Virginia Dojo - Alexandria Karate Dojo

After attending bi-weekly for the past 3 months or so, I have no reservations about giving Sensei Roberto and his dojo 5/5 stars. The quality of the instruction is excellent as Sensei and many other students going above and beyond to help you in form and function. Due to Covid, everything is currently socially distanced and precautions are taken to keep people safe. However, these precautions do not get in the place of learning and the quality of the instruction is not diminished whatsoever. I came into this looking for a way to build discipline and strength. As Shorin-ryu is one of the first styles of Okinawan karate invented, it offers both as well as a sense of reverence for the art itself. What Sensei teaches here is what real karate is supposed to be. Not some mystical garbage but a practical way of defending yourself. I would highly recommend at least trying out one or two classes if you can. You won't be disappointed.

Sensei Roberto and the other teachers are very patient, knowledgeable, and caring, and they all strive to help and set students up for success. During the pandemic, Sensei Roberto started Zoom class; he would constantly collect feedback from the students to improve the Zoom experience. The Dojo was well prepared when the outdoor class became available. There was always a temperature checkup for folks in the class. Hand sanitizers and masks on-site marks on the ground to keep the distance. Also, Sensei Roberto is very thoughtful. He bought beanies and gloves for the class when the weather was cold! Most importantly, every student I met there is so nice to each other, never made me feel like a competition, more like we are all study and share things we enjoy. I would definitley recommned Virginia Dojo to anyone who wants to start their karate journey!

You won't find a better Karate instructor than Sensei Roberto, but more importantly, you won't find a more fun, welcoming and focused group of students than at Virginia Okinawan Karate Dojo. I've been a student of Sensei Roberto for many years and am constantly amazed by the depth of instruction and learning that he provides in an atmosphere that encourages friendship and camaraderie. Every time I think that I've mastered something new, another facet of martial arts is revealed. I suspect Sensei Roberto continues to learn too, but at a stratospheric level. At any rate, he brings his knowledge down to earth. By the way, Okinawan karate is not an athletic activity limited to the young. Like a Bonsai tree, this style of karate lets us find new pathways for physical and intellectual growth, even as we age.