Yamasaki Academy Springfield

5405 Port Royal Rd, North Springfield, VA 22151, USA

4.5 (46 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo Muay Thai Self-Defense Striking

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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Yamasaki Academy Springfield is the elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Muay Thai training facility in the Northen Virginia area.

https://www.yamasakispringfield.com/

(703) 559-4513

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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Yamasaki Academy Springfield. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.

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Andrew Hansen

This gym is my pride and joy. My home. Every visit feels like I never left. I have traveled the world over and competed against a who’s who of legends of the sport of BJJ. I earned my black belt here nearly 6 years ago and wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t say enough about the amazing human being Professor Neto is. His heart is next to none in the sport and I model myself after his way of jiu jitsu. The cherry on top is the sport judo club. Top 5 judo clubs in the country. If you have kids bring them here . If you want to get in shape sign up here. If you want a place to feel welcome and safe while you learn an amazing art train here. Whether you have competitive aspirations, just want to get fit and healthy or just want to learn self defense there is no better or MORE COMPLETE gym anywhere in the DMV.
Posted 1 year ago
B H

Both my kids go here for Judo, and they love it. They have great instructors!
Posted 1 year ago
Shannon Flores

Really loved this gym! Dropped in for an evening during work trip in the area and had a great time, everyone was friendly and really loved the Professors’s teaching style. Thank you!
Posted 2 years ago
NVA Home Services

Great judo program for kids! Fair prices, clean facility, easy location with enough parking.
Posted 2 years ago
Cameron Vonk

Family friendly but just as tough in training fantastic instruction and an even better community of training partners
Posted 2 years ago
Philip Vallieres

I've had the privilege of training under Professor Neto in Jiujitsu, and it has been an extraordinary journey. His expertise, patience, and dedication to teaching are unparalleled. Professor Neto possesses a deep understanding of Jiujitsu, blending technical skill with practical application in a way that makes learning both engaging and effective. His ability to connect with students, regardless of their skill level, is remarkable. What truly sets him apart is his commitment to the personal growth of each student. He not only teaches Jiujitsu techniques but also instills values like discipline, respect, and perseverance. I've followed Professor Neto from Washington D.C. to Springfield, a testament to the high regard I have for his teaching. Each class is a new learning experience, filled with challenges that push you beyond your limits while ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, Professor Neto's classes offer something valuable. If you're seeking a place to learn Jiujitsu with a supportive community and an exceptional instructor, look no further. Yamasaki Academy is the place to be. His passion for Jiujitsu and his students' success is evident in every class. Highly recommended!
Posted 2 years ago
Jeff Michal

My daughter loves her Judo classes here. Place is clean, staff is friendly, plenty of instructors.
Posted 2 years ago
Michael Fox

Professor Neto is a great instructor and the training environment is very welcoming. Tons of high level judokas and jujitsu practitioners train here and its easy to see why. I highly recommend training at Yamsaki, especially if you are interested in learning Judo and Gi BJJ!
Posted 3 years ago
Andrew Tsao

I was fortunate to train BJJ at Yamasaki Academy (Springfield). Professor Neto is gracious, welcoming and runs terrific classes. Plenty of clean mat space to roll. Academy has players at all different levels — the variety is challenging and educational. Great vibe from everyone at this school. Yamasaki Academy offers not only BJJ, but Judo and Muay Thai. An amazing, well-rounded school that’s conveniently located!🤙
Posted 4 years ago
Joe Kim

excellent judo and bjj. great place for young kids as well
Posted 4 years ago
Kurt M

Stellar instructors, great environment for kids. Highly recommended.
Posted 4 years ago
Josh Quinquinio

My girlfriend had been training at Yamasaki Springfield for a couple years before I came in to visit at the start of 2019. I’ve since been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu here and my only regret is not having started sooner. Neto and all the instructors give phenomenal training and coaching to help you succeed and reach your goals. The gym has training partners of all skill levels, sizes, and from all walks of life. As a beginner, it can be challenging but everyone is so friendly and encouraging. It’s a great environment. Love the people and the experience I’ve had here.
Posted 7 years ago
Nica Lam

My experience with Yamasaki Academy has been awesome. Neto and other instructors are very knowledgeable and have multiple years of experience training and teaching. They are very patient with new members and make sure that no one feels left out. It's a good environment to be in and a great place to learn for beginners like me :)
Posted 7 years ago
Elliot Alwes

Yamasaki Academy and professor Neto have a superior and systematic approach to teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, all while keeping their students safe and motivated. The judo program run by Maurice Allen is just as surpreme, with thorough instruction and an emphasis on learning.
Posted 7 years ago
Myron Adoteye

I was referred to Yamasaki Academy in 2015 by a friend who i trust greatly. It was the only school he referred me to, and it didn't take me long to see why. The instruction from Neto in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the highest level I've ever received. The students at the school went out of their way to make me feel welcome, inviting me to training sessions, tactfully critiquing my technique, and pushing me to become a more complete mixed martial artist. Neto works hard to ensure that every student receives an appropriate level of instruction commensurate to their skill level. For those with absolutely no combat sports experience, he makes sure to cover the basics and ease students into training. For those who have combat experience in other sports and/or Jiu-Jitsu, he will test and refine your fundamentals and help you progress to the next level. I've had the pleasure to learn under instructors who've competed in the UFC, Bellator, Ring of Combat, and many others. I can tell the passion that Neto has for the sport and the desire to share that love with everyone. As I mentioned earlier, his passion and skill as an instructor is the highest I've encountered and are a big reason for my remaining with the school almost 4 years later. I cannot recommend this school strongly enough. If you want a good workout, the ability to learn some life lessons, skills to defend yourself, and a home to grow in athletically, come to Yamasaki Academy of Springfield.
Posted 7 years ago
Dennis Byrne

Awesome group of talented jiu-jitsu people. They have a rich judo history as well. From standing to the ground they know their stuff.
Posted 7 years ago
Sabrina Doubroff Schaeffer

Yamasaki has a great network of schools. Neto runs awesome programs in Springfield and is a very patient and welcoming instructor.
Posted 7 years ago
Phillip Zierke

I have been a part of the Yamasaki family for nearly 10 years and can say that Neto is among one of the best instructors as a technician and coach. Weither your an experienced grappler or brand new to the world of Jiu Jitsu Yamasaki Academy of Springfield is very accommodating!
Posted 7 years ago
John D

Neto is a great coach, always felt welcomed to train here.
Posted 7 years ago
Andrew Schaeffer

The Yamasaki Academy is the best Jiu-Jitsu school in the United States and Neto is by far one of the best instructors in the world. I am fortunate to have such experienced coaches to help develop my skills. The facility is top notch and the other members are very welcoming. I highly recommend it to grapplers of all levels.
Posted 7 years ago
Misha BJJ

Love this school! Been coming to Neto’s academy on and off for the past 13 years - pretty much call it my second home to train both BJJ and judo. Neto is one of the most methodical jiu-Jitsu instructors in the area. The judo program is simply the best in the DMV.
Posted 7 years ago
Andrew Hansen

I have been training at the yamasaki academy for nearly 4 years. I have spent two years of that time at the Springfield location. I have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 12 years time total. Most of that time my wife has been in the military and we have been forced to relocate often. I am extremely blessed to have landed here. Yamasaki academy of Springfield has brought out the best in me. Neto is a wonderful man with an unrivaled passion for his students and his instruction is second to none. Jiu Jitsu is literally his life’s work and I have met few people who take it as seriously as he does. He is a very honest and straightforward man in all of his dealings and I am blessed to have been welcomed here. It is an amazing atmosphere and a family POINT BLANK
Posted 7 years ago
Angel rose

Excellent Academy, only after several classes our duather’s teacher’s emailed us and said her behavior has improved 100%.
Posted 7 years ago
Jeremy P

I have been training at Yamasaki Springfield for over a year with Neto. Neto is one of the best professors in the area if you want to learn good jiu jitsu. Whether you're a beginner or advanced you'll benefit from training here. Don't miss out and come train at one of the academies in the area!
Posted 7 years ago
Heydar Abdullayev

the best Judo/BJJ club in NoVA
Posted 8 years ago
pedro rancier

Have been training at Yamasaki Springfield for 2+ years. The knowledge and professionalism of the coaches is second to none, and the cleanliness of the facility is outstanding.
Posted 8 years ago
David L Teitelbaum

I've been training in martial arts for 40 years, in various styles and places, but Yamasaki is home now. This is the place I bring my own kids. Professor Neto is wonderful and sets the tone of the school: everyone works hard and all are welcomed. The comraderie among the students is warm and genuine, and the martial art there is world class. No fake belts here.
Posted 8 years ago
Kristen Allan

Fantastic instruction and atmosphere. Classes 6 days a week, taught by the head instructor, Francisco Neto. I have trained all over the world and Yamasaki Springfield location is the best there is.
Posted 8 years ago
Nabil Idris

I’ve been at Yamasaki for almost six years and I love each and every day that I’m on the mats. I couldn’t ask for better teammates who are friendly, caring, and passionate about seeing others succeed. Professor Neto is an outstanding instructor and goes above and beyond to provide the best atmosphere for his students.
Posted 8 years ago
Linda Nguyen

I really love it at Yamasaki Academy Springfield! Professor Neto has been such an awesome coach. On my first day, I was so nervous and terrified because I didn't know anyone or anything about Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After about 5 mins of being in class, everyone made me feel comfortable. All the students were guiding me through the warm ups and technique. The gym always has a very nice friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I have been training with Professor Neto for almost 2 yrs now and it's basically like my second home. <3 <3 :)
Posted 8 years ago
Jorge Velasquez

Amazing Academy, Professor Neto is a great instructor that properly relays techniques in a concise manner that ensures you will get the most from every class.
Posted 8 years ago
Ted Glotfelty

I think there are some great positives but also some significant negatives. My intent is to share a balanced review. My daughter is 5 years old, and she really liked the classes. The two instructors for the kids/beginners' class are great. They're patient, they really work with the kids, and they help them learn to fall properly, which is great for them both in terms of physical confidence and safety. If the review was just about these instructors, it would be five stars. The negatives I experienced are with respect to billing and the owner. After being out of town over the summer, we ended up back in town for one more year before we leave the area for good. We have a busier schedule now, and my daughter was only able to come to class once every two weeks at best. The publicly available billing options include the ability to pay for individual classes, which I did for a couple of months, until the owner told me I was not welcome to do this anymore. I asked why, and he said that while it isn't written, the individual class payments are intended for people who are visiting town. Since i lived in town, I could sign a monthly contract, or I could not come back. We could not afford a monthly contract while only attending twice a month. I explained this, and he sort of shrugged and said those are the rules. I thought this wasn't very nice, to put it mildly. In effect, the owner was enforcing the rule not at written, but as he apparently intended it to be, and simply didn't care that it would negatively impact us. I also just genuinely don't understand it, since we were paying him about $80 a month to attend just two classes, and it would seem better to make $80 a month than 0. But perhaps he thought he would successfully pressure me into paying $150+ for a monthly membership, despite being able to only attend two classes? Anyway, my daughter remains disappointed and misses one of the instructors in particular. She asks if we can go back, but I just don't feel welcome there anymore. It's also unfortunate and difficult having to explain to her that we can't afford to send her there anymore given what seem to be very avoidable circumstances.
Posted 2 years ago
Tiffany Duffing

Does not appear to be the best option for young children testing out martial arts. This facility expects an annual commitment and $70 uniform purchase after one trial and will apply hefty "surcharges" if you decide to stop before one year. They do disclose this in the paperwork and discussion but sadly there is not sufficient wiggle room for getting to know the place without making notable financial investments. My 5 year old reported he didn't like it after a few weeks (due to too many drills and not enough sparring) and after encouraging that he give it more of a chance over a couple months, he was still disinterested. I think there are other options that seem to engage his age better and do not require an immediate commitment.
Posted 4 years ago
Joshua White

I took a muay thai class at this gym a while back and the instructor was awful. The BJJ class seemed legit but I stuck with muay thai due to my background in Sanda. The guys at the desk were respectful and welcoming bit the kids running the Muay Thai class just wasted my time. with shadow boxing three nights in a row. My brother in law bought me a few lessons and I never used them all.
Posted 5 years ago
Tugay Gasim

Don't go to this place. It's expensive and you will be treated unfairly.
Posted 7 years ago
Timur Yilmaz

Don't go to this place. They lie to you. Especially the guy Neto is crook and don't trust him.
Posted 7 years ago
Tony B

I signed up for a Judo class a few months ago. After like three month due to my work schedule I wanted to cancel my membership. I emailed the guy Neto that I want to cancel my membership due to my work schedule and he said no problem next day he said your account was closed. I was paying $230 monthly with a friend. The next day of cancellation he charged my card $390 without my authorization or notification. First of all you can't charge someone's card without authorization. That's illegal. Second I paid my monthly charges for $230. When we signed up with him he told us you can cancel anytime there will be no extra charge. Now he's saying you have 12 month membership and past months will be recalculated. Well he totally lied to us. If I knew this, I would not enroll. Because we told him that we want to try a few months see if it works for us. Plus without authorization you can't charge my card. Horrible experience. Neto is a lair and fraud and don't recommend here at all.
Posted 7 years ago