Capital MMA & Elite Fitness | Alexandria, VA

Fantastic experience: I joined Capital MMA & Elite Fitness in December 2013 and have nothing but positive things to say about this training facility. I commute 40 minutes to receive top notch instruction in CrossFit, MMA, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and even boxing. My skills and fitness levels have improved more in the past 6 months, than in my previous training of 3 years. But what sets Capital apart from other gyms is the supportive community. This will literally become your second family. They also offer a variety of kids' programs, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you join for fitness, hobby and/or skill development, Capital MMA will help you reach your goals! Love this place and proud to be apart of the family!

Fantastic experience: For the past 4 and a half years, Capital has been more than just a place to go, more than a mere "hobby", and more than a place to maintain good physical fitness. Capital MMA has been a second family. I've truly partaken in every single class that Capital has to offer (except for obviously the kids only or women only ones!). Every single instructor is top-notch; not only talented, and knowledgeable, but friendly, approachable, and genuinely concerned with the well-being of their students. Perfect for kids of all ages, there are a myriad of classes. There is CrossFit, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Yoga, and so much more. When I walk past the kids classes, be it CrossFit or Jiu-Jitsu, they seem to be having so much fun, and learning respect and fitness at the same time. Every day I spend on the mats, or with the weights is pure bliss (tiresome hard work, sweating and exhausted though, of course). Nothing beats my Capital family at both the Alexandria and Loudoun locations!

Fantastic experience: I started training at Capital last September and I'll tell you that I have never been to a school that has a welcoming environment. The different programs and instruction that is available to everyone is amazing. You are not just treated as a member of the gym but as part of a family. There are so many great people that you can and will develop friendships with along your training journey. I am a part of a great family environment and I recommend anyone that is looking for a great gym or school to train jiujitsu, Muay Thai, crossfit or full on MMA this is a school/gym for you. So come on and join a family that will welcome you and help you reach your goals!!

Fantastic experience: I have been training at Capital MMA since September of 2009, and I love it. I was hooked since the first day I walked on to the mats. Capital has an excellent array of personable and accessible instructors, great facilities that the owner is committed to constantly improving, a highly active competition team of top tier athletes, and an even more active and committed community. The people at Capital are not just members of a gym training together; they are a family, and watch out for each other on and off the mats. Try a class and and see what the community is all about!

Fantastic experience: The staff and instructors at Capital love what they're doing and it shows. Their expertise and passion for jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai are reflected in everything they do. Students are treated with respect and everyone there, students and staff alike, treat you like family. Whether you're just getting started or have a great deal of experience, Capital MMA is a great place to train.

Fantastic experience: I began training here in March 2012 and have been in love ever since. I started off exclusively doing Muay Thai my first 6 months because I came from a boxing background. Then I tried Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and was hooked. I started to incorporate other arts such as wrestling, Judo, and boxing into my arsenal to become a well rounded mixed martial artist. When I first moved to the DC metro area, the first things I looked for were a job and a gym to join. I went to trial classes at other gyms to test the waters but Capital just "felt" right. I'm an introvert so I'm really big on energy. All the coaches made me feel welcome, the facility is AMAZING, and it is an extremely welcoming and family environment. Capital MMA & Elite Fitness is my home away from home, my sanctuary, and my place of peace. And the people I train with daily have become my family. There are multiple programs available for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Please come out for a free trial class in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, CrossFit, boxing, or one of our women's only self defense seminars. You will not regret it!

Fantastic experience: I trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at another school and unfortunately due to multiple injuries stopped training consistently and eventually stopped going to class all together. Fast forward a year and a half, I see a deal on Groupon, I get a job 2 miles away from Capital MMA-Alexandria and I end up working with Capital MMA purple belt who encouraged me to use the Groupon and get back on the mat. What I like most about Capital MMA is that it is a non intimidating and encouraging environment to train at. Capital MMA also has both morning and evening BJJ classes which makes it very easy for students to develop a training schedule that works for them. I am a morning person and have been attending the 7am BJJ classes on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s with coaches Sean, Jeff, Jarrod and the morning crew. Everyone in class is down to earth, chill and always willing to help you improve your technique. Even though I am fairly new to Capital MMA and early in my Jiu Jitsu journey I feel that I am progressing, lasting longer when I roll with my partners and enjoying class more as I improve. I am having a great time learning the gentle art at Capital MMA and would recommend the school to anyone wanting to get on the mat.

Fantastic experience: Capital MMA & Elite Fitness offers a very challenging yet unintimidating training environment for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or Cross Fit. The school counts professional MMA fighters as well as casual trainees amongst its students. All in all, joining this school was one of the best decisions I've made since coming to the National Capital Region.

Fantastic experience: I found Capital MMA in Alexandria after my kids and I trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at another school for several months. Capital was everything that was missing from the previous school: friendly students without huge egos or attitude and extremely technical instructors who sincerely care about your goals and progress. At Capital everyone is made to feel like an important member of the team, not just the elite athletes. Capital offers top instruction and strong competitors in Crossfit, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jistu, and MMA while being very inclusive of the hobbyist. My kids and I loved training here until we, unfortunately, moved from the area.

Fantastic experience: The flagship of an incredible group of schools. Something here for everyone at every time. So many quality offerings. An incredible place to learn, compete, and grow. Been training here for over 10 years and have made more friends than I can count. Looking forward to many more rolls on the mat, reps in the gym, and new friends and learning! Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Wow, where do you begin? AMAZING instructors!! Beautiful, clean facility. This place is outstanding! I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: This place's greatest strength is its culture. Culture is defined by behaviors a group champions balanced against those which they refuse to tolerate. The culture of Capital MMA is one of intense: training, support, accountability, and community. Everyone's training goals are honored and respected; from the word champion fighters to the person who just wants to break a sweat in a unique and fun way. The best part about the culture of Capital MMA is that it weeds out the people who don't resonate with it. Sometimes they go quietly, sometimes they go loudly with as many excuses as classes or private lessons they missed. Either way, they go and the rest of us remain better for the experience. Come see it for yourself!

Fantastic experience: Joining Capital MMA last summer has shown itself time and time again to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in the last year. It has fostered such structure and motivation in my life to continue my pursuit of learning through Muay Thai and BJJ, while my coaches also teach drive and dedication through not only their words but their actions. I have made friends that push me to be the best version of myself every single time I step on the mats. My coach has provided me with advice and strength training on his own time, with the pure intent to see me get stronger and perform better. I’m continually shocked and grateful that so many in this community are so giving with their time and knowledge (especially its leaders, coaches, and owners) and treat this not as a business relationship but one of true mentorship in every sense of the word. I’m thankful and lucky to have joined this gym and have only had exceedingly positive experiences on the mats.

Fantastic experience: My kids and I have trained at Alex and Lorton locations for almost 10 years. Great training, family environment, even my mom loves being there to watch her grandkids roll. If you're an adult that wants good training, come here. If you want your kids to learn to defend themselves, come here.

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy this place because I feel like everyone is friendly and willing to help you achieve your goals or help you with whatever you are trying to do.

Fantastic experience: Been coming to Capital for BJJ for over 10 years when it rented upstairs space in Jungle's Gym (now Onelife Fitness near USPTO) and it has now grown to 7 locations in the DMV area. And it's pay at one location play at all; while centered around BJJ, that is not all they offer. Come to the Alexandria location for CrossFit, BJJ or Muay Thai, and you can go to Lorton for its Steel Mace or Ruck Fit class. Work in the city? You can go to DC H St for lunch and get in some BJJ. Takoma has boxing, judo and a women's only BJJ class. Loudon also has a women's only BJJ class and a KidsFit program. MMA is also offered at most locations for those aspiring world beaters. This is not an exhaustive list of all the locations or all the programs they offer. Capital is truly Elite Fitness! I take advantage of the unlimited class plan since I started taking my kids to the kid's BJJ program. And the schedule works out so I can take CrossFit at the same time. I also do the occasional yoga and Muay Thai class to round out my fitness routine. Even if the class schedule doesn't work for you, it is open most hours of the waking day, 6 days a week, for open mat/gym time. Just know scheduled classes get priority to mats and equipment. Very cost-effective if you can make it work. If you ever need to adjust your membership, due to sickness, extended out of town travel, etc., management is very responsive and will work with you. I haven't always taken so many classes during my time at Capital, because you know, life. All the programs are very welcoming and the instructors make you feel part of the Capital family. Its BJJ lineage is under the legendary Royce Gracie who dominated the early UFC tournaments and the Gracie family made BJJ and MMA what it is today. The founder and head instructor of Capital is the first practitioner in Virginia to get his black belt from Royce with all the others also a part of Capital. That said, Gracie BJJ wants to teach you how to defend yourself in real life situations, so self defense is a fundamental part of the curriculum. Muay Thai coaches are fighters themselves and while the techniques are workouts in and of itself, their goal is to show how it works in real situations. Joined CrossFit recently (even though they have offered this for years and during that time I thought CrossFit workouts were crazy and I could never do that! Even my sister is a certified CrossFit instructor! But she lives in another state.) and am mad I didn't take it earlier since it makes me better at BJJ. The certified coaches are very responsive as they will help you scale to your fitness level and cheer you along for motivation, even the other members will help and cheer, too. Coaches there can also help with nutrition and lifestyle goals. While each program does their own thing, there is no issue in jumping from one to another or dabble in them all like I do. There is also the Capital Cares program which gives back to the community with scholarships and donations to worthy causes. So it's not just a gym that takes your money and teaches you classes, they use some of that to give back to help empower the community all while inspiring the community to give back themselves. All in all I am glad I am part of Capital so you should give it a try if you have any type of fitness goals. They have membership plans for the occasional user to the "I'm cranky if I haven't worked out today" gym rat. Either way, Capital will help you build a better version of yourself. Oh! And there are locker rooms with showers to boot!

Fantastic experience: The Capital community is awesome! Everyone is always friendly and helps motivate each other. I look forward to each day I get to better myself with the Capital family.

Fantastic experience: I love the Crossfit community and the support from the coaches and management!

Fantastic experience: The atmosphere is really great and the coaches are amazing. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Been a member for many years. An MMA gym is not so scary as one may think. At least at the gym, everyone is trying to help others out. the environment is very friendly and family like. Self defense is also taught, and some fun events are held from time to time.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Value I love coming here. My kids do mma and I use the CrossFit gym. We come 5 days a week. The coaches are so good with the kids. Highly recommend. And for the price you absolutely cannot beat it.

Fantastic experience: An amazing experience at Capital! Since day 1 the CrossFit and BJJ coaches are welcoming as well as all the members! I’ve been a member at many different places over many years and this has been the best time!

Fantastic experience: Such a great place to train and the gym is run by even greater people. Capital has an awesome family atmosphere. Been training jiu-jitsu for over a year and the classes are an amazing combination of both mental and physical exercise. The coaches are great with all levels and are very welcoming. Just started the crossfit classes a few months ago and those are awesome too!

Fantastic experience: Great coaches, excellent facility, and a team-centered environment for all levels from beginner to amateur and pro. This is the only MMA/Muay Thai/Jiu Jitsu gym I would have membership with in the DMV area.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been so impressed and happy with my classes at Capital MMA Alexandria. The Muay Thai and BJJ classes are a great workout and very technical, leaving you feeling like you’re in better shape and you learned something tangible. I’ve especially enjoyed Muay Thai classes with Amine Ballafrikh (who is an amazing fighter, Lion Fight champion). Overall, an excellent choice for anyone

Fantastic experience: Outstanding gym that does an amazing job of taking care of its members day in and day out. The location space does favor MMA, but the crossfit area is well decked out with equipment and it has plenty of open gym time to allow members to get extra work in if they wish. Hands down one of the best values in terms of cost for Crossfit in the Alexandria area.

Fantastic experience: I was looking for a new type of gym and workout option because what I was doing at my old gym was nothing. I wanted to join a gym that is more interactive, challenging and has a great sense of community. I was very impressed with the knowledgeable staff and trainers, and even more with the other members. I was super intimidated at first, but everyone is so helpful and encouraging! Also, during this pandemic with COVID-19, they have been super supportive on social media with at home workouts and practices to keep you on track! I highly recommend Capital if you’re looking to try something new and/or if you’re looking for great trainers for kickboxing, Muay That, CrossFit and so much more!

Fantastic experience: Capital MMA has been like family for nearly 10 years for me. It's more than a gym...it's a positive and supportive community. Doesn't matter if you're brand new or a seasoned vet, everyone is welcomed with open arms and boosted. Being at other gyms before Capital, I know that's special

Fantastic experience: The gym, the instructors, and the members are very welcoming, and accommodating for all fitness levels. Capital Crossfit members are from a wide range of skills and ages. The instructors are superb at providing coaching to all levels. It's like having your own personal trainer and fan club. Love this gym! Recommend it to all levels. When I want to get more competitive in a particular skill, or train for something outside of crossfit, the trainers are knowledgeable and eager to help design personal programs that help to meet those goals. Love this gym - perfect!

Fantastic experience: Capital MMA & Elite Fitness has continued to exceed my expectations. I've been doing Crossfit at this location since September of 2017. The coaches are helpful, non-condescending, and there with you at every step of the way. I felt extremely intimidated at the beginning, but found some really good, quality people I can call friends. 10-10-10s across the board.

Fantastic experience: I was doing Muay Thai for many years until an injury took me out of competition for a while. Capital is an amazing place to train and learn from some very experienced and competent fighters. They give their all and they expect the same in return. While training at Capital for over a year I became a much more confident and accomplished fighter and was in the best shape of my life. I highly recommend checking them out whether you are an experienced fighter looking for a great gym or just thinking about getting in to Muay Thai.

Fantastic experience: I've been coming to this gym for a few months now and I can't say but but great things about it. They have great fundamentals to introduce new people to the different diciplines they offer and the staff is always helpful with questions about the programs. I'd recommend it for anyone who is interested in starting up or coming back to martial arts in general.

Fantastic experience: Joined this gym about 2 years ago. Initially came to do Jiu Jistsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing but got immediately addicted to the kickboxing. The coaches are approachable and clearly have extensive knowledge and experience. Several different coaches who all offer different style and and a variety of techniques. Great for fitness and all level of experience. I plan to continue here for the foreseeable future.

Fantastic experience: This place isn’t my gym - it’s my home. I started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a low point in my life, and it’s the people behind the gym that really gave me the confidence boost and strength to take in life. The coaches are true professionals with extensive experience. The best part is they and the other members become your friends, because we all support each other. They even encouraged me to pick up Muay Thai. It’s this gym that convinced me to move from Arlington to Alexandria, so I could be closer and continue learning! If you’ve never tried martial arts because you’ve felt intimidated, please come out and try Capital. Everyone starts somewhere, and the team is happy to meet you!

Fantastic experience: My three children attend BJJ and Striking classes here. It is fun and engaging! The coaches are very knowledgeable and are great at teachers by kids! My kids love it! They are always ready to come to class! Very pleased! Definitely recommend getting the family involved! So worth it!

Fantastic experience: Weighing in at over 311 lbs and faced with numerous health issues such as degenerative arthritis, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and obesity, l decided to change my life and enroll in Gracie Jiu Jitsu at Capital MMA in April 2015. I am an ordinary person who let myself get extremely overweight and unhealthy over the course of several years. I was quite ashamed that I let myself get to the point of needing to lose so much weight. Finding Capital MMA changed my life. The benefits in Gracie Jiu Jitsu outweigh any other single form of exercise, which helped achieve my goal of losing 90lbs and maintaining a high level of fitness. I continue to enjoy a healthy lifestyle of clean food, family time and an abundance of positive energy. Capital MMA is more than a gym; it’s a family, my family. I love this place.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym! I have to say, I was pretty intimidated when I first looked around, but as soon as you decide to take a class, everyone was so helpful and they keep on helping you according to your fitness needs. Members here don’t just worry or look out for themselves but really enthusiastic about people helping others. Look... at the end of the day, you find yourself with a new hobby, a few months down the line, you see your body changing looking more fit and toned and you find yourself surrounded by people with good morals and genuine intentions always helping the new. I am proud to be part of Capital MMA and you should be too... just take a chance and take one class... that’s all you need to do. ✌ PEACE!!

Fantastic experience: Started here a few months ago, and really enjoy this place! Great offerings of classes & times make it easy for working/family schedules. All of the coaches are engaging and extremely knowledgeable; laid back but professional teaching styles. Best of all they have multiple locations in the Capitol area. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an MMA gym! (BJJ, Muy Thai, MMA,) I can't get over how welcoming the staff has been since I started. Keep up the great work, guys!

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Capital for 9 months now and I love it. I have made amazing friends and the coaches are all great. They were all very welcoming and always help me modify or adjust workouts as needed !! I highly suggest this gym.

Fantastic experience: So I live in DE but come back for doctors appointments once a month. I like to visit different gyms and as I’ve moved 495 and 270 have become a bit more stressful for me as my tolerance for the ahhhhh silly drivers has gone down. I called capital mma and talked to one of the dons there. Really nice guys. I had asked if I could pop for a some Jujitsu and the said sure. I was a bit late but still they very kind and accommodating. This is one of those gyms that you get the sense that you are welcomed like a home. I walked onto the mat and I believe his name was rahz greeted and welcomed me in as a partner. He was very nice very welcoming. I enjoy my visit so much and the instructors there so nice and knowledgeable. I learned a new choke for no Gi which I don’t practice to much. That atmosphere was wonderful and the mats were very clean. If your in the Alexandria area I would definitely recommend it. Thank you all and good luck to you team. Hope to see you all again sometime.

Fantastic experience: I was nervous in starting a new gym yet alone a cross fit gym. Staff, coaches, instructors and other members are the best. Everyone is willing to help and teach. The best thing to do for the new year is learn something new and lose weight. You can do both at Capital MMA, learn BJJ and/or May Thai and lose weight with Cross Fit!! Great family and experience. Come in on Saturdays and check it out, don't be nervous.

Fantastic experience: Capital MMA is my little vacation away from the world. When I step through their doors all the clutter in my head goes away. The stresses of work, worries, anxiety, and thoughts all go for a brief bit of my day. I walk onto the mat and start training and improving both my body and mind. Capital is a very friendly gym. Everyone I meet at Capital makes me feel like family which is great for transplants to the DC area like my Wife and I. They are helping me reach my goals and I am very thankful. You will not be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: I have been doing crossfit here for two years and it is the best experience ever! The coaches make the workouts fun and everyone knows everyone. For the first couple weeks of starting, you'll be sore but afterwards you'll love it! If you are all about routine workouts, this is not for you.

Fantastic experience: As far as MMA gyms in the Northern Virginia area go, this is one of the best. A lot of MMA gyms tend to have a very misogynistic culture, which can be a real turn-off for any woman trying to get into the sport, but this is NOT THE CASE at Capital MMA. I always feel like I'm treated just like everyone else by the coaches and staff here, and I'm taken as seriously as I want to be. I've been to a lot of gyms around DC and across the country, and sadly, it's really rare to find this kind of immediate, unconditional gender equality. As a woman, I know how important this issue is in finding an MMA gym that suits you, so I want to make sure and emphasize this point for any woman who is considering starting a martial art. As far as instruction goes, very well organized and orchestrated. The Muay Thai program has "themes" of each week (e.g. one week, it could be working on head covers, the next it could be effective feints), but it doesn't necessarily mean that all you do is work on that one single thing. I find this method of teaching really effective, because it allows you to develop depth in a certain skill, build some muscle memory, and retain all the different combos and strategies you learn regarding that theme - kind of like a Memory Palace. The instructors are really helpful during class, and walk around between groups to ensure everyone is going and the right pace and utilizing proper technique.

Fantastic experience: The most amazing experience I've ever had. The coaches (Casey Terrell, Raff, Ric, and Dave) are empowering and the people are always so in tune. It's nice to be able to call this place my second home. Everybody will always do their best to build you up and to let you see your full potential and at the same time you will be very comfortable and never have to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. Greatest gym!

Fantastic experience: My husband, who has been doing Muay Thai at Capital for at least the past 8 years, has been urging me to start taking classes at this gym. I finally signed up and have been taking Crossfit for the past 6 weeks. I am so glad that I finally listened to him. The classes are fun and customized to my level. All of the coaches are very knowledgeable and friendly (special shout outs to Pierre, Melissa, Dave, and Abbey!) and most importantly, I am getting the results I was looking for. In 6 weeks, I lost 8 lbs and I feel stronger and more energized. What surprised me the most is that everybody is super helpful and genuinely interested in seeing me reach my goals. I never thought that I would receive so much support and encouragement. This is definitely not your typical gym.

Fantastic experience: I've been taking Muay Thai at Capital since November 2016 - all I can say is that I'm ADDICTED! This gym is the best I have ever been too and the coaches are well seasoned and thorough with their instruction. From beginner to advanced, you will not find another gym of this caliber to meet your fitness/fighting goals or needs. Coach Raff, Casey, Daniel, Joel and John are highly attentive to every member's technique and offer excellent advice where needed. Since getting out of the military, this has been the best choice I have made regarding both my physical fitness and mental well-being. Muay Thai was brand new to me, but now it is an integral part of my life! Thank you Capital!

Fantastic experience: I first was introduced to BJJ back in 2008 by Head Coach Jeremy. Jeremy really cares for his students and provides a fun and competitive atmosphere to learn and progress in Jiu Jitsu. Been involved with Capital for a bout 10 years now and am glad I found this gym.

Fantastic experience: This is a great place to learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu whether you are a beginner or an advanced student. This Royce Gracie affiliated school is very family oriented. The kids and adult classes for jiu jitsu is very interactive and well worth it. I've been going to Capital since for 7 months; and I can tell you that it truly has been a very rewarding experience. Jeremy, Kenny, Sean, Dan, Kevin, and David are top notch coaches from Capital.

Fantastic experience: Capital MMA is a fantastic place to learn and train Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Jeremy Lafreniere (owner)is an outstanding, enthusiastic, energetic teacher. As a black belt, he understands jiu jitsu at an expert level but also is able to impart his vast knowledge to those just starting out. In my experience, the other teachers follow his lead and work to provide a friendly, safe, learning environment. Head and shoulders above other local schools I have explored.

Fantastic experience: Capital MMA is one of the most welcoming and versatile gyms in the area. The gym hosts a variety of coaches who all specialize in different sport and modalities. This unique training environment provides an array of training styles fit to help you advance in any sport. All staff are knowledgeable and likely competing in the sport they are coaching in. I highly recommend giving this place a try. Whether you're new to crossfit or mma or a seasoned athlete, it would be difficult to not find exactly what you're looking for here.

Fantastic experience: I dropped in while I was in town for a week and they were kind enough to give me the free intro class price (free)! I was quite amazed by the size and organization of the gym; there were multiple classes going on at once in different rooms and it did not feel cramped. Everything was clean and they even have a bathroom that seemed very sanitary. I was only able to attend the no gi bjj but it was taught well. About 15 minutes of warm ups, 45 minutes of techniques, then sparring afterwards. I rolled with a few nice people afterwards and will definitely be taking a few tips home with me. Highly recommend!