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Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
5 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Arlington, 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 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 kogaionacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 703-732-7974
Hours
| Monday | 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–1 pm, 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 5–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–9 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am–2 pm |
The classes they run
“The coaches are awesome, I enjoy their intro to jiu jitsu classes in the evenings, since it works perfect with my work schedule.”
“High quality coaching for kids in a safe and fun environment to practice their skills while also instilling a sense of discipline and respect.”
“Also, as a woman training in a male-dominated sport, it can be really difficult to find a gym with a good culture—I could not be more comfortable at this gym!”
“Our teens have learned so much from both of them and they have excelled in just a few months under their teaching!”
“Beatrice leads first class training while balancing being an active successful black belt competitor herself.”
“They have regular women’s open mats that I wish I could join if I lived in the area.”
“Dropped in from out of town, and I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, enthusiastic, or talented group of people to train with, especially for my first time at the dojo.”
Other martial arts here
“As someone who has trained under their BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai programs, I can only give my highest praises for this place.”
“Whether you’re a newcomer to BJJ/Judo or have years of experience under your belt, I wholeheartedly recommend Kogaion Academy.”
What members say
“Dropped in from out of town, and I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, enthusiastic, or talented group of people to train with, especially for my first time at the dojo.”
“Dropped in from out of town, and I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, enthusiastic, or talented group of people to train with, especially for my first time at the dojo.”
“The atmosphere is friendly, the instruction is top-tier, and the attention to detail on technique is excellent.”
“I’ve seen progress in my children’s skills, confidence, and motivation, and they genuinely look forward to each class.”
“Beatrice leads first class training while balancing being an active successful black belt competitor herself.”
“Also, as a woman training in a male-dominated sport, it can be really difficult to find a gym with a good culture—I could not be more comfortable at this gym!”
From the reviews
Kogaion Academy is one of the best places that I’ve been trained Judo at. They helped me improve my Judo skills for my next competition. I even drove 8 hours just to train with them with my family!
I trained at Kogaion Academy for almost two months and had an excellent experience. Víctor and Beatrice were extremely welcoming and accommodating, and they prorated my membership without any issues.
My daughter, Willa-James started at Kogaion in February of 2025, just before turning 6. I hoped enrolling her in martial arts would instill some discipline and respect that we were lacking. She started in the kids BJJ class and added Judo this fall. What a gift this special place has been for Willa.
Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo has truly changed my kids' lives. Currently, four of them are enrolled, each starting at age four, one after the other. Their confidence and strength have skyrocketed thanks to this incredible program.
New to BJJ? Start at Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo 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 Kogaion Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
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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