Address: | 9414 Center Point Ln, Manassas, VA 20110, USA |
Phone: | +1 703-330-1126 |
Site: | vanguardgym.com |
Rating: | 4.8 |
Working: | 5:30AM–1PM 5:30AM–1PM 5:30AM–1PM 5:30AM–1PM 5:30AM–1PM 8AM–1PM 10:30AM–12:30PM |
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Brett T
My son and I started training at Vanguard in late 2012. At first my son was hesitant to train jiu jitsu, but after only a few minutes on the mat with the kids coaches, he loved it. He went from wanting to only train a couple of days a week to wanting to train every day. The kids coaches are outstanding in how flexible they are toward each kid based on their development, yet firm when they feel the need. Vanguard is the only martial arts gym I feel comfortable sending my kid to because I trust the owner and lead instructor, Doug. He is an oustanding role model and solid person. As for the adult jiu jitsu training....it is very well organized so each class and week of training chains off each other, leaving even the beginning student with a sense of knowing what to do from class to class. Many other martial arts establishments just throw out technique after technique without any thought on how those techniques chain together. That method leaves many students confused. That is not the case at Vanguard. Although the classes are highly structured, there is a lot of room for flexibility as there is a lot of open mat time where students can work on their techniques with other students and coaches. Ive trained in the martial arts for a little over a decade throughout my life and can say the quality and structure of Vanguards system is second to none. As for the physical property. It is exceptionally clean with many restrooms, showers, and changing rooms that fit a busy person needs, such as my own. I can train hard, shower up, and be on to work without having to go back home. Although I only train brazilian jiu jitsu, I see the CrossFit class has tons of energy and many students who seem to be really enjoying the experience and comraderie. Vanguard Gym gets an A+ in my book. Brett
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Angelo P
I’m a new member and I can only speak towards the BJJ/Thai kicking boxing portions of this gym, as well as its members. I did a trial at a number of other places in Herndon, Sterling, and Reston areas, though none others in Manassas. I also had a short stint at a place in El Paso, TX with regard to BJJ training, so that’s the extent of my perspective. This gym is fantastic. The people are really what make it. Coach Douglas is as down to earth a guy you can ask for. Talking to him, you infer a genuine passion for BJJ and interest in seeing everyone progress. He also takes a real pride in the performance of his students. These two qualities are key, but it’s his third quality that make this gym stand out (at least to me): the ability to instruct. He’s organized, he comes at it with a plan, and there’s no information overload. He demonstrates a lesson several times, each time building up your knowledge further, until you’re aware of the fundamentals, the risks, and the advantages inherent to what you’re learning. The same goes for the Thai Kickboxing. I didn’t even know what a slip or weave was on my first day, and the beginning instructor, Reid, worked with me personally during the class just to catch me up to speed on their curriculum. I really can’t speak highly enough of the staff. It’s not just Coach Doug; guys like Reid are at least half of why I decided to sign up. Add to that a class of students that reciprocate that passion and you have a frankly fun (can we use that word in a gym?) classes. I’ve constantly had higher belts pause mid-roll to show me how to defend against their assaults if they see me struggling, and even new students try to execute clean technique rather than a frenzied assault. It really does embody the words above the door – no egos.
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Joshua Desmond
I wanted to take a minute to suggest Crossfit Manassas to any of those in the area looking for a solid box to join. This past summer after doing crossfit on my own for years, I though I would give Crossfit Manassas a try, and was not disappointed at all. The work, sweat, and effort Doug (the owner and coach) has taken to ensure that this is one of the best boxes in the gym is evident the minute you walk in and talk to him. Not only have the facilities been completely upgraded, expanded, and stocked with rogue equipment from wall to wall, but after speaking with Doug it was clear he has taken charge of the programming and will forget more about the science and coaching behind it than I will ever learn. Doug has taken the time to ensure the programming is top notch and that the other coaches in the gym are all on the same level. Doug has not just spit out another persons training philosophy, but you can tell he has taken his time to read up on Burgener, Rippetoe, Everett, and several other coaches and incorporated everything he has learned into his programming and coaching. On top of the excellent coaching, I could not imagine a better group of folks to work out with. The atmosphere in the gym is like I imagine it is at most boxes, nothing but an extended family. I have made leaps and bounds between having the proper coaching and teammates to push me everyday. If you are in the area and want to check it out, please do not hesitate...you will not be disappointed.
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James Keating
I’ve been training at Vanguard Gym/CrossFit Manassas for over three years. I originally started out just training BJJ but also took advantage of the other classes that are offered including Thai Boxing and CrossFit. At Vanguard Gym/CrossFit Manassas the focus is not only on trying to become a better martial artist or athlete; there is also a strong focus on becoming a better person. A portion of class time is spent discussing core values and what it means to represent Vanguard Gym/CrossFit Manassas. Safety is always of paramount importance. During instruction and before any activity, key safety points are always discussed. During activity, coaches are always attentive to make sure everyone is safe. If anything is being performed in an unsafe manner the coaches quickly correct the problem. There’s definitely a strong team atmosphere. Other members are welcoming, encouraging, and supportive. There are organized team building events such as the “Vanguard Games” and the holiday party. I can’t speak more highly about the coaching staff at Vanguard Gym/CrossFit Manassas. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and always have time to answer questions or just talk in general. There is no pressure to participate in anything you do not want to participate in. The coaches are interested in what YOUR goals are and how they can support them. Vanguard Gym is a great place with great people. Highly recommend.
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Jim Beck
I have trained at other gyms in Virginia, and I have trained in a wide variety of martial arts throughout my life. Vanguard Gym is with out a doubt the best place I have trained!! The facility is really second to none. It is well equipped and very spacious. All that aside, the reason why I choose to train at Vanguard is Doug and his staff!! Dougs highly decorated service in the Marine Corps, his vast knowledge of self defense, and his impeccable skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu create a synergy that will be hard to find in other gyms around the country, let alone NoVA. Dougs staff is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, professional, and, above all, genuine!! A person can gauge another persons character traits by evaluating the people he or she surrounds themselves with. Doug has surrounded himself with, and staffed Vanguard Gym with, exceptionally moral and honorable men and women. They are the type of people that always make the right decisions, even when nobody is looking. They are people that you would be honored to call a friend. So, if you are looking to learn from the best, have access to an exceptional facility, and be surrounded by great people, I highly advise you to join the Vanguard team!!