Diego Bispo Academy

"I enjoy going to open mat on Sunday. This is a very nice gym. I wish I lived closer. I would join."

"I took my 13-year-old son here to do the competition classes for a few days (we traveled 8 hours from Tennessee just to train here). All I can say is WOW! First, Professor Bispo welcomed both my son and I, and made us feel comfortable. Second, the competition classes and kids are high level for sure, and my son learned so much over the 3 days here. Third, Professor Bispo has an amazing relationship and connection with the kids, and the kids work hard for the professor and respect him!! I wish we lived closer to this gym, as it is clearly one of the best kids programs in the country!"

"Went to an open mat while on vacation. Im a newish blue belt hobbyist and wanted to check it out. Diego was standoffish at first but opened up after the open mat was done . The training are aitself is currently under construction so its sitting on a bunch of wooden planks and mats. The walls on the far side are not padded. The rolls were pretty rough; they definitely go hard however as its a competition oriented establishment so keep that in mind. I give it 3 stars if your a hobbyist and 4 stars if you wish to compete."

"I’m a purple belt. I’ve trained at all four of Diego’s locations, all the way back when he was in a random warehouse. He found me when I was burned out by the Jiu jitsu community. I had inadvertently gotten involved in some gym drama and was very hesitant to join any other local gym. A friend recommended him. I reached out and was very warmly met. I started training at his affiliate in Newport News, then started at his gym in Virginia Beach. His philosophy now and then: Jiu jitsu for everyone. He’s not about the gym drama. He always had a welcome environment for any other gym members to drop by. He has a very strong competition background, and to my amazement, he actually convinced me to compete years ago! Very encouraging, and very well versed in tournament strategies, scoring, etc. it really helped me improve, and he was there to coach me Matside during my competition. There are lots of women who train at this gym, including a black belt lady. Most women are white or blue belt with a few of us upper belts. There’s a wide variety of ages, so no one will stand out by being too young or too old. There’s also a wide variety of levels. The upper belts are vey friendly. Classes are taught by black belts. There are both gi and nogi taught on both halves of the mats simultaneously. Thursday nights is gi fundamentals and advanced nogi. There’s also a wide variety of physical ability. Anything from very physically fit youngsters to broke down older folks with hip replacement (like me!) Overall this is a very drama free place. It’s not a weird breach of etiquette to ask an upper belt to roll. Diego will greet you with a huge hug and kind hearted teasing. He’s wonderfully supportive and a joy to be around. I would and have followed him to any gym he teaches at."

"Looking for a family oriented gym for my kid to start learning BJJ and we found it! Professor Diego (the owner) has a special talent all the kids love him! All of the staff are great with kids, you will not be disappointed if you decide to try it out!"