Best Martial arts schools in United States

My first, I was really scared about my chances of finding a legitimately good gym after moving. I can say with absolute confidence that this place made me glad I ended up moving. From amazingly patient coaches, reliable/varied equipment, flexible schedule, and general vibe. This place has everything you could ask for as a competitor or hobbyist.

Great instructors. Also had a positive experience with freezing membership for a season when other activities conflicted with attending classes.

From the moment you walk in the door you greeting with a warm welcome. I joined the Foundation Muay Thai class and the coach was great explaining the class lesson and the people you spar with are cool. I recommend BETA Academy for beginners to active fighters.

Great coaches, great training partners, great equipment. Overall great environment for learning martial arts . Been training here on and off for almost 5 years. I feel like every session has been time well spent at improving my skills

I’ve had the pleasure of training with Sifu Michael, and I respect how seriously he takes his craft and how he shares his knowledge.

It is a serious environment with no goofing off, but it’s never to a point where one has to walk on eggshells.

It’s also a great community with enthusiastic people who all train for different reasons. I will say that it may be difficult to simultaneously train in another school, since the principles of wing chun are specific, although I’ve met people who’ve managed to make that work for themselves.

Highly recommended

My kids attended summer camp last year and loved it. They will definitely be back this summer!

My Daughter attends their after school program and she has joined their AAU team .! The communication is great . They treat my daughter with respect but still stern in the learning environment.!

Great instructor, solid practitioners and friendly front desk person. All around quality Gym. Grateful to have rolled there and free open mat on Fridays at 1p, can’t beat it!

My kids and I enjoy coming to kung fu class. Definitely recommend. Price is affordable too.

I recently completed the beginner training course with Sifu. I can already feel myself getting stronger. The school is genuine, and I am glad to be continuing training here.
The school is easily accessible and is well equipped. Looking forward to future trainings!

I began my jiu-jitsu journey under Professors Nakapan and Luis last year and make sure to drop-in for open mat whenever I visit DC. The facility is huge - two large mat areas for jiu-jitsu and muay-thai instruction, fully-stocked weight room with personal training available, and clean locker rooms with showers. I can't speak highly enough about the world-class instruction and culture at Beta Academy. The coaches are all extremely approachable, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft and really make sure to answer any and all questions about technique. I was brand new to grappling, and the class structure made it easy to follow along and learn. When I moved back home and left Beta Academy, it felt more like I was leaving a family and less so a martial arts gym. If you've ever thought about martial arts and live in the DC area Beta Academy is the place to go.

I have been dropping in at Beta Academy for 13 years now. It was a great gym in 2010 when I was a white belt and it’s still a great gym as a brown belt. Nakapan is a fantastic coach and he’s built a superb gym with a positive culture and a great team of coaches. If you are looking to roll in DC, you can’t go wrong with Beta Academy.

Great instructor and safe environment. The classes are centered around performing good technique while still providing good exercise. Great for all levels.

I recently passed the Wingchun MD 3 week basic training cycle, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Sifu Mike is highly skilled and passionate about sharing his knowledge of Wing Chun. The training sessions are well-structured, catering to both beginners and more advanced practitioners.

What sets this club apart is the friendly and supportive community. Fellow members are welcoming, creating a positive atmosphere that fosters learning and growth. The emphasis on practical applications of Wing Chun and other techniques adds a realistic dimension to the training.

The facilities are clean and well-maintained, providing a conducive environment for focused practice. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, this Wing Chun club offers a fantastic blend of tradition, technique, and camaraderie.

I highly recommend Wingchun MD to anyone interested in learning or advancing their martial arts journey.

Super friendly people, very welcoming to all levels, I was just here for one time and they were very generous and let me have a free class. Highly recommend it awesome all round and great technical instructor.

What an incredible studio. My wife and I are only in town for the week but so glad we trained here. The instructors are amazing and they have a wonderful gym culture where my we both felt very welcome. Highly recommended.

I started coming here about a year ago and it changed my life. I became a muay thai fanatic and train almost every day. All my coaches have been very high level, many are pros, have fought abroad, have trained abroad and in thailand. Not only that it is a very nice place. The atmosphere is great and everyone is friendly. If you wanna train seriously or just work out regularly and stay fit, while also being surrounded by people you like, I seriously recommend this place.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dark Lotus Martial Arts to anyone who seeks more than just physical training in martial arts. Sifu Ken Pham and his school offer a holistic approach to martial arts education that encompasses personal growth, mental and physical mastery, and a nurturing community. If you are looking for an instructor who is not only dedicated but also genuinely passionate about your development as a martial artist and as an individual, Dark Lotus Martial Arts is the place for you.

Sifu Ken Pham's teaching style is both adaptable and inclusive. He seamlessly caters to students of all ages, creating a learning environment where everyone can thrive. This adaptability is essential in the martial arts world, as it ensures that each student's unique learning style and abilities are taken into account.

In conclusion, my 15-year journey at Dark Lotus Martial Arts has been an incredible adventure of self-discovery, skill refinement, and personal growth. Sifu Ken Pham's commitment to his students and his comprehensive approach to martial arts make this school an exceptional choice for those who are passionate about martial arts and eager to explore the deeper dimensions of both body and mind.

My son has been going here for approximately 3 years now and he loves it. The coaches are very knowledgeable, my son enjoys being on their taekwondo team and he has made some real good friends there as well. I would definitely recommend this place for parents who would like to see their kids self confidence boost in a matter of months! 💯

This is a wonderful family oriented facility with amazing coaches and friends. My daughter and i have taken classes here. My coach Master Navid trained me in two months to compete and I won my first gold metal against upper belts. Great learning experience!!

Excellent Taekwondo School, Masters and Instructors know how to do their job.
My daughter has been practicing for a little over two years and has reach a very good level, without a doubt she has learned a lot.
I you want your children to learn, this is the right school.

Hello,
I have my granddaughter attending this class and she is doing very well. The instructor, Master Ken Pham is excellent at the art of Kung Fu. The class range from 5 yrs. old and up.
My granddaughter will continue this class and will be in a tournament in November.

Great school, knowledgeable instructors that are dedicated to helping the kids in and out of martial arts. After school program has been great for us. Can't say enough good things.

True Martial art school. They are specialized in Taekwondo. Professional staff. I think they have the best after school program in this area. Highly recommended

Wing Chun MD is no joke! SiFu Mike teaches old school wing chun kung fu, as passed down from his SiFu and his SiGung (SiFu's SiFu) Ip Man. What you put into it is what you get out of it. That means putting in hard work, which results in you learning a fighting style that's actually usable in a real fight. As an instructor, he knows how to push you past your limit and always keep it real with you.

About me: I'm in my second year of training at Wing Chun MD. I'm in my mid-20s with 10+ years of karate experience and have competed internationally. I do not claim to be an expert in what's considered "legit" or not, but based on my past experiences, Sifu Mike is the real deal.

I'm very grateful to be a current student of SiFu Mike, to have great training partners, and to learn the art of wing chun.

Started training at Bowerhouse this summer and I can confidently say that it is an exceptional gym. Amazing instruction in BJJ from great coaches! Coaches were very knowledgeable and accommodating to newcomers. They truly care about helping the students improve. The atmosphere was very friendly and respectful. Very clean facility as well.

Love FMA!! The entire staff is great and provide such a welcoming environment . My 5 year old has grown and learned so much from FMA! Not only in martial arts but with his listening attention to detail and with his confidence! All the kids get along and never want to leave when class is over. Highly recommended!!

There's a lot of talk about "mental toughness" these days, and if that's something you're interested in, then I can tell you: 75 Hard has nothing on the Wing Chun Basic Training Cycle. It offers 10 classes in 3 weeks, and it's both physically and mentally intensive - it may be for Wing Chun beginners, but it's far from easy!

I became aware of how much my mind interferes to prevent me from achieving my best performance. As soon as an exercise begins to burn, or I start to feel weak or unsteady, I have a strong urge to quit and rest. The teacher encouraged us to push past that artificial mental limitation and find our actual, physical limitations - and then improve them. It was fascinating to observe my own mental process of psyching myself out - telling myself "I can't do it" even when I knew I could - and then practice overcoming it. That's a lesson I'm going to take into all parts of my life going forward.

Woven through the class are lessons on the history and culture of Wing Chun, as well as practical advice for real-world violent situations. I would definitely recommend this class for anyone who's interested in martial arts for self defense and/or for self improvement.

I came across the Wing Chun 3 week basic training course offered by Wing Chun MD while looking for a new way to train. I decide to try something new and signed up for the course. It turned out to be a great decision. For 3 weeks Sifu Michael took me and the members of my class on a journey through the fundamentals of Wing Chun. It was an amazing experience.

The coaching here is excellent and miles above most gyms in the DMV area. I learn something new every time, and the people who train here are actually competing and doing well. Class sizes are great as well. They also have an amazing weight room that is included in the membership.

Wish I found this amazing academy earlier. It's a child and parent's dream come true! Safe, peaceful, nurturing, supportive space to empower the entire family. Coaches are great! The students have the utmost respect 4 their coaches, which is most helpful when the coaches remind them 2 be respectful and neat. When I win the lottery, I'm donating a larger space 2 BETA, so they can inspire more kids! You gotta experience this place. It changed our lives in 1 visit. 😍📣😎💯

The Boxing Fitness classes are so fun!! It’s a great workout for all levels of fitness!! It’s some boxing(no skills needed) with fitness. For Women/men/older teens. It’s something different and a great workout! The coaches are so great! They help you every step of the way. Try it once (they have a free trial class) you will be hooked!! 🥊🥊🥊

This is hands down the best MMA/BJJ gym in Maryland! Yes I know that's a bold statement but it's true. The facility is big and they have dedicated section for strength and conditioning along with weights and machines. Awesome zebra mats, full size ring, half cage and tons of bags. And they're going to expand again soon. The coaching staff and fighters/competitors are world class. They have well over 20 active MMA fighters and countless BJJ competitors who win golds at the major world class
tournaments such as IBJJF, CBJJ, and other international tournaments. The environment is amazing, family alike. There's no ego and everyone is humble. You will never have to worry about getting injured unless you're a crazy white belt thug😝. Also the membership is extremely affordable comparing to other major gyms in MD. All of their fighters and coaches are career driven and fully dedicated. I've been involved with fight game since 2010 and I've cross trained just about every MMA/BJJ/Muay Thai gyms in MD and Bower house is the most complete. Trust me. This is the place to be!

Bowerhouse MMA is is the best gym in Frederick County. What’s unique about this gym is the variety of courses available; Brazilian jujitsu gi and no gi, boxing, kickboxing, fitness classes, and weightlifting. Bowerhouse is also very inviting for all age groups ranging from 5-6 year olds all the way to 70+. There is also a healthy male to female ratio allowing for female only bjj classes. Another benefit is that special guest seminars are free for all members. Along with some of the best professors/coaches in the nation, this is the only gym I would want to train at.

My whole family started attending Bowerhouse June of 2021. What i love about this gym is there is a program for everyone. My 2 boys and husband joined their Jiu-jitsu program while I started attending their fitness classes. I then started joining their Jiu-Jitsu classes with my family as well. The environment is welcoming and non-judgmental which has been huge for me personally. With the added weight-lifting expansion it provides everything we need in 1 place.
If you're looking for a 2nd home, this is the gym to come to. I've made so many friends since we've become members and that's just an extra advantage.

This is hands down one of the best gyms in the whole DMV. The coaches are top notch and will work with you no matter your experience level. They have classes ranging from fitness and kids martial arts to competitive boxing and mma fight teams so it’s up to you how far you want to take it, the sky’s the limit! I’ve been training here for two and a half years and there hasn’t been a single day where I haven’t learned something new. weather you want to compete, get in shape, or just try a new exciting workout, this is the place to go!

Great place to learn striking, grappling and self-defense. Coach Marco, Coach Greg, and Coach Dave are all fantastic instructors and can work with any skill level. There is a mix of beginner students and competition level students. On top of that it is an excellent facility with lots of space and all the equipment needed. There are classes every day in the evening so lots of options for your schedule. Great gym.

Master Ken Pham is a great teacher. My 2 children are joining the class and they are so excited to be a part of something that gives them confidence and they learn to become disciplined . I recommend to everyone looking for the place for your children to attend martial art to come to the class to see for yourself this mixed martial arts training.

Bringing my child to FMA has been the single best thing I have done as a parent. His listening skills, his respect for himself and others, and his willingness to try challenging tasks increase every week.
This is a fantastic class! I like how the instructors tie together martial arts with character development and strong morals for daily life.
I definitely recommended Fitness Martial Arts!

I finished my 3 week basic training cycle this month. It was a very exciting experience. The 3 week period definitely does give you a sense of Wing Chun conditioning and forms. To me, it helped me understand how much more I can push my body while working out even when you feel that's the best you can do. This is definitely something that I can use forever in my fitness goals. I recommend anybody looking for starting training Wing Chun to try out the basic training and make a decision for yourself.

Highly recommend Wing Chun MD for anyone looking to try something new or practice serious martial arts training. SiFu Michael Speights is the real deal. His teacher was trained by the now-famous Ip Man, and his passion is teaching Wing Chun (a style of Kung Fu from China). He will push you hard so you can see what you’re truly capable of. Be forewarned: this is not for the faint of heart.

Below is a review of the 3-week training for new people and then a review of what it’s like as a member.

3-week training:
If you’re the least bit curious, absolutely give it a try. It'll be novel and challenging. Even if you decide it’s not for you, at the very least you’ll be in better physical shape after 3 weeks and you’ll have the pride of seeing what’s possible when you push your body beyond perceived limits.

The class involves body conditioning, martial arts basics, punching & kicking drills, and learning a wing chun form (a choreographed set of moves that show you wing chun fundamentals.) Everyone new to Wing Chun MD must take this training. it’s offered roughly every 2 months so check the website to see when the next one is being offered. I suggest having some regular exercise regimen beforehand so you don’t get wiped out. But really, persistence is most important. Decide to do it and then prove to yourself that you can do something hard.

Being an ongoing member:
If you make it through the 3 weeks, you have the option to join as a member.

I’ve been a member for over a year and it is grueling but worthwhile. I’ve never trained in martial arts before this so I don’t know how it compares to other places but I’ll offer a few things:

1. To make it in this environment, you’ll need: a love of tough challenges, no fear of bruises, patience, persistence, time, and a ton of willpower. Being a member comes with an attendance requirement so you need to be able to commit and follow through, even when you’re tired or busy. Most classes involve pushing yourself beyond what you feel like doing. Most of us face the ‘why’ question at some point — why go to class? why put my body through this? You’ll need to find your own answer to the question. For months, I started class filled with dread and ended them feeling energized and accomplished. The trick is getting yourself out the door to go to class when your body is saying “it’s going to be hard, don’t do it.”

2: Training in wing chun is like the ultimate physical AND mental exercise. Martial arts in general requires so much physically: explosive strength in every part of the body, endurance, speed, flexibility. On top of that, martial arts is dynamic, one has to quickly respond to what’s happening moment to moment. Wing Chun, in particular, is described as a ‘thinking person’s art.’ It’s efficient, but it’s also counterintuitive, awkward, hard to learn, and it requires a great deal of precision. I compare the first few months of training to what it must be like for a toddler to learn how to walk.

3. Wing Chun MD focuses on practical fighting skills. There are no belts here and the goal is not to master a sequence of movements or be able to perform something cool in front of your friends. The goal is to become proficient in fighting (and also become a better person through discipline and rigor.)

4. It’s a nice and intimate community of people trying to support one another in getting better. There’s no machismo or big egos here. Particularly if you are a woman or person of color, it’s a welcoming place.

I have took this class for 3 and half years now and I have to say, Master Ken is the best teacher for martial arts.

He has a lot of patience for beginners and he teaches traditional kung fu. His moves are exciting and more complicated yet better than all the other schools.

The other schools only want your money by telling you to pay for belts. Here, Master Ken does not have the belt system, he only cares for your skill.

Great class, I really recommend.

Dark Lotus Combat Arts is all about seeing how well you do and pushing you to try harder and accomplish many trophies and lots of triumph. Master Ken, the devoted sensei teaches you techniques different from other martial schools. His techniques help build a better fighting style. This class doesn’t use belts as it is all about self defense and building discipline. Great use of money and time. Highly recommend for beginners!

This experience is amazing my child learn discipline and the art of kung fu, master Ken is awesome to teach, I really recommend this kung fu school for every kid

FMA has been a trusted care provider and martial arts professional for my child over the last three years.

Additional services may include:

-Before and Aftercare services
-Pick up and Drop offs to neighboring schools
-Breakfast and light snacks are offered!
-Spring/Summer Programs
- Electronic Payments

My child’s confidence has soared and we are thankful to Mr. Ray, his family, and assistants for creating a safe space for my daughter to learn martial arts!

I've started taking Aikido here recently and found them to be a very welcoming and helpful group.

There is a very high level of skill and knowledge, and an obvious desire to share them.

Awesome place for beginners and advanced BJJ lovers. Very friendly people. Good technics. I highly recommended this place who visiting Washington DC also who decided to start practising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Guys when you browsing different clubs with thoughts about what to choose please go there and you will meet really cool professional people. Good luck everyone. Oss.

We feel so lucky and bless to have Mr. Ray business close by. My daughter went there for this summer for 2 hours karate class and she loves it. They even do after care program and movies night with reasonable price. We love them so much that we definitely will go back after settling down with school this fall. They are highly recommended 👌.

When I walked into this gym I was treated as family. A truly friendly atmosphere with high-level black belt instruction. What I loved most about this gym was how massive it was and how well-kept it was. I would advise anyone in the Frederick Maryland area to sign up here if they are interested in jujitsu, mixed martial arts or kickboxing!

My whole family attends Fitness Martial Arts, this include my self, my wife and my three little girls(ages 6,4 and 3). Unlike most martial arts places Mr. Ray does not operate a draconian gym, he is very encouraging and helpful. He does not talk down to anyone and adapts his tactics to fit each individual. A lovely place.

Great instruction, great community of people. Classes are fun (and some intense exercise). Highly recommended.

Can't thank Mr. Ray, his wife and amazing staff enough for their dedication and care. I have seen my son transform into a better young man with excellent grades and behavior with the after school program. Mr. Ray is a wonderful role model who has given my son a Male role model to emulate. His wife and staff are so supportive and always ready to assist to the point where I almost forget I'm the parent. Amazing experience and services. No regrets whatsoever and highly recommended services. It's like having an extended family and for once my son is actually motivated to do better and be better. Awesome!!!

My son has been attending FMA for 5 months and he absolutely loves it. It's a very clean facility and the staff is amazing. Mr. Ray works gives one on one attention to each student and always gives updates about your child's progress. I would definitely recommend FMA because they help with my son's homework and is concerned about his academics. As a single mother I have a peace of mind knowing my child is in good hands.

I enrolled my daughter in their summer camp program and we had such a great experience that we enrolled her as a regular student. The business is family-friendly and the lead instructor, Ray, is knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about each and every one of his students. My child loves going to the studio and my wife and I noticed immediate dividends in terms of improved self-esteem, self-discipline, and work ethic. Also, the price for instruction is very affordable. I can't say enough great things about Fitness Martial Arts, enroll your student (or yourself) with confidence!

Both my kids currently attend karate class at Dark Lotus Martial Arts, they love. My daughter has been enrolled since 2016 and has even won medals at competition tournaments.

The instructor, Master Ken is the best at what he does. I admire his patience for my now six years old son. This instructor believes in rewarding rather than punishment and it works. He's a great example to the kids. He acts the way he wants the kids to behave.

I highly recommend Dark Lotus Martial Arts!

I have 5 children ranging from 10 to 31 years of age and they have all gone to this exceptional before and after care program as well as their summer camps. It is a safe and trustworthy environment and it has taught them self confidence and discipline. My youngest is currently on their Alpha & Omega Tournament Team. I never worry about unexpected school closing or early departures. Kims Karate is always there to pick her up and provide full day care as needed. The counselors help with homework and she is learning a skill that will be useful to her the rest of her life. I am forever grateful to Kims Karate for the care that they provided my older children and now my youngest child. She is learning a skill in a safe environment, has help with her homework but she also has fun!! She begs to go there even on days when she does not have to. I can't thank Kims Karate enough for being an awesome before and after care and summer camp provider and for being a positive influence in all of my children's lives.

Scott is an amazing instructor with an abundance of knowledge of all Martial Arts. Been training here for 6 years and would recommend it to everyone.

I am 65 years old and have joined Pure Performance gym recently to learn Krav Maga. I find all of the instructors to be competent, friendly and helpful. The atmosphere here is great amongst the students and the instructors. Some of the other students have gone out of their way to advise me. I am encouraged to push myself but not beyond my limitations to a point where I might hurt myself. My wife thinks that I am crazy for taking Krav up at this age but I am feeling more fit already and look forward to meeting my goal of being Level 1 this summer. This gym is clean and the the people here are top notch. They are very flexible with their enrollment fees with no long-term commitment required.

Pure Performance is the best gym my husband and I ever went to! We originally started out on a Groupon, and we loved it so much we decided to get memberships there. The instructors are amazing and the classes are very intense (in a good way). My husband lost about 20 pounds in about 3 months of going to Krav Maga classes. We even made it to level 2 Krav Maga! We HIGHLY recommend this gym to anyone who wants to learn self-defense. It also teaches you confidence as well. Everyone who works at the gym is friendly and amazing!

I have been going to this gym since Feb. 2011 and have been very impressed. I enjoy the instructors and the class environment. I also learn from other students when paired up with individuals who have backgrounds in other martial arts. I also love that this gym has a nice array of weight lifting equipment that can be used in between or before and after classes. This allows me to work out when I want even if I don't want to take that particular class. The flexibility offered by this gym allows you to create your own personalized training method that fits your needs.