TESTIMONIALS

Excellence is Earned on the Mats

In 2025 and 2026, Kore Self Defense was officially named Best Martial Arts School by Ashburn Magazine. In a community with dozens of options, Kore was selected by thousands of local voters for our unique approach to safety, fitness, and mental toughness.

“Being the best is not easy,” as Publisher Bruce Potter noted in the 2025 awards issue. At Kore, we don’t train to win awards; we train to ensure our community is safe, capable, and resilient. This recognition is a validation that the Kore Standard is delivering real results for our students every single day.

At Kore Self Defense, our greatest metric of success is the growth and confidence of our members. We invite you to explore genuine reviews and video testimonials from the individuals who stand on our mats every day. Discover firsthand how our elite training standards, psychological insights, and world-class instruction have empowered our students to transform their lives, claim their extraordinary potential, and build real-world resilience.

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jennifer F 
 
 
 
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 Pavel R 
 
 
 
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The best self defense and strength program!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sarah N 
 
 
 
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As a mom, I couldn’t be happier with our experience at Kore Self Defense. My daughter has only been training here for about about a month and already I can see so many positive changes in her. She’s learning real, practical ways to defend herself, and she even surprised me the other day when she told me she blocked a kid’s kick at school. The children’s program is absolutely fantastic. They learn very effective techniques in ways the kids really understand. What I really love is how inclusive the environment is. Older students often take time to encourage and help the younger ones, which creates a strong sense of community and peer learning. My daughter is gaining life skills that go far beyond the mat.  For parents looking for a solid self-defense program that also nurtures confidence, respect, and real-world readiness, Kore Self Defense is the place.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Venkatesh K 
 
 
 
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Our kids are going to Kore for the past 7 years and we love it 👍. Great Teachers, discipline and focus! A true real life skill that comes for life.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Alicia L 
 
 
 
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 Andrea l 
 
 
 
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I have been at Kore almost 2 years now and enjoy training here. I train about 3 days a week, 2-3 hours each time.  Not only do I learn self-defense, but I’m also getting a good work out in. The instructors are great, super friendly, knowledgeable and approachable and the people who train here are awesome. It’s a great community overall. I like that they host other classes and events such as Modern Arnis, First Aid, Hostage/Kidnapping workshops, Muay Thai and BJJ.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 A M 
 
 
 
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Exceptional! Amazing community! Staff are very experienced and friendly! Environment is very welcoming! They walk with you in your journey and take you through it step by step. It's a great excercise physically and mentally! You are never bored out because there is always something new to learn every class.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 John D 
 
 
 
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Excellent – Cannot say enough good things about Kore Self Defense! Great staff – well trained – personable – approachable – welcoming – supportive & accommodating. Their self-defense training takes in to account your limits, your abilities and then work with you to find what works for you - “training within your body”. Meanwhile they offer classes where You can work at your pace to improve You – creating a healthier and more capable You. Additionally, they are the only self-defense gym in the area that I’m aware of that offers focused women’s only self defense classes – led by women!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sophie F 
 
 
 
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I have been a student here for about 5 years and I love this place. Everyone is so nice and respectful! It’s one of my favorite places I love training here and I’ll train as long as I can! It really helped me deal with my social anxiety, so I really appreciate this gym.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Halie G 
 
 
 
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