Vanguard Gym

I stopped in as a non-​member because of the reviews on Unilocal and the place did not disappoint.
Facility: Good size with a very well laid out floor plan. Equipment was well maintained and cared for. This was a direct reflection of the attitude and professionalism of the people there, which brings me to my next point.
People: the most important part of a functional fitness or martial arts training gym. The staff was extremely friendly and the atmosphere they created made you want to be there. The other members were friendly but not over the top which I really appreciated.
Programming: both their crossfit and martial arts are well thought out and professionally coached.
If I lived here I would absolutely be a member and will always train here when I’m in town.

if this review is still filtered, i’m glad you’re reading the filtered reviews. Unilocal filters all the reviews because they’re all good. every member loves it.
I only take jiu jitsu here. the coaching is great and is done mostly by the higher belts who are experienced MMA fighters. I learn a lot from each class.
they have two dogs who coincidentally fight sometimes. they’re the mascots. if you don’t like dogs, you need not worry. they keep to themselves.
Cons: sometimes the music is loud and i can’t hear the coach talking and no one does anything about it. changing rooms are tiny. sometimes i fall over and hit the wall lol

I have been at Vanguard Gym for the past year. Previously, I competed in Tae Kwon Do sparring and boxing in Connecticut untiI I tore my Achilles tendon in 2004 and an elbow tendon in 2005. After these injuries and the birth of my children in 2006 and 2008, I found it hard to pursue martial arts with any regularity.
SInce moving back to the DC area, I have searched for an all around martial arts and fitness program, and took judo and jiu jitsu in Alexandria when I had the time to break away from parenting 2 young kids and working full time.
When I first entered Vanguard gym, I knew that the gym fit all my needs, as it had a very structured, well organized jiu jitsu and muay thai program that stressed fundamentals and proper technique. Coach Doug’s leadership, dedication and attention to detail is evident in the excellent coaching provided by him and his coaches; the top notch sparring and fitness equipment; and the newly renovated cross fit area and wrestling mats.
Since joining the gym I have reached a fitness level that allowed me to complete my 1^st triathalon this year, and Vanguard’s atmosphere and camaraderie has inspire me to set more goals for the immediate future. I am 41 years old, but I can still hang with the youngsters.

It was love at first sight; addictive and rewarding.
It has been Seven months since, my life started; rebirth celebration of self, empowerment and DRIVE. I am now at the best; and still improving each day. I joined Crossfit at Vanguard gym in January of 2010. Since then, my life has change and improves in a multitude of areas that before Crossfit were somehow turn off or asleep; now through Crossfit finally reawaken and resurface.
Crossfit has enhanced my disciplinary skills, not only in regards to fitness but in life in general. I now work harder and know the value of being the best you can be; at all times. My Coordination and motor skills are at there best, and I’m very proud of them. My technicality and strategy skills are at the top of there game whether at the gym or in life. I love Crossfit!
Strengthening my physical strength, will power and endurance to a level I never knew before. Crossfit allows me to work and strive for a better physical me, a better me, someone more like me; with goals to reach, in every aspect of life and the drive to accomplish them. I can now Dead lift 90lbs. wow! That’s something I never even knew I was physically capable of?
Vanguard Gym is amazing, definitely the supporting back bone to my drive. The atmosphere at Vanguard gym is definitely contagious with members from every walk of life. You can feel the winner mentality and strong drive that moves everyone to strive for greatness. I am now experimenting with a new form of art; Thai boxing. The Class is exhilarating, amazing, and engaging.
I absolutely recommend Vanguard gym to anyone looking to exceed in life, fitness and health.