Fairlington Dojo

I’ve been training at the Huntington location for Potomac Kempo for a little over two years now. Classes have become a favorite part of my week! The instructor, Geof, always does a great job working through new moves and concepts with students while building on what we’ve learned so far. Students all help each other learn, too—great culture of working hard and collaboratively for everyone to improve. And if you’re not close to the Huntington location, check out the other dojos in the Alexandria area! Have enjoyed working with instructors and students from other locations when we have the opportunity. Come try it out and join the fun!

I have been training at Potomac Kempo (PK) for a few years, but during covid I took a short break. Since returning, I've realized how meaningful PK has been for me, as the adult classes taught by Sensei Geoff are some of the highlights of my week. Geoff is a highly skilled martial artist in his own right, but more importantly, he is an incredible teacher. Sensei Geoff easily transitions from training toddlers to mature adults, running a fun yet disciplined gym in the process. Members of the dojo are not only friendly, but fast friends. There are four other locations led by different instructors (who I have also had positive experiences with), but Sensei Geoff is the reason I primarily attend the Huntington Metro (HM) location. I wholeheartedly recommend PKHM to anyone seeking to take a martial art, learn self-defense, or just improve upon their general health with others of a similar disposition.

I want to enter these classes but my English is not good 😭😭😭

We've been bringing our school-age boys to the Huntington location over the past month and love it. Both Senseis Chris and Holly are great with kids and have done a great job teaching discipline, respect and gratitude. The dojo is clean, open and inviting. They have a nice play area for younger kids who aren't participating in classes. Chris has been eager to share the vision of Kempo with us and has taken the time to get to know our family and our needs. These are dedicated, professional, and passionate people. I highly recommend.

Our children (ages 13-7) have been training with Geof at Potomac Kempo in Huntington for a year. I can see how each of them has grown, not only in their knowledge of Kempo, but also in confidence, respect, and self-discipline. There are multiple classes available for each age group during the week, and we are also able to take classes at the other dojos if they fit our schedule better that week. My kids have appreciated the individual lesson system that Potomac Kempo employs in their dojos—these lessons are where I think the most learning and growth has occurred. Potomac Kempo is also homeschooler friendly, which is fantastic!

Everyone should do kempo.

Best dojo, best Sensei, Best everything! I love attending Potomac kempo it’s a great place to practice karate and learn new moves. Sensei Geof is very patient and helpful sensei!

Sensei Geof, the chief instructor here, is a superb martial artist and teacher. I had transferred to this dojo from another Potomac Kempo location in 2019. I was impressed with Geof’s martial arts skills, and even more impressed with his personal qualities. He is an exemplar of integrity, decency, humility, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Trust is an essential element in the student-instructor relationship, and I was grateful for that trust during my time as Geof’s student. Never did I have to question his honesty or motives or worry that he would condone or engage in inappropriate behavior. I observed this dojo to be drama free under Geof’s management, and that allowed for an environment in which students could focus on pursuing the training they desired.

I was also deeply appreciative of Sensei Geof’s openness to constructive feedback. We were able to have frank and respectful conversations about any shortcomings or issues at this dojo and Potomac Kempo in general. We did not always agree, but the exchanges were always civil and productive. What was important was that Sensei Geof took serious concerns seriously. Where grave situations arose, he addressed them accordingly. I did not have to bang my head against the wall. Alas, in my experience, not every instructor across Potomac Kempo’s dojos came equipped with Geof's professionalism or common sense.

I remained Geof’s student until I moved away from the Northern Virginia area in 2021. In other words, this positive review of him is long overdue. It is NOT, however, an endorsement of any other Potomac Kempo dojo or the Huntington dojo if it were run by a different instructor. But as long as Sensei Geof is the chief instructor here, you can’t go wrong training with him.

Best place to take your kids. My son loves going there and the instructors are amazing and VERY patience as he is a VERY active 4yr.