3848 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Oriental Sports Academy (OSA) offers traditional self-defense programs, before & after school programs and day camps in Burke, Manassas and Fairfax Station
My girls have been getting lessons on kids jiu-jitsu and they love it. The teacher, Dante Herrera! So good with kids and know how to work with them.
Evolution is a very clean and well maintained school. The classes are fun and relaxed. You feel welcomed when you come, there isn't pressure from the minute you step in to join, like other gyms. Instructor Sethi is a great teacher. She's very in-tune with her students and is highly motivated to help them. You don't feel like you're just another student here, you feel like family.
I am so impressed with this place. It's always clean and well managed. Ms. Sethi is a superb instructor and puts her heart and soul into teaching and mentoring her students. Highly recommend.
My son attended classes when EMA first opened and I attended a women's defense class. The instructor was knowledgeable and patient with both children and adults. I learned practical and useful tactics to avoid and handle a personal attack. I would highly recommend Evolution Martial Arts!
I've known Tarika for a few years now and I find her to be passionate and dedicated towards her work in martial arts and her job as a social worker. Tarika is one of the most honest people I know who holds herself to the highest morals and a high degree of integrity. If you are interested in training yourself or your children in martial arts, I think you owe it to yourself to give Tarika a shot and visit her in person. Take a class, ask her questions, address any concerns you have. She will show you whether her school and her classes are something that will help you in achieving your fitness or martial art goals. Most of the reviews here are positive, so that must say something about the school and Tarika. She is also great with kids of all ages, very patient, and very supportive. All I would say is give her a shot and see for yourself if Tarika and her school are a good fit for you.
I went for a women's self defense class. The studio was clean and well lit, and the instructor was patient and knowledgeable. I learned some useful, practical things! I would definitely recommend it.
I would give 6 stars if I could. Not a typical martial art school, truly great concept, my 4 year old daughter loves her Little Dragons class.
EMA is a positive place where kids gain confidence, a sense of discipline, and learn to grow within a supportive community. I was impressed by the cleanliness and organization of the facility, how much fun the students have, and the variety of the after-school and summer programs! Ms. Sethi has years of experience and truly cares about all of her students. A great place to learn and train!
I have attended some of the open mat and seminar events at Evolution Martial Arts. I normally train at a martial arts school closer to home (Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), but I wish i could also train here more often. High quality instruction and everyone I've met has been really nice and great training partners!
I have been taking classes at Evolution for the past year, and they are great. It is a self-defense based, mixed discipline martial arts school. There are self defense classes, which incorporate taekwondo as well as grappling, and also dedicated jiu jitsu and women's yudo (judo) classes. Hapkido classes are starting soon. Classes are separated into age ranges for children starting at 2 years old, and for adults. There are also family classes for all ages, so you can train at the same time as your kids. They also do after school classes (and pick up at several Fairfax county schools), and summer camps. Mr. Herrera and Ms. Sethi are great teachers. They are extremely knowledgeable & patient, and they take the time to help each student learn and achieve. They give us the building blocks and challenge us to constantly improve and grow through martial arts, both physically and mentally. Contact them for a free trial class!
I've been training in the martial arts for 25 years and have been teaching for 16 years, but when I was looking for a place for my son to train, rather than teach him myself I took him here for the Little Dragons program. As parents well know, kids don't always want to listen to their parents, and sometimes they listen and learn more when it isn't just mom and dad trying to teach them. Ms. Sethi and Mr. Herrera are just wonderful. They are incredibly enthusiastic about teaching, actively engaged with the children, and look like they are having fun themselves in each class and never fail to raise the energy level. While other instructors look like they are just going through the motions, Mr, Herrera and Ms. Sethi are able to draw out the best in my son. We have seen huge gains in my sons physical abilities over the last year, and he has become far more focused, had an increase in self discipline, and become far more assertive. He really has come out of his shell as a result of his training. The instructors at Evolution Martial arts are incredibly patient with all the children, and never let things get out of hand when children get a little boisterous. They keep the children entertained and engaged and always leave them wanting to come back for more. My son can't wait to come to each class. Further, they have a very friendly payment system and don't lock you in to long term contracts should your child loose interest. They are incredibly flexible in meeting the needs of your family and tailoring a program to your needs and wants. There are no high pressure sales tactics here, the quality of the instruction and the enthusiasm of the classes sells themselves. You and your child will not be bored. They rotate curricula every few months so little ones will stay engaged, feel like they are learning something new while building on base skills. Evolution Martial Arts has a wide range of programs that will suit your needs. They offer programs for all ages and include a range of Striking Arts, a Women's Judo (Yudo) program, Brazillian Jiujitsu, and I understand they will soon be adding a Hapkido, Tai Chi, and yoga program. Their facility is kept quite clean. Having trained in many dojos over the years (including a converted chicken coop, as well as many basements and garages), typical training spaces may have a certain "funk" to them. Evolution Martial arts is kept clean, the dojo is kept in a good state of repair, and the training equipment is in good shape. While if I was training there myself, I would appreciate having a few mirrors, mirrors often break given the high level of energy expended in the class, so I can understand not including them in the dojo. I would not hesitate at all in recommending training at Evolution Martial arts. You and your child will feel like part of the family.
Evolution is a great place to learn at your own pace, there was never pressure to learn like other martial arts schools. I have been with Evolution for 3 years and the instructors help my confidence a great deal. I recommend women taking class here since the school's idea of martial arts is self- defense and adaptable to the real world. Learning martial arts in your twenties is not as easy as it seems but the instructors make it work.
Tried out Jui Jitsu for the first time at Evolution Martial Arts. The instructors and all the other students were extremely helpful and considerate. Would recommend this place to any person interested, novice or experienced.
The instructors here really care about the students, and are able to adapt for individual challenges. They teach both the physical skills and the core values that go along. My kids have been learning respect for self and others, focus and integrity. And these values have translated into their everyday lives. This has been a valuable find for us!
Our daughter is age 8 and has attended multiple martial arts programs. master Sethi and Herrera do an excellent job not only teaching techniques for form but for practical application in the event one has to defend him or herself. Excellent soft skills with both instructors and they hold the students accountable.
Took a self defense class with Tarika... what can I say it was pretty much amazing. I learned how to protect myself and the class was a lot of fun. The instructor was really nice and patient for noob like myself, and I walked away feeling like I could defend myself if necessary. The studio was really clean and it was a great learning enviornment. I took the class to be able to protect myself during a trip, and during the trip I kept hoping someone would try something just so I could try out all my new skills. So basically the teachers are awesome and this studio is awesome. Checking them out wuold greatly improve your life.
Great Place to be. My kid has improved a lot. Credit goes to instructors
I signed up my three year old for classes at EMA and was so happy I did! The instructors are absolutely fabulous with kids. They created an atmosphere that was fun and engaging, but also serious enough to impart some useful life skills - self-confidence, listening to your parents, being considerate, but also how to deal with strangers and bullies. I would definitely recommend EMA!
I started my Jiu-Jitsu journey with the instructors here at Evolution Martial Arts. I have been taking their Adult Jiu-Jitsu classes through my membership at Capital MMA & Elite Fitness, and it has proved a steady foundation for my continuing training in the martial art. The facility is clean, and the staff is professional and extremely helpful. From self-defense to Jiu-jitsu specific drills, the instructions are clear and repeated as often as needed for students to understand. If you are looking for a non-intimidating, family-friendly martial arts studio I encourage you to look into Evolution Martial Arts.
I've been coming to Evolution since they opened the doors and I would have to say that both coaches are the BEST! They have great training and eager to share their knowledge. I would strongly recommend stopping by and checking this place out!
I have only been to one lesson/event at this time; however, I enjoyed every minute! I liked how welcome I felt when I first entered. Then the lesson itself was awe inspiring. To think I myself had control over an uncontrollable situation that I could/might face gave me such confidence. I am looking forward to trying more lessons and not using the "traffic/distance" factor that keeps me from joining in during the week or even weekends! Great place with a wonderful laid back atmosphere and super great movements.
Evolution Martial Arts is a terrific place where children and adults can develop and express their passion for a wide variety of martial arts. The instructors are well trained, skilled, and passionate. The studio is clean and well organized. EMA's after school program provides a safe and engaging environment for young people. My son enjoys his time there. They also offer the option for martial arts themed birthday parties on weekends. I highly recommend EMA!
My husband and I am so happy to have found Evolution Martial Arts! The instructors here are amazing! I was very nervous going to our trial class, but Mr. Herrera and Ms. Sethi made us feel welcome, they explained techniques thoroughly, and worked with us to make sure we were comfortable and safe. My husband and I have been attending since Feb '13 and we enjoy every minute of being there. I highly recommend Evolution Martial Arts for all ages!
The true measure of any martial arts school lies in the quality of its instructors. Master Dante and Miss Tarika Sethi are excellent examples of how to do it right!! Both are well versed in a variety of martial arts disciplines so they are able to offer a well-rounded curriculum that incorporates traditional martial arts, sport martial arts, physical fitness, and self-defense techniques. They are also able to tailor their instruction to meet the student’s specific needs, whether they are kids or adults. I have been taking Jiu Jitsu for nearly two years, and I really appreciate their ability to break down the specific maneuvers and emphasize the little details on how to best apply them. Overall, I would highly recommend this school for anyone, whether your interest is in physical fitness, building self-confidence or serious martial arts training. They really mean it when they say, “Your goals are our goals.”
The instructors are excellent. They will take time to understand you. They will work with you. They will build your skills, knowledge and strength. It is one of the most unique martial arts school in this area. Why? They offer mixed martial arts as well as self defense classes. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Cardio Kick Fit, Tae Kwon, Adaptive Martial Arts. Classes for all ages from kids to senior citizens....so there is soemting for everyone. Classes for law enforcement is availble too! What makes this place special is that they not only teach you skills, but they teach you leadership, self-esteem, how not to be bullied. You leave feeling so positive and great about yourself...not to mention super fit. I also made friends here :)
We attended a birthday party for 5 year olds at Evolution Martial Arts. I had never heard of such a thing before but the kids had a blast. We've been to parties at several different indoor gyms and bounce houses, and this was definitely different. Much more structured. The instructors had the kids doing all sorts of activities where the children had to pay attention and follow instructions, which much to my surprise, most did quite well. I'm not sure that they've done many birthday parties before. There were a few times when they seemed to be trying to decide what to do next and the kids filled the time by getting into things they shouldn't have. Overall, my son had a great time and I really enjoyed seeing him and all his friends snap to attention and yet, 'yes sir' or being taught how to 'Look tough, sound tough, and act tough'. It was by far the most memorable (for me, the parent) kids birthday part we've been too. When I asked my son if he had a good time he asked if he could have his party there too... but he suggested that for his party they let the kids play with swords. :-)
The "owner" is a very bad person. Not the same when this person took over the academy.
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