bjj classes arlington virginia district martial arts

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Arlington, Virginia

Name: District Marital Arts
Address: 927 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA, 22203, US
Telephone: (703) 988-3474

District Martial Arts offers BJJ in Arlington, Virginia through one of the most decorated coaching staffs in the DC metro area. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is the largest and most comprehensive at DMA, featuring six experienced black belt coaches and a training environment built for complete beginners, recreational practitioners, and serious competitors alike.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art built on the principle that technique and leverage allow a smaller, weaker person to control and submit a larger opponent. Unlike striking arts, BJJ is designed to work in real-world situations on the ground, where most physical altercations end up. It is widely regarded as the most effective ground-fighting system available and forms the technical foundation of every high-level MMA competitor in the world.

At District Martial Arts, our BJJ program in Arlington, Virginia is structured across three class levels: Intro, All Levels, and Competition. Whether you have never stepped on a mat or you are preparing to compete at the IBJJF level, there is a class built for you.

Meet Your Coaches

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU COACH

SAM SHAWA

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU COACH

TREY ELLIS

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU COACH

ARIES REYES

What Makes DMA's BJJ Program Different

Six black belt coaches is not the norm, it is exceptional. Sam Shawa brings 18 years of BJJ experience and heads the kids competition team. Scott Dance leads the competition program. Trey Ellis has been training since 2011 and is Navy corpsman certified. Aries Reyes trained under Shawa and Scott Dance with over a decade of mat time. Carter Brownrigg holds a black belt and a master’s degree in teaching he applies both to every class he runs. Patrick Stodel trained under world-famous black belts Marcelo Garcia and Ralph Gracie. This is a coaching staff that has genuinely earned their credentials.

Gi and No-Gi BJJ

DMA offers both Gi BJJ (the traditional kimono uniform) and No-Gi BJJ (shorts and rash guard). Both formats are available at the Intro, All Levels, and Competition class levels. Serious practitioners train both the Gi builds patience and positional depth, No-Gi builds speed and leg lock awareness.

According to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), BJJ competition is one of the fastest-growing combat sports in the world. Training at a gym with an active competition team means you are learning techniques that are current, tested, and validated, not techniques from a curriculum that hasn’t evolved in a decade.

Ready to start your BJJ journey in Arlington, Virginia?

Book a 2-day trial for $39. No gear required, no experience needed.

927 N Quincy Street, Arlington, Virginia 22203. (703) 988-3474.

SIGN UP FOR a trial TODAY

TESTIMONIALS

Frequently Asked Questions BJJ at DMA

Is BJJ good for beginners with no martial arts experience?

Yes. DMA's Intro to BJJ class is designed specifically for students with zero background. You will learn the foundational positions guard, mount, side control, back control before anything more complex is introduced. The coaching staff at our Arlington, Virginia gym has trained hundreds of first-timers.

Do I need to buy a Gi before my first class?

No. Come in athletic shorts and a t-shirt for your first class. DMA has loaner equipment available. Once you commit to training, your coach will advise you on the right Gi to purchase based on your goals.

What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi BJJ?

In Gi BJJ you wear the traditional kimono uniform and use fabric grips to control your opponent. In No-Gi you wear shorts and a rash guard with no collar or sleeve grips, which makes the game faster and more wrestling-influenced. DMA offers both formats with dedicated class times for each.

Does DMA have a competition team?

Yes. DMA competes regularly in IBJJF events and local tournaments in the Virginia and DC metro area. Competition is never mandatory; it is an option for students who demonstrate readiness and interest.