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July 2023 by Recon Raider
The training that you recieve at Octagon is 2nd to none. Proffesor Rafael Lang leads a team of 31 blackbelts whose diverse styles and teaching methods are sure to help any student. The 6 AM class is full of some of the best dudes who love jiu jitsu, are welcoming and seem to be amature comedians. The atmosphere definitely is conducive to good instruction and a friendly atmosphere. BJJ and Octagon has helped me lose 70lbs since I started 2 years ago. It had changed my life and motivated me to make myself better everyday.
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July 2023 by Nick L.
I trained at the Octagon Martial Arts Studio for over two years, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I went from not knowing anything about self-defense, and feeling weak and insecure, to earning my blue belt and having the utmost self-confidence in myself. Rafael and the other Professors at the Octagon were excellent with taking me under their wing and helping me train in the art of jiu-jitsu, helping me master all the fundamentals of the sport, and encouraging best practices. They also offer a range of other disciplines, such as Muay Thai, MMA, and yoga, which I enjoyed trying out. The gym is spotlessly clean and tidy, with facilities that get sanitized daily. The community is friendly and supportive, and I made some great friends along the way. I highly recommend the Octagon to anyone looking to try jiu-jitsu or any other martial art. It's fitness worth fighting for!
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June 2023 by Scott Neal
I've been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Octagon for over a year now, and it has been an incredible experience. The gym is well-maintained, great class schedules, and has a strong sense of community. The coaches are highly skilled and provide excellent instruction and feedback. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to train no matter your level of experience.Recently, I took private lessons with Rafael Lang, who is a world class instructor. Rafael's attention to detail and exceptional teaching abilities are truly remarkable. Under his guidance, combined with the expertise of all the other coaches at Octagon, the quality of leadership and training you’ll get at this gym is unmatched.
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June 2023 by Chris S
Love the gym. Classes are competitive, yet fun and friendly and a great group of people. All the coaches are great. Coach Rafeal has a mastery of Jiu Jitsu, but more importantly he is excellent at teaching it. I would highly recommend training here (and getting some lessons from him if you can).
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June 2023 by Jaime Castro
Coach Lang is truly the best!. Not only does he teach technical details of jiu jitsu, he has helped teach us Law Enforcement officers techniques that help keep us and the public safe. OCTAGON has also done several community based self defense classes for women. The new facility is awesome!!..Hands down the best gym in Dallas!!
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June 2023 by Tyler Davies
I have been training BJJ here for over a year with Rafael Lang as my coach and I couldn’t be happier. The quality of instruction is exceptional, the professors are always happy to help you with one on one questions or training sessions and the community at the gym is amazing. Not only will you learn to fight, you will get a workout unlike any other and will have a massive confidence boost from knowing you persevere through adversity regularly. My only regret is that I didn’t start training sooner and know that this will be a life long hobby for me going forward. Do yourself a favor and learn from the best (Rafael is a world champion) and you certainly won’t regret it
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June 2023 by Zachary Sturman
I recently moved to Dallas and tried several jiu jitsu / mma gyms in the area, and Octagon is my favorite of the bunch -- I feel lucky to have decided to join the gym going forward. Rafael Lang is hands-down the best jiu jitsu instructor in the area, and it's clear in the instruction / culture of the program / overall vibe. Absolutely 10/10 amazing experience under his leadership. Other top-tier instruction as well (UFC fighter Ryan Benoit teaching striking and helps with no gi), facility is top-notch, and the staff is incredible. The entire atmosphere of the place is a reflection of the people who teach there, so it's an awesome group. Thank you so much and I look forward to continued training... Would recommend to anyone else moving to the area or to anyone in town looking to drop in!
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June 2023 by Soumik Ghosh
I have been training at Octagon for little over 6 years and for the most part been a student under our professor Rafael Lang. Unlike many folks who does open mats and trains at different gyms, I have never felt that need especially under the guidance of our professor. Rafael creates a very hospitable environment whereby everyone – hobbyist or competitors, can get to their goals. I started training jiu-jitsu in 2016 and fell in love with it. Jiu-jitsu has not only helped me get in better shape, but also has given me the confidence to handle things outside of the gym. It has helped me become more patient and learn that some things just take time. It has also helped me build a discipline and structure around my day. Most importantly I have gotten to meet so many people and make lifelong friends.I’ll highly recommend anyone in and around Dallas to check out Octagon MMA and come train under Rafael Lang.
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June 2023 by Mateus Simoes
I have been training under Professor Rafael Lang for almost 2 years now, and I must say the guy is a gem! He is very professional and personable, which creates an enjoyable environment to learn from. Along with his practical wisdom and applicable knowledge, I’ve retained way more technique than any other martial arts gym in DFW. Also, self-defense is an essential factor in his curriculum that is taught not just sport Jiu-jitsu. Lastly, my mental health has been completely transformed into a state of peace and positivity, which has impacted my daily life tremendously in such a healthy way.
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June 2023 by supertech315
I have had the privilege of undergoing extensive training under the tutelage of Professor Lang at Octagon MMA in Dallas for several years. It is with great pride that I can attest to being one of the few individuals who have been awarded a black belt under his guidance.Professor Rafael is a highly accomplished black belt with an impressive track record in major tournaments such as the Pan Ams, Worlds, and Fight to Win. His expertise allows him to adapt his training style, providing both a gentle experience for beginners and a formidable challenge for those seeking to test their jiu-jitsu skills.Thanks to the invaluable instruction and private lessons I received from Professor Rafael, I achieved notable victories as a brown belt, earning gold medals in both the Pan Ams (both GI and no GI divisions) and NAGA tournaments.Furthermore, Octagon MMA boasts a roster of esteemed coaches, some of whom I have had the privilege of working with on a regular basis. Professors Malak and Brett, as well as Coach Travis, are among these accomplished individuals. Their guidance and expertise have greatly contributed to my growth and development as a martial artist.I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Octagon MMA for providing me with the opportunity to train alongside such legendary figures in the world of mixed martial arts. Their support and the nurturing environment they have cultivated have been instrumental in my personal and athletic journey.SincerelyJudo Jimmy
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June 2023 by Jay Mccreary
Octagon is one of the best gyms in DFW area under Head Professor, Rafael Lang. Under his leadership and staff there are an incredible number of black belts to learn from closely. They also have the best 6a class everyday in the area. 20 plus people every morning with amazing camaraderie. Highly, highly recommend.
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June 2023 by Terrence Anderson
This is an amazing place to train. Raphael is outstanding instructor. Whether you are training for Competition or to just to get better, this is the place for you. I have trained here for 9 years. So many great athletes. Challenging classes, especially competition classes. There are several class times which is important for me- I work overnights. No gi classes by Eric are awesome also. Everyone here to get better- no jerks-great people to train with. Often classes will have multiple black belts. If you are interested in jiujitsu or moving into town, check this gym out
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June 2023 by David Greenstone
Rafael Lang is simply one of the best Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world and we are so fortunate that he is the head Professor at Octagon. I am honored to be able to train with Rafael and the rest of the outstanding coaches and students at this gym. Training here has made such a positive impact on my life.
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June 2023 by alex einspruch
I have been a student at Octagon MMA my entire jiujitsu career, and have been beyond lucky to study under both professor Lang and professor Couto. Not only has jiujitsu been the most positive force in my life, the community the gym has built is better than any gym I have trained at. Personal attention, vast experience at very high blackbelt levels, and too many high ranked belts and black belts to count call Octagon home. On any given day there will be very high level belt teammates there to help you learn as well as challenge you to grow. Beginners are there, of all ages, just getting started as well. I personally began jiujitsu in my late 30s, 12 years ago. I am a three stripe brown belt at 51 and hope to earn my blackbelt this year, and found jiujitsu is my purpose in life. Without professor Lang, professor Couto and Octagon helping me along this journey, providing me a goal to reach hard for, teaching me resilience, patience and respect, my life would not be as rich as it is. The facility is better than any gymI have seen, and certainly is the most unique in DFW for both its physical qualities and the level of learning available there. Come for the exercise, the community, to begin a lifetime of jiujitsu study, or to become a champion. Octagon has it all. RESPECT!
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May 2023 by Jesus Estebane
As someone who has been training for roughly 8 years at several top gyms throughout Austin such as 10th Planet Austin, Ambush Muay Thai, Dark Clan MMA, and even East side Elite MMA. Max as a muay thai coach is a VERY good coach honestly. I was visiting my parents and was their for a month and he was very welcoming even though i wasn't exactly a muay thai fighter. I have a different style but he was wiling to allow me to train with them and i did in fact learn. The gym has good space and great quality equipment.
