Head coach and co-owner
Mahamed Aly, 4x IBJJF World Champion
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Mahamed Aly is a BJJ black belt, a professional MMA fighter and the head coach of One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA. Students of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors, train directly with him.
- 4x IBJJF World Champion
- Pro MMA fighter
- Co-owner and head coach
“After 14 years competing, training, and teaching around the world I feel that it's time for me to have my own location and students.”
Athlete
Mahamed's story
Mahamed Aly, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is known around the world for his results in both gi and no-gi. He was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and started in martial arts through kickboxing at 15. His focus shifted to grappling after an MMA sparring session where a jiu-jitsu athlete easily submitted him.
Main accomplishments:
- IBJJF World Champion (4x)
- IBJJF European Open Champion (4x)
- IBJJF European Open No-Gi Champion (2x)
- 2018 Male Gi Athlete of the Year on Flo Grappling
Coach
How he teaches
Mahamed is known for his attention to detail and his ability to simplify complex techniques. His signature move is the Helicopter Sweep, and he competes in the Super Heavyweight division (up to 100 kg or 221 lbs).
Meet the rest of our coaches or see the class schedule.
Watch
From the One Way Martial Arts YouTube channel.
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 →What's Expected From Each Belt in BJJ?
Mahamed Aly breaks down the real path from white belt to black belt: what coaches expect at each rank, why blue belt is the first big test and purple belt can be the hardest stage mentally, and how brown and black belt are about maturity, teaching and efficiency. He also talks about team loyalty and switching gyms, what stripes really mean, and why consistency beats talent over the long run.
Watch on YouTube →World Champion Tips for Your First BJJ Competition
4x IBJJF World Champion Mahamed Aly shares practical tips for people who have never competed before: how to prepare, what to expect and how to approach your first jiu-jitsu tournament.
Watch on YouTube →Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Mahamed Aly and training with him in Alexandria, VA.
-
Mahamed Aly is a 4x IBJJF World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and professional MMA fighter. He is the co-owner and head coach of One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA, where he teaches BJJ to students of every level.
-
Mahamed Aly has won the IBJJF World Championship four times, making him one of the most decorated BJJ competitors in the world. He coaches at One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA.
-
Yes. Mahamed Aly is an active coach at One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA. Students of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors, can train directly under a 4x world champion.
-
Yes. Mahamed Aly continues to compete in BJJ and MMA while coaching at One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA, so his teaching reflects the techniques used at the highest level of competition.
-
Yes. Mahamed Aly welcomes students of all experience levels at One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA. His teaching develops beginners step by step while also preparing competitive students for high-level tournaments.
Train with a 4x World Champion
No experience needed. Come in athletic clothes, and we lend you the gear you need. We pair you with a friendly partner and show you around. No contract, no pressure.
Book your free first class Call (703) 951-44405416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304 · Van Dorn Street Metro (Blue Line) · Free parking