Professor Pedro Sauer teaching an adult gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class at Pedro Sauer Academy in Herndon, VA.

HERNDON, VIRGINIA · BEGINNER-FRIENDLY

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts in Herndon, VA

Pedro Sauer Academy offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kali, Krav Maga, and practical self-defense in Herndon, Virginia for adults, children, and beginners.

Sauer black belts
10 +
Youth classes per week
6 +
Jiu-jitsu classes per week
16 +

No experience requiredLoaner gear availableWe help choose your first class

Our academy

More Than Training

Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense is a Herndon and Northern Virginia martial arts academy where adults, children, and first-time beginners learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kali, Krav Maga, and practical self-defense from experienced instructors.

Popular Classes

Find the perfect class for you!

We offer a variety of martial arts classes to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you want to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Kali, or Krav Maga, our academy has the right fit for you. Every style is a little different, but they all share one thing in common: they’re challenging, exciting, and a lot of fun!

Adult Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Classes

Our Jiu-jitsu Program is guided by over five decades of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu experience and instruction directly connected to the Gracie lineage. Professor Pedro Sauer, an 8th degree black belt awarded by Rickson Gracie, trained directly under both Hélio Gracie and Rickson Gracie.

Youth Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Classes

Powerfully transformative and addictively fun, our Youth Program offers comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training for children and teens. 

Força Beetles Jiu-jitsu Classes

(for ages 4-6 yrs)

The Força Beetles program gives children ages 4-6 a fun and encouraging start in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, helping them build confidence, coordination, and resilience through games and drills.

Adult Muay Thai Kickboxing Classes

Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.

Youth Muay Thai Classes

A fun and structured Muay Thai program that helps kids improve fitness, discipline, confidence, and coordination while learning striking fundamentals.

Kali Classes

Kali is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapon-based fighting, including sticks, knives, and empty-hand techniques.

Krav Maga Classes

Krav Maga is a self-defense system that focuses on real-world situations and efficient counter-attacks.

Calendar

Our Training Schedule

5.0 on Google15 reviews from our Herndon community
Read all Google reviews

Newest written Google reviews, selected September 10, 2026.

“Great place! Myself and 2 kids train regularly in the adult and kids classes for BJJ and Muay Thai.”
Jimmie DGoogle review ·
“Great academy with an excellent range of classes and wonderful coaches. I especially love the Tuesday evening women's class.”
Jessie WilsonGoogle review ·
“Been a member for a few years now! Love the club, kids - great coaches and instructors!”
Mai DoanGoogle review ·

WORLD-CLASS LINEAGE · LOCAL WELCOME

Serious martial arts, taught for real people.

Train in a friendly Herndon academy built on the Pedro Sauer lineage, practical self-defense, and patient coaching. Beginners, families, returning students, and experienced martial artists all have a clear place to start.

  • 10Sauer black belts
  • 16Jiu-jitsu classes weekly
  • 7 daysUnlimited eligible trial classes
  • All levelsBeginner through advanced

NEW STUDENTS START HERE

Your first visit, without the guesswork.

Your seven-day trial includes unlimited age- and gender-appropriate classes. Try more than one program and find the training style that fits you.

  1. 1

    Pick a starting point

    Choose Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Kali, Krav Maga, youth, or women’s training. Unsure? Tell us your goals and we’ll recommend a class.

  2. 2

    Arrive 20 minutes early

    A heads-up is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. We’ll orient you, introduce your coach, and help you get ready.

  3. 3

    Use our day-one gear

    Loaner gis, gloves, and essentials are available. Comfortable workout clothes are enough for your first visit.

FIND YOUR STARTING POINT

Choose by goal, not by jargon.

Build grappling skill

Learn leverage, control, escapes, and live problem-solving in Adult Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Adult Jiu-jitsu →

Strike and get fit

Develop fundamentals, balance, conditioning, and confidence in Muay Thai kickboxing.

Adult Muay Thai →

Help a child thrive

Age-appropriate options begin with Força Beetles for ages 4–6, then youth and teen programs.

Youth programs →

Train with women

Choose Tuesday Women’s Jiu-jitsu or Friday Women’s Self-Defense for women and teens.

Women’s training →

Practice real-world defense

Krav Maga develops efficient responses; Kali builds coordination with weapon-based and empty-hand training.

Self-defense programs →

Not sure yet?

A coach can match your goals, schedule, age, and experience to the right first class.

Text (703) 444-4468 →

EASY TO ARRIVE · EASY TO ASK

Everything you need before class.

  • 510 Spring Street, Suite 130, Herndon, VA 20170
  • Parents may watch from the mat-side bench or use the lobby and armchairs.
  • Loaner gis, gloves, and first-day equipment are available.
  • Call, text, or WhatsApp us for a quick answer.

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked before the first class.

What does the seven-day free trial include?

Unlimited access for seven days to classes that fit the participant’s age and, where applicable, gender. You may try more than one eligible program.

Do I need to reserve before visiting?

A heads-up helps us prepare, but walk-ins are welcome. Please arrive about 20 minutes before class.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable workout clothes. We have loaner gis, gloves, and day-one equipment. Bring water and remove jewelry.

Can parents watch youth classes?

Yes. Parents may sit on the bench beside the mats or use the lobby, which has armchairs and space for quiet calls.

What membership options are available?

Choose monthly or a six-month prepaid membership. There are no signup or cancellation fees, and memberships cannot be placed on hold.

Will you honor my existing belt?

Yes. We honor your current rank and assess your skill before the next promotion.

Do I need an academy uniform?

No. Any clean uniform and patches are welcome. Representing PSA over time is appreciated.

What are the main hygiene rules?

Arrive showered in a clean uniform, trim nails, secure hair, remove jewelry, cover cuts, wear footwear off the mats, and do not train sick or with a suspicious rash.