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BETA Academy | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 360 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Washington, District of Columbia
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule betaacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 202-538-0422
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 1–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“There is a wide range of training partners here, offering a pace for everyone from beginners to those looking for a tougher round.”
“When I win the lottery, I'm donating a larger space 2 BETA, so they can inspire more kids!”
“I viewed and toured several gyms in the area until I settled on this one, from the first training to the first spar they support you in your endeavors and your goals.”
“The trainers know their stuff, and there’s plenty of active fighters at the gym too which is cool.”
“I really appreciate the way BETA starts you off in the Basics program for the first 1-2 months.”
Other martial arts here
“Other gyms in DC that provide Muay Thai seems to be glorified kickboxing from my experience as opposed to actual Muay Thai.”
“I'm so grateful I found Beta Academy - I joined the gym with many years of Boxing and Muay Thai experience but minimal experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I moved to DC.”
“I'm so grateful I found Beta Academy - I joined the gym with many years of Boxing and Muay Thai experience but minimal experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I moved to DC.”
“Even though I was there specifically for Kudo, it was clear that BETA Academy is a high quality MMA gym with a great atmosphere.”
What members say
“Huge shoutout to all the amazing coaches — they inspired me to take my training seriously and I was able to learn so much under them.”
“* (**experience recommended for the Friday 1pm, if no experience, no worries, just get your feet wet with a trial class instead)”
“Both the coaches and professors have been so supportive and patient, and the women's community is just wonderful here at Beta.”
“The class structure was excellent — we drilled techniques first and then rolled, which made it easier to learn without feeling overwhelmed.”
“They provide high quality true Muay Thai training which is very hard to find in DC, and have a great sparring culture as well.”
“BETA is a great gym for fostering lifelong friendships, mentee/mentorships, and learning how to navigate the martial arts world while still being successful in work and life.”
From the reviews
Wish I found this amazing academy earlier. It's a child and parent's dream come true! Safe, peaceful, nurturing, supportive space to empower the entire family. Coaches are great! The students have the utmost respect 4 their coaches, which is most helpful when the coaches remind them 2 be respectful and neat.
I have spent around 4 years training at BETA across 9 years since starting BJJ. I received my blue and purple belt from BETA's owner, Nakapan. I have trained at several gyms in several states around the US and will easily say that BETA over the last decade has maintained some of the strongest positive and empowering…
I have been coming to BETA to train Muay Thai for the past 7 months. I was hooked after my first class and wanted to keep coming back. I really appreciate the way BETA starts you off in the Basics program for the first 1-2 months.
I had my first class at Beta Academy DC today and it was an outstanding experience. As a complete beginner to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the instructors were incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and welcoming.
New to muay thai? Start at BETA Academy | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA
BETA Academy | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at BETA Academy | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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