Calculated from categorized student reviews and profile completeness — instructors, schedule,
facility and pricing — using the data available to us. Manage this academy?
Claim this page to update it.
Disciplines
GiJudoMuay ThaiNo-GiStriking
Classes
Adults ClassesAll LevelsCompetition ClassFundamentalsOpen Mat
Facilities
Mat Space
Culture
Welcoming Environment
Access
Free Trial
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo and Muay Thai classes for kids, teens and adults
in Arlington, VA. World class instruction, fitness, and self-defense in the
DMV.
Community reviews
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Trained here? Share your experienceBe the first to review Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo and help shape its score.
Continue with Google
I took my kids here for a trial class this past weekend and was extremely impressed. Beatrice greeted us at the door, explained what to do, and was supportive and helpful throughout. The instructors were kind but firm and had both my kids (one is very timid) sparring during class. It is evident how this helps build self-esteem and discipline. Thanks for a great experience.
Our 6 year old son has been attending Kogaion Academy for just over six months, and it has been a fantastic experience! The coaching staff is incredible with the kids—supportive, skilled, and dedicated. Not only has my son made great progress in Judo and Jiu Jitsu, but he’s also grown as a person. He’s learned patience, respect, and how to handle frustration and losing with more maturity. We couldn't be happier with the positive impact this academy has had on him. We would highly recommend.
Great for kids and teens! I started training her with my 11yo daughter back in September, and it’s been amazing learning BJJ side-by-side with her. There’s a great community of tweens and teens that are supportive and have a lot of fun sparring together. And there’s plenty of us “masters division” athletes too. Fun for all ages and ability levels. Best part of my day.
The kids program at Kogaion is *chefs kiss* 🤌.
Kogaion Academy is a family. The head instructors, Victor and Beatrice, are welcoming and friendly, and their love of the sports of judo and Jiu-Jitsu and passing on their knowledge clearly shows.
I started my daughter in the kids Jiu-Jitsu classes three years ago; she now attends adult class and helps assist with the younger kids classes. Seeing her change from a quiet, shy girl to a quiet yet confident young lady has been amazing to watch, and I credit Kogaion for that.
Practicing jiu-jitsu and judo teaches discipline, focus, and awareness. If you ever had any doubt of whether or not your kid should learn any martial art, come to Kogaion and have them try a free class!
I couldn’t be happier with Kogaion Academy. Both my 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son train here, and the experience has been nothing short of incredible. The instructors are phenomenal—not only are they highly skilled and knowledgeable in their disciplines, but they’re also incredibly patient, encouraging, and truly invested in each child's growth.
The value is unbeatable for the number of hours of training each week. It’s rare to find such high-quality instruction at such a reasonable price, especially with this much hands-on time and individual attention given to each student.
What impresses me the most is how much my kids genuinely love coming to class. They look forward to every session, and I’ve seen tremendous progress not just in their martial arts skills, but in their overall confidence, discipline, and resilience. It’s clear that this academy is helping shape them into strong, respectful, and focused individuals.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Kogaion Academy for hosting me this week at training. Professors Victor and Beatrice were exceptional. I travel a lot for work and have to train in different gyms often. I rarely connect with a school as much as I did with this one. Exceptional atmosphere. Fellow students were a class act. And very tough rolls. I compete a lot and I appreciate the caliber of training partner here. This is now my place to train in Arlington. Thank you again!
Great place to train whether just starting or looking for a new school, everyone is extremely kind, the place is kept clean, and instructors are very knowledgeable
Kogaion is run by two black belts, Victor and Beatrice. Both are extremely welcoming and set a high standard for both BJJ instruction and the culture they have fostered at their gym. Although I have moved to a gym that is closer to my home, I still attend the women's open mat (every Friday and Sunday) which is hands down the best women's open mat in the DMV. Beatrice has supported an incredible community of women jiu jitsu practitioners and I highly recommend anyone visiting the area to stop by and get in technical, fun, and safe rolls.
I am a full-contact-Karate black belt who switched to BJJ about three years ago, joining Kogaion 1.5 years ago. As a Japanese martial artist, "Respect" is very important to me, and Kogaion embodies this value.
I've been witnessing the gym and its students growing as I expected. Growth in martial arts takes time, often years. If you're committed to growing in a supportive community with skilled and passionate instructors, Kogaion is the place.
We train hard and play hard! Love this place! Osu.
Kogaion Academy is a hidden gem in Shirlington that offers every aspect of MMA with Muay Thai, Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It is extremely affordable with multiple flexible plans, which are rare in this area. The school consists of world class instructors. The lead instructor and owner has a black belt in Judo AND BJJ. He is assisted by other black belts and a bronze medal BJJ champion from International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation World Championships. The instructors have a great methodology of teaching adults and children. My son and I are both members and are loving every aspect of this school. For the ladies, they also have a women’s only open mat. Try this school and you won’t regret it. Try a free class! You have nothing to lose except a family friendly rich environment. Here is a bonus for all of you foodies. It’s within feet of Shirlington proper filled with restaurants. Join!! It’s GREAT!!!!!!!
On the verge of expansion, this small gym is lady-athlete friendly. Bosting a friendly, comic team of jiujitseros, I felt welcomed on the mat from bow-in to bow-out. The class had a bjj movement warmup, technique drilling, positional rolls, and open rolls. The instructor, Beatrice Jin, was insightful, kind, and thoughtful in her movement. It was a pleasure to train here with a female instructor and respectful mat-mates. 10/10 would train here again.
A great schedule with great instructors combined with the ability to do no gi, gi and judo make it a great choice. Women’s only time frames is a good addition too.
I dropped into a nogi class while on work travel in Crystal city. The gym was easy to find & I had made contact ahead of time with Beatrice Jin, one of the instructors (who is currently ranked #3 at adult lightweight brown belt in gi!). She graciously welcomed me and drilled with me. The class was well organized with a full hour of drilling plus a full hour of situational sparring and matches. Professor Ciocoiu, who is a physical therapist as well, teaches in a more conceptual way than step by step, which I appreciate. I felt safe and welcomed. Thank you!!
My husband spent three months in the DC area recently. While there, he trained at this gym. It was a great experience. Coaches Victor, Beatrice, and Pablo were patient and knowledgeable. The students were also very welcoming. If you’re looking for a place to train BJJ, Judo, and/or Muy Thai, check out Kogaion Academy.
Wish I could give more than 5 stars. I absolutely love training here. If you’re looking for a gym, COME HERE. I don’t know how better to convince you that Kogaion is the best choice in the DMV. First, the instructors here are phenomenal. Not only do they truly know their stuff, they have created an incredible environment for students. They are competitors themselves with multiple titles so you know they’re teaching tried, true, and trusted methods. Second, the fellow students are both friendly and fierce. Everyone is focused on learning, improving, and having a good time. Third, Kogaion has a wide range of classes and hours which makes the gym accessible for whatever training you’re looking for, no matter your schedule. Whether you’re in town for a visit, just moved here full time, or are looking for a new gym, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed in your decision to come here.
Come for BJJ; stay for Judo.
Kogaion is a rare-rare gem in the community.
It stands out both for it's unique style of teaching, as well as in the people that it hosts. We are really lucky to have them.
Compared to many other schools where learning attempts to occurs in a "progressive" manner, Kogaion throws you into the deep end of the pool from day 1; Irrespective of your belt-level, whether it'd be Judo or BJJ.
Judo is a bit more restricted in this sense due to to the increased risk of injury. The instructors are always on their toes when it comes to everybody's safety, and they encourage everybody to watch after their partners' well-being as well.
It can be very disorienting at first. One day, practice may be something simple like passing guard, stepping over someone, knee-on-belly (it's exactly what it sounds like), and on the same day the following week, you might be doing something like... Reverse Kozen scoop deltoid hybrid...something.
I don't know, I don't come to BJJ enough.
It's interesting... (and hard to describe) but, for everyone who sticks with it, after a while, you begin to understand what's going on (and what are the rules of the sport).
...Somewhat. Kind of.
It takes a while.
But, throughout it all, there's a ton of fun (and sweat) to be had during training, and a lot of it has to do with the second element of Kogaion's uniqueness: the people that it hosts.
Somehow, some way, the kind of "personality" that this place has attracted is a very specific mixture of stubborness, humility and goofiness in every-single-person at the gym that resonates off of one another and builds off of one another, that it's no wonder this place was one of the few to survive the strain on businesses brought about by the pandemic.
It's such a killer congregation of playfully playful folks of all kinds of races, backgrounds, ethnicities, and professions, who just so happen to like to kick each other's butts as well. It's great!
Really, the only thing that I can say might be a negative, is more for the folks who are looking to take martial arts as a means of Self-Defense, which was the case with me when I first started.
I came to Kogaion with the intention of getting some kind of formal fighting training, so that, if push came to shove, I'd have something more than brute strength and pure brawling... brawliness to contend.
It took me a long-long time to finally come to understand this, so let me save you all some time: this is a sport. Please, read till the end.
BJJ and Judo are sports, and the context in which they are taught is with them first as sports.
Many of the folks here compete, as well as the instructors.
For that matter, if you are looking for something more "combative," this is not the place. This is a sport.
HOWEVER (and this is what took me a while to understand)
That does not mean that you cannot use it for self-defense.
It's simply going to take a while to be able to do so, and you will be surprised by how instinctive it becomes by then.
Don't knock it for it being a sport, and don't belittle it for it being a sport, because the skills that it develops are very real, and the pain they cause is very real.
Treat it as a sport while you are learning.
The skill will still be there, even when the rules aren't there.
Doing so, will also helps ensure the safety of all your training partners as well.
...
Since I first wrote this review, Muay Thai classes were introduced to the school, and those have become all the more reason to show up to class.
Still, take it easy, we're not trying to kill each other here, only hurt each other's prides..and compare gym-bag sizes.
Come to Judo! And BJJ too, I guess.
I've visited this dojo a few times and found the people there friendly and respectful.
Victor is a good sensei and very polite and friendly.
I felt welcome when ever I turned up.
Thanks guys 👍🏻
I started training here im April 2023. The membership includes unlimited classes in three disciplines: Muay Thai, BJJ, and Judo. I have taken classes in all three. The instructors are all very knowledgeable in their disciplines, they meet the students where they are in their skill level, and are always willing to give specific guidance. I have learned and grown so much in this academy in my short time training here. The students are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend dropping in to train here regardless of your age or skill level.
Great martial arts vibe here! It's not often you get access to great judo and jiu-jitsu under one roof. I've always had positive experiences with the owners here.
Safe. Clean. Professional.
Was in DC for a week, on vacation. Joined a no-gi class and found absolutely great hospitality and warm welcome. Much appreciate from Berlin checkmate.
Bottom line: Kogaion Academy is a skillful, professional and welcoming environment for beginners, experts and everyone in between. I learned a lot in my time with Kogaion and will 100% be back the next time I'm in the area.
This is my first time away from my home gym (Valor BJJ in Florida) and I was nervous about visiting another gym. I emailed requesting info on drop in training and I recieved a quick reply welcoming me to the area and the gym. I came in and trained several times a week over three next three weeks. Professor Victor, Pablo, Beatrice and Brianna were awesome instructors who guided the class through the moves. Everyone was motivated, friendly and worked hard (students and instructors). I had to privelage to meet and train with several exceptional ladies and learned from each of them. Thank you, Kogaion academy!
I attended a free class at Kogaion Academy and it was fantastic! Despite my initial nerves, the class went really well and I felt at ease. The coach and fellow students were all incredibly cool and welcoming. After trying out a few BJJ places around, I decided to join Kogaion Academy. While the other academies were good too, the overall experience here is truly top-notch.
I dropped in for a couple of classes while I was staying in Arlington and would strongly recommend Kogaion based on my experience. I'm a pretty awkward person so I always get nervous and commit faux pas when I visit gyms, which really enhanced my appreciation for the welcoming, laid back atmosphere. But Victor and Beatrice aren't just friendly, they're also excellent instructors and highly skilled grapplers. They show great attention to detail in their classes and give plenty of time to work on and understand the techniques. This really shows in their students who, at all experience levels, were great training partners and offered some really tough rolls. I got some good standing rounds in, some really fun leg battles, and a few very exciting scrambles. I got very sweaty.
Great gym - 10/10
Amazing gym. Lots of space for rolling and training. The coaches were very knowledgeable and professional! Very good cross-training opportunities with Bjj (gi and no-gi), Judo, and Muay Thai. Very friendly atmosphere, everyone was kind and patient with the new guy. Loved my time there, definitely my drop-in spot in arlington!
Had the privilege of dropping in here for a bjj class while out of town. Victor, Beatrice, and all the students at the gym were so friendly and welcoming it felt like I had trained there for years. The class was led by Beatrice who taught techniques clearly with incredible details. She and Victor also took the time and care to walk around and make sure that everyone was performing the techniques correctly and answering any questions we had.
Awesome culture, top-notch instruction, and a very clean gym. I highly recommend joining/visiting this gym if you’re in the area!
Dropped in yesterday for the noon bjj class and was greeted by a great group of friendly people. Everyone was happy to say how great it is to train there. The black-belt instructor taught some De La Riva passes that I hadn't drilled before and spent enough time on them that I will hopefully remember them. I travel for work, dropping in all over the country and will definitely come back next time I'm around.
Kogaion Academy is a awesome place to learn various Martial arts, especially BJJ. The cadre are very knowledgeable, informative, and tentative. They have a great schedule and strong community that makes it’s membership unique.
Very talented and experienced instructors. The BJJ Class is well structured with drills, positional situations, and sparring. Also full of great people to roll with.
Great academy! High BJJ level, you can also do another martial arts as judo and kick boxing/ muai Thai. They have also classes for kids. Excellent group of people, the head líder Victor has a lot of experience and knowledge Beatrice as well! They always take care of the students and be aware that you can practice in a safe and nice environment!!
Great lesson plan structuring here - first learn a takedown, then learn some leg game variations.
Then spend a few minutes doing positional drills.
Everyone is so good here and very technical!
Fantastic place to train. I'm in my 40s and used to compete in Judo (Liberty Bell, AmCams, etc...) and BJJ pretty regularly. There are plenty of people at this school who compete, but it is also a very welcoming environment for older guys like me who just love the sports and want to continue. Sensei Victor, is a wealth of knowledge in both sports. Don't just pull guard in BJJ and don't avoid newaza in Judo.
I have known Coach Victor and Coach Beatrice for years and have always admired their dedication and passion for BJJ. Kogaion embodies that dedication and passion not only for martial arts of BJJ and Judo but also to their students. Coach Victor leverages his experience as a black belt in both BJJ and Judo to provide a holistic and broad teaching experience for his students of any level. Additionally, the students are very collegial and it definitely feels like you are part of a team where people are invested in your development and success. I highly recommend this gym!
What an awesome place to train! I’ve been doing judo for all of my life and I’ve been fortunate to find this club, especially at this stage in my life. Coaches are SUPER mindful of safety, good form and training well. I feel safe while training which is incredibly important to me because the last thing I want is to be injured.
Classes run every day of the week, jiu jitsu and judo are included in one fee, which is great because I’ve been able to try out bjj for the same cost as me just coming to judo class (a lot of other clubs will charge you separately). And an added bonus, everyone is super friendly and I always have people my size to roll with. I’m so psyched to be training here
I did a few drop in classes as I come to DC area frequently and had a blast every time. Everyone is very welcoming and class/ open mats are informative and fun. Would highly recommend
I joined Kogaion Academy in the summer of 2022 after a 2.5+ year break from BJJ during COVID. I tried a few other gyms in the area and knew right away that Kogaion was a good fit for me. Victor and Beatrice have created a safe and welcoming training environment that is friendly men and women of all ages and levels. Whether you are a hobbyist or aspire to compete, you will receive excellent instruction alongside a great group of people. The classes provide a nice balance of fundamental techniques, situational sparring, and live rolling. Given Victor's mastery of Judo, BJJ students are also exposed to standup techniques that they are often not taught elsewhere. I highly recommend Kogaion Academy for anyone beginning their grappling journey or are looking for a fresh start at a new gym.
I trained here for two months and plan on returning in the future as I was able to progress in that short time. Victor teaches BJJ and Judo that is practical in a way that is easy to understand. The Kogaion Academy is a welcoming place to learn for everyone ranging from beginners to competitors.
Started training here back in june and it has been a great experience. The instructors really care about your improvement and give adequate attention to each student. There are classes throughout the week for both bjj and judo. The thing I love most about kogaion academy is the culture. Everyone is kind and respectful, and there is a focus on safety and doing things properly. I would definitely recommend this gym for anyone new or experienced who wishes to learn bjj or judo.
I had been practicing Muay Thai for a few years and was ready to try bjj. I visited different gyms in the area but when I dropped into Kogaion I knew it was the right one for me. The instructors are great teachers, they care about you and make you feel welcome, the people are friendly, and the classes are fun! As a woman I also feel lucky to have found a place with a consistent women's class. I am preparing for my first tournament and I wouldn’t have found the confidence to do so without the support of my coaches and classmates <3
This place is awesome! Everyone is super supportive and patient. I’ve learned something from everyone. It’s also a great work out. This gets my highest possible recommendation
I’ve been here to learn Jiu-Jitsu for three months and I totally love this place! Everyone here is nice and so willing to help others. Our coaches Victor and Beatrice are very kind, patient, and professional. The course design is also very reasonable. You don’t need be afraid as a beginner, because the buddies and coaches here will always encourage and guide you. By the way, if you are a lady, you definitely should have a try! We also have class specifically for women each Sunday, which is really helpful😆
Phenomenal academy. I came visiting from Japan and was fortunate enough to train here. I wished I stayed longer, but from the moment I walked in I was treated like family. Speaks volume of the Professor and the team. I can’t wait to come back next year. Thank you !
I’ve been a student of Kogaion for about 3 ½ years. I’ve enrolled and visited a number of schools, but I can honestly say that Kogaion is easily the best. From the friendly and warm environment, to the easy-to-understand lessons, Kogaion is an excellent school! I can also say that it is one of the cheaper options in the DMV. Finally, it is also the most female friendly BJJ gym I’ve seen, and it can offer a safe space to women. It was a sad day when I moved out of the area in no small part because I also had to leave Kogaion. Nonetheless, I would encourage anyone interested in taking up BJJ and/or Judo to pay a visit.
This place is the real deal! I’ve been training for over 20 years, started in traditional styles and moved around a lot so I jumped schools and clubs out of necessity. I feel truly blessed to have found this place when I did. Super welcoming and diverse group, lots of classes offered at convenient times, and the coaches are GREAT! I was very humbled by the technicality of the instruction and the rigor of the classes. Just an awesome group.
Dropped in from out of town, and I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, enthusiastic, or talented group of people to train with, especially for my first time at the dojo. Everyone was very focused and respectful, and safety was at the top of their minds. It was easy to integrate with their practice today, and I was greatly impressed with the entire dojo.
The sensei has a rich, experience-filled background, teaches quickly and effectively, and encourages his students to push their limits. Whether you’re a newcomer to BJJ/Judo or have years of experience under your belt, I wholeheartedly recommend Kogaion Academy. After only one 90-min practice, I already promised myself I would return for more. Any judoka would be fit to call this place home.
Kogaion BJJ was my first experience with any martial art, and it was a great place to start. Prof Victor’s instruction is clear & detailed, and he gives a lot of personal feedback. There’s live sparring in almost every class, which is key for implementing what’s taught into your game. I especially enjoyed Coach Bea’s women’s class. Her instruction is awesome, and the environment so very welcoming. I’ve moved out of the area, but will alway be thankful for the start in BJJ/Judo that I got at Kogaion.
As a beginner in Jiu-Jitsu it can be intimidating to walk into a new gym. I was so impressed by the kindness show to me by Victor and his students. I was given one on one coaching even in a busy class. I would highly recommend coming to train at Kogaion you will get the opportunity to train with friendly and highly skilled martial artists.
Kogaion Academy is a great place to train in Judo/BJJ. I've been training in Judo for over 8 months now, and I've enjoyed every minute. Victor is a great instructor and is always encouraging us to improve. Kogaion is a very close knit community and everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Outstanding judo and bjj knowledge. If you are looking for a place where you can learn and apply both judo and bjj in the most effective and natural way here is the place for you. !
I’ve been going to Kogaion for about 3 years now (started going when my original dojo disbanded.)
My father and I were immediately welcomed and the head of the dojo even gave us an opportunity to practice our previous art while also attending Judo and BJJ.
One of the qualities that I love about Kogaion is how diverse, open minded, and patient everyone is with all levels of experience.
I’ve been doing drop-ins in the DMV area for a few years now and this gym stands out. Instruction is concise and detailed, but approachable for visitors and newcomers. Everyone is welcoming, and rolls are always challenging, but safe and controlled. The facility is big, mats are clean, and there’s a free parking lot/garage. I’ll definitely be back soon!
My family had a wonderful experience at Kogaion Academy. The kids class was wonderful to teach, technique, strength, balance, a discipline. Coach Victor is amazing with children and whether the goal is to have fun and learn basics or participate in competition this school is a great outfit. Found the same to be true of the adult classes. I am a beginner and started BJJ here. Welcoming to all skill levels. Coaching staff and classmates support basics all the way to completion if that’s your goal. Classes every night make it easy to fit in your schedule. Highly recommend checking this place out.
I've been a member of Kogaion for 11 months now. It's a great place to train - the instructors are knowledgeable and care about the students' learning. You couldn't ask for a better gym culture to be a part of. Everyone is friendly and welcoming to new people.
Jiu jitsu is great for physical and mental health and a good skill to have, and I'm glad I started here.
I've been going to Kogaion for about a year and a half now. I started going here in a tough period of my life and I'm glad I chose Kogaion over other bjj academies. Kogaion has always been very welcoming and I've made some amazing friends here. There's a big appreciation of traditional martial arts and the culture here is very family oriented. BJJ and judo are beautiful ways to escape from the real world and the head instructor, Victor tries to instill something beyond: "This is how you fight from this position." Victor is a true philosopher of martial arts and he'll always emphasize leverage, body mechanics and creativity. At Kogaion you get what you put in. If you want to be a hobbyist, come enjoy a nice workout and learn some self-defense. If you have competition aspirations, Victor and Beatrice will push you and help you get there. If you skip Judo, Victor gets sad but he'll still love you. If you're hesitant even after reading this beautiful review, come take a trial class!
Kogaion has been a great experience for me. For starters, Gi and no-gi classes AND open mat on Sundays? Can't beat that! More specifically, everyone at the academy is friendly and welcoming. Victor is a tremendous instructor who will really help you develop and open up your game with different options and is in-tune to the continuously-shifting state of BJJ.
For those who are looking for a nice environment where you can learn something you’re interested in like Brazilian Jiu jitsu or Judo, then this place is perfect for anyone out there at any age. The moment you join this academy, you enter into a world where you’re always welcomed, a world where you become part of a family that’s always there to help you to achieve your goals. Whether your goal to own all the belts in Judo or to simply burn some calories, this is a good place to start or continue this path. People here are really nice, supportive, fun, and overall it’s place where you can enjoy the experience of martial arts. The schedule of this academy is pretty solid since there’s classes every day and you can participate in tournaments if you want as well. Don’t feel committed to this academy either, if it’s not your thing, there’s no shame in leaving, you can always comeback again with the doors open. Just want to mention that there’s an extreme low amount of teenagers in this academy from what I’ve seen in the adult classes, the majority are men and women although mostly men. If you’re a woman, you’re always welcome to come, there’s no judgment or anything like that, in fact, the best fighter I know is a woman, so don’t feel intimidated or ashamed if you’re interested in learn something new or trying to progress on your favorite martial art, we are all here to help and support you. Now, for the teenagers, unless you’re interested fighting people who are like 50 pounds heavier than you, then this is the right place for you, take it from a guy in his high school years who’s been here for over a year. Although we can change this situation if more teenagers join. This is without a doubt a good academy worthy of what it has to offer to everyone.
The perfect and complete martial arts dojo!!
I considered my self lucky to find Kogaion Academy, it is the perfect and complete gym with a bargain price. This a dojo where you can workout as a beginner, an experienced martial arts practitioner, or you can be a competitor it you want test what you have learned. You can get great training and instructions everyday and in a very safe environment. Victor and Beatrice are great instructors with attention to details and will work and engage with you individually in the class, it feels like you are getting a private lesson.
There are very few gyms that will teach you Judo and Brazilian Jujitsu the combination gives you the knowledge to safely take your opponent/attacker from standing to the ground and controlling the person on the ground.
You can come to workout at the dojo everyday of the week, again this is a bargain!!
I dropped in for a class to check out Kogaion Academy and I'm really glad I did. The instruction was excellent and everyone was really nice. I will definitely be coming back.
I've been going for about a year, and I can't recommend Kogaion highly enough. It is a very comprehensive offering of jiu jistu and judo with excellent instruction. The community is strong, welcoming, and close knit. Kogaion is extremely friendly to newbies while also producing world class competitors who have won lots of medals. Give it a shot! First class is free, trial gi is provided! It is very easy to get started, and you will want to stay!
The last time I studied judo was around 15 years ago in NJ at Tech Judo. While there were some very good coaches there, I did not feel they cared much about my safety, and they allowed other students to be too rough with lesser experienced students as myself. I was hesitant to go back to judo again now in my 50’s, but Sensei Victor is the best judo teacher I have ever had and he’s deeply concerned about the safety of his students. He helped me realize it’s never too late to go back to Judo.
Awesome place to learn how to be a well rounded grappler. There is a strong emphasis on both standing and ground game along with high quality instruction for both. The instructors and students are all welcoming, respectful, and leave their ego at the door.
10/10
Kogaion Academy is one of the best places that I’ve been trained Judo at. They helped me improve my Judo skills for my next competition. I even drove 8 hours just to train with them with my family!
Over the course of two years I have been most impressed with how the owner and head instructor, Victor, rather than remain static, incorporates new teaching and training methods based on his ongoing experiences at competitions and seminars. It shows that he is passionate about seeing that all his students constantly improve and grow.
Kogaion is a great environment with friendly people. There is a lot of talent and knowledge in the room. Professor Vasile and coach Jin are detailed in their instruction. Their teachings translate well into competitions. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn or be part of the Judo/BJJ community.
I must mention coming from boxing to BJJ and Judo; Kogaion Academy has been the perfect place to gain the required knowledge. Sensei Vasile is more than a teacher; but he is also a motivational coach for all his students. I enjoy being in the presence of all my fellow peers as we learn from each other and grow together in the arts and teachings of BJJ and Judo.
Best dojo in the DMV area. Clean, Organized, Fresh. Sensei Vector and B are amazing and friendly with everyone. Sensei Vector has his professional technically to let you learn the art of martial arts. If you are thinking of sending your children, or you want to practice Judo/BJJ, don’t go far, get your free class pass and join Kogaion family.
Outstanding school. Instructors had high level detail and value added in transitions and drills throughout the entire class. Students were encouraging, welcoming friendly to visitors. If you are in the area and looking to start jiujitsu or just visiting do yourself a favor and check this place out.
Kogaion is an excellent learning environment for people of all walks of life. Whether you have fitness, competition or aspirations anywhere in between, you cannot go wrong here!
I started doing BJJ because my husband kept begging me to try it with him. Originally I had agreed thinking, hey, I’ll try anything once. Now I can’t get enough of it. I was immediately welcomed by so many kind and accepting people. I was amazed at what these people could do and I wanted to be just like them. It’s a great place for beginners and experienced people alike. There’s a good variety of people, and a great group of women. If you’re a woman thinking about doing BJJ this is a great place to start.
I would just like to thank the instructor and everyone here for being so amazing and welcoming. I am from out of town and came to roll a few days to keep my cardio up, and maybe learn some things and I wished that I lived in the area! The short time I was there I was able to learn so many things and adapt them to my skills. I am so thankful. If you live in the area and are trying to find a place to start somewhere or if you’re skilled and are just trying to learn those micro adjustments to get you to the next level this place is for you. Victor(Instructor/BJJ Master) will get you there, he is very patient and knowledgeable and it shows by his talented students. I will never forget this place and will definitely return when in the area. This is a great place to call your second home. What are you doing at home? Nothing! It’s boring there. This is the best place to be productive with your time and have fun at the same time. Thanks for the rolls guys and gals.
I've been attending Kogaion for about 5 months now, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a place to train. As a beginner that was kind of nervous about trying something new, the instructor (Victor) did an awesome job of making me feel welcome, as did the whole community at Kogaion.
Victor offers really valuable input on how you can improve, and again you cannot overstate how great the overall culture and atmosphere at the gym is. There is a great mix of both beginners and advanced belts, and everyone strikes a nice balance of maintaining competitiveness, but also remaining supportive of one another. I would say Kogaion has something to offer for everyone. Also as someone with a busy schedule, the nice balance of morning and evening classes is really great.
Also, coming from a beginner I would definitely recommend giving the one free class a shot. You will not regret it!
I've been here for about a month for judo. Everyone is friendly and eager to help you improve your form and skill. The coach is helpful and focuses on proper execution of techniques. Very diverse age group as well. Parking is easy since the building is next to a parking lot and a parking garage.
Lastly, you feel great after each class from the good workout.
Kogaion is a top notch jiu jitsu and judo school. The head professor, Victor, is extremely knowledgeable and does an outstanding job teaching complex techniques. Not only is he a great teacher, but he really cares about the growth and development of each one of his students. Not a better place in the area to go!
During the BJJ/Judo classes, you'll learn important techniques, but also have so much fun! I've been at this gym for about 3 months and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Everyone at the gym is very friendly and is always willing to help. Victor breaks down the techniques, gives constant feedback, and genuinely cares about each individual's growth and improvement.
My wife and I both joined about 8 months ago and I cant say enough about Kogaion. Victor is a great instructor, very patient and breaks down each technique to make them easily understandable. Great students, feels like family and everyone leaves their ego at the door.
Best jiu-jitsu class in the DC area! The instructor is very professional and patient. He explains the smallest details that make learning so fast and so enjoyable. He's very encouraging and inspiring and will support every single student the whole way through the learning journey. The students are very friendly and always help each other whenever needed. You'll bond with everyone and join the family and never want to quit once you try! Oh and there are many cafes and restaurants nearby if you fancy a little meal after class :)
The instructor Victor is very thorough and really loves the sport. Each class is well structured and challenging, I really recommend this place for both beginners and advanced students. Great location too.
