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Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Herndon, Virginia
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
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 4–6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule pedrosaueracademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 703-444-4468
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 12–1:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6–7 am, 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–2 pm |
The classes they run
“We’ve been coming to Pedro Sauer Academy since September and it’s been such a great experience for my daughter.”
“It’s exactly what I was looking for in self-defense and JiuJitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“My 7-year-old has been training here in both Muay Thai (Tuesday & Thursday) and Jiu-Jitsu (Saturday), and the experience has been incredible.”
What members say
“The curriculum is diverse, there are several Black belts & SME's on a regular in a family-friendly environment with a scholastic vibe.”
From the reviews
I have been a student at this gym for months. It is a very Gracie influenced gym which I like. The instructors are very friendly and technical. The atmosphere is relaxed and very non judgemental. Everyone is supportive. The Muy Thai and striking coaches seem really great too.
This place is highly entertaining. I learned not to expend all my energy within 20min. You get to learn from the best. People here are very friendly and welcoming. We go partying after class. I would highly recommend it. Eventually I will learn how to pin down Eva who is a black belt
We couldn’t be happier with this gym! My 7-year-old has been training here in both Muay Thai (Tuesday & Thursday) and Jiu-Jitsu (Saturday), and the experience has been incredible. The coaches are not only highly skilled, but they’re also patient, encouraging, and amazing with kids.
We’ve been coming to Pedro Sauer Academy since September and it’s been such a great experience for my daughter. The coaches are patient, attentive, and really good with kids. You can tell they care about building confidence, not just teaching techniques. She seems to be picking up jiujitsu and she loves it
New to muay thai? Start at Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense
Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense 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 Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense
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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