Ascend Jiu Jitsu

14740 Flint Lee Rd # G, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA

(16 reviews)

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The Best Martial Arts School in Fairfax, VA. See why hundreds of residents love Martial Arts Classes in Ascend Jiu Jitsu.

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Hanna Safari

I’ve felt nothing but welcomed and supported from day one. The atmosphere is incredibly inclusive, and I’m especially grateful for the amazing group of strong, talented women who train here. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, I highly recommend this gym for anyone looking to grow, learn, and feel supported in their martial arts journey!

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Posted 1 year ago
Donde Fell

I’ve been training here for almost 4 years and have visited other academies and can say you won’t find a higher level place with an instructor that cares more about your well being and progress. Sean Stoopman is a wealth of knowledge and experience and all of the instructors here are welcoming and passionate. Shout out to the 6am crew.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Geoffrey Hoffman

I've trained Jiu-Jitsu under Sean Stoopman since 2013, and throughout the years, I've seen how Ascend has evolved with the sport of jiu jitsu. The technique that is taught is relevant and battle-tested and presented in a way that's both challenging and easy to understand for all skill levels. The environment is welcoming and safe, while still pushing you to improve, whether you're a hobbyist or a competitor. What really stands out is the team of instructors and black belts that have risen through the ranks under Professor Stoopman. Each brings their own expertise and diverse styles, sharing a wealth of knowledge that helps everyone grow, regardless of your own size, shape or style. It's a place where you can continually learn, no matter your experience level, thanks to the dedication and passion of the entire team.

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Posted 1 year ago
Alan Parker

Sean is, hands down, a martial artist’s dream instructor. Ever since Tae Kwon Do was first introduced into the Olympics in 1988, I’ve been on a quest to find a pure martial arts school. When I found Sean, I couldn’t believe that such a place had been in my backyard this whole time. From the head instructor to all the coaches, I have never felt so welcomed in my life. Every class feels like witnessing a magic trick—except it’s taught in such a way that I genuinely understand the technique. Then, when applying it during class, I can see measurable progress each time. I’ve lost a tremendous amount of weight, my self-esteem has skyrocketed, and I’ve discovered how to exceed my own perceived limitations. The classes and teammates have been so motivating that I now focus on my nutrition, rest, and time management just so I can attend more frequently. I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered this school.

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Posted 1 year ago
Christian Hernandez

Top notch instruction and a fantastic training environment. Sean and his fellow instructors are great coaches and will help you develop accordingly no matter what your focus or goal may be in the martial arts. Also, the BJJ open mat is the best I've ever seen.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Andre C

Ascend BJJ & Grappling is an incredible organization! Top notch training with a systematic approach. I started BJJ at a relatively late age & with a busy work schedule I had little success with another NV BJJ gym. Sean's approach is disciplined & continuously builds on previously taught systems. The instructors are top notch & the atmosphere is one of mutual respect & learning. I highly recommend Ascend BJJ.

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Posted 1 year ago
Michael Spencer Ziehfreund

I’ve trained and competed under Sean the head coach. He is very up to date with modern techniques and continues to advance them. His lineage is legit. He continues to advance the gym and has recently added brand new mats that are awesome. He is dog friendly. It is in a convenient location in northern Virginia to get around to DC or any other major city within an hour. Open mats always have several black belts that demonstrate competency and willing to assist lower belts. Sean’s grips are ridiculously strong. He gripped my wrist and it hurt for 2 months. Don’t mess with him. Train with him.

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Posted 1 year ago
Alan Parker

I’ve spent my entire life training in martial arts, always searching for the right school. When I found Ascend, it felt like a dream come true! It combines everything I was looking for—practical, no-nonsense martial arts at the highest level, designed to meet any need or goal. The instruction is rooted in real-world experience yet delivered with a personalized, professional touch that makes you feel like the entire school is built around you. From the most experienced instructors to complete beginners, everyone is incredibly humble and genuinely invested in helping you push past limits you didn’t even know you had. It’s a privilege to have such an exceptional school right in our backyard!

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Posted 1 year ago
Alexander Auli

I started my jiu jitsu journey with Sean Stoopman in 2017. Although I am extremely biased, it’s for good reason. You will find many classes that would be suitable for your schedule. Equal emphasis on gi, no gi, and competition classes. So if you wanna learn jiu jitsu in an extremely welcoming academy, look no further. If you just want to learn and do this for fun or if you have higher ambitions in competing, this is the academy for you! I am very grateful for Ascend Academy and I look forward to growing and learning more.

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Posted 1 year ago
Paul Sheen

Great gym, great facility and great instructions. Thank you for letting me drop in and cross train in the mornings. Safe rolling partners and no egos. Felt welcome and A+ atmosphere. Shout out to Nick L and Jon C. Hope to see you guys again.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Mike Wieboldt

As a 40 old dad I decided to try Jiu Jitsu. Not knowing anything about the sport, I picked this place because it was closest to my house. Sean patiently answered all of questions. He let me come in and try a few classes for free. I felt no pressure to sign up and money was not discussed until I asked. I was immediately impressed by the quality of people I was surrounded by (and crushed under!) on those mats. The academy is filled with friendly, interesting, intelligent, and most importantly: PATIENT instructors and students. I was very sad to leave this place a few years later when my family re-located to upstate NY. I will never forget my Silverback family and my life will never be the same. Whether you’re a beginner thinking about trying martial arts for the first time, or an experienced grappler looking for a new home, if you try this place and DON’T like it, the problem is probably you!

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Posted 2 years ago
Ahmad Rahim

I've trained JiuJitsu for several years now at various gyms on the east coast, and in my humble opinion, this is one of the best. The owner, Professor Sean, is professional, friendly, and welcoming. His teaching style is clear and concise, with a systematic approach to grappling, which will benefit beginners and competitors alike. Highly recommend training here.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Mateen Ashparie

The best BJJ & grappling school in the DMV. Professor Sean and his instructors have produced some of the top competitors in the nation. Classes have a structured, system approach to learning techniques and then incorporating them into live scenarios/rolls. Top tier instruction where your skills are earned not given! They also offer other classes at the elite level such as Muay Thai and Wrestling. The class flexibility is great with a variety of times early as 6am and late as 830pm. Don't miss out! 💪

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Posted 2 years ago
Andres Tejada

Great community & place to elevate your grappling/striking. Top notch instruction from Proffesor Sean & Tyler. Happy to be part of Team TDBJJ Ascend!

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Posted 2 years ago
aazanon

After spending months researching and attempting to find the right Jiu Jitsu academy, I am glad I found a home at Ascend. Professor Sean is an amazing coach, passionate about the art, and dedicated to his students' success. He and his team have fostered an environment where improvement goes beyond mastering the techniques of Jiu Jitsu; it is about personal growth as well. In addition, everyone at the academy is friendly, easy to approach, and willing to help. They all genuinely want to see you improve and achieve all of the goals you have set for yourself. What sets Ascend apart is its structured and systematic approach to teaching, which I personally find makes concepts easier to learn, understand, and follow. Furthermore, I enjoy how Professor Sean and his team not only focus on the techniques themselves but the "why" behind each one, which has further deepened my comprehension of Jiu Jitsu. Ascend also offers a great Muay Thai program led by Professor Tyler. Although I have not participated in classes yet, I have seen first hand how devoted he is to the sport and his students. Additionally, Ascend provides excellent wrestling classes instructed by coach Cam who is a master of his craft. These classes focus on fundamental wrestling techniques, takedowns, and ground control, offering a well-rounded approach to your training. Whether you're seeking personal development, weight loss, a new hobby, or competitive success, there is no better place to thrive than Ascend Jiu Jitsu.

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Posted 2 years ago
Jose M. Iriarte

This place reignited my love for jiu jitsu. Amazing team and more impotantly amazing Lead coach. Sean goeas above and beyond for his students. If youre looking to start your bjj journey or to sharpen your skills and become a better competitor look no further.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Anthoni Luckett

The best academy in all of northern Virginia. Great environment for those who want to compete to those who just want to socialize and meet new people. The classmates are a big reason why I come back

Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Yousuf AbuZain

A no-nonsense academy with top notch instructors. With world class competitors and hobbyist alike coming together to train and get better. Everyone is welcoming and focused on improving. Plenty of class options, mat space, affiliate gyms, changing rooms and parking.

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Posted 2 years ago
Bryan Henry

Amazing culture, precise instruction, modern jiu jitsu, competition classes, all levels… Open Mat every Fri and Sat at Noon or try a FREE CLASS and see what it’s all about.

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Posted 2 years ago
p0w3r0fwill

Ascend Jiu Jitsu is a wonderful place to train. Professor Sean and all of his instructors are there to genuinely help people improve their lives. Its not just about jiu jitsu and competing, though it is one of the best schools in the area for competition jiu jitsu, Sean has built a strong, supportive, and friendly culture. There are numerous options for training schedule (mornings, noons, afternoons, and evenings), training partners (big and small), and skill level. There is no drama about what uniform you have to wear or lengthy fan-fair about standing in lines and performing mindless conditioning drills. If you are looking for a no-drama place you can train and improve, Ascend Jiu Jitsu is the place to be! Osss.

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Posted 2 years ago
j k

Great school w great instructors. Top notch teaching here.

Instructors
Posted 2 years ago
Yahiya Saad

I came to Ascend for the BJJ program years ago and have not looked back since. Ascend offers world class instruction from Professor Sean Stoopman, who teaches the principles and details behind why techniques are successful - not just a Simon Says approach that you might see elsewhere. In addition to the quality of instruction, there is a tight knit community hailing from all walks of life. I never worry about feeling judged or out of place. Whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, there is something for everyone and that’s what makes Ascend so special. My grappling has improved by leaps and bounds and I’m proud to train under the Ascend banner. Oss 🤙

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Posted 2 years ago
Mathew Kemp

You won’t find a better place or better people to train with!!!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jon Cannie

Top level training and a great atmosphere make Ascend stand out. I highly recommend Ascend for anyone who's looking to build their skill while also building a strong community.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Al Krinker

Top notch school in DMV area focusing on a systematized concept of grappling. Covering systems such as back control, head locks, passing, etc. The teaching is structured so that each class builds on previously learned concepts, for example progression of passing someone’s guard. Once particular system is covered the next system that is being taught is continuation - pass to side control to mount to armbar. This type of approach to teaching at least in my opinion makes the knowledge stick as students allowed to concentrate on a particular concept sometimes for months… instead of showing shiny new move each day of the week The class schedule allows to accommodate different work and life schedules. Classes start as early as 6am, noon, 4:30pm and later classes. All classes are taught by black or brown belts with 10+ years of experience. Classes in no gi and gi jiu jitsu and wrestling provide a good balance of complete grappling system. Check them out!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago