Richmond Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Academy

725 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA

4.8 (35 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Muay Thai Self-Defense

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Adults Classes

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teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai in Richmond, VA for over 19 years, home to Richmond's only female BJJ Black Belt. Black Belts Eric Burdo and Liz Sussan teach classes daily in self-defense, Muay Thai, BJJ, and women, and teaching experienced students and with a curriculum for beginners to learn quickly.

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Rachel Sze

Dropped in while on business in Richmond. Absolutely great expected de. Coach Trey was friendly and knowledgeable. The gym was clean, technical, safe, and welcoming. I’ve dropped in a lot of gyms - Richmond BJJ was one of my favorites.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Christian Schopp

still working on those switch-kicks I'll get 'em one day

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Tanner McBride

I had a great experience at my first muay thai class! Everyone - instructors and classmates alike - was so welcoming and helpful. The instructors are clearly very experienced teaching beginners and do a great job of introducing you to the sport, and my classmates were supportive and offered tips regularly. I have asthma and felt completely at ease going at my own pace and taking it easier when I needed to. They also ask for pronouns on their waiver, which is a nice touch! The dressing rooms are not gendered (you get a whole outfit when you sign up), but I'm not sure about the bathrooms. Overall, great experience and excited to go back.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Nick Frazier

Walked in and felt welcomed.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Andrew Park

I've been training Muay Thai here for five months. It's a positive environment that supports, instructs, and challenges all at the same time. Stu's 6 a.m. class is phenomenal. I'm learning a lot and having fun. When my 5 a.m. alarm goes off I look forward to getting up to go train. If you're on the fence, do yourself a favor and try this place out.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Marvin Quintero

I had the opportunity to stop by this past week. I haven’t trained or exercised in about 2-3 years and made the choice to start getting back in good health due to having three grandkids wearing me down. The academy and experienced staff are nothing less than awesome. The students are all respectful, willing and helpful training partners. They welcomed me there, as if I’ve been training there for years. I took the Muay Thai class and it was a tough and pretty fast paced class. I was nervous, but I went at my own pace. Whenever I completed the class, I always felt the feeling of great accomplishment done by me. Nevertheless, this academy has given me the desire to start back on the road for better mental and physical health and I am forever truly grateful.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
christian gatbonton

5-Stars all around! My kids attended 804 RVA for two years during our stay in the east coast. The professor and coaches are professional yet personable. Each coach took the time to teach and mentor my kids based on their skill level. This was one of two main reasons why our Family decided to go here even through the driving distance was more than half an hour plus of commute. The second reason is equally important as the first. 804 RVA lineage under Professor Tony Passos is a fundamental key to learning. How and what they train is part of their training regimen led by Professor Heriberto Lopez and his team of professionals. Thank you again Professor for investing in my kid’s success. They enjoyed every bit and learned a lot from you and the team.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Kari Brookmire

Joining this gym was such a great addition to my life. Eric and Liz are two of most passionate people and it shows in this gym. Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or you've never step foot inside of a gym, you're treated with respect, patience, and kindness. The training is superb, you can become as good as you want to be with their guidance. 10/10 would recommend to everyone looking to try something new, fun, and healthy!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
christopher miller

Awesome gym with great instructors that make everyone feel welcome and safe! I really like their focus on fundamentals and self-defense.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
H G

Richmond BJJ has been one of the most rewarding Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gyms I have trained at since I started training. The instructors put in the effort to make sure that people who come to learn are leaving the gym satisfied. Since I've came down to Richmond I wanted to continue training while still in college. That's when I found out not to far away from campus there was a BJJ gym located on West Broad Street. I walked in and was greeted by very kind instructors, Eric and Liz. From my very first class there I could tell that they had very constructed curriculum to help beginners and even people with experience learn the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu. Not only does it have a BJJ program, but it has an amazing Muay Thai program where they also have an awesome curriculum to learn the fundamentals of Muay Thai. I've been training here for maybe 3 years now and have seen my jiu jitsu grown significantly thanks to Eric and Liz and the welcoming community of Richmond BJJ. If you're looking for a place to learn some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai, then this is the place you want to be at.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Mike Firestone

I've recommended Richmond BJJ to multiple people in my life who've expressed interest in learning a martial art. They've created an extraordinarily open and inviting environment for students of any experience level to come in and learn. There is no bs and no egos; everyone here is friendly and takes care of each other as we grow and elevate our games. Eric, Liz, and all the instructors take pride in their students' progression and are attentive to the needs of everyone who trains under them. Whatever your goals may be, I can confidently say that this is the gym to accomplish them in.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Bill Whitley

These folks LOVE BJJ, it's not something they just 'added to the menu', like a lot of these MMA gyms. And Eric Burdo, the owner / head instructor, has a training lineage that goes deep into the history of BJJ, and it shows.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Amber Smith

Training at this gym has been extremely rewarding, the coaches encouraging and invested in your development. Not only that but everyone that trains at this gym are all encouraging and dedicated to ensuring that every time you walk through the door you are going to improve. I cannot recommend this gym enough.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Trina Moore

I love my gym! The instructors and training buddies are great. I've been training Muay Thai here for almost a year and it's been a good experience. They make sure you have a good understanding of fundamentals before you start sparring. Which is great because I was pretty intimated by the sport when I first started. The whole vibe of the gym is really friendly and just a great atmosphere to learn and challenge yourself.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Stu Louder

Rounding out my third year training at this academy and it just so happens that we are in another Muay Thai Fight camp. The thai boxing classes are top notch, despite not having Muay Thai predomonitely displayed in the title. A solid rotating curiculum for all levels really pushes proper technique, as well as your overall fitness and endurance. Classes are 5 days a week with an open mat on Saturdays. For the more commited student there are ample oppurtunities to sparr and ultimately compete in tournaments and other ringed events if that's your interest. The gym has a very open and inviting atmosphere with a diverse student base. Every one is welcome on the mats and given a chance to better themselves. It's great. I've been here long enough to see people train and either move on , away, or lose interest and there is not a thing wrong with that. However, the student and the intructors grow together over the years. Honestly it feels much like a family, in the way that your family lets you knee them in the solar plexis from time to time. Very respectfull and clean facility to get your punch, kick and clinch work dialed in. Richmond BJJ and Self Defense Academy does Muay Thai Well!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Jay Soumphontphakdy

Training at Richmond BJJ has been and continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I came to the academy with zero experience in martial arts and have now been training for a little over a year (August 2016). The instruction is highly technical but easy for beginners to learn. Eric and Liz have an incredibly contagious passion for BJJ, their energy has clearly been extended to each student's attitude and love towards the art. The community at Richmond BJJ is welcoming and friendly, everyone's got each others backs. With each class and each roll, we pull each other up to become better than the day before. There is too much I could say for what training here has done for my personal growth: I'm putting more confidence in myself every day, I've lost 40 pounds since I started training, and I'm healthier mentally & emotionally than ever before. For anyone like me who is shy/timid/quite but want to learn BJJ, I can't recommend Richmond BJJ enough! You'll be taken care of by the finest instructors and make great friends with all of your training partners.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Morgan Terry

Dropped in to train while traveling for work. The people were immediately friendly and welcoming, and made me feel right at home! Head instructor Eric Burdo was great and also went out of his way make me feel welcome. The intermediate BJJ class was well paced and I enjoyed the training partners. After the structured lesson the open rolling was very good. It's clear that technique is a strong focus over using raw strength, and I had several enjoyable rolls (including one which Eric honored me with). If you live in Richmond and want to start training I would highly recommend. If you are traveling and want to train, it is a must! I'll definitely be back if I'm in town again.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Alicia McCourt

Great academy. Awesome instruction, friendly staff and students, and great location.

Instructors Location Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Louise Ellis

My training at BJJ began August 2015. After a free introductory class with Eric, a conversation to clear up specifics and concerns, I decided this training environment best fit my goals. I signed up for group training in Muay Thai, committing to a 1 year contract, after which shifted to monthly. Various contract options are available, all fair and well explained. I was basically in good shape but had no prior training in any martial are. The program is set up in levels. As you become skilled in basic techniques you "level up" to classes training more difficult skills, requiring greater physical stamina and executing more complicated training, leading to sparring, clinch and fighting, if that is your goal. The teachers I have worked with are skilled, responsive, respect students and understand motivation for training varies with each student. Eric, Jarrett, Brian and Kevin all embrace a high standard for the physical and mental discipline required to learn Muay Thai. They promote and expect camaraderie between students. Skills are explained well and practiced repeatedly. Variety in presentation of skills keeps training interesting. They encourage training often and safely. The more you train the sooner your skills become second nature. A student must be determined to learn and succeed. I also train with Eric in private lessons. The trainer one studies with effects the learning process. A trust develops. Eric pushes me beyond my believed capabilities. He trains me to never give up. I have gained self-awareness of an obscure presence of personal strength, of my own need to never be weak. Eric clearly understands his role and mine. He trains skill and endurance, physical and mental. He never stops pushing me to figure out things for myself. My experience at Richmond BJJ meets my expectations, and more. For me, training is a very private endeavor. I do not talk about training. I wrote this thinking there may be a person reading this, considering Muay Thai. I continue to be enlightened. Muay Thai is more than fighting. Training at Richmond BJJ is more than just taking classes

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Nicole R.

I have attended Richmond BJJ for jiu jitsu over two years and have been extremely satisfied. They offer classes or open mats every day of the week except Sunday, and cater to all levels. They encourage everyone to roll with each other regardless of rank, and to treat all of your partners with respect. Richmond BJJ is extremely female friendly. It can be nerve wracking to come into a male-dominated gym, but not once has any student or instructor made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. Liz occasionally hosts women's classes that are great for building relationships with other women in jiu jitsu. Excellent school all around!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Thomas McCreary

Having trained at this academy for some time I would say it is overwhelmingly friendly and inclusive. Both the Muay Thai and BJJ programs are scaled for the beginner and expert alike. I am primarily a student of the BJJ program and having trained all over can say that the level of instruction here is highly technical. It covers everything from the practical self defense to the fancier aspects of sport Jiu Jitsu. I have personally recommended this academy to friends and couldn't imagine training anywhere else in Richmond.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Brice Fiske

I've been training at Richmond BJJ Academy for over a year now, and I have very close friends who have trained here. Everyone that I know who has come to this school absolutely loves the environment that Eric and Liz have worked to create. They have worked very hard to establish a welcoming and serious environment. The instructors at Richmond BJJ really love their art, and it shows in the way that they teach. You would be hard-pressed to find someone with a negative word to say about the school and its wonderful instructors.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Carlota Vargas

Great team. Always feel welcome and supported.

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Posted 11 years ago
Mary Bee

It's hard not to gush about Richmond BJJ. To those curious: I'm a lady who went in with no experience and not much athletic ability and was never made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe. The environment is professional, clean and friendly. The caliber of instructorship is unparalleled. I learned so much as an athlete, a teammate, a competitor and a human being in general. The RBJJ community came to feel like a second family to me. Come visit the gym -- you have nothing to lose!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Cornell Ward

Richmond BJJ was where I started training martial arts. I had no idea what to expect. I only knew that I wanted to be like Sagat from Street Fighter or the guy from Bloodsport. I walked in with my basketball shorts on, threw some kicks, and looked like a hot mess. Instructors, Eric, Acie, and Jarrett were so patient with me and made me feel so welcome that I just kept showing up. I loved it. It changed my life, and I made lifelong friends that are like family now. I highly recommend this place. Top notch instruction, from top notch instructors.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Mark Maddux

I have been training at Richmond BJJ for almost ten years now and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From day one you feel welcome and a part of the family. Eric's attention to detail and structured class style are designed to help a beginner with no experience, as well as someone who has trained for years. There is a great mix of belt levels and everyone is respectful and helpful. If you are ever in Richmond, VA make sure to stop by Richmond BJJ.

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Posted 11 years ago
Kinsey Buhrman

RVA BJJ is a great place to train! Eric and Liz are great instructors and they have developed a safe and welcoming environment. Along with being great people, all the instructors are very knowledgable and accommodating. I would recommend RVA BJJ for anyone looking to learn Muay Thai and/or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
donniebalz

Richmond BJJ offers what a lot of other schools just can’t: a detailed direction oriented curriculum. Each class is offered in such a way that the knowledge overlaps from day to day, from month to month. It’s been an eye opening experience for not only my BJJ journey but my approach to martial arts and learning in general.

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Julio Fernandez

Great place to train in Richmond!! Learn completely the BJJ Martial Arts style with experienced and Certified Instructors!! 5 STARS!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Chris Robinson

Eric is very biased against wrestlers and/or aggressive styles of Jiu Jitsu. The classes are very detail oriented and focus on a myriad of different submissions. However, my experience there was not enough repetitive training to give an individual the needed muscle memory to be effective in a combat based scenario. If you are interested in training to progress and potentially fight professionally you would be much better served to attend a school like MMA institute that is much more well rounded. Jared and other Muy Thai teachers at Richmond BJJ are great, if you are looking to improved that aspect of your game then I highly recommend. Eric is the worst and most judgemental BJJ teacher I have ever been taught by.

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Posted 9 years ago
Nick Merrill

Beware of contracts. The class instruction was fair, but the customer service and general business aspects of Richmond BJJ left much to be desired. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere that will treat you with respect and not look at you as just a dollar sign.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago