Lina Märtens

I had a great time dropping in for a class! Thanks to the great coaches and friendly people! The very warm and welcoming atmosphere made me feel right at home.

Posted 1 year ago

I love this place. Literally considered moving to DC just to keep training at this gym. Estilo cultivates genuine, kind, incredible people, the instructors are awesome, and I truly enjoyed training here! Can’t recommend it enough.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Michael Cantrell, CPCU, ARM

Visited a weekend open mat while I was in DC. Great gym! - Folks are friendly - Facility is clean, nice, well-laid-out - Everyone's skill level is quite high for their belt rank I look forward to being back in the future.

Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Robert Wales

I dropped in for an open mat at Estilo while in DC. They were very welcoming and respectful, with a laid back atmosphere. I had a great time and would definitely visit again while in town.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jashon Evans

Great class!! I really learned a lot today and when we trained without grips it exposed things in my guard I never noticed before. I am a purple belt and the drills we went through today were challenging and really exposed me to new concepts. If you are in the city and need a place to train this is the place!!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Regina Moguel

I had a great time training here while visiting from out of town! The environment is welcoming and chill, and everyone made me feel at home right away. I had fun while still learning some really cool techniques. The space is also clean and very well-kept. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Darien Vaughan

Luis allowed me to drop in from out of town and the class was a great time. He allowed for open discussion and trial and error which allowed everyone to make mistakes and learn from each other. Worth your time and sweat! オッス！

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Tyler Mortensen

I was in town for a day and did a drop in. I train whenever I travel for work and can confidently say Luis and his academy was one of my best experiences at a new gym. Great structure to the class, inviting, and good training.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Dave Abramson

As a combat sports newbie, it was immediately apparent that the atmosphere and culture at Estilo was welcoming, supportive and inclusive. It took no time at all to feel comfortable with Luis and the other coaches, all of whom provide outstanding instruction and feedback. The facility is immaculate, the mats are always clean, and having showers (also clean!) is such a nice amenity. Estilo also hosts seminars from world class talent, organizes in house tournaments, and has had many students participate in local / regional / national tournaments. I cannot recommend this gym enough - come train here!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Tuba Vayram

We visited Estilo for a day for Women’s class and open mat. We had a great experience. Facility is clean and everyone is welcoming.

Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Sean DeMars

Wow! What an amazing experience! The owner was incredibly kind and generous during mydrop in, and the training partners were polite and technical, but still gave good hard rounds. If you get a chance to drop in or join a gym in the DC area, make this one your first.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

L P

Just dropped in from out of town for a quick session and was met with immediate hospitality. Went to a drilling session, had great insight and structure from Luis and a higher belt from the school. Loved it. Femme friendly ❤️ (y habla español)

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Abhilash Antony

Training at Estilo has been an incredible journey! The instructors are not only highly skilled but also incredibly patient and dedicated to each student's progress. The culture at Estilo is welcoming, making it easy for beginners to feel comfortable, but challenging enough for experienced practitioners to continually improve. The camaraderie among the students creates a supportive environment that fosters growth and friendship. Finally, the facilities and mats are meticulously kept clean. I can not say enough good things about Estilo and would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn BJJ in a positive, motivating, and clean setting!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Zane Dulin

Estilo is a place for those who want to practice jiu jitsu and are seeking exceptional instruction within a supportive and welcoming community. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re welcomed by both instructors and fellow practitioners. The teaching is top notch, tailored to all skill levels with a focus, in my experience, on personalized attention. What truly distinguishes Estilo is its dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, where respect and kindness are paramount. Here, Luis and Sara built a community where members not only refine their techniques but also find solace in a space that values their well-being, both physically and emotionally. For those seeking more than just a gym, but a family-oriented haven for jiu jitsu practice, Estilo is an unparalleled choice.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nicholas Cimmarusti

I’ve been doing BJJ for 19 years. I can say with certainty, that Luis is a great instructor. The training atmosphere is warm and welcoming, which can be hard to find at times in a combat sports gym. If you are considering training here, stop thinking…go train. If you are thinking of dropping in because you are traveling through, do it. I cannot recommend this place enough. I look forward to when I get to come back and train with Luis and his team!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Doug Randall

Our daughter (4-5 yrs old) has loved the Mighty Mites class at Estilo. Luis, Sara and the other instructors are wonderful coaches who strike a great balance between fun play and focused skill development. The space is great for energetic kids. Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ayanna Armani

Coach Luis and Sara are the best. Thanks for the support and the excellent customer service. Classes always start on time and all the coaches are very professional and patient esp. when you have a preschooler. 😊 Thank you all for everything!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Ryan Potts

Dropped in to an open mat while I was in town. The team was very hospitality and eager to train. Great place to train and a great community!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Brandon Morgan

Dropped in for Sunday open mat. Great rolls with belts of all levels. Highly recommend

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Tomas Jurgensen

Awesome gym! I came here to attend a class while traveling and everyone welcomed me right in like I was a regular. High quality instruction, super clean gym, and really nice people. Highly recommend coming here to learn Brazilian jiu jitsu or self defense.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Tsem Tes

I am a white belt who was injured but just started training again. I had to go to DC for a couple of days for work, and just wanted to keep the momentum and be on the mats. This place was pretty awesome, smaller than my gym at home, but it was great because the professor and coaches are really able to provide guidance and feedback to everyone. The place just felt like it had a solid culture free of a bunch of weird egos. Everyone was super nice. They let me jump in and I got to learn something new, if I lived in DC this would be the perfect place to train. Oosss!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Berend

My work requires me to travel alot and therefore have been to a lot of different gyms. I really enjoyed training here. The gym is clean, great instructors and nice vibe (no macho behavior). It is welcome to beginners but if you wanna roll hard, they have them aswell. Would recommend!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Cristian Perez

Did a drop in while in DC for a work conference and was not disappointed. Great coaches, great environment, very welcoming atmosphere with some solid rolls. Will definitely visit again when I’m back

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Shareef Rahaman

Estilo BJJ gym was incredible!!! All the members were super welcoming and taught us some new moves. Luis the gym owner was amazing and gave me a lot of advice on defense and offense. If you are practicing jiu-jitsu and happen to be in Washington DC stop by Estilo. You will love it!!!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Omid Barr

Estilo is a fantastic gym with an incredibly welcoming culture. Not only are you learning from the best (multiple great teachers that teach different aspects of jiu-jitsu), you're part of a supportive community. I've spent almost 2 years here and would recommend this gym anyone new to jiu-jitsu or who wants to hone their skills.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Diehl M

I had a great time training and learning at Estilo jiu jitsu. I trained in a different state and felt welcomed as a visitor. Definitely go check them out. You won’t regret it!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Jeff

Great class!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Guesley Chery

As a visiting BJJ student from Montreal, it’s always exciting (and a bit nerve racking) to visit a BJJ school abroad. Gotta say that my experience visiting Estilo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school was amazing. Got a prompt response when I emailed the school about their schedule, and when I showed up I was greeted by Professor Luis himself. I was not even on the mat and fellow students were introducing themselves to me, that made me more comfortable from the get go. The class I attended was an advance one, the teaching was methodical and precise but we also had some room to develop and experiment with our own game. The rolling went very well, every one was respectful and always asking if there was anything I wanted to work on in particular. Overall, my experience at Estilo was great! Big thank you to Professor Luis and the students.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Kiefer Hayward

Great gym! The smaller class size gives you opportunities to address your skillset 1 on 1 with the instructors, and the quality of training partners is great.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Fr. Nicks

I am only in the area for a couple of months each year, but this is a great place. It is easy to sign up for a month at a time; it offers fair prices and great instruction. It also fosters a great community spirit! I highly recommend it.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Emily Caroline Moore

I was visiting from out of town and decided to get in a training session at Estilo. GREAT gym! I've recommended it to all my friends in case they're in DC and are looking to train. Everyone was so kind and accommodating, and the facility was super cozy and clean. Highly recommend for DC area folks!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Joe Amadeo

Visited DC for a few days and was looking for a spot to train. Found these guys and they were super welcoming and provided a great experience!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Matthew Crehan

Great gym with a welcoming crew of guys with great jujitsu, they have a lot of classes even on Sunday’s which was perfect for me.. I will definitely be back again when I visit..

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Kyle Hanshaw

As someone visiting DC for a few days for a work conference, I searched BJJ gyms in the area and quickly found multiple results and reached out to a few gyms. I got immediate feedback via email from Sara from the Estilo Team. They were extremely friendly and have a great team of instructors and students. They are legit, know what they’re doing, personable, zero ego and exactly what you would want to see when cross-training at another gym. The gym’s location was the closest to my hotel in the DC area within walking distance from the White House. Drop-in fee was very fair, especially for the quality of gym and training partners. The class started and ended on time, and the entire facility was clean. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

juan pablo abril

He entrenado en Estilo Jiu Jitsu por casi un año y ha sido espectacular. La estructura de las clases es excelente. Cada sesión está cuidadosamente diseñada para abarcar una variedad de técnicas, desde las fundamentales hasta las más avanzadas, lo que permite un progreso constante. Además, hay un ambiente de camaradería y respeto entre los estudiantes, lo que hace que cada clase sea un espacio seguro y agradable para entrenar. Con Instructores que me han ayudado a evolucionar tanto en el aspecto competitivo como deportivo. Super recomendado.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Clarence Yuan

While I haven't trained at many BJJ schools, my experience at Estilo for the past year and a half has set a high bar in terms of my expectations for how a school should operate. The level of instruction, the variety of activities (expert seminars, in-house tournaments, open mats + events) truly approaches building a community holistically. Estilo provides such a strong support structure for training by making you and your personality, your values, and your goals a part of its lifeblood; this is something I can feel is germane to Luis and Sara's mission for the school. I feel the intentionality and care in their instruction and the way they seek feedback to make the school better.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Maxim Moore

Estilo is a fantastic jiu jitsu gym and Luis is an amazing instructor, I highly recommend coming here to train! The atmosphere is great, with focused instruction, dedicated people, hard rolls & a friendly vibe where everyone feels welcome. Don´t hesitate to check this place out!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Barkley Saltzman

Very high level instruction and welcoming atmosphere. Luis is a knowledgeable instructor and great at conveying concepts to grapplers of all levels of experience.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Matt Young

I have visited my share of BJJ academies. Seen good and bad. Estilo is really easy to recommend, and IMO you should be training here if you live in the DC area. 1) Outstanding culture and community. Good vibes are carefully nurtured here. It's a safe, welcoming place for anyone to train. If you're reading this review, the thought of walking into a martial arts studio might stir up some butterflies in your stomach. You'll be safe here, and no one will be pushy or weird. 2) Top quality instruction. Luis is a high level black belt, and DC is lucky to have him. He's super generous with his time. If you're more serious about developing your game, the instruction here will take you as far as you want to go. Nice, well-rounded selection of classes: wrestling or takedowns, anyone? 3) The space is super clean, well maintained, nicely designed. It's a pleasant environment to spend time - and bonus points for the arcade machine!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Rose S

Estilo is the most welcoming gym I’ve trained at. Their women’s community is incredible and everyone is so nice! 10/10 recommend.

Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Tamar Hoffman

Estilo is a wonderful place to learn jiu jitsu! The teachers are fabulous, the space is beautiful, and the people couldn't be more welcoming. I highly recommend Estilo!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Sebastian Podesta

Excellent academy and instruction. They offer intro, advanced, standup-focused, wrestling-focused, competition-focused, gi and no-gi sessions. Friendly group that’s fun to train with, welcoming, treat each other with respect but also tough rolls.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Matthew Singleton

I started practicing jiu jitsu at Estilo in June 2021. And to be honest, I can't imagine training anywhere else. Luis, the head instructor, is clearly passionate about jiu jitsu. He's an excellent teacher and a good human being. Moreover, he often takes the time to ask me how my kids are doing. The students here are talented and welcoming. If you continue to show up, and you remain humble, they will take the time to help you improve your game. Not only am I improving my jiu jitsu, but I am also building friendships here at Estilo. Can't recommend this place enough.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Mark Russell

Moved from New England and quickly found the best BJJ instruction in the DC area. Luis is always welcoming and professional and has a deep understanding of the sport. Classes are geared for all levels of knowledge and all of my training partners have been friendly!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Ira Gotliboym

Great comradery all around. Estilo has a very welcoming environment and truly puts emphasis on fundamentals for beginners. Looking forward to keep on training with them.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Joshua Hernandez

Estilo is a truly exceptional BJJ school with top-notch instruction and students! Instruction: Luis (the head instructor) is passionate about jiu jitsu and whether he’s teaching fundamentals or new, cutting-edge techniques, his directions are clear and concise. Moreover, he focuses on helping you improve your own unique style of jiu jitsu; he recognizes that each student has their own goals, physical limitations, and personality that they express when rolling. Students: There are always plenty of students in class and you’ll find a wide variety of skill levels (from complete newbies to people who’ve been practicing for decades). There is a lot of talent on the mat for any given class; fortunately, students tend to be friendly, welcoming to beginners, and eager to help you work on your game. My background: I’ve been studying BJJ since 2005 and have trained at schools across the US (my job allows me to move every 2-3 years). I tend to be very picky about where I train, so I don’t make recommendations lightly. Whether you’re brand new to BJJ or an advanced practitioner, this school has something for you!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Anil Polat

Luis is a great instructor and has also cultivated an academy that's focused on learning. Everyone is there to help you get better at jiu-jitsu and undoubtedly if you train at Estilo you will, at all levels.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Kerry Keys

Training with Luis has been a great experience - the environment is welcoming and relaxed, with a strong community of students who are happy and able to support others in their training, at whatever experience and intensity levels best fit them. Luis's focus on maintaining a healthy gym environment was one of the things that differentiated Estilo when I was looking for a new place to train in DC. Everyone must be fully vaccinated, and the mats are cleaned and disinfected before and after every class. It has been a great way for me to get back into jiu-jitsu after a long time away from the sport.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Alex Der Alexanian

Estilo offers a friendly, welcoming, and respectful atmosphere for learning and growing through Jiu Jitsu. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Luz Tellez

Estilo Jiu Jitsu offers an authentic martial arts experience with tons of experience and top notch instruction. The gym culture is friendly and welcoming, everyone vibes very well which makes for some high quality jiu jitsu. I highly recommend you check out the gym if you are interested in practicing jiu jitsu around the DC area!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Jeffrey Westling

I started training with Luis a few months before the pandemic hit and cannot recommend Estilo more highly. We covered the basics to ease me into the strategies and techniques of jiu jitsu, but always with a focus on how to implement these tools in an actual match. This instruction, paired with the smart risk mitigation strategies to limit the impacts of covid made Estilo the perfect place for me to begin my jiu jitsu journey. Definitely come by and check it out if you are interested in getting into training.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Felipe Cornejo

Hands down the best BJJ academy in the DC metro area. Great training atmosphere and amazing instructors.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Christian C.

I trained with Luis Pantoja, head instructor of Estilo Jiu Jitsu for a little over five years. I can’t recommend him enough. His focus on technique and solid fundamentals greatly improved my game. More than that, he cultivates a super friendly and welcoming environment in all his classes. I’ve made lifelong friends training with Luis. If I didn’t have to leave DC, there is no question I would have continued to train with him. I look forward to doing so again when I return. If you are looking to start your journey or already have a grappling background, Estillo Jiu Jitsu is the place to go in the DMV. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Zhengqi Yang

Estilo is a special to place to immerse yourself in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The instructor does not simply "spoon-feed" instructions rather lets you problem-solve and explore on your own. Members' safety and physical well-being are the utmost importance during training, as such environment enables everyone to enjoy JIu-Jitsu to the fullest. I cannot possibly recommend a better place to master the art of BJJ in DC than Estilo!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Rami Azzam

World class instruction under Yamasaki blackbelt Luis Pantoja. Luis is a very technical, detail-oriented instructor and, as other reviewers have mentioned, holds his students to a high standard. Great training partners and plenty of advanced students in attendance. Classes usually break down like this: warm-up, drilling a technique (often with positional sparring), then live sparring. There is at least a full half hour of live sparring every class. If you're looking to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Washington DC, Estilo Jiu Jitsu is your place.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

John Graeber

Excellent training by Estilo Jiu Jitsu. I came with no background and after 4 months I feel like I am really feeling comfortable. The training and instruction is great at all levels and the technique is extremely well taught. I love that the instruction is always followed up by questions that people may have. It makes you feel welcome. The conditioning aspect is great. I always feel like we are being pushed to go hard in sparring and take fewer breaks to build up our personal conditioning. Love coming here and cannot recommend it enough to those who are looking for strong training at all levels.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Nathaniel Gelfand-Toutant

Very high level instruction and training for beginners all the way through advanced. A great atmosphere as well.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Oliver Bland

Excellent instruction with a great training environment. I highly recommend Estilo for all levels of jiu jitsu students.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Matthew Davis Bowman

This is my first time taking BJJ, and it has been a wonderful experience. Everyone is extremely welcoming, helpful, and the instruction has been top notch. I highly recommend this school.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Roger Armendariz

Great gym with a lot of skilled and welcoming practitioners!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Jo Festas

I have been training BJJ for a long time and across many academies throughout the world. Luis is a fantastic instructor and the quality of team is impeccable! On top of that, the environment is really really nice :)

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Kyle

Best BJJ instruction in the DC area. Luis is welcoming and professional. The environment is friendly towards beginners and more advanced people as well.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Isaac Turner

Love it

Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Robert Maldonado

Great and inviting atmosphere. Luis is an experienced and great instructor. I’ve been training here a couple months and have quickly become friends with most of my training partners. There are a wide range of experience levels from people just starting to people who have been training for decades. Could not recommend Estilo Jiu Jitsu enough to anyone in the DMV who is looking to train.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Daniel Bousquet

I have trained at many jiu jitsu schools over the years and can say without reservation that Estilo jiu jitsu is the best training environment I've ever experienced. I have trained at Estilo now for several years. The community is amazing. Luis is a phenomenal instructor and you can expect to learn a lot in his classes. Definitely check out Estilo Jiu Jitsu!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Janet Chen

I really enjoyed my free trial class. I learned new techniques and got a great workout. It's worth contacting them to set up your free class to see if you like BJJ!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Matthew Edlund

Great instruction, great training partners. If you’re visiting DC and want a welcoming place with intelligent and tough jiu jitsu, then stop in and talk with Luis. If you live in DC then train here full time. I would but it’s a long commute from NY. Thanks for the great training!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Geoffrey Long

I dropped in while in DC on a work trip. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. The instruction is top notch, and I received a lot of great knowledge and individual instruction as a visitor. I highly recommend checking out Yamasaki DC if you are traveling and want to train or if you live in DC and want a great place to train. Looking forward to coming back during my next trip to DC.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Rodrigo George

Excellent academy! Flew in from Portland for work and dropped in to a class: Great instruction, great team to train with, great people. Luis and Sarah were very nice, and I learned quite a bit from 1 class. Solid!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Sean S

Went here twice while visiting from out of town and had some fun rolls. Not a huge mat but everyone I rolled with was technical and higher belts were tough but not trying to kill me. I got to roll with Professor Luis and he took the time to answer some questions after the roll. Looks like most classes are gi-focused, they do have no gi on Fridays (I only attended gi classes). I emailed for the schedule and Prof Luis emailed me back promptly with the schedule (couldn’t find it online). I did a Tues and Thur class @730 pm. It’s best to take public transit here but if you drive its $5 to park behind the gym, street parking is difficult to find.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Peter Solano

I dropped in while on a biz trip to DC. Very reasonable mat fee for two nights. Great instruction from professor Luis and a great group to roll with. Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Michelle G

I’ve been going to Yamasaki for a few months now and figured I now had a good enough sense of the place to write a review. The instruction: Luis is an excellent instructor. He’s a small guy so he focuses on technique. The repetition helps build muscle memory, the sparring at the end will give you plenty of opportunity to have fun and test your skills. He gives great constructive feedback and walks you through everything to make sure you understand it. During the sparring he keeps an eye on everyone and jumps in with advice or critique as-needed. Responding to earlier reviews: The first thing to understand about Yamasaki before coming in is that Luis is picky. He is particular about how the floors are vacuumed, what type of no-gi clothes you’re wearing, how long your nails are, etc. Don’t take any of it personally. It’s kind-of a litmus test of – ‘can you follow the rules’. This is a sport where people can get injured very quickly and very easily and his job is to keep everyone safe. Aside from this pickiness, he is incredibly kind and thoughtful. He wants the best experience possible for each student. He’s friends with a lot of the guys outside of class and you can see the respect they have for him. The community: When I got to my first class everyone was dead silent and no one made any effort to greet me or say hi. This might happen to you, don’t be put-off by it. This can be perceived as stand-offishness but it’s genuine introversion. It’s the shyest group of athletes I’ve ever met. I’ve come to appreciate the quiet though – their soft-spokeness and business-like attitude towards the sport means you’ll learn a lot from them. Eventually they warm up to you and they’re a great group of smart and funny people with sincere care for each other. I think the most valuable thing they all know is how to match intensity, which you don’t find elsewhere – if you want to go hard, they can go hard, but if you want to keep things light, they’ll keep it light too. Bonus: If you’re a woman coming in to the sport, this is the holy grail of bjj. Your classmates are patient and respectful, everyone’s there to learn (instead of trying to dominate), everything’s clean, well-lit, and the instruction is the best in the city. Overall Yamasaki is a great place to learn jiu jitsu, and I like it more every time I go because of the people. If you aren’t familiar with the sport but are looking for a new workout that will keep you mentally challenged come check it out!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

S S

Excellent place to train. I have been here for about 2-3 months now and really enjoy it. The people and staff are what make the class a great experience. Everyone is very friendly and supportive. I've learned a lot from the classes and always get a great work out.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Jessica Hurtt

Thankful I got to train here while intown I loved it hope to visit again. Great rolls

Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Julian J

After a long layoff, I wanted to get back into BJJ and Yamasaki Academy DC was the first place I checked out. The head instructor, Luis, was very professional and welcoming, as were the other students. The atmosphere and camaraderie was all around enjoyable and I decided to sign up immediately after the first free trial class without even considering the other local academies. I've been training here for a little over a month and do not regret my decision one bit!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Joshua Brown-Clay

I started training with Luis at Yamasaki about two years ago and I've been loving it ever since. It is a great place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). I love BJJ because, unlike most other martial arts, you are constantly practicing the techniques against a skilled, resisting opponent. BJJ is primarily a grappling-based martial art, so it's really fun, like wrestling with a sibling, and there's no striking, so there is little chance of getting hurt and no head trauma. The classes are composed of a warm-up based on BJJ movements, a lesson or drill to learn/work on a technique and then sparring for the remainder of the class. It's a great way to learn BJJ in a structured manner and to get some solid exercise. The instructor, Luis, is world class and the students are at a range of levels, from beginner to quite advanced. Everybody's friendly, and you can roll at whatever intensity you like. I've been to a few different BJJ places, in the States and abroad, and this is my favorite place. All in all, I think Yamasaki is a great place to learn BJJ and get your body working!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

James Estes

I've been training for under nine months, and that's probably eight months longer than I thought I would be able to, as a not-as-young, not-as-athletic, academically oriented guy more comfortable behind a desk than in the gym. However, the school challenges and inspires you to do your best. Both the instructor (Luis) and my colleagues/classmates in the school are serious about the sport and about promoting a collegial environment, and I am thankful that I have found an excellent training and learning opportunity.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Haley Chitty

Great environment. Dedicated instructor. Nice facility. Respectful environment. You couldn't ask for anything more!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Simon Phoenix

Awesome instructor, great group of people to train with and the location is perfect. I am new to the art of BJJ and since my first day at Yamasaki I have been continually impressed by the quality of instruction provided by Luis Pantoja. I've learned a lot in the last few months and have observed continued progress in myself and others who started around the same time that I did. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is interested in BJJ (regardless of skill level) whether for competition, self defense or personal development. I most enjoy the challenge of getting outside of my comfort zone (and thoughts) so that I can learn the proper techniques that BJJ requires. In a very short time, this active art has become part of my regular routine and look forward to it every week.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Michael Murphy

I've been training at Yamasaki under Luis for over two years now, and cannot say enough about how great my experience has been. The school is comprised of a tight-knit community of extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful students with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. You will not find any strong or aggressive egos at this school - only a great group of men and women who are willing to help you grow and improve. The instruction is top-notch and Luis focuses heavily on technique and efficency, rather than strength or physical intensity, which is one of the many reasons why this school is an excellent place for new students who want to learn a grappling martial art, but may feel intimidated about the idea of training with stronger or larger partners. Luis is an extremely knowledgeable instructor who has been teaching for over a decade, but he maintains a open-mind and continues to learn and incorporate ideas from students with expertise in wrestling and other martial arts. Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will improve your confidence, mental fortitude, and physical strength and dexterity. And Yamasaki DC is a fantastic place to learn the art for men and women of all ages and skill levels.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Nigel Gibbs

I've been training under our instructor, Luis Pantoja, for more than 3 years at Yamasaki Academy in Washington DC. Luis hosts a well organized class which consists of a warm-up, drilling a specific technique and live sparring. Luis is extremely technical in his approach to teaching techniques in jiu jitsu and pays very close attention to his students' progress. The academy in general is a very welcoming one. We have students coming from all walks of life, varying in size and skill level. Our more advanced students are always willing to help others become better grapplers in all facets of jiu jitsu. Some of our students come from other combat disciplines, like wrestling and judo and are very helpful in assisting other students to understand and implement throws and takedowns. Nonetheless, no matter your skill level, size or strength, jiu jitsu can be practiced and enjoyed by all. Perhaps the aspect that I appreciate most about our academy is how open-minded our students are as well as our instructor. As I have been an athlete practically my entire life. I have participated in some of the more "hyper-masculine" sports, such as football, ice hockey, wrestling and rugby. While I always appreciated strong and intense competition, the attitudes of many of my fellow athletes and coaches were not ones which I appreciated. Here at Yamasaki Academy, you will find very skilled jiu jitsu practitioners willing to train at whatever intensity two people care for in a safe, positive and constructive environment. If you want try out a free class, come on by. There is something new we all can learn...why not try Brazilian jiu jitsu!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Mark Walth

I have trained at a number of different schools before I moved to DC, and have always been really happy with the environment. For this reason, I am always cautious when I try a new school to make sure that it is a place that I will enjoy. I came to Yamasaki about a year ago and have trained there since. The Yamasaki team immediately made me feel welcome and like a part of their community. There has never been a time that I have gone and not had many good training partners to work with. Most importantly, Luis is an extremely talented practitioner and instructor who clearly cares about his students. This is a great school to train at.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Sara Fusco

I can't say enough great things about learning jiu jitsu at Yamasaki DC. I've been training here for over two years now and am addicted! The instruction here is really solid, very technical, and the training partners are great. Everyone is incredibly friendly and respectful -- we're friends both on and off the mat -- and you won't find any crazy meatheads. In fact, we can be a bit nerdy! And as a woman, I feel that this is the very best kind of self defense training that you can find. I'd recommend anyone to come in and check it out for yourself. You won't regret it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Mike Byrd

Can't think of a better jiu jitsu academy in the D.C. area. Excellent instruction and great training partners!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 14 years ago

Colin OLaughlin

A great BJJ school that is founded on hard-work and mutual respect. After trialing several BJJ schools in D.C., I am sure that I made the right decision by choosing Yamasaki Academy. The school accomodates all skill levels, offers structured BJJ lessons and has lots of in-house talent.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 14 years ago

Ben Wimmer

I'm one of the newer students at Yamasaki D.C., I've only been training for about 3 months now so I can offer the perspective of a newbie. Starting out in BJJ is challenging but it's lots of fun and very addictive. Everyone that trains here is friendly and will help you out as much as possible as you get started. You will become friends with the other students here as this is a close group at Yamasaki D.C. There is a very good mix of newer students and more advanced students. The instructor is Luis Pantoja a Black Belt and regular competitor who absolutely loves this sport/martial art. Luis cares about his students, is very big on technique and is well respected in the BJJ community. I can't say enough good things about the academy. From the location to the instruction to the atmosphere, I'm very glad that I made the decision to try out Yamaski D.C.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 16 years ago

Meg Dumlao

I went to my first class earlier this week. I do have previous experience with BJJ and I'm a blue belt in Judo. As others have said, it is a terrific club with a great atmosphere for learning. Sensei makes you feel very welcome and comfortable, the students are friendly, and they have a real changing room for women (WOW)! There was plenty of sparring. Understandably, I was not allowed to spar much due to a nose piercing I can't remove (in the past I've taped it without a problem) so I probably won't be able to go back, plus Judo is my One True Love. BUT I still highly recommend this club for people who live/work in the area. Both of my other Judo clubs were also associated with Yamasaki to some degree, and they have very high standards.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 12 years ago

Estilo Jiu Jitsu

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