David Jacobs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

I’ve been at Dave Jacobs for about 5 months now. Absolutely fantastic. The instruction is top notch. The mix of instruction, drilling and rolling is perfect. The things that really make this place stand out for me are (1) the great community, both welcoming to new students and open with helpful advice (2) the schedule — love the lunchtime classes during the week. Taught by one of several great black belt instructors and in 5 months never a single cancelled class. As a family guy, relying only on night classes would really limit me, so this is huge, and (3) All shapes and sizes — as a bigger guy, I have no problem finding people of all skill levels near my weight to train with. Neither will you, no matter what your body type. Give it a shot. You’ll love it. There’s a bunch of loaner gis in the changing room if you don’t have one.

I’m two weeks in, and this place is spectacular. David is such a genuine, helpful person. Everyone else in the classes have been helpful, and they point out flaws in your technique so that you can improve. I look forward to class each day that I go.
Parking is a bit tight — literally. As in the spaces are really close to each other. Also, they clean the mats regularly which is huge for hygiene.

I’ve been a student at Dave Jacobs BJJ academy for almost 2 years. There are so many things about this school that I appreciate: excellent and varied instruction, down-​to-​earth professionalism, 4 outstanding black belt instructors, genuine interest in students’ progress, great community of skilled and supportive teammates, positive and inclusive gym culture. I could go on and on.
As other reviews have said, there’s something for everyone here. Beginners are actively nurtured. Intermediate practitioners grow and develop their games. Advanced and competition-​oriented students find as much challenge as they can handle with world-​class instructors and teammates who compete at national and international levels. At this academy and affiliates, you’ll also find a strong and welcoming group of women who train together and support each other both on and off the mats.
Dave’s academy has grown a lot since I first joined, to the benefit of the entire team. I really appreciate being able to work with so many different training partners of varying experience, body types and technical style. Dave and the instructors roll often with students and offer useful constructive feedback as well as long-​term guidance on students’ individual BJJ paths. Whatever your own situation and goals, people here respect where you are and challenge you in a positive way to push you further than you thought you could go alone.
If you’re into BJJ or thinking about it, you really should come and see for yourself!

I can’ t speak highly enough of David Jacobs, Brendan Raedy, the other black belt, BJJ instructors at David Jacobs’ academy. Not only are all the instructors decorated BJJ practitioners, they are equal parts friendly, down-​to-​earth, and humble. They foster an environment that is fun, safe, and perfect for the dedicated competitor or casual hobbyist alike.
I feel remarkably lucky to have such an affordable, conveniently located gym (metro accessible!!) taught by such great people in Northern Virginia. If you’re in the DC area, please feel free to stop by and experience a class yourself, you won’t regret it.

I have been training at this school for about 6 months now and it’s been a great experience. I’m a beginner and all the instructors have been very welcoming to a newbie like myself. I think BJJ can be difficult to understand especially if you haven’t wrestled or done other martial arts, but the instructors here are very patient. They will answer any questions you have and correct your techniques all to make a you a better BJJ practitioner.
I spoke to a friend who has been training for a few years about this school and he had nothing but praise for Dave Jacobs. He didn’t know him personally but told me that he was well respected in the BJJ community and that I would be in good hands. My experience here has only confirmed that statement.
I came in really only looking to get into shape and lose a few pounds… I lost 10 pounds in the first month and I find myself wanting to attend as much as possible.

I’ve trained at most of the gyms in the Northern Virginia area over the last several years, and you won’t find a better place to train. The instructors are dedicated and the technique is top notch. It is important to note that this gym and the others in the affiliation are amongst the most welcoming in the area to women. The coaches are class acts with great conceptual understanding of the art and are intuitive in identifying and tending to the needs of the students. No one gets left behind here!

This one is a no brainer for a 5 star rating. If there were more stars, I’d add them to my review.
1. World class instruction. David Jacobs is a very well know quantity in the jiu jitsu community and it’s for good reason. He’s not only a very accomplished competitor, he’s a master instructor.
2. An open and encouraging environment. Top athletes train there along with folks who just want a good workout. Everyone is supportive of each other and it doesn’t matter what your objectives are. Every student is a priority. No egos.
3. The most accessible jiu jitsu school. I’ve never seen an academy that has these hours. You have no excuse for not going. Classes 7 days a week!
If you’re in the area or just curious, definitely stop in. You’ll get a warm welcome and you’ll come back. You won’t regret it.

I have been training under the guidance of Dave Jacobs for a little over a year now. Ive been training BJJ for 11 years and during all of my time training I have never met an instructor who is as caring, honest, and patient as Dave Jacobs.
His academy is clean, welcoming, and only a few blocks from the Spring Hill metro station. His academy has a nice mix of recreational and serious BJJ competitors which makes training comfortable for any practitioner. There are always a few black belts on the mat (Brendan, Dave, Vaji, and Abmar Barbosa) who are eager and willing to help the students with technique and answer questions regarding their jiujitsu training. Every Saturday they host a community open-​mat in which anyone and everyone is invited, regardless of their affiliation or school. This open mat gives Dave Jacob’s school a unique open-​doors feel that you rarely find at other BJJ schools.
If your located in Vienna, VA, are close by, or have metro access I would highly recommend you try out this BJJ facility. I feel that regardless of your jiu jitsu goals you will not only thrive but enjoy your time training at this academy.

Dave Jacobs BJJ academy has everything I want from a jiujitsu gym. High level friendly instructors and great training partners of all different skill levels. It is nice to have a bunch of different classes to choose from taught by top level black belts (NOGI, GI, drilling, live grappling/​sparring, open mat, afternoon, beginners/​basics, and advanced). There is also a great mix of students from different backgrounds with different goals. Whether that is active competitors, hobbyist, work out, or self defense. One of my favorite parts about the academy is the open friendly atmosphere that is exemplified by their big open mats on Saturdays filled with students from the surrounding area.
If you are looking for an academy or looking to start jiujitsu in the northern Virginia area, make sure to check out Daves. You won’t be disappointed. It’s also easy to get to right by the Tysons metro station in Vienna.

I’ve trained for a couple of years at different academies in VA and MD. And David Jacobs’ is by far the one I enjoyed the most, where I feel at home, among friends and where I’m constantly improving and constantly motivated.
David develops a personal relationship with everyone of his students. And this promotes a very collaborative environment at the academy where everyone is helping everyone else get better.
All the instructors are world class athletes with an impressive record of competitions. Yet when they teach, they manage to engage everyone in class from the hobbyist to the athlete, from the white belt to the black belt. They manage to relate with everyone and get the entire team to improve.
Technically, the instructors are top-​notch and they manage to break down the techniques into very efficient and effective moves.
All of this is combined with a great training atmosphere filled with friendship and great camaraderie.

I have trained at this academy for eight months now, and have had an absolutely great experience. There are currently four black belt instructors, all excellent, who are collectively able to provide a great training experience from the beginner just starting out to the avid competitor. The atmosphere has always been welcoming and positive. The facility is also situated just a short walk away from the Spring Hill station on the silver line.

I train under David Jacobs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu alliance and would highly recommend this gym to any of my female friends. Dave himself is a tough competitor and a welcoming leader in the BJJ community. He has brought together not only an exceptional team but an alliance of schools that focus on the love of the sport and personal development. His team of girls is growing fast and there are women at all skills levels. This is definitely a fun and competitive environment.
What I personally enjoy is that each black belt instructor offers unique skills to learn from to help you develop a well-​rounded game. Abmar Barbosa and Brendan Ready are notable in their accomplishments and teach various classes throughout the week. Abmar has worked with to improve my open guard, which is what I enjoy most, while Dave has helped me work on my top game pressure, which is more challenging and comes less naturally. As a former D-​1 wrestler, Brendan has a lot to offer students looking to get better at their takedowns.
In my opinion, this is one of the top teams in the Virginia area and students continue to join from neighboring schools. It is definitely worth checking out if you’re a beginner and interested in trying out a martial art for the first time as well as a supportive network for the seasoned competitor.

Dave Jacobs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a wonderful training environment for any practitioner. There are three head coaches who work together to ensure their students receive the very best instruction. Having coaches with such sincere dedication, it is easy to understand why this gym has grown so rapidly since opening one year ago. Dave Jocobs BJJ is located in Tysons Corner, the heart of Northern Virginia. It is very easy to get to and is within walking distance to the metro. I highly recommend this gym to anyone in the Northern Virginia area.

I currently live in Chicago and my instructor highly recommended training with David «The Rock» Jacobs anytime I was back in DC visiting family. His advice did not disappoint. The instruction is top notch and the students are welcoming, talented, and willing to help. If you’re interested in learning jiu jitsu and live or work around Northern Virginia I suggest you check out this academy.

Unfortunately my location and travel for work doesn’t allow me to train anymore, however I can say after being around combat sports for many years, that Dave Jacobs is one of the best BJJ coaches I’ve trained with. He is still an active competitor and can help you reach a highly competitive level of BJJ and fitness or gear the training more towards self defense, depending on your goals. Dave takes personal interest in each of his students and the environment is welcoming and fun. This is not a fitness gym (though you will get in shape training BJJ) this is not a trendy UFC style gym either. this is a BJJ school and if you want to get a good education in grappling give Dave’s school a try.

I’ve trained BJJ in many places with many instructors, from VA to AZ and numerous places in Texas. I have yet to find a better instructor. I wish I lived in VA again!

When you walk in, you know you’re about to go to work. There is no sales pitch. What you see is what you get. The rates are the most competitive in the area. When you sign up, there is no confusion about what you’re signing up for and a copy of your agreement is even emailed to you. There is no change in how you’re treated from before you sign up to after you sign up. The instructors are top notch and have respective lists of accomplishments that underscore their love for and dedication to the sport. Their sole focus is to make sure you learn the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the quality of instruction far exceeds the price of membership. The care taken by the instructors to teach quality Jiu Jitsu is evident when working with a student that has been training at the academy for any length of time. There is no «competitors only» inner sanctum — everyone regardless of whether they compete or not or whatever color belt they have tied around their waist is willing to work with you or answer your questions. As a student of David «The Rock» Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, you feel like you’re as much a part of things as you allow yourself to be. The communication from the school is excellent. Closures, alternate schedules and other events are quickly and thoroughly communicated to the students through Facebook and email. Any other questions receive timely and thorough responses from the owner himself or his other instructor. Class starts promptly and usually ends promptly. Honest, hard working, straightforward, friendly and affordable, I would highly recommend this school to anyone in the Northern Virginia area who is considering training Jiu Jitsu.

David «The Rock» Jacobs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy just opened for business yesterday. My daughter was invited to their first open mat session. Of course there was no hesitation in accepting the invitation. We have known David Jacobs for 5 years and can’t say enough good things about him. He has numerous years of operating a Martial Arts Academy and is respected by many. His new Academy is located walking distance from the Spring Hill (Tysons West) Metro Station on the Silver Line which is suppose to open in early 2014. It is in the Crossfit Rubicon facility and it is HUGE. Brand new mats were laid out and there was plenty of mat space. I personally like the children’s play area where my 4 year old could play with other kids. David Jacobs and Brendan Raedy are the two instructors. Both are black belts with years of experience in teaching. Also, I know the Academy will have new students that are not «new» at jiu jitsu and I’m sure they will help the brand new students that have never done any martial arts. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. If you are interested in Brazilian Jiu jitsu or even just curious, I highly recommend visiting this Academy. Here you will learn a convincing form of self defense and meet new life long friends. This is the Jiu jitsu lifestyle. Come and see for yourself.