Short answer: One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria is about 7 to 10 miles from Lorton, the Mount Vernon area and Fort Belvoir, with adult BJJ starting at 6:00 AM on weekdays and Kids BJJ for ages 2 to 14.
The drive
The academy is at 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304, just off the Van Dorn Street exit of the Beltway. Parking is free and on site.
- From Lorton: I-95 north to the Van Dorn Street exit, then Eisenhower Avenue. About 10 miles.
- From Fort Belvoir: Fairfax County Parkway to I-95 north, then the same exit. About 10 miles from the Tulley Gate area.
- From the Route 1 corridor near Hybla Valley: Route 1 north, Kings Highway and Telegraph Road to the Beltway. About 7 to 8 miles.
Outside rush hour, each of these is around 20 to 25 minutes. At rush hour on I-95 or Route 1, plan for more, or pick a class that runs against the traffic.
Adult classes around a work or duty day
If your day starts early, BJJ starts early too. Every weekday has a 6:00 AM class: BJJ Fundamentals on Monday and Friday, BJJ All Levels on Tuesday and Thursday, and No-Gi Fundamentals on Wednesday. There is also a 12:00 PM class every weekday. In the evening, beginners can train at 6:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday or 7:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday.
On weekends, BJJ All Levels runs at 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday. See every time on the class schedule.
Where adults start
Every new adult starts in Fundamentals. You learn the core positions, escapes and submissions step by step, with a partner at your level. Six Fundamentals classes run each week.
Once the basics feel familiar, you add All Levels, eight classes a week with more detail and more live rolling. Advanced classes are for students with three or more stripes. More on the adult BJJ page.
You train under 4x IBJJF World Champion Mahamed Aly and black belt Patrick Almeida, with coaches Giovanna Amaral, IBJJF Pan American Champion, and Malachi Edmond, IBJJF European Champion and World Silver Medalist.
Kids BJJ for the whole family
Kids BJJ runs in four age groups: Tumblers 2–3, Tots 4–6, Kids 7–10 and Teens 11–14. Weekday kids classes start between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, and Saturday has a 9:30 AM Tumblers class and a 10:00 AM No-Gi class for ages 4 to 14.
One detail that helps families with one car: on Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 PM, Kids BJJ for ages 7–10 and adult BJJ Fundamentals run at the same time on two mats. You train while your child trains, and you drive home together. Details on the Kids BJJ page.
Military families
Military families move often, and BJJ travels well: the positions you learn here work in any academy you join after a move. One Way has military family rates. Ask about them after your free first class.
How often to come
With a 20 to 25 minute drive each way, two or three classes a week is a realistic target, and it is what we recommend for beginners anyway. Consistency matters more than volume. Our article on how often to train BJJ as a beginner goes into more detail.
Your first visit
Start with a free first class. Come in athletic clothes, and we lend you the gear you need. Arrive about 10 minutes early. A coach pairs you with a friendly partner, and you start with the basics.
If you want to keep going, the 4-Week Jumpstart includes your uniform and four weeks of every program.
Frequently asked questions
How far is One Way Martial Arts from Fort Belvoir?
About 10 miles from the Tulley Gate area, by Fairfax County Parkway and I-95 north to the Van Dorn Street exit. Outside rush hour it is around 20 to 25 minutes.
Are there early-morning BJJ classes?
Yes. There is a 6:00 AM class every weekday, plus a 12:00 PM class every weekday and evening classes Monday through Thursday.
Do you have military discounts?
Yes. One Way has military family rates. Ask the team about them after your free first class.
Can a parent and child train at the same time?
Yes. On Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 PM, Kids BJJ for ages 7–10 and adult BJJ Fundamentals run at the same time on two mats.
Do I need experience or a uniform?
No. Every new adult starts in Fundamentals. Come in athletic clothes, and we lend you the gear you need.
Start with a free first class. Get my free first class