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Haven Grappling Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 146 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fairfax, Virginia
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
- 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 (ages 6–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule havengrappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (571) 620-6022
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 10–11 AM |
The classes they run
“They are also great with kids, which I can attest to as the parent of two that are currently under their tutelage.”
“Every class allows each grappler to explore new ways to solve the various common problems that every grappler would face in a submission grappling setting.”
“Learned about Haven through my friends, specifically since the gym’s Sunday open mats are available to non-members.”
“The class structure is focused on games and application of techniques and concepts which I felt was great for all levels of grapplers to jump in and learn something new.”
Other martial arts here
“It's a great exercise for him, he wrestles less with his sister at home now that he goes to Haven, and when they do wrestle, he does so safely.”
What members say
“Training- Coach Troy ran one of the best classes I’ve experienced in a while.”
“The class structure is focused on games and application of techniques and concepts which I felt was great for all levels of grapplers to jump in and learn something new.”
“If you're looking for a place where you can grow as a grappler and be part of a supportive community, Haven Grappling Academy is the place to be.”
“The class structure is focused on games and application of techniques and concepts which I felt was great for all levels of grapplers to jump in and learn something new.”
“The space is clean and super aesthetically pleasing with private changing rooms, a nice bathroom, and cubbies for all of your things.”
“As a smaller female with no previous jiu jitsu experience, I could not have picked a better gym to be introduced to the sport.”
From the reviews
Troy and the crew at Haven Grappling are amazing. I’ve trained with Troy for years and he is not only knowledgeable about grappling but more importantly knowledgeable about teaching as well.
Troy is an incredible instructor and has had a significant influence in my jujitsu as a whole, he not only knows the material he’s teaching but can make you understand what your actually doing rather than just showing it and not explaining. He’s not only a great instructor but a genuinely good person.
I can confidently say that Professor Troy at Haven Grappling Academy is a gem in the martial arts world. His personalized jiu jitsu training is tailored to individuals with any level of grappling experience, ensuring that each student receives the attention and guidance they need to improve.
Traveling to the area for a couple weeks and checked out a couple different gyms. My experience at Haven grappling was unmatched. Here’s why: Culture- probably my biggest determining factor. The members here are extremely welcoming and helpful, and seemed to really enjoy being there.
New to BJJ? Start at Haven Grappling Academy
Haven Grappling Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 Haven Grappling Academy
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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