Relentless MMA & Fitness

Fantastic experience: Relentless is an ideal gym that has increased my performance as an athlete! If you are looking to get stronger, faster, get in shape, gain excellent knowledge in real life combat situations and MMA your going to love it here! I started a few months ago and I am addicted to learning something new every training session! Coach Carter is excellent at working with you as a individual to pull out your full potential! I'm glad I quit procrastinating and showed up now I stay hungry!

Fantastic experience: I tried 3 other gyms (in the Fairfax area) before I found Relentless MMA in Chantilly. If only I'd found Relentless first! The instruction was of such high quality that I learned more in a night at Relentless MMA than I did in a week at the other gyms. The Muay Thai, Capoiera, and BJJ are all good. However, in my opinion, the combat submission wrestling is the real standout. If you are in the Fairfax/Chantilly area then I can't recommend Relentless MMA strongly enough.

Fantastic experience: I attend Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, CSW, Kali and Muay Thai. Coach Dave is a brilliant instructor with out of the box methods that help you retain knowledge. Each class is fun and fast paced, and is perfect for the seasoned pro, or a newbie. I highly reccomend joining this gym.

Fantastic experience: Great coach and great gym. No frills but a place with a team atmosphere where the coach and classmates actually care about each other. I've been taking Muay Thai for about a year and absolutely love it. It would be tough to find a better workout and atmosphere of camraderie anywhere.

Fantastic experience: I started training with Dave Carter because it was soemthing my husband wanted to do. I agreed to try Muay Thai and I loved it. After several months of classes I decided we should also do personals with Carter. I have never had a better personal trainer. We have been training with Carter since March of 2012 and have expanded our training to BJJ, Combat Submission Wrestling, Kali, JKD, Capoeira, MMA, and Self Defense. I feel great and I know I can defend myself if I have to. I highly recommend Carter to anyone that wants to get in shape and learn valuable skills while doing so.

Fantastic experience: Relentless in his pursuit of excellence, Dave Carter has built a powerhouse of personal development. Relentless MMA is a great choice for those looking for something more than your local overpriced/overpopulated crossfit box or McDojo. If you are serious about achieving your goals, be they related to martial arts, sports, weight loss, or general fitness, this is the place for you.

Fantastic experience: I started going to relentless MMA on a groupon for a couple free classes. After the groupon was up I was hooked. The coaches there are great and also very knowledgable. Whether you're interested in learning Muay Thai, Boxing, submission wrestling, Kali, MMA or all of the above the choice is yours. Love this place!

Fantastic experience: Relentless MMA is awesome! Coach Carter is very good at what he does, and he's just an awesome dude. Coach Harris for boxing is also great, and focuses more on theory. If you want to learn how to fight, try out Relentless MMA. You probably won't find any better place for MMA in the area.

Fantastic experience: Initially, i came in to relentless just to spectate and do a trial, but i didnt expect to fall inlove with how Coach Carter focuses on the progress of the individual. The atmosphere surrounding the gym is what i look forward to every training day. On top of all this the people are so supportive and easy to get along with especially the higher rank trainers and Coaches. I Highly Recommend Training with Relentless MMA and i look forward to growing with everyone.

Fantastic experience: Coach Carter's teaching style of BJJ/Combat Submission Wrestling is top notch, but more important is the evidence of his dedication to his students--never thought I'd be able to stay in the game but Coach spend his own time before and after class to help fix my long-term back and shoulder issues with stretching and strength training. Highest recommendation --

Fantastic experience: I've been doing personal training with Dave Carter for the last 3 years now and I can't recommend his coaching more highly. My instruction has included Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Kali (including weapons training), and BJJ. I know with this many forms of martial arts, it may seem that my training has been superficial but that couldn't be further from the truth. Dave has a unique ability of taking the best parts of what he has learned and customizing his instruction to what best fits the particular individual he his working with. Basically, he doesn't put everyone into the same bucket but will work with your particular strengths and weaknesses to develop a practical skill set that will help you defend yourself in any situation. I know that every session with Dave will be a challenge and I've never left a session without being completely exhausted but also hungry for more. Dave Carter is the real deal.

Fantastic experience: I found Dave online last year just by pure luck. It was around the holidays when I was feeling particularly out of shape and unhealthy, and I wanted to make a change. Finding Dave and beginning to train with him was the best thing I have done for myself in years. It has changed not only the way I look, but the way I feel about myself. Dave instills confidence in me by pushing me to work harder than I ever would alone, and after each session I feel proud at what I was able to accomplish. At the same time, his knowledge, experience and skill makes you feel secure that he won't push too far. Dave understands how to get the best workout out of anyone, no matter what shape you are in. He even goes out of his way to answer nutrition questions and texts me health tips and reminders to eat well. Dave is by far the best personal trainer I could ever imagine. He loves his job and gives it his all. I could not recommend him more highly.

Fantastic experience: As a Martial Arts instructor myself, I gotta say Dave's one of the best guys to work with in the area. He's got years of fight experience as well as coaching experience and you really get a sense of it when he teaches. When we did grappling stuff or standup I always learned something new and devastating. Last time, we went over the different control positions across the body and it really improved my jujutsu and my grappling. Big thumbs up and everyone should train with Dave at Relentless MMA

Fantastic experience: “Make things as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Einstein Coach Carter teaches what he calls "Advanced Basics." He starts class with unique warmups that flow into the instruction, which flow into the drills, which flow into practice, which flow into the next class to provide a foundation for the next round of game building. Coach Carter distills down the essentials on moves that work and teaches to all three learning styles: showing, telling and experiencing. He is highly engaging and really cares that his students come away from each class having learned a valuable lesson to meet their individual goals. I tend to learn as much if not more in a class or a private with Coach as I have going to all-day seminars with famous world class instructors because he understands the art and science of teaching like few do. The culture of the gym is one of respect and playfulness. Everyone, including Coach, leave their egos at the door making the environment both focused and relaxed. Team mates drive in from Herndon, Chantilly, Falls Church, Dulles, Arlington, Centreville, Manassas and other parts of Fairfax and Loudon County when they could be going to a gym closer to home because the training is that good. I like training across martial arts and attend every style Coach teaches: Muay Thai Boxing, Filipino Kali, Jeet Kun Do, Brazillian Jui Jitsu (Gracie BJJ) and Combat Submission Wrestling (Eric Paulson CSW). I used to train in Israeli Krav Maga as well and Coach is familiar with that system and teaches me with the understanding of where I am coming from. Each class he points out holes in my game and gives me the tools to become a better martial artist across the board. My confidence as a martial artist is building and so is my fitness.

Fantastic experience: I cannot say enough about how much I love training at Relentless MMA. This gym truly exceeds expectations in every way. The coaches and everyone who trains here are very dedicated and helpful, which really makes it feel like a team. Coach Carter gives everyone very personalized attention and hones in on your strengths and weaknesses. I learn new techniques every class and continue to work on perfecting techniques from previous classes- all while getting a great workout. I personally practice Muay Thai, boxing, and Kali. I also love the boot camp classes, even at 9AM on Saturdays! Carter is an amazing coach, an honest businessman, and just overall great at what he does. There’s always some type of great deal going on for new people to try it out. You definitely won’t be disappointed!

Fantastic experience: Relentless MMA!! The gym has changed locations this past year, very close to the original. Same owner, same students. I've been going for 3 months now. I eased in with 1-2 classes per week, now I am committed 5 days a week. Each class is so different, yet they blend well into each other. Coach Dave Carter does an outstanding job with training all the many students he has. Nighttime classes are a little fuller than his daytime ones, so both have their perks. Do you like to kick? Punch? Train hard? Want to learn self defense and disarm weapons? Want to grapple? Learn Jiu Jitsu? There's even a boot camp available if you just want to condition and get your foot in the door. Come train with us!

Fantastic experience: Relentless MMA can change your life like it did mine. I've been with Coach David Carter since Feb. 2012 at a gym where he use to teach Muay Thai kickboxing. I've always wanted to compete in any type of martial arts since I enrolled in his classes but never took it seriously until last year when Coach Carter opened up Relentless MMA. I use to weigh 225lbs, now I'm weighing at 180lbs all thanks to Relentless MMA classes and Coach Carter's awesome meal plan! One of my problems I use to have was I always use to underestimate myself but Carter always taught me to believe in myself because he believed in me. These past two weeks have been a memorable experience. I competed in Copa Nova, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament on May 3rd, 2014, with only 4 months of learning from Coach Carter BJJ classes and I ended up getting 3rd place from 10 guys in my division! I won 3 matches but lost one of course to end up taking the bronze medal. Felt good to bring a medal back home to my kids. I didn't stop there! This past Saturday on May 17th, 2014, I competed in a 6 mile obstacle race called the Savage Race and end up killing every obstacle there! I didn't fall once! Who needs crossfit when you can just join Relentless MMA to get in shape and learn bad ass stuff! Coach Carter knows more than 20 different type of martial arts! Not to mention he is a great personal well known trainer in the area. He is really knowledgeable in everything he teaches. Very clean gym and very friendly people there. He breaks down to very specific detail. Not only have I found a coach, a mentor, a role model but I found a great friend. Feels like home when I step foot into Relentless MMA. When I say it changed my life it really did. Relentless MMA is the place for you if you want learn, get fit, compete, or even be a part of a Relentless family. Always stay humble and RELENTLESS!

Fantastic experience: Best MMA gym in the area! When I moved up to NOVA I took my time and shopped around and even met with a few of the local MMA teachers in the area. By far Coach Carter has the best attitude about how he teaches the different martial arts. His breadth of knowledge on different styles is considerable, but his passion for teaching is unmatched. For anyone who attends his class it is obvious that Coach Carter absolutely loves his job. He doesn't bring an ego to the floor like some teachers I've had in the past, and he makes sure to give each person individual attention during every class regardless of their level of skill. I took his muay thai and kali/self defense classes and learned a lot. It really helped that most of every classes was spent sparring and practicing the skills we just learned. Overall, I would say that it was worth the 40 minute drive to the gym from where I lived to train with Dave Carter, I learned more in the few months I trained there than I had from my previous two martial art teachers combined.

Fantastic experience: Dave is a natural teacher. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment from his classes. You'll get in great shape. If you want to compete in grappling or in the ring, he'll get you prepared. I've been exercising or involved with sports most of my life and within 2 months my disappearing abs were transformed into an 8-pack. It only took 2 months to shed that extra weight. I used to run for miles up hill and his 20 minute class warm ups are more effective. The students have a good bond, its fun.

Fantastic experience: I find it hard to express in words how great this gym is. Coach Carter is very knowledgeable and explains new techniques in a ways that are easy to understand. His knowledge extends past the violence. He has helped me with diet plans and he has personally helped me rehab my knee after surgery. Coach genuinely cares for each person that is apart of his gym. Coach Carter has a free two week trial that I recommend everyone should try. Words can only explain so much, but enjoying a class first hand will get you hooked. Footwork, footwork, footwork, blah, blah, blah! --- It will make more sense after your first class.

Fantastic experience: Spoke with David & he was very knowledgeable & very friendly.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and great coach. The coach comes in every day with a plan to work on a certain skill. Every class starts with a warmup and stretch that is geared towards that skill to make sure we perform at our 100% and prevent injury. Then we'll typically dive into a combo set that is thoroughly explained as to when to use it, what are the counters, how to set it up, etc. Depending on the day we'll transition into a conditioning session or do another technique to build on top of the initial technique/scenario/combo. The class very beginner friendly while also being a great place for the experienced, overall a very well rounded gym. The people are friendly and receptive to feedback so you'll learn a lot coming here. In short: the lesson plans are well thought out, the people are super nice, there's a wide skill range, and it's the best bang for buck in the area.

Fantastic experience: Great place to learn MMA. Everyone here comes from different backgrounds but are all very welcoming. Coach Carter is a great teacher. He's very knowledgeable, full of interesting stories and funny analogies. Best bang for your buck around here. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, he did online classes so that we keep up with training. Guaranteed to get a good workout and learn a lot.

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable coaches. Awesome work out. Very affordable. Very convenient. It’s really cool because you can be someone just trying to get in shape or someone that wants to be a fighter and Relentless has something for everyone!

Fantastic experience: I started with Relentless about a month ago with the intention of competing. I have some experience with Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and boxing and David has helped me identify gaps in my game based on his wholistic view of fighting. He does a great job of recognizing your level and refining a game plan that best fits you for whatever your intentions are. I appreciate his complete focus on total efficiency and look forward to continuing my work with him!

Fantastic experience: This is a great place for a good workout and practical self defense. I have done martial arts for years, but this has been a great experience to practice real world, practical self defense in a great setting!

Fantastic experience: Do the offer jeet kune do classes here as well I will be moving to fairfax Virginia this year and I’ve been trying to find a good jeet kune do school to join I have 9 years of martial arts experience in karate but my favorite martial art style is jeet kune do

Fantastic experience: If you want to learn a lot about martial arts quickly while having fun, Relentless is the place to start. I came to Coach Dave with the intention of learning as much as possible in the 3 months I had in the area, and he did not disappoint. You will learn not only about martial arts, but also what to look for in a gym community. Everyone is gracious and has a good sense of humor. I will definitely miss everyone once I leave, as well as the growth potential. If you're reading this, keep up the good work coach!

Fantastic experience: Where do I start. Dave Carter at Relentless MMA is hands down ( I know coach keep my hands up ) the best coach I have had in my 20 year sports career; soccer, lacrosse. I was a bit nervous going into the gym, not knowing what to expect. As soon as I walked in the door Dave was kind and welcoming and put my nerves at ease. He spoke with me on what I would like to achieve at Relentless MMA, and we came up with a plan on how to accomplish that. That plan was established after Coach Carter spent time, roughly a couple classes closely evaluating skill level and goals. Coach Carter will get the best out of you, he will push you, both mentally and physically. Great part is Coach Carter keeps it fun and fresh and presents all information and concepts in a practical and applicable manner. P.S. If you like to debate superhero powers and characters this is also the place for you. Coach Carter is currently tutoring me in developing my powers of flight and laser beams from my eyes.

Fantastic experience: Can't say enough good things about Relentless MMA & Fitness. Coach Dave is the best instructor I've ever had (and I've had A LOT). It took me 40 years to finally find a place and instructor who makes me actually want to come to class and smile while I'm there! His classes are rigorous and I am usually drenched when it's over. His knowledge about Marshal Arts is beyond anyone who I ever worked with. He really gets to know every single one of us in the class and is always positive and encouraging. Highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: The people are fantastic. The staff are dedicated welcoming and are always looking to help you with your goals. Their classes are scheduled in a way that it's easy to attend on a frequent basis. I'd recommend this gym for any age group kids or adults.

Fantastic experience: Great place to learn effective self defense!

Fantastic experience: I have over 15 years of law enforcement and security experience. I can sincerely say that the tactical/self defense training I had received over the years does not compare to the practical and innovative techniques that Coach Dave Carter teaches. Dave Carter has taught me to apply his self defense techniques in a situation that I have to subdue or control a criminal without throwing a single strike. His instructions extremely effective.The kindness, respect, knowledge and the attention you will receive from Dave Carter at Relentess MMA is amazing!..

Fantastic experience: I’ve been doing Muay Thai for 3 years and I lost about 20 pounds! Then I started Filipino Kali about a month ago. I learned a lot from there! Coach Carter is very experienced in what he does and makes it easy for you to learn and comprehend while pushing your limits to the max.

Fantastic experience: The trainers waste no time and give you new challenges every session. There are enough different kinds of classes to make the training as comprehensive as you want, and the opportunity to cross-train helps you learn much faster. Best gym I've found so far.

Fantastic experience: 2018 UPDATE: I now train full time at Relentless MMA with Coach Dave Carter in Chantilly, VA. I am still amazed that after all these years he still has a wealth of new combat sport and self defense knowledge to share. I attend at least 3 MuayThai, MMA Boxing, Boxing and self defense classes every week...it is worth every minute! I schedule a personal training session with Coach David Carter weekly in Arlington, VA and drive to Relentless MMA in Chantilly, VA when able. For about 8 years I have trained with Coach Carter in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, Savate, Jeet-Kun Do, Combat Submission Wrestling, and self-defense. His dynamic concepts in fitness and nutrition, coupled with his extensive martial arts knowledge, make him one of the best exercise trainers and life coaches I have ever worked with. No matter what shape you are in, from getting started on your fitness journey to competition-grade martial arts, you need to go where the best training is. Go to Coach Carter's Relentless MMA.

Fantastic experience: I always hated working out as I found it incredibly boring. So, I seldom did it. The trick for me was that MMA provides an incredible full body workout with the bonus of learning how to fight at the same time. It’s actually a lot of fun. Cardio, weight loss, muscle-building, balance, coordination, flexibility…it all just happens as you actually do something interesting and acquire ninja skills. The vibe of the place is the best part. Although very well-equipped, it’s not some pretentious “gym bro” place. It’s friendly, fun, yet intense..in a good way. Coach Dave has incredibly deep knowledge of martial arts, fitness, nutrition, and preventing injuries. The results have been amazing. I checked out a lot of other places…many much closer to me…but I’m very happy with my choice and highly recommend Relentless. Find your inner Batman!

Fantastic experience: I have always hated going to the gym to work out, but training Muay Thai at Relentless has been an wake up experience for me. I have no major intentions of fighting matches, but cutting weight and building some muscle tone ARE my goals. Learning to effectively defend myself form harm is just a big plus. I have been training with Coach Carter for just about 8 months now and I have cut 40lbs and my cardio ability has gone through the roof. Coach Carter makes sweating fun. Coach Carter listens to your goals and he will help guide you there. He will work with what ever level you start from, but it is up to you to want to get better, faster, and stronger. Give a class a try and you will truly enjoy the experience. Relentless is NOT a kickboxing aerobic class. It is most definitely an MMA fighting gym.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym and fantastic coach. What makes David Carter a great coach is his love of MMA, in-depth knowledge and great coaching/communication skills. He sets a great tone at his gym where both new comers and very experienced people can attend the same class and be challenged and pushed to their limits. Every class is a ton of fun and an insane workout.

Fantastic experience: David Carter, is truly one of the best coaches I have had. When you join his Gym you get the full experience. If you are looking to learn self defense, compete, or stay fit David Carter will get you there. The people there are also very welcoming and dedicated to martial arts.

Fantastic experience: When I started taking the MMA 101 class I was incredibly out of shape and was concerned that it would be entirely out of reach for me. I couldn't have been more wrong. Coach Carter has an amazing ability to tailor classes to the capability of his students and I've left each class both exhausted and proud of what he had pushed me to accomplish. I can't recommend this gym enough.

Fantastic experience: Even though I am very small and female I love this gym. It's not intimidating and the coaches are very helpful while working with you. They'll push you to try harder and achieve your goals.

Fantastic experience: I really like this gym. I feel very comfortable and not out of place like other gyms I've been too in the past. I love my trainer. I often feel intimidated by having a fitness instructor but the ones her are friendly, and make you feel comfortable. It is a great place you WANT to go get healthy

Fantastic experience: Just started there and you couldn't find a more welcoming environment to learn and grow.

Fantastic experience: Muay Thai classes with coach Dave Carter are amazing !

Fantastic experience: I have been working with Coach Dave for the past 6 months. I see him twice a week for personal training / Muay Thai. Dave tirelessly answers ALL of my questions while helping me to focus both on my form and technique to help me achieve MY fitness goals. He never let's me slide, holds me accountable...and designs my workouts just for my personal needs. He is both knowledgeable and professional, but I challenge anyone to leave there and not feel like he is a friend. Relentless MMA is both no ego AND no bullshit!

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love this gym! Coach Dave is an amazing trainer, really knows his stuff and also has the most hilarious stories. The classes are well paced and very informative, with a fun group of regular attendees who make learning the fighting styles more approachable and less embarrassing when you don't get it right away. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym and even more awesome owner/coach. He's very knowledgeable and his teaching style is very affective. Been going here for almost 1 year and I've gone from knowing nothing and out of shape to be in the best shape I've ever been and knowing the secrets of Muay Thai! Coach Dave Carter is a beast and so are his other trainers/ assistant coaches.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Relentless MMA for about 6 months or so now. This is by far one of the best places I have ever gone to in order to learn martial arts. It's not only a great workout, but everything he teaches is realistic and proven to work. If you're looking for a place to get a good workout, or learn martial arts definitely check out Relentless MMA and its wide variety of classes!

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Relentless MMA for over a month now and have been loving it. Coach Dave is great at explaining things and is able to back up with he teaches with real competition and street experience. The classes are tough but have been a huge motivation for me get in shape! He is also constantly posting videos online which really helps to accelerate learning and for review at home. I recommend Relentless MMA to any interested in learning self-defence and getting in shape in the process :).