Testimonials Why Vanguard Gym is the best place to train Self Defense in the Greater Northern Virginia Washington DC Area

"I definitely recommend Doug for those who want get involved in Martial Arts; he is an excellent student and instructor as well. He has been my assistant instructor for over 2 years, helping me bring the best out of
my students. He is a very disciplined and knowledgeable instructor and is ready to introduce you to the Martial Arts World."

-Leo Dalla

leo dalla bjj blackbelt

"I highly recommend Vanguard Gym’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Thai Boxing classes for anyone, male or female, who wants to get in shape and learn skills and discipline that will help them outside the gym. Not only are these classes a great workout, they will give you the confidence to handle yourself in any situation. Doug’s teaching style is focused and clear, and he is great and working with people of any skill level or background. Men and women who are ready for a challenge and want to have a blast training in a fun and social team environment should check out these great classes!"

-Lauren

"Doug has always helped me with my game, he knows the crucial details to improve the advanced grappler and takes it slow with the beginners so they always have fun. I have sparred with him countless times and I can attest he is one tough customer."

-Steve

"I’ve been practicing various martial arts for several years now. I began with sambo and judo back in Russia , and started Brazilian Jiu-jitsu about a year and a half ago. That’s a great sport for one who wants to learn self-defense, meet good people or have a great work out. When I met Doug, I was impressed with his professionalism, dedication to sport and positive attitude. Besides that, as a coach, he can often teach you something new about a move that you thought you mastered already. Whether you are new to martial arts or an experienced athlete, I recommend you go ahead and give Vanguard gym a try."

-Ivan
Sr. Software Engineer

"Doug is an excellent instructor. I have been
training with him for a little over a year
and can honestly say he is one of the top instructors I have ever trained with.
Training with Doug will have you executing techniques with precision and efficiency that will give you real confidence in your abilities. Doug's teaching style uses a no pressure approach so that you learn as well as enjoy being there."

-Walter

"I have been training with Doug for about three years and have been fortunate to have seen him recieve his brown belt from Leo Dalla. Doug is an awesome training partner as well as an excellent instructor. He is very detail oriented which makes for an easy learning process. The time I have spent with Doug on the mat has improved my Jiu-Jitsu tremendously. I am proud to say Doug is my training partner, instructor, and friend."

Matt "Heavy" Helle

"I have known and trained with Doug since 2005 when I began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has spent countless hours with me and my classmates instructing and perfecting techniques and positions. Doug’s love for Mixed Martial Arts shines through in all that he does. As a former Marine Corps, edged weapons, hand to hand combat and combatives instructor, Doug has the tools to teach you what you want to know.

Training at Vanguard Gym will give you an opportunity to train with people with varying skill sets from international competitors and champions to beginners, and I strongly recommend signing on with their winning program. No matter what your interests, Doug can help you achieve them."

-Todd H

I'm a police officer in northern VA and have been training at Vanguard Gym for about 3 months. Recently I was involved in an arrest where a suspect was fleeing on foot. When I caught him he wanted to fight a little bit. I immediately took him to the ground and found myself immediately in side control. He continued to try and get up, but couldn't. I then grabbed his arm and put him in a komora (I think thats how you spell it). He couldnt even move at this point. I was able to get him into handcuffs without one strike.

What suprised me the most was how I went to side control without even thinking about it.

The way doug trains us makes these basics become second nature, and in my job it needs to be.

Thanks Doug

A northern VA cop.