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Testudo BJJ Judo
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Alexandria, Virginia
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes (ages 5–6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule testudobjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (571) 800-9974
Hours
| Monday | 7:30–9 AM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30–9 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30–9 AM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30–9 AM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | 12–2 PM |
The classes they run
“Ervin has created an environment that is welcoming to adults and kids of all levels while keeping the safety of his students a top priority.”
“Ervin has created an environment that is welcoming to adults and kids of all levels while keeping the safety of his students a top priority.”
“An excellent training spot for adults and kids alike with a well run competition classes, fundamentals classes and kids programs!”
“Rhadi Ferguson, PhD 2004 Olympian - Judo 4x National Judo Champion”
“Erwin clearly recognizes the gap many gyms have in teaching takedowns and he easily teaches both throws and the best way to defend throws in his lessons.”
Other martial arts here
“Great BJJ and Judo gym with an overt and conspicuous emphasis on safety, cleanliness, community, learning, growth, and having a good time.”
“I currently coach wrestling at Dream Art Nurnberg Germany and I am also learning BJJ from the ground up.”
What members say
“Amazing instruction, extremely welcoming environment, clean facility, location is super convenient for NoVa, DC, and MD folks.”
“Ervin has created an environment that is welcoming to adults and kids of all levels while keeping the safety of his students a top priority.”
“Ervin has created an environment that is welcoming to adults and kids of all levels while keeping the safety of his students a top priority.”
“The coaches strike the right balance between fun and professionalism, creating an environment where kids genuinely learn solid technique and important skills.”
“An excellent training spot for adults and kids alike with a well run competition classes, fundamentals classes and kids programs!”
“Great BJJ and Judo gym with an overt and conspicuous emphasis on safety, cleanliness, community, learning, growth, and having a good time.”
From the reviews
First Class BJJ While visiting my parents on a two week vacation I was welcomed by Erwin to his fantastic BJJ studio. I currently coach wrestling at Dream Art Nurnberg Germany and I am also learning BJJ from the ground up.
Ervin and Terry run an awesome shop. Been coming to Testudo for over a month now and I'm having a great time! Extremely welcoming environment for beginners and belts of all levels.
I've known Ervin for 20 years. We trained together briefly in college and after college. He is a REAL STUDENT of the Martial arts. His technique is high level and so is his character. If you have a chance to train with him or send your child to train with him or at his facility you should most definitely do so.
I started training at Testudo in June 2021 while home for the summer, and I couldn't be happier with my decision! Coach Ervin provides detailed instruction and helps students realize their strengths in this discipline.
New to judo? Start at Testudo BJJ Judo
Testudo BJJ Judo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at Testudo BJJ Judo
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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