Caio Terra Academy - Alexandria BJJ

We highly recommend BJJ Caio Terra Academy in Alexandria. Our 10-year-old has been training here for little over a year, and we’ve loved the experience. Our son has learned so much and gained a lot of confidence since starting here. He loves coming to class, and we’re excited to keep being part of this gym. It is a family-run environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. All the coaches are thoughtful, focused on sharing proper BJJ technique, discipline and respect on and off the mat. Professor Vu, Coach Grant, Coach Anthony, and the assistants really care about the kids and their growth. Shout-out to the professor’s wife, who manages registrations and parents’ questions and always does so with a smile.

We absolutely love Caio Terra Academy! My 5-year-old son has been attending the Junior Kids program here, and the difference it has made is incredible. I was looking for something that would provide him with structure and discipline, and this place delivers 100%. ​Coach Vu and the rest of the team are amazing with the little ones. They have a perfect balance of making the classes fun and engaging while still maintaining a high standard of respect and focus. It’s not just 'gym time'; my son is actually learning listening skills and self-control. The facility is super clean and the atmosphere is very family-friendly. Highly recommend for any parent looking to get their child into BJJ!

CTA Alexandria BJJ is truly an outstanding academy! All the coaches are incredibly dedicated and genuinely great with the kids. The classes are always engaging, fun, and full of energy. My 6-year-old absolutely loves going! What makes this place so special is that it’s not just about learning martial arts; the kids also learn important life lessons and skills they can use every day: discipline, respect, confidence, and teamwork. The environment is inspiring and welcoming, and you really feel like part of “one team.” Discipline is taught with a warm heart and true expertise, helping the kids grow into their best selves both on and off the mat. I couldn’t recommend CTA Alexandria BJJ more highly. It’s a fantastic place for children to learn, grow, and thrive!

I had the opportunity to start my BJJ journey here at the Alexandria Caio Terra Academy. This was the first formalized martial arts instruction that I have had. From day one, Coach Vu was immediately welcoming and brought a level of professionalism and expertise that is a rare find these days. After a career in the military, I have become finely tuned to quickly identifying people who strive to bring value to others by building the environment around them through insulation and not isolation. The family atmosphere that he and his own family bring to their school house creates a place where every one of his students looks forward to coming to class, are respectful of each other inside and outside of a roll, and are constantly propping each other up to achieve what each student has come to do. If you have the opportunity to train here, or even just come to a seminar, I highly recommend this academy and training with Coach Vu!

I wanted to take a moment to send this review, to help other parents to discover the single best BJJ gym in the Alexandria, VA area. Coach Vu is phenomenal. He exudes confidence, professionalism, and the highest degree of patience when instructing 4-6 year olds. My son has been attending classes at Ciao Terra Academy for about 6 months and he absolutely loves it. He is learning at a prolific rate, and loves the traditional approach to the martial arts discipline. I wrestled my whole childhood and in college, and I have not seen a program more well designed for children. Coach Vu is able to fully engage the children for each minute of the 35 minute classes. Misbehavior is very rare because of his firm, yet patient responses. Children are smiling and happy during the entire class, whether they are drilling, playing, or rolling live. Coach Vu has multiple other assistant coaches on the mats to give individual corrections to students and help control the chaos. I truly cannot say enough about the gym, about Coach Vu and his family, and the other coaches that make each class a smooth and fun learning environment. The kids also have no idea how lucky they are that they are being taught jiu jitsu by a black belt (and I'm convinced a degree in child psychology). Follow them on Instagram and social media to get a glimpse of what classes are like. Thanks everyone and I hope this helps you choose which BJJ gym to choose for yourself or your kids.