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March 2024 by Amy Lainez
I started this class a 4 foot 10 female who had 4 serious operations. My original 2 goals were to gain back my strength, and learn how to defend myself. Being 4 foot 10 and a female, you get underestimated quickly.The first thing I noticed in my first class was the close to my height female, who was a black belt and defending herself against guys much taller than her (Denise). That was the first sign that I was in the right place. Any woman who wants to gain confidence, and learn how to recognize just how much power she has should join this class, Denise is the best women's self-defense instructor.The second thing I began to hear and notice was that Sensei not only practices karate, he lives and breathes it. It takes dedication to practice something every day for more than 50 years. Along with learning how to defend myself, I started to get the urge to be disciplined and practice. I wanted to be as good as the higher belts that have been under Sensei, learning his dedication to the practice of karate.Wanting to learn, practice, and be good at something is a whole separate other goal from just wanting to learn how to defend myself. I found something that I enjoy doing and want to be better at.But, for someone who may be looking into taking this class just to get out of the house and join a group, this is the best group to join. This isn't just a karate class, it's a karate family. This is a group of people who will be your friend. Everyone in this class is caring. If someone is ill, they check up on them. If someone has a family emergency, they are quick to ask if there is anything they can do to help. And Sensei doesn't just see his students as bodies in the class, he cares for every single one of them along their journey through karate, however short or long it may be.
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January 2024 by Rowan
I have been taking lessons at this dojo since last Feb.and I am so proud to have progressed so far (brown stripe). Denise and Sensei Roberto are AMAZING teachers who have taught us SO MUCH in so little time. Before this class, I didn't know if I could do karate because of my shyness, but now I have confidence in myself. Everyone is very nice and kind at this dojo and they help each other. I believe that with the dojo's help, I can one day obtain a black belt. THANK YOU SENSEIS!!!!! ROWAN
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January 2024 by M J
THANK YOU SENSEI! THANK YOU DENISE! This is a fun class that I love to come to. The teachers have a lot of patience :-) I am learning so much!!! It is good for any age, from kids to adults. This class has helped me a lot at home and at school. Everyone should come to this dojo. -Kate
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January 2024 by Liz Jones
Get your Mojo at the Dojo!
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January 2024 by P LJ
Joining this dojo has been such a rewarding experience! It has almost been a year since we found Sensei Roberto and Denise. We could not be happier! Not only is the environment warm and friendly, but the skills we have learned (including patience, diligence, hard work and motivation) are immeasurable. Highly, highly recommend!
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December 2023 by Sean McCloskey
I couldn't be happier with my experience. The instructors are incredibly skilled and patient, creating a welcoming environment for students of all levels. The dojo promotes discipline, physical fitness, and personal growth. I've already seen significant improvement in my martial arts skills and overall confidence. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in learning karate and becoming a part of a supportive community.
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December 2023 by Chuck Jankowski
I have been training at the dojo since the beginning of the summer. Every class I’ve attended has been a great experience for learning, and getting stronger & better. Sensei Roberto leads a fantastic cadre of instructors, who teach classic martial arts/karate concepts in a relatable manner, with plenty of good humor. The students in the dojo are supportive, and the senior students do a great job teaching and mentoring new students during class.
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December 2023 by luke foster
I joined the dojo about a year ago and I love their approach to the self defence methodology. Not to mention they put our safety first, they teach us very practical techniques: maximise the impact of self defence with minimum movement and strength. Students are from wide range of age group, size, martial arts experience, etc. and Sensei always demonstrates the techniques that work for all.
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December 2023 by Renaldo Sealey
This dojo is a wonderful place to receive martial arts instruction in a safe environment with patient instructors, as well as, friendly classmates. If you are looking for sound martial arts instruction with a great group of people please do yourself a favor and drop into the Virginia Dojo.
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October 2023 by TTravel ..
Sensei Roberto is a great sensei, funny, and really care about his students. Love going to this dojo, all the teachers and students are very friendly and always happy help lower rank students.
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September 2023 by C Jankowski
Joining the Virginia Dojo was a great decision. Sensei Roberto and all of the instructors are top notch, the students are welcoming and helpful, and the classes are geared towards real world application of martial arts to adults. I'm glad I joined, and I'm looking forward to a long relationship with the Dojo and all of its members.
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September 2023 by P J
I was looking for a great dojo for my kids and got lucky enough to stumble across this gem of a place. Wow, did we hit the lottery, because not only are my kids taking karate, but I am too, and we are taking it together!We now have the privilege of training under two incredible instructors---Sensei, Roberto (9th Dan) and Denise (3rd Dan). They are wonderful people who truly care about students and their potential. In addition to being experienced pros at what they do, they are kind and encouraging, elements that many dojos are missing.The dojo also has a women's/girl's-only class, which is AMAZING, taught by Sensei Denise, if you are looking for a female-oriented class. They also welcome people of all ages, and there are a variety of classes available with easy scheduling.I can't recommend Virginia Dojo enough. You can't go wrong with Sensei Roberto and his team. This dojo has become a second home to us, and the senseis and other students, a second family. Every single person at the dojo has a great attitude and outlook--people help each other to become better and are genuinely nice. In short, it is a great atmosphere. We are so grateful to have found this dojo!
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May 2023 by Huyen-Tram Tran
I joined the dojo due to my cousin. But the experience I have with everyone at the dojo is great. Sensei Roberto is a fun and warm instructor, Denise is great with all the newbies, and everyone makes you feel so welcome since day one. It's my first time in this type of environment, but the atmosphere is great and welcoming. The classes are fun, and they would explain why we're doing/practice a certain way so you can understand and remember them better.I wish I had joined the dojo sooner, but it's better late than never!
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February 2023 by Robert C.
Outstanding effective adult self defense in a friendly environment. Very welcoming to newcomers.
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January 2023 by Keiko Foster
I recently moved from overseas and was looking for a dojo I could continue my karate trainings. I chose this dojo for three main reasons: 1. My primary interest is always practical self defence. This dojo teaches me many practical defence techniques with minimum power and movement. Sensei and senpai well understand the reasons behind all moves. 2. There are many classes in various times that really helps me accommodate training time in a narrow window I have due to many other commitments. 3. Very welcoming environment!
