Virginia Dojo

I am 27 and had never done karate before. I had always wanted to try it but was afraid I was to old and starting to late in life. I was wrong. Sensei Roberto is amazing teacher who is patient and understanding every step of the way. I not only learned technique but practical application to help me defend my self, if I ever needed to, in many different situation. Not only was Sensei Roberto fantastic but so where all the other students, always willing to take extra time to work with me.
If you are new to karate I greatly recommend this dojo. If you have been doing karate for a while and are looking for a new dojo I still recommend this dojo. You get traditional Okinawan karate with a wonderful skilled instructor.

I absolutely loved this dojo. I recently had to move which forced me to find a new dojo, other wise I would still be there!

Sensei Roberto is a great sensei, funny, and really care about his students. Love going to this dojo, all the teachers and students are very friendly and always happy help lower rank students.

Outstanding effective adult self defense in a friendly environment. Very welcoming to newcomers.

Best place to learn and practice karate. Head Instructor and all other instructors are superb. It is a safe and friendly environment to learn karate and self defense.

I've never felt more welcomed in a new space with new people than I did joining the crew here. Sensei Roberto was the main point of contact from the beginning, so you don't feel like you have to go through multiple channels and levels of hierarchy to communicate, and he maintains a lively and wonderful environment to learn in, as well as a great relationship with all of his students. The dojo is neat, clean, well-lit (I like spaces that have windows!), and feels very homey. There is a bathroom with a sauna, as well as a changing space. I've never done martial arts before in my life, but everyone was so nice and patient with me, and was more than happy to kindly help when I needed it. I feel like I'm learning a lot (and it's only my third class), but am also having fun and enjoying myself at the same time. The classes are a mix of students from all belt-levels, but it would never look or feel that way from an outside perspective since everyone is so willing to match the energy of those around them in order to help greener students (such as myself) feel included and comfortable. I also want to give a shout-out to Denise who has been absolutely wonderful to work with. She has worked one-on-one with me for two sessions now, and is an incredibly humble and kind teacher. I can't say enough good things about this group of martial arts masters and students, and would seriously recommend coming here whether you're looking to pursue martial arts as a serious skill, or just as a fun hobby.

Amazing! As a college student, I was looking for self-defense classes. I got that and more going here! I've only been going for month yet I've grown in my confidence going to women's self defense classes and been accepted as part of a friendly and family community going to the group adult classes! Definitely worth it!!

I have been practicing martial arts for over 11 years. After leaving college in Los Angeles I moved back home to the DMV area and needed a new dojo to call home. Virginia Okinawa dojo is that new home. This dojo has one of the most welcoming and warm environments that you will find in the DMV. Sensei Roberto has decades of experience, and a great sense of humor. Every class there are new kata applications to be learned as well as ample opportunities to sharpen kihon techniques. In addition, you are welcome to stay behind after class to review techniques and ask questions to your hearts content. There are often other students that do so. Approachable and patient, Sensei Roberto is an excellent teacher. Bunkai, arranged kumite techniques, and self defense/street application techniques are commonly taught and practiced. Makiwara and kicking bags are available for use by students before and after class.

This is a real dojo for those searching for a true home to learn martial arts. When I say real I mean a serious environment, not gimmicky, where the lessons are aimed towards self defense and the Sensai is an actual teacher, not one past their prime who wears their belt for looks. I mean no disrespect towards other teachers but there are those who rely on belt color more so than fitness to gain respect. Here, Sensai Roberto is a classic master: he teaches the classes himself, there is no contract, there is no testing fee, and they use no pads, head gear or gloves in their practice -- it's the real deal. But don't get me wrong. Although this school is mature and most students here are upper belts, they are a convivial crowd with warmth and true appreciation for each other. They welcomed me immediately and were great hosts to all that joined after. They have plenty to pull rank for but no one does. That is because Sensai doesn't. He is open and approachable and earnestly just wants to teach karate. Okinawan style rocks, btw. You'll get an immediate sense of all this upon your first class and then you'll know like me.