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Capital MMA & Elite Fitness | Fairfax, VA
4.8 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fairfax, 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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Website & schedule capitalmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 703-268-0323
The classes they run
“We were looking for something where beginners (kids and adults) are welcome for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and found more than we were expecting here.”
“You will have access to other CapitalMMA locations which you might find useful for competition preparation.”
“My Friend was visiting from VT where she's been doing BJJ for about 2 weeks and talked me into going with her for a private lesson.”
“Definitely have a more self-defense and hobbyist orientation though so don't expect people to be pushing the limits through competition.”
“The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student improve, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner.”
Other martial arts here
“The option to train at any Capital MMA gym is a big plus if you want to try Muay Thai, MMA and Crossfit too.”
“If you are still looking for schools, I would highly advise stopping by Capital MMA Fairfax for the tryout period.”
“Again, Dante uses concepts from various martial, so you get to learn a decent amount from Taekwondo, Muai Thai, Judo, and street self-defense.”
What members say
“Dante is the real deal: legit Royce Gracie Black Belt; great instructor but more important: great guy.”
“After our first class, my kids could not stop talking about how much of an amazing time they had, especially how welcoming and friendly coach Dante was to them.”
“After our first class, my kids could not stop talking about how much of an amazing time they had, especially how welcoming and friendly coach Dante was to them.”
“He pays great attention to detail in his students and points out areas for improvement to help speed up your development.”
“Definitely have a more self-defense and hobbyist orientation though so don't expect people to be pushing the limits through competition.”
“Dante is the real deal: legit Royce Gracie Black Belt; great instructor but more important: great guy.”
From the reviews
One of the best gyms in the area. I have loved every class I've taken there. The instruction is top notch. There is a great team atmosphere over at Capital. If you're looking for people to help you reach your fitness goals while you're having fun, then I highly recommend these guys.
My kids and I had such an great experience here with coach Dante. After our first class, my kids could not stop talking about how much of an amazing time they had, especially how welcoming and friendly coach Dante was to them.
I've been training with Capital since January 2011- the combination of technical savvy, a welcoming environment and a place-for-every-pace ethic have kept me training consistently since then, and I can honestly say it's changed my life.
I started training in the martial arts in 1987, so I've experienced a number of styles, schools, and instructors. These guys are 1000% legit straight from the Gracie lineage and they really know how to teach.
New to BJJ? Start at Capital MMA & Elite Fitness | Fairfax, VA
Capital MMA & Elite Fitness | Fairfax, VA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Capital MMA & Elite Fitness | Fairfax, VA
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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