BJJ Fundamentals training Alexandria Northern Virginia

BJJ Classes Near Annandale VA

If you're looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near Annandale VA, One Way Martial Arts is a quick 12–18 minute drive south on I-495. We're a 6,400 sq ft full-service martial arts academy in Alexandria, led by 4x IBJJF World Champion Mahamed Aly.

Annandale to One Way — 12 to 18 Minutes

From Annandale, take Little River Turnpike west to I-495 South, then take exit 173 toward Van Dorn Street/Eisenhower Ave. The academy is at 5416 Eisenhower Ave, with free on-site parking and direct access from the Van Dorn Street Metro station on the Blue Line.

Why Annandale Students Train at One Way

  • Elite coaching: Mahamed Aly is a 4x IBJJF World Champion and active MMA fighter
  • 70+ classes weekly across BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Wrestling
  • Programs for all ages: Kids BJJ ages 2–14 split into Tumblers (2–3), Tots (4–6), Kids (7–10), Teens (11–14), plus full adult curriculum
  • Beginner-friendly: dedicated Fundamentals classes; no experience required
  • Female BJJ coach: Coach Giovanna Amaral gives girls extra attention and leads small-group girls' classes
  • Competition team: IBJJF Club ID 8885, regularly competing nationally
  • Free first class for all new students

Kids BJJ class Alexandria VA ages 7 to 10

What You'll Learn

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world for self-defense, fitness, and personal development. At One Way, you'll learn:

  • Foundational positions: guard, mount, side control, back control
  • Submissions: chokes, joint locks, and modern competition techniques
  • Escapes and defensive systems
  • Live sparring (rolling) at all levels in a controlled, safe environment
  • Strategy and competition preparation: if and when you're ready

Family-Focused Culture

One Way is built around a family-first philosophy. You'll see kids training next to adults, beginners welcomed without ego, and competitors training hard, all in the same gym. We believe high-level competition development and a welcoming community are not opposites.

Getting here from Annandale

The fastest route on Google Maps from central Annandale is Little River Turnpike west to I-495 South at Wakefield, then exit 173 and north on South Van Dorn Street to Eisenhower Avenue. That is about 8.5 miles, usually 10 to 16 minutes on a weekend morning and 12 to 20 minutes on a weekday late morning. Backlick Road is the local alternative at 7.7 miles, but it usually runs 14 to 30 minutes.

There is no Metro station in Annandale, so most of the trip is the Beltway. Parking at the academy is free and on site.

Live closer to Kings Park or Burke? See BJJ near Burke VA.

Kids BJJ for Annandale families

From Annandale, the after-school classes are a short drive. Kids BJJ (ages 7–10) starts at 5:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday and 6:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday, and Teens BJJ (ages 11–14) is at 6:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. Children 7 and up can add Kids Muay Thai with coach Jansey Jones Silva. The youngest start in Tumblers (2–3) or Tots (4–6). See the full list on the Kids BJJ page.

Before you visit

Starting later in life? Read BJJ for adults over 40. Training mainly for safety? See is BJJ good for self-defense.

Annandale FAQ

How far is One Way Martial Arts from Annandale?

About 8.5 miles from central Annandale, using Little River Turnpike and I-495 South. Off-peak, Google Maps usually shows 10 to 20 minutes.

Is there a Metro option from Annandale?

Annandale has no Metro station, so driving is the simplest way in. Parking at the academy is free and on site. If you already ride the Blue Line, Van Dorn Street station is about a 3-minute walk away.

Which classes fit a commute from Annandale?

BJJ or No-Gi runs at 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM Monday to Friday. In the evening, BJJ Fundamentals is at 6:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday and BJJ All Levels at 7:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. On weekends, BJJ All Levels is at 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

Do you have classes for kids from Annandale?

Yes. Kids BJJ covers ages 2 to 14 in four groups. Kids BJJ for ages 7 to 10 is at 5:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday and 6:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday, and Kids Muay Thai for ages 7 and up is at 5:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday and 11:00 AM on Saturday.

How do I start?

Start with a free first class. Come in athletic clothes, and we lend you the gear you need. Beginners usually start in a BJJ Fundamentals class.

Visit Us From Annandale

📍 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria VA 22304
📞 (703) 951-4440
🌐 onewaymartialarts.com

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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 →

More episodes on the One Way Podcast →