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Aamerican Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu and Karate
4.7 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Henrico, Virginia
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule rvaselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (804) 651-9388
Hours
| Monday | 2–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 1 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 2–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 2–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 2 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Great afterschool and summer program for your kids to have fun safely, and hangout with other kids under supervision in a respectful positive atmosphere.”
“My older children (both now in high school) have volunteered and worked at the dojo during the summers as well.”
“If you are looking for an inclusive place for your child to learn self defense and how to practice self respect I would highly recommend this program.”
Other martial arts here
“My child is beginning to understand the importance of discipline and she is absolutely loving learning martial arts, karate in particilar.”
What members say
“Master Rick is knowledgeable, the staff is friendly and they provide a safe place for kids to train.”
“I’ve seen my son build confidence, strength, and focus, all while genuinely enjoying every class.”
“It's literally fun, and there's a great deal of concentration going on as well; you can just see the kids TRYING to watch and learn from the teachers and the other kids.”
“The owners, Master Rick and Sensei Katrina, are passionate about this program, their students and about teaching respect, discipline and self control.”
From the reviews
Both my boys attend this school and have learned many valuable lessons so far in Karate and JiuJitsu. The staff here truly cares about the students. Here it is not just the lesson at hand but how it leads to the next step in growth and development. Sincerely pleased with the programs!
My son has had an absolutely incredible experience at Aamerican Colleges of Jiu Jitsu and Karate. From the very first class, the instructors made him feel welcome, supported, and motivated.
Where do I begin? This place feels like home. Everyone knows how intimidating a Dojo can be; but not this one. Everyone here is welcoming and comforting. My child was very timid and shy when he first came for his trial class. I kid you not, by the second day he was noticeably more confident.
My 9 year old son has been attending this after school martial arts dojo since the fall of 2022 and he absolutely LOVES IT. The owners, Master Rick and Sensei Katrina, are passionate about this program, their students and about teaching respect, discipline and self control.
Your first BJJ class at Aamerican Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu and Karate
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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