at AFS Academy of Martial Arts. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.

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Reviews

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Jackie Petrey

10 months ago I finally agreed to let my 8 year old give it a try. He has ADHD and struggles with impulse control and I was skeptical that this would help and honestly figured he would find himself in more trouble with impulse control rather than improvement. Boy was I wrong. We are seeing great improvement not only on the mat, but at school and in the daily routines. He looks forward to practice and now to the competitions. Coach Gina and Coach Scott are the absolute best, not only as coaches but people in general. If your child, or yourself struggles, give it a try! You won’t be disappointed. Everyone in the gym is welcoming and ready to help other learn.

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Posted 1 year ago
Carlos Lopes

Three years after walking into this gym with no experience at all, my kids are now competing (and winning) at the highest level BJJ competitions (IBJJF, F2W) all over the country. Coach Scott has been seriously studying/practicing martial arts his entire life and has all the credentials to back this up. If you're interested in high level competition, this is clearly the place to be and I need not go into detail as the other comments and wall full of medals prove this. But there is so much more available here. I will say that Coach Scott and Coach Gina aren't doing this to get rich. They're doing this to give back. They frequently organize free workshops, community outreach programs, and charity events not only in Richmond but throughout Kentucky. Their passion for martial arts is matched only by their desire to make a positive impact in the lives of his students and the surrounding community. If you're just looking to get in shape and/or learn a little self defense... If you're looking for a kids program, even if you're not sure about martial arts for your kid... ...at least stop by and check this out. You won't be disappointed.

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Posted 2 years ago
Glen Butler

10th Planet Richmond is an exceptional MMA gym that stands out for its world class training and brilliant instructors. The environment is incredibly welcoming, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced practitioners. The coaching staff is comprised of some of the highest level instructors in the field, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to every class. I would recommend ANYONE to join the community!

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Posted 2 years ago
Micheala Slone

If you get the chance to train under Scott and Gina, DO IT! Awesome coaches!

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Posted 2 years ago
Samuel Landrum

Fantastic place for Jiu Jitsu. Very talented group of people to train and roll with.

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Posted 3 years ago
Matt Weakley

Definitely a great place to train! I recommend anyone interested in jiu-jitsu within the Richardson/Lexington area make the trip to AFS. The drive from Lexington was definitely worth the arm-bar lesson, and you let me train just like I was a member of your gym...your courtesy is appreciated! Thank you Professor Scott Elliott and everyone there for letting me drop-in and train with you guys while I was traveling for work. Hopefully I'll get to see you guys 1-2 times a year!

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Posted 3 years ago
Kyla Delgado

My kids started Jujitsu about 6 months ago, I'm glad we decided to join AFS they have been amazing. Amazing coaches!!! Great learning opportunities for my kids!

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Posted 3 years ago
Casey Ruehrwein

Absolutely fantastic environment, and world class instruction. Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else!

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Posted 3 years ago
Rachael Lewis

Always a welcoming crew when we come to visit. I couldn’t say enough nice things about Scott and Gina at AFS.

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Posted 3 years ago
Calin Noel

Was part of a gym in Louisville, KY and we always did seminars with AFS. Great training partners, great coaches, and all around great environment. Always treat you like family!

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Posted 3 years ago
Robby Burgin

Everybody here is amazing. My kids love it and I love how active it keeps them.

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Posted 3 years ago
Raycheal Carr

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Coach Scott and Coach Gina are amazing instructors. They want to see you succeed and meet your goals in whatever class you are in. Gina is AMAZING with the kiddos and makes their learning fun. I had zero experience on the mat when I signed up and everyone welcomed me like I had been there for years! I never once felt intimidated by anyone who trains here. This gym is the place I miss most in Richmond after moving away. If you are interested in any of their classes, go now and try it out! I promise you wont regret it. The knowledge and kinship in this gym is something to be reckoned with.

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Posted 3 years ago
Candace Morehead

They have a very welcoming environment/community and are great with both instruction for adults and children! They have an abundance of knowledge and passion for their gym and sport!

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Posted 3 years ago
Scott lincoln

Wonderful place to train. Great team, amazing instructors. Bring the kids they have classes for them too. Too sore to roll try the DDP yoga.

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Posted 3 years ago
Chris l

My son has been going consecutively for years now, The kids class is amazing, and the whole gym overall is fantastic. If you're interested in getting into a gym, I challenge you to try this one!

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Posted 3 years ago
Jacob Kobza

Only regret is that I didn’t start training here earlier. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and cultivate a great learning environment for all levels of people who wish to learn. Fellow students are extremely friendly and an overall family atmosphere exists. Loved going there and can’t say enough good things.

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Posted 3 years ago
Joey Centers

Great place to workout. Friendly and very knowledgable leaders.

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Posted 4 years ago
Phillip Perkins Jiu-Jitsu

Some of the best instructors in the region. Awesome classes for kids and adults 👏

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Posted 4 years ago
Mason Bourne

Lots of fun, the people there are very knowledgeable and friendly. Can't wait to start going back

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Posted 4 years ago
Jesse Cantrell

Been nothing but good to us. Strong martial arts environment. Friendly technical and fun.

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Posted 4 years ago
Mark Campbell

Nice place.

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Posted 4 years ago
Lucifina Hellavich

It is a pleasure to be a member of AFS Academy, one of the most diverse, opened-minded, and informative martial arts dojo that I've ever had the privilege of being a part of. I am currently involved with the MMA classes, they have been wonderful, they make it easy to understand. I do love how the dojo has a gym-type atmosphere, the best part about the dojo's atmosphere for me personally was the service flags, I served 3 years in the United States Army, and it brings motivation to me while we go through the class. The instructors are amazingly kind, and down to earth, they make it their personal obligation to make sure every student has a clear understanding of how to go about certain drills, and go over it a second time for very new members, I would highly recommend anyone interested in learning to become a member of AFS Academy.

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Posted 4 years ago
Rebecca Rehg

This gym is the best around. They're family oriented and motivating.

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Posted 5 years ago
Clay Napier

They are the most professional and educated I have ever seen, the head instructor has trained his whole life with the best in the world the bond there to help one another as a team is militantly brilliant!

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Posted 5 years ago
Jennifer Lincoln

Amazing gym. Knowledgeable instructors and very welcoming to all. They genuinely care about every member of their team.

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Posted 5 years ago
Faze pug 59

Best place

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Posted 5 years ago
Travis Pennington

AFS/10TH planet is a great place to train martial arts/fitness weather you are a beginner looking for self-defense or a professional preparing for a fight they have coaches to help you achieve your goal whatever it maybe

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Posted 6 years ago
Mike Soult

Very knowledgeable instructors, more than willing to help with any questions you have in a safe training enviroment!

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Posted 7 years ago
Tyler Chrisman

Awesome place to train with great people! Highly qualified instructors and training partners!

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Posted 8 years ago
Shane Coyle

You will find few IF any gyms as welcoming to all, instructors knowledgeable in their areas, & everyone eager to assist you in meeting your goals and growing. Scott & Gina have built not just a gym, but a family environment.

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Posted 8 years ago
carol wells

We love this place ,I have 2grand children in their youth jujitsu ..and I have been doing the DDP YOGA ..all the trainers are great.!!would recommend AFS. Academy to anyone.

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Posted 10 years ago
Boomer Tears

Great place to train. Super inviting and awesome people to train under/with!

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Posted 10 years ago
Eve Hill

This is an amazing gym with not only top class martial arts instructors but trainers as well. Not only have I grown as a martial artist in my time at AFS but I have grown as an athlete. The trainers there have helped me with my running, lifting, yoga, etc.. on top of the martial arts classes I take. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for high quality training in a variety of fields.

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Posted 10 years ago
michael mcginnis

Awesome school ! Great vibe with extremely knowledgable instructors !

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Posted 10 years ago
Emily Bartee

I have been a consistent member at this gym for over four and a half years. Throughout that time I have grown in more ways than one from the experiences and teachings I have gained while being a member. I started coming to the gym only having a karate background but despite the differing art styles I was able to learn at AFS and grow into an even better martial arts practitioner. I never felt pressured to do things I wasn't ready for but at the same time everyone was always welcoming, supportive, friendly, and encouraging; everyone was always willing to help me grow. That support has helped me both inside and outside of the gym. The respect, discipline, and confidence I've gained from training and training properly at AFS has carried into every aspect of my life: work, school, family, friends, etc... The staff and instructors at the gym genuinely care about each and every member that walks through the doors, regardless of whether they are training for fun, because their spouse is, to better their fitness, or to be a fighter. Additionally, the instructors have all devoted their lives and time to the arts / fitness areas they are teaching whether it is DDP yoga, MMA bootcamps, jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, etc... They have studied what they are teaching, researched what they are teaching, and practiced what they are teaching - this gym truly is the best location in the area to come and train at because you never have to doubt the quality or validity of what you are being taught, whether it is a martial art, yoga, personal training, diet and nutrition advice, youth programs, etc... If it does not work or if it is not practical, we do not learn it. All experience levels are welcome and all experience levels come to classes – if you are a beginner you will never feel alone or out of place because someone will be there to help you. Over the years I have made many many friends as a result of being a member at this gym but even more than that I have gained another family that is always there for me, something I could not have gained if I had gone elsewhere to train. I highly recommend this gym to anyone who wants to learn or improve their lifestyle. Whether it is for self-defense, fitness, weight loss, getting balance and structure back in your life, gaining a team that supports you, wanting to learn real, practical, and proven martial arts, or eventually wanting to be a fighter, this gym is the place to be. The gym is family friendly, supportive, open, and encouraging. The only thing stopping you from coming in and checking it out is you, but once you do – whether it is for fitness and personal gains or gaining martial arts knowledge – you will not regret it.

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Posted 10 years ago
Marcus Johnson

All of the instructors are great, they really know how to teach for technique and also real world application which is really important to me. The classes are great and the instruction is amazing. They know how to really tap into your skill level and get just a little more out of you that you didn't think you had. Great place , great people and great experiences training there.

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Posted 10 years ago
sonja cole

I love this gym! I have been a member for around a year and a half. I have taken the MMA Fitness Bootcamp, Women's Only Jiu-jitsu, 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu, DDP Yoga and I am a personal training client. In my time at AFS I have lost over 70 pounds and become stronger and healthier. Having been a person who has struggled with weight issues, I never thought I'd be this physically fit ever again. I love my new life style and my gym. I wouldn't have had this much success without the amazing skills and knowledge of my coaches and personal trainer.

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Posted 10 years ago
Tiffany Turner

Scott Elliott has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He genuinely wants each individual to grow and succeed in the martial arts journey and will motivate you to do so. He has mentored his student, Adam Fritz, into a highly skilled youth instructor. Adult and youth training is of quality.

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Posted 10 years ago
Sanjin

Cannot recommend this place enough. Whether your goals are self defense, general fitness, or if you're wanting to actually compete, the instructors here will go above and beyond for you. Very knowledgeable and multi-certified trainers, friendly environment and great in and out of gym community.

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Posted 10 years ago
M M

Excellent place to learn useful real world fighting techniques or to get in shape with motivated people.

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Posted 10 years ago
NoGi Groundhog

This is a great gym with great instructors at every level. These instructors are highly skilled and certified in the respective arts they are teaching. This is the only accredited 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu school in Kentucky. If you are a fighter with aspirations of making it to the highest levels, then this is the gym for you. If you work a 9 to 5 and want to get in shape as well as learning several fighting skills, this is the gym for you. I highly recommend AFS Academy for all of your Martial Arts and fitness needs.

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Posted 10 years ago
Brandon Campbell

A great place to get in shape and learn martial arts. The coaches are extremely helpful and foster a positive environment. Cannot say enough good things about this gym!

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Posted 10 years ago
Tasha Proctor

Since joining the family at AFS my life has changed and improved. My confidence, patience and drive for learning the art of jiu-jitsu is off the charts and i love that its a sport i can do with my son and husband.

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Posted 10 years ago
Ruben Warr

This gym will meet beyond your standards. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable and professional. As a professional Mma fighter, this is my second home and everyone treats you like family totally worth every penny and minute spent inside this gym.

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Posted 10 years ago
Brian Judge

Can't say enough good things about the classes and great instructors! So much so that I drive from out of town to attend.

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Posted 10 years ago
Adam Fritz

Without a doubt the best place to train martial arts in the area. Whether it be for sport, or real world application, this is the place to be. Very friendly staff and members that make you feel at home!

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Posted 10 years ago
Edgar F Migliaccio

I agree with others reviewers, great instructors, friendly but tough, good vibe…but it's dirty, dusty chain link fence, cobwebs in trophies, nasty carpet. Need to redo front area altogether, more benches for athletes and parents to sit, new carpet or flooring, better cubby holes without poky screws.

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Posted 10 years ago
Martha Cotter

I was considering enrolling my daughter in this academy since she is a bullying victim at her school. They came highly recommended in local Facebook groups, along with Hurricane Martial Arts. However, I saw some of the instructors, and I think one of the students, engaging in cyberbullying and mocking other martial arts folks who were advertising in one of the local groups. Honestly, that was a huge red flag for me. After reading Felecia’s review, I’m even more convinced that these people may actually be bullies themselves and not martial artists but gym owners.

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Posted 1 year ago
Felecia Johnson

My son currently attends a gym in Lexington. We’ve been looking for a local gym in Richmond and this was his first stop on that journey. Upon arriving the female coach/owner fussed at him for his parking (new driver). Upon entering the gym he was called out for having his shoes on the mat. He did say he enjoyed the other students very much which is why I gave two stars. He assumed the class was ending but as he was exiting he was asked why he was leaving and when he responded he had plans the same female told him she didn’t give a shit what his plans were. This was a Terrible experience for a CHILD so eager to learn. I will never let him visit another gym alone. I couldn’t have imagined this would be his experience. He paid $20 for a group class and was bullied through the entire experience. I understand the discipline required for these sports but a little care goes a long way. Especially for a kid putting himself out there at a new gym. Only leaving a review to make sure the owner knows how my kid felt leaving her facility. I don’t know your name but I attached your picture from the group photo posted online. To the other children in the building that went out of their way to make him feel welcome, thank you! To parents considering this gym, if your kid thrives when adults bully him/her, this might be the place for you but it’s certainly not a good fit for us! Shame on ownership!

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Posted 1 year ago