If you're searching for the best BJJ gym in Alexandria, VA, you've probably noticed there are a handful of options in the DMV. So what makes One Way Martial Arts different? It comes down to three things: coaching led by a 4x IBJJF World Champion, a family-friendly culture, and a structured path that works for every level, from your first day on the mat to the competition podium.
Located at 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, just off the Van Dorn Street Metro, One Way isn't just another gym with mats on the floor. It's a training environment built by champions and designed for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced competitors. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, or simply finding a great community, here's why students from across Northern Virginia and DC choose to train here.
Watch
From the One Way Martial Arts YouTube channel.
One Way Martial Arts Gym Tour
A walk through One Way Martial Arts at 5416 Eisenhower Ave in Alexandria, VA, right next to the Van Dorn Street Metro station.
Watch on YouTube →The Story Behind the Name, the Gym, and the Mindset
In the first episode, co-founders Mahamed Aly and Patrick Almeida tell the story of how One Way Martial Arts was born: a friendship that started when they trained under the same coach as teenagers in Brazil, a serious knee injury that forced Mahamed to rethink his career, and the decision to open an academy in Alexandria with very little money and a shared refusal to quit. They explain what the name One Way means (when you get one shot, you commit fully) and what they want this podcast to give students, gym owners, fathers and business owners.
Watch on YouTube →Train Under a 4x IBJJF World Champion
What separates One Way Martial Arts from other gyms in Northern Virginia? The coaching. Mahamed Aly, co-owner and head instructor, is a 4x IBJJF World Champion, a 4x European Open Champion, and an active professional MMA fighter who competed on the UFC Contender Series. He is one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the world, and he teaches daily classes in Alexandria.
Training under a world champion doesn't just mean you're learning techniques. It means you're learning the right techniques, applied correctly, with an eye toward both competition and real-world effectiveness. Alongside Mahamed, co-owner and BJJ Black Belt Patrick Almeida brings 15+ years on the mat, active IBJJF Masters competition experience, and a genuine focus on making sure every student, at every level, gets the attention they need to grow. Meet the full coaching team here.
A 6,400 Sq Ft Facility With 70+ Classes a Week
Our academy offers over 6,400 square feet of training space and 70+ classes a week, so there's always a class that fits your schedule, whether you train before work, at midday, or in the evening. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is structured to meet you wherever you are:
- BJJ Fundamentals (Gi & No-Gi): a dedicated curriculum for brand-new students. You'll learn positions, escapes and submissions in a structured, low-pressure environment. No experience required.
- BJJ All Levels (Gi & No-Gi): ongoing technical development for every belt.
- BJJ Advanced (Gi & No-Gi): sparring-focused classes for experienced grapplers and competitors preparing for tournaments.
- No-Gi Submission Grappling: train without the uniform, with an emphasis on wrestling-based takedowns and submission grappling.
- Female BJJ coach: Coach Giovanna Amaral gives girls extra attention on the mat and leads small-group girls' classes.
- Kids BJJ (ages 2–14): four age groups, Tumblers (2–3), Tots (4–6), Kids (7–10) and Teens (11–14), each with coaches who specialize in age-appropriate development.
- Private Lessons: one-on-one coaching with black belt instructors.
With 430+ active students, One Way is one of the largest and most active BJJ academies in the Alexandria and Northern Virginia area. See the full class schedule.
A Gym That Welcomes Everyone
One of the biggest concerns for people new to BJJ is whether they'll fit in. At One Way, the culture is intentionally welcoming. Experienced competitors and first-timers train side by side, with mutual respect and a genuine focus on helping each other improve. You'll find training partners from all walks of life: lawyers, nurses, teachers, engineers, parents and students, all unified by a love of the sport and a commitment to getting better.
One of the biggest misconceptions about BJJ is that you need to be athletic, strong, or already in shape to start. The truth is the opposite: BJJ is specifically designed so that technique overcomes size and strength. You don't need to be in great shape to start. You just need to show up. If you're brand new, read our complete beginner's guide to starting BJJ.
Built for Families, Beginners and Competitors
One Way was built on a specific philosophy: elite competition development and a family-friendly culture are not opposites. You'll find kids training alongside adults, beginners welcomed without pressure, and competitors preparing for IBJJF events, all under the same roof.
Our competition team regularly competes at IBJJF events nationally and internationally under Club ID 8885. But you don't have to compete to get the most out of training here. Many of our students train purely for fitness, stress relief, or self-defense.
More Than Just BJJ
One Way is also home to Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, and a Strength & Conditioning program led by Coach Nazar Mazurkevych. Whether you want to focus purely on BJJ or build a complete martial arts foundation, you can do it all in one place. The 4-Week Jumpstart includes your uniform and four weeks of BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing and Wrestling.
Conveniently Located for the Entire DMV
One Way Martial Arts sits right off the Van Dorn Street Metro station (Blue Line), with free on-site parking. That makes us an easy drive or Metro ride from Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, Annandale, Kingstowne, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean and Washington DC. Call us at (703) 951-4440 with any questions.
Start With Your Free First Class
There's no better way to see whether One Way Martial Arts is the right fit than to step on the mats yourself. Start with a free first class: no experience, no equipment and no commitment required. Our coaches will walk you through the basics, answer your questions, and help you figure out which program is right for you. Get your free first class or call (703) 951-4440 to get started.
Does BJJ teach self-defense?
Self-defense is not a separate class at One Way. It is what you are learning every time you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: how to stay calm under pressure, control distance, defend yourself on the ground and escape someone bigger and stronger. You practise it against a live, resisting partner in every class, which is why it holds up outside the gym in a way a one-off seminar does not. Students who also want the standing side of it add Muay Thai or boxing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes One Way Martial Arts the best BJJ gym in Alexandria, VA?
One Way Martial Arts is co-owned and led by Mahamed Aly, a 4x IBJJF World Champion. Combined with a 6,400 sq ft facility, 70+ classes a week, a welcoming community, a structured curriculum, and multiple programs under one roof, it offers a training experience that very few gyms in Northern Virginia can match.
Do I need any experience to join BJJ at One Way Martial Arts?
No experience is necessary. One Way offers Fundamentals classes specifically designed for beginners. You'll learn at your own pace in a supportive environment.
What BJJ programs does One Way Martial Arts offer?
One Way offers BJJ Fundamentals, All Levels and Advanced classes in both Gi and No-Gi, Kids BJJ for ages 2–14, and private lessons, plus Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling and Strength & Conditioning for cross-training.
Does One Way have a kids BJJ program?
Yes. Our Kids BJJ program covers ages 2–14, split into Tumblers (2–3), Tots (4–6), Kids (7–10) and Teens (11–14), each with experienced coaches who specialize in age-appropriate development.
What membership options does One Way Martial Arts offer?
There are three memberships. Core gives you one martial art of your choice. All Access includes every martial art on the schedule. Elite includes all martial arts plus private class training. After your free first class, our team will help you pick the one that fits your goals.
Is One Way Martial Arts near a Metro station?
Yes. We are right off the Van Dorn Street Metro station on the Blue Line, and there is free parking on-site.
Can I try a class before committing to a membership?
Yes. One Way Martial Arts offers a free first class so you can experience the gym, meet the coaches, and see if it's the right fit before making any commitment.
Ready to start?
Start with a free first class. No experience needed. One Way Martial Arts, 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA. Call (703) 951-4440.
Get my free first class