Brazilian Jiu Jitsu near Mount Vernon, VA
Mount Vernon
From Mount Vernon
Brazilian jiu jitsu for Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon sits southeast of the academy, down along the Potomac past Huntley Meadows and out toward the Washington estate the area is named for. From Richmond Highway it is a twenty to twenty-five minute run northwest to Springfield.
For a lot of Mount Vernon and Fort Belvoir members, Black Cat is the nearest place to learn jiu jitsu from a black belt who teaches every class. Adam Benayoun is a second-degree black belt who competes at the international level and corners professional fights, and he is on the mat rather than in an office.
We keep the room welcoming on purpose. First-day nerves are normal and you will be looked after. Technique lets you use your whole body and your opponent's momentum, so a size gap stops being the whole story, and you learn that by feel rather than by being told.
Book a trial classGetting here
The drive from Mount Vernon
From Mount Vernon it is about 20 to 25 minutes northwest to 8001 Forbes Place, usually up the Fairfax County Parkway or along Richmond Highway to I-95 into Springfield. The parkway is generally the smoother of the two outside of rush hour.
Who trains here from Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon adults after practical self-defense, Fort Belvoir personnel, busy parents, and kids building confidence.
8001 Forbes Pl, Suite 320, Springfield, VA 22151
Get directionsWhat you can train
One academy, every style of jiu jitsu
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Gi and no-gi for every level. One membership covers it all.
Learn moreKids (Black Kittens)
Real jiu jitsu for ages 8 to 13, taught with patience.
Learn moreWomen's Jiu Jitsu
A dedicated class built around real self-defense.
Learn moreNo-Gi
Faster grappling with no kimono. Body control and timing.
Learn moreWrestling
Takedowns and top pressure, a couple of times a week.
Learn moreNew here?
Start with a trial class. No experience needed.
Book a trialWhy Black Cat
Owner-led
A second-degree black belt and international competitor teaches the classes himself.
Beginners welcome
Most members walked in with zero experience. Fundamentals are always on the schedule.
One membership
Gi, no-gi, wrestling, and the women's only class, all included.
5 on Google
From 146+ reviews by local members.
Questions from Mount Vernon
Common questions
About 12 to 14 miles, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car up the Fairfax County Parkway or Richmond Highway.
The Fairfax County Parkway usually wins. Richmond Highway has more lights, though it can be the better call if you are starting from the southern end near the estate.
It is built for beginners. You learn the fundamentals in a room designed to be welcoming, with women training alongside women.
With a trial class. Tell us it is your first time and we will put you in Intro to Jiu Jitsu. No experience needed.
Book a trial class. Tell us it is your first time and we will put you in the right beginner class. No experience and no commitment needed.