BETA Academy | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA

1353 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

4.9 (196 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi MMA Muay Thai Self-Defense Wrestling

Classes

Adults Classes Kids Classes Private Lessons

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Washington DC's #1 School for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA Training for over 15 years! Offering classes for adults and children 5+.

https://www.betaacademy.com/

(202) 538-0422

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Class Schedule

Monday Today 2 classes

10:00 – 11:00 No-Gi Drilling Live now

11:00 – 12:30 No-Gi Pro Training Live now

Tuesday Today 7 classes

10:30 – 12:00 BJJ Class - All Levels Live now

16:15 – 17:15 Big Kids Foundations Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 8-11) Live now

16:30 – 17:15 Little Kids Foundations Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 5-7) Live now

17:15 – 18:15 Big Kids Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 8-11) Live now

17:15 – 18:15 Teenagers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 12-16) Live now

18:30 – 19:30 BJJ Class - Foundations Live now

20:00 – 21:30 BJJ Class - Advanced Live now

Wednesday Today 5 classes

07:00 – 08:30 Nogi Jiu-Jitsu - All Levels Live now

10:30 – 12:00 Nogi Jiu-Jitsu - All Levels Live now

18:30 – 20:00 Nogi Jiu Jitsu - Advanced Live now

19:30 – 20:30 BJJ Class - Foundations Live now

20:30 – 21:30 Randori / Grappling Live now

Thursday Today 7 classes

10:30 – 12:00 BJJ Class - All Levels Live now

16:15 – 17:15 Big Kids Foundations Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 8-11) Live now

16:30 – 17:15 Little Kids Foundations Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 5-7) Live now

17:15 – 18:15 Big Kids Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 8-11) Live now

17:15 – 18:15 Teenagers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 12-16) Live now

18:30 – 19:30 BJJ Class - Foundations Live now

20:00 – 21:30 BJJ Class - Advanced Live now

Friday Today 4 classes

07:00 – 08:30 Nogi Jiu-Jitsu - All Levels Live now

10:30 – 12:00 Nogi Jiu-Jitsu - All Levels Live now

18:30 – 20:00 Nogi Jiu Jitsu - Advanced Live now

19:30 – 20:30 BJJ Class - Foundations Live now

Saturday Today 5 classes

13:00 – 14:00 Randori / Grappling Live now

17:15 – 18:15 Big Kids Foundations Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 8-11) Live now

17:15 – 18:15 Little Kids Foundations Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 5-7) Live now

18:30 – 19:30 BJJ Class - Foundations Live now

19:30 – 21:00 No-Gi Takedowns Live now

Sunday Today 3 classes

09:00 – 10:30 Nogi Jiu Jitsu - Advanced Live now

09:30 – 10:30 BJJ Basics Live now

10:30 – 12:00 BJJ Class - Advanced Live now

Coaches

Nakapan Phungephorn Head Coach Owner

Black

Nakapan Phungephorn has over 30 years experience teaching, training and competing in martial arts. He is a 4th Degree Black Belt in BJJ, a Muay Thai Kru, Judo Black Belt and the Founder of BETA Academy, Washington DC's largest and longest running Martial Arts School. He's helped hundreds of business owner's grow their organizations and his vast knowledge stretches across multiple industries

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Adam Krause

Black

Adam Krause began his martial arts journey in 2017 focused on learning self defense and discipline. In 2019 he moved to the DMV and continued his training at BETA Academy. In 2021 he spent a year in Thailand teaching English as a foreign language. During this time he trained Muay Thai with Ajarn Meechai Junkeaw. Under the guidance of Ajarn Meechai, Adam became a certified Kru with the Muay Thai and Muay Boran Sports Association of Thailand. Adam is now a lead instructor at BETA Academy teaching both kids and adults. He is also an amateur Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu competitor. Adam believes that consistent training can improve all facets of life, and is dedicated to sharing the joy of martial arts with the community.

Luis Candelas

Black

Professor Luis began practicing martial arts in 2007, while he was in the US Navy stationed in Atsugi, Japan. After his military service, he moved to the DMV and in 2010 he started training BJJ, Nogi, and Judo at various locations before finding BETA in 2012. He has gotten all of his BJJ belts from Professor Nakapan and is currently a Black Belt instructor and General Manager at BETA Academy. Professor Luis has competed in over 20 grappling tournaments including US Grappling, Copa Nova, Grappling Industries, UGA and many IBJJF tournaments including the Washington DC Open, New York Open and the Nogi Pan Ams.

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Reviews

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Thomas Clifford's Martial Arts

If you are looking for a fun, fascinating, and fulfilling way to build a stronger body, sharper mind, and a non-quitting spirit, you found it. Martial Arts is extraordinarily beneficial. Get started with your training at the BETA Academy today! I highly recommend it. -TC

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Michael Soltis

Great place to train. Visited with my brother for open mat and had a good time.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Isaac Bloom

Friendly, welcoming community, space to learn based on the skills you come in with, good class times, convenient location.

Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Derek Harris

I come into town for business and I always come to Beta Academy to train! Great space, great coaches, very nice and accommodating. Always pleasure when coming to Beta Academy!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Vivek Nelanuthala

I just really loved the vibe. Instructors are friendly and helpful, and I think that I can learn a lot by taking more classes.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Sijara Eubanks

Best MMA, BJJ, Muay thai in DMV area, great training, clean, friendly staff.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jacob Allsup

Very inclusive and encouraging to beginners while also having higher goals to strive towards. Trainers are all helpful and attentive.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Aizen Middleton

Wanted to start the process in fulfilling my UFC dreams, this was the right place to do it! Everyone here is super supportive and patient with learning new techniques. You really will get better at whatever martials arts you want to train in as long as you put the time in here.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Harris ManagementInc

From the moment you walk in the door you greeting with a warm welcome. I joined the Foundation Muay Thai class and the coach was great explaining the class lesson and the people you spar with are cool. I recommend BETA Academy for beginners to active fighters.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Barrett Griffin

Great coaches, great training partners, great equipment. Overall great environment for learning martial arts . Been training here on and off for almost 5 years. I feel like every session has been time well spent at improving my skills

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Deja H

My intro class was great! I'm petite and was nervous about practicing with men taller than me but everyone made me feel welcomed. Would love to come back!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Azi Kidane

Great instructor, solid practitioners and friendly front desk person. All around quality Gym. Grateful to have rolled there and free open mat on Fridays at 1p, can’t beat it!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ben Teich

Great gym for jiu jitsu, great instructors and training partners. Also have a great facility with lots of space.

Instructors Facility
Posted 2 years ago
Gabriel Solano

Awesome place to train! Great for any level everyone is welcome! I've been training for 12 years and my daughter for 3. We both enjoy training at the same dojo not only for the world class instruction but because of the great staff and people we have met. Come training! Oos!! 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Isaiah Wright

I choose a 10 because the everyone was very cool wit me and everyone was kind and the gym looks really nice

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Shaun Edwards

Besides the technical proficiency of the instructors, the BJJ teaching pedagogy makes the science of ground fighting easy to grasp and accessible to both kids and adults.

Instructors
Posted 2 years ago
Narisa Aguirrevalle

Most friendly staff and an amazing community 10/10

Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Lorenzo Rubalcava

I began my jiu-jitsu journey under Professors Nakapan and Luis last year and make sure to drop-in for open mat whenever I visit DC. The facility is huge - two large mat areas for jiu-jitsu and muay-thai instruction, fully-stocked weight room with personal training available, and clean locker rooms with showers. I can't speak highly enough about the world-class instruction and culture at Beta Academy. The coaches are all extremely approachable, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft and really make sure to answer any and all questions about technique. I was brand new to grappling, and the class structure made it easy to follow along and learn. When I moved back home and left Beta Academy, it felt more like I was leaving a family and less so a martial arts gym. If you've ever thought about martial arts and live in the DC area Beta Academy is the place to go.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Henok Asgedom

Great atmosphere! I’m going to be a regular visitor here :)

Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Chris Reid

Professionalism, availability of classes for different levels and staff

Instructors Classes
Posted 2 years ago
Colin Dreizin

I have been dropping in at Beta Academy for 13 years now. It was a great gym in 2010 when I was a white belt and it’s still a great gym as a brown belt. Nakapan is a fantastic coach and he’s built a superb gym with a positive culture and a great team of coaches. If you are looking to roll in DC, you can’t go wrong with Beta Academy.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
tré felton

Went for a Muay Thai trial class, the instruction was very clear and encouraging. Most of all I had fun, planning to return soon.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jim Ramirez

The creators of this place are on a great mission to empower kids and people who seek strength. The community benefits and grows stronger with connections and cultivation like this.

Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Mark Tullius

What an incredible studio. My wife and I are only in town for the week but so glad we trained here. The instructors are amazing and they have a wonderful gym culture where my we both felt very welcome. Highly recommended.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ted Cummings

I live out of town but visit Beta whenever I'm in DC. The instruction is high quality and relevant. I've studied Muay Thai for over five years and have achieved a high degree of proficiency, but I am always challenged and helped when I come to Beta. Also, great facility with tons of space for training and great amount of equipment. If I lived in DC, Beta would my martial arts home full time.

Instructors Facility Location
Posted 2 years ago
Vera Alsova

Great vibe and engaging and inspiring teachers.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Nick Eppinger

I came to Beta as someone new to DC who had just taken a hiatus from training BJJ. I was immediately welcomed and the training environment made me fall back in love with the art. Most of my friends have come from Beta and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of the gym. Come drop in! You won't regret it.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Giosue Ansideri

Top

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Aaron Johnson

Wonderful people. My kids have been taking classes here for nearly two years. I love this place. Couldn't ask for better.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Ellis Jackson

Wish I found this amazing academy earlier. It's a child and parent's dream come true! Safe, peaceful, nurturing, supportive space to empower the entire family. Coaches are great! The students have the utmost respect 4 their coaches, which is most helpful when the coaches remind them 2 be respectful and neat. When I win the lottery, I'm donating a larger space 2 BETA, so they can inspire more kids! You gotta experience this place. It changed our lives in 1 visit. 😍📣😎💯

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Vanessa Lauterwasser

Great Muay Thai class! Darnell is an incredible instructor! Excited to attend another class! Highly recommend BETA academy!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Jessica Palmer

We love all of the staff, phenomenal training & love the confidence it's instilled in our kids

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Kennedy Jones

Very great staff, shout-out to Lucas, he’s great. There’s a good community it seems, just from my first lesson there.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Arya Desautels

Beta was my first gym for BJJ and MT. I absolutely loved the staff. The environment is caring and geared towards learning and comradely. Highly recommend starting with Beta. First demo class in either art is free!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Bona Gjoni

It was my first time visiting Beta Academy and it was a great experience! The staff was very welcoming and immediately gave a tour of the facility. The facility was well kept, organized and tidy. The instructors were very engaging with the students and patient with all the newcomers. The environment was very positive and high energy. Everyone was very kind and inviting to one of the best another - it felt like one big family. I enjoyed it so much that I became a member! As a small business owner myself, I have a critical eye for how businesses are conducted and I’m very satisfied with Beta Academy! I’m grateful for such a pleasant experience and am looking forward to becoming part of the Beta family : )

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
John Aden Wilson

The Coach was great. The balance of time allocated to instruction and practice was perfect. A great class to attend.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Frank Gorman

I started at Beta Academy in February, having never done Muay Thai or BJJ before. It's an exceptionally welcoming place to all levels. The morning class with Coach Darnell is an especially great group. Really appreciate my experiences at Beta to date.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Jay Jor

Great community and very good instructors. Really breakdown the art to make it consumable

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
E

BETA is a fantastic learning academy for kids! My son absolutely loves his coaches and classmates. It’s an A+ grade from me.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Francisco Navarro

Incredible staff, coaches, and classes. I had been thinking about learning whether Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai for quite some time—and Beta is definitely the place to go. In fact it has exceeded my expectations. The community is very welcoming and staff is flexible when coordinating. The coaches encourage you in class to push hard to make you better and at a reasonable pace. It’s been awesome and kind of enlightening.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Vijai Krishnan

Great instructors, friendly environment. Made me feel very welcome and comfortable during my trial session. Can’t wait to return!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Miha Perhavec

I came through as a visiting black belt and was very impressed with this academy. The staff was very professional and all of the students were very cool to roll with. Nakapan is well respected in the community and probably the best guy to teach you how to fight in the area by offering legit jiu jitsu and muay thai programs. The academy was also very clean, has showers and a/c.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
reggie james

Great environment, wonderful coaches who care about student development, class times are all day 7 days a week as to fit any schedule also a very big training area.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
aklile yoseph

Everyone was very friendly and patience with our son. Definitely going to sign up to take classes.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Alastair Pearson

Fantastic gym, trained here this summer and feel like I improved in all facets of my game. Tons of different class options, great weight room, positive culture and clean mats. The instructors are top notch and extremely friendly. A great place to train regardless of whether you are just starting or a competitor.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Brian Grant

Trained here while traveling for work. Very welcoming staff and super cool students. Their facilities are awesome! Jake taught NoGi and it was a great class. Had great rolls too. If I lived in DC, I’d definitely train here! I’ll be back every time I’m in the DC Metro area. High recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Sam K

Great coaches, nice facility, friendly environment but men's locker room is small but it’s no big deal. Would definitely recommend this gym.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Lynn Michalopoulos

Beta Academy is amazing! I started 4 months ago without any martial arts training or background! The whole team of Muay Thai coaches are amazing!!! I started going to coach Darnell's class twice a week and loved it! He is inspiring, down to earth, funny, patient and extremely knowledgeable! He very quickly made me feel like a part of the beta family and community. I am not a morning person AT ALL but have since started training 4 times a week at 7am! He and other folks at beta encouraged me to do the testing a month ago and I have never felt as joyous, proud and fierce to receive my yellow band! I am now training with coach Nahom once per week for individual sessions which have been exhausting but wonderful! On top of that the staff at the front desk are always helpful and kind! I love all things about my Muay Thai journey at Beta and would undoubtedly recommend training here to any and everyone! Thank you Beta!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Charles Brown

Great culture, instructors, and facilities

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Lauren Beth Jacobs

The classes are helping my 6-yr-old son to learn discipline and have fun while doing it!

Classes
Posted 4 years ago
Tim .G

We were in DC on vacation and they welcomed us in for open mat, even stayed later to roll. Coach Gabriel was awesome. Awesome facility! Super friendly community! I definitely recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
CJ Francis

I love the welcoming culture, the high level and clarity of instruction, the daily availability of no gi classes as well as gi. Also the ample amount of time given for both drilling and sparring.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Tara Trinity

Coach Carlos, coach D, everyone is amazing. We love Beta!!!! My son has come into an environment that supports him and is compassionate as well as disciplined. The diversity is something I was personally looking for, and that’s something that is even more a bonus.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Walter Bayer

Great place for all-levels of Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu enthusiasts. Very beginner-friendly with knowledgeable coaches who will patiently walk you through everything you need to know. After training here for a few sessions, you'll experience the great sense of community they foster. I loved that there was also a weight room to supplement training with strength & conditioning.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Saron Dessalegn

Friendly Coaches are willing to help and give good instructions!! Definitely recommend for a great education in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Alvaro Aparicio

Sensei was very welcoming. Went through ever step clear and was patient. Everyone there was friendly and I felt welcomed.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Keanee Ferguson

Very well organized and put together. I like how engaged the instructor Jhimmie had my younger son on their first introduction

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Ma D

Awesome place for beginners and advanced BJJ lovers. Very friendly people. Good technics. I highly recommended this place who visiting Washington DC also who decided to start practising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Guys when you browsing different clubs with thoughts about what to choose please go there and you will meet really cool professional people. Good luck everyone. Oss.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Tyrone Roberts

I’m no strange to BETA academy and every time I go, I leave better than I arrived. Everyone is very friendly and professional. The Brazilian Ju Jitsu class is informative and state of the art in self defense.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Aaron Kershaw

I look forward to it every week: the people, the environment, the learning. I love it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Thuhuong Dao

- Coach to child ratio was excellent. - Coaches did a great job working the room and - working with each child/group. - Introduction/greet for my children’s first class was great and energetic. - Disciplining the students during class was thorough and appreciated. - Dismissal of students was organized (liked how the coach only let the kids go when he say the parents).

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Jack Cantlay

The instruction is top notch. Your instructors are amazing and follow a coherent system of training so that each week is a new thing. The gym culture is very friendly and welcoming but I still feel like I can get competitive live rolls. It really matters that your instructors are so friendly. That goes a long way. But they still push me! I love the balance.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
John Hamlett

Great coaches and training partners and an amazing community.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Alexandra Borgeaud

Great school, amazing coaches, lovely people to train with!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Edwin Weddle

I love Beta , its a healing sanctuary, the staff is great, i meet new awesome ppl every class

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Joseph King

Great gym, great people, very kind and professional. I love the instructors I've worked with. I wish I could give 6 stars.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
yahya talab

Friendly people and a great training environment. I just moved to DC and this gym is exactly what I was looking for.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Timmy Trabon

An amazing gym, with incredibly skilled and gifted instructors. One of the best gyms I've ever been to.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
isaac betancourt

Best gym around. There is a great community and atmosphere I feel at this gym. The instructors are super informative, personable, and professional.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Thomas H

Coach Sarge was very professional and made me feel welcome!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Christie Entwistle

Beta academy is great. Staff is welcoming and friendly. I got a great workout in the Muay Thai intro class and would have 100% signed up except that I just live too far away for it to make sense.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
J Cruz

Phenomenal experience with 1st class coaches, coaches very eager to teach students with patients.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
candelas family

amazing.

Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Jonathan Osei

Awesome! I joined amidst the pandemic and they have been great about creating a space for safety, learning, fitness, and martial arts. Definitely have enjoyed the various instruction styles and the ways I can build on technique in each class. They also have so many training times available that work with my schedule.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Paul Carter

Went for a trail class it was clean spacious environment, Friendly, great energy and vibes from the moment you walk in.. i especially love the area for your kids to wait while you train if they are not training there self also!!

Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Mary Fahiem

Amazing academy! My two close friends spencey steadman and shawty ullmann actually founded this academy for betas like themselves. I graduated from alpha academy, but decided to take brief trip here to see what it was like to be a beta. I didn’t like being a beta, but my experience at their academy was great! Being an alpha, such as myself and Leo Shoval (the Jew), is a much better experience though.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Anthony McLean

I'm enjoying the academy a lot! All instructors are great! The customer service is amazing. They make sure and meet all of your learning needs at this martial arts academy.

Instructors
Posted 5 years ago
Tanya L. Covington

My experience has been with the children's component of the Academy. The jui jitsu classes are wonderful and well taught and managed. Socially distance, masks wearing instructors and children. Clean. Masks are also provided. Temperatures taken before entry into building. Hand sanitization stations. Equipment is consistently sanitized Friendly staff. Convenient location. Peaceful.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Kyle Dunn

Hard workouts, experienced instructors, and smart accommodations in dealing with Covid-19. For your money or experience level, you can't do better than this. Speaking as an absolute beginner whose Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes had other beginners and trained fighters.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Seb

A top notch muay thai, bjj, and MMA gym. The staff truly make you feel like family, and the community as a whole is unmatched in comparison to other gyms I've trained at. So glad to have found BETA!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Heba Edrees

I could literally sit here and write pages about how great this place is, but I will highlight some things instead: 1) BETA academy offers a generous space for the members to practice with two large mat spaces and a weight room. The facility is managed and cleaned by a number of people and includes both a male and female locker room and showers. 2) The BJJ instruction here is hands down one of the best! Master Nakapan and the other BJJ Coaches (Luis, Dan, Chris, Hairo, Jimmy) are truly amazing (and so humble)! They genuinely care about your progression, success, and are always available to answer any questions before, during and after class. They provide a safe training space and fun learning environment. 3) This place is SO MUCH FUN!! This community is friendly, supportive, and very welcoming (personally, this is something I value in a gym). If you're interested in competing, this is the place to be. The competition training classes will whip you into shape and help improve your game. Joining a new gym, it can be intimidating and whether you are just starting your journey or continuing it, there will always be someone at BETA to support you. 4) There are so many classes with flexible times you can fit into your schedule. There is also a lot of opportunities for rolling/open mat. The community here is massive, so there is always an opportunity to roll or drill with different belt levels. Try a free class and sign up after you see how awesome it is. You won't be disappointed.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
TTD35

Great experience at this gym. Outstanding instruction, great environment, friendly and skilled training partners. I've made some great friends while training at BETA and always looked forward to training. I've moved away and miss training there. BETA is an awesome gym and environment. They offer a free class, if you're one on the fence, jump off and try it out!!!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Andrew Castellanos

Walking into a martial arts gym can be intimidating, especially for someone who is new to the environment. However, my first time entering into Beta academy was a relief as all the staff and coaches were extremely friendly and professional. They also did not attempt to “sell” me on anything but rather attempted to understand what I wanted to gain, and explained how each program can help me to accomplish my goals. Beta has a plethora of highly trained and competent coaches who go the extra mile in building up their students confidence and skill level at everyone’s own pace. A welcoming environment, great people, and an amazing mixed martial arts gym. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Adam Barker

Great place! New to BJJ and really enjoying the experience. Highly experienced instructors and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
NaLette Brodnax

We have been members at BETA for about a year and absolutely love it. The instructors are excellent, not just at their craft, but at forming relationships with students. My teen son started out in youth classes and transitioned to the adult classes and his experience has been nothing but positive. His classes have also helped him to become more confident and aware. Outside of the classes that they offer, BETA hosts events, seminars, and social gatherings. BETA is more than just a school, it is a community.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Robert Rains

Best place to train BJJ/Muay Thai in the city. Training martial arts can be intimidating but Beta Academy works hard to convey a welcome and inclusive vibe. Broadly, this is a clean facility with supportive coaches and a robust training schedule that accommodates all kinds of occupations. Located in the heart of the U street/14th street corridor it is bus and metro accessible. The owners/operators of the academy can regularly be seen honing their craft. In other words, they are not just coaches, but active participants. The training itself emphasizes the basics and good technique. Partner-based drilling followed by live sparring. The academy also placed an emphasis on conditioning. While students are encouraged to compete, and the academy had a robust team of competitors, it is not required. If you’re thinking of trying BJJ or Muay Thai then begin that journey here.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Shanelle Henry

My son has attended Beta Academy's summer camp and aftercare. At first, he was a bit nervous as he has never done any martial arts programming. But, after just a day of starting with Beta, he absolutely loves it! Beta truly cares about each child, as an individual. I don't feel my son is a number as the staff at Beta checks on my son, provides mentoring and homework hel for the aftercare. My son looks forward to attending Beta!!!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Timothy Marsh

This place is great. The instructors are so approachable and break down the instruction so it's easy to follow. Great for beginners or experienced grapplers. I travel a lot for work and this place was a great place to roll.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Amy Putens

In honesty we could not be more thrilled with our experience with BETA! We have been apart of the BETA community for approximately 2yrs. We started out just being an attendee of their summer program. After summer was over we would drive by often and my daughter would ask- "When do we get to go back to beta?" I knew then that this was where we needed to be. When you have a daughter (who is a girlie girlie) wanting to be apart of something so much bigger than Ballet or gymnastics I was sold. We then signed up for the after school program and we haven't turned back since. The excitement both my children have for their amazing staff and program is the reward for me at the end of the day. Having being I can trust in to guild my children down the right path and for my kids to respect them is 100% why we choose BETA!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU BETA! Thank you for all that you give!!!!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Nate Tenhundfeld

I am visiting from out of town and dropped in for a class. Everyone was incredibly kind, inviting, and instantly made me feel welcomed! Kind of makes me wish I would be in town more often to utilize their amazing facility and grapple with some real quality grapplers! Thanks BETA academy for the hospitality!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Sibora Gjecovi Cooke

We love Beta academy kids program. The summer camp is our favorite of the summer! After having gone there for about 2 years, it's almost like an extended teacher family at this point. Highly recommended!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
L. Carr

My family loves BETA Academy. My now 7 1/2 year old son has been part of their kids programs since he was 5 and I'm not sure who loves BETA more, us or him. They offer lots of options. They have a great kids aftercare program that includes Muay Thai and BJJ classes. Or you can just take the classes, no aftercare. They also have an amazing summer camp program, that includes the best of aftercare and martial arts. My son loves that he is part of a community and is learning skills that interest him while he progresses in martial arts. I love that he is exposed the the coaches who are amazing role models for young kids. At another camp, the "counselors" spent all day having the kids watch tv while they ignored them. Not at BETA. They go on field trips, play games, hone their martial arts skills, and learn to be part of a community. My son tells me the importance of dignity, respect, and focus. Let me just say, it's not easy to instill that in a 7 year old. The dojo itself is a nice facility and everyone is great to work with. Can't recommend it enough.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Josh White

My 5 year old son and I have been training at Beta for the past year after moving to DC. We shopped around and decided to go with Beta based on facilities and coaching at both the youth and adult levels(despite the 30 min drive each way from Tenley Town). So glad we made the decision we did! Highly recommend Beta and Beta kids to anyone looking for a place to train BJJ or if you’re looking to give it a try.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
LaShawn Wagoner

As a working mom, I was excited about my son having a fun and safe place to go after school. I wanted him to have the tools to defend himself and be able to make new friends. He realized the Dojo wasn't just punching and kicking, it was hard work. It teaches him focus, discipline, leadership, dedication and respect. Since Being apart of the Dojo family he's much more confident.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Duncan Bradley

Everyone at BETA is awesome. It’s a very friendly place to get into martial arts (I was a complete noob) - now 9 months later I’ve moved up two belts in Muay Thai! Master Nak and Professor Darnell are awesome people to train under, as of course are the rest of the coaches.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
William Calomiris

I did my research before picking a place to train, 3 years ago when I joined. This gym is, by far, the best Muay Thai training in the DC area (HUGE for Jiu Jitsu, but I only do Muay Thai). This is a fighter's gym. While people are extraordinarily nice, they are serious about training people at all levels. The head master/owner of the gym was #1 in the world in his weight class as an amateur Muay Thai fighter in the early 2000's as well as a top rank and well respected Jiu jitsu player who continually does tournaments. Great community of people. Couldn't be happier with my choice to be there.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Jesse Stephens

BETA Academy is an excellent place to train. I have been training in Muay Thai here for the past 6 months, with some boxing classes thrown in there too, and I have to say the instruction is excellent. Many of the coaches here have fought at one point or another, but also understand that fighting isn't the goal for every student. They're very good at making every session challenging, but leaving it up to you to take your training as far as you want it to go. The facility itself is good and clean, front desk staff is always great and thorough when walking you through the membership options, literally no complaints.

Instructors Facility Classes
Posted 7 years ago