As we continue our look at local schools, DCMMA stopped by Capital Jiu-Jitsu's brand new gym in Dulles to take a tour and speak to owner Jeremy Lafreniere.
The first thing that you will notice when entering Capital's gyms, especially the new one, is that it is not what you would expect an MMA gym to look like. After passing by the welcome area, I wouldn't have been surprised to see lines of middle aged women on stair-masters blasting some cellulite to smooth jazz. Instead you are confronted 10,000 square feet of fighting fun, including an incredible weight room/Cross Fit area larger then some of the other MMA gyms in the area, followed by a gigantic mat space complete with a partial cage, heavy bags, a boxing station, and plenty of room for large classes. For what its worth, I would also like to point out it had nice locker rooms, complete with showers, multiple toilets and lockers.
Its clean look and gentle ambience isn't just a result of the gym just opening and everything being nice and new. It is the way that Capital's Alexandria gym looks and it is Jeremy's vision. "I want everyone to feel comfortable here" said Lafraneire, "our goal is to provide an atmosphere where everyone from children to elite athletes can relax and learn."
As it turns out, teaching seems to be the central theme at Capital. Other gyms seem to view the teaching process as a means to an ends of producing a great fighter. The instructors at Capital seem to enjoy the process of teaching as much as seeing the results.
"While I like competition, I love teaching" was a point Jeremy, a former elementary school teacher, seemed to want to make very clear to us.
It is this enthusiasm for trying to bring mixed martial arts to the masses which led to the creation of the "She-Safe" and children's courses. The "She-Safe" program is a course based on Gracie techniques which emphasizes prevention and escape over submissions. "The people most likely to encounter danger in the real world are not huge fighters, they are women and children" explained Jeremy "And while our co-ed classes impart confidence and the ability to defend yourself, in an encounter on the street winning the fight isn't the goal, getting away is. That is why we tailored these courses to emphasize prevention and being able to get back to a base and get away."
Finally, for all its antiseptic looks, Capital seems to have some wolves in sheep clothing. While not known as a MMA competition school, Capital does have some solid fighters such as Sean Croushorn, a good up and coming fighter, Iman Achhal, one of the top female fighters in the area and the current CageFest 135lb Woman's Champion and Taylor Dixon, one of the top male fighters in the area and the current CageFest 170lb Champion. Taylor has a 2-0 record, a title and less than one minute of fighting experience. He ended both of his fights with a choke in less than 30 seconds. Jeremy pointed out, "We have some great fighters here, most of our instructors compete, and we can cater the needs of both newcomers and those interested in seriously pursuing fighting."
Overall, for someone looking to get into any of the aspects of mixed martial arts, Capital Jiu-Jitsu might be one of the best schools in the area to attend. It is very nice looking, a great atmosphere and has diverse courses. For those looking for more hardcore training geared specifically toward the goal of competing in MMA, Capital may have some pros and cons for you. While the main focus of the school isn't necessarily to churn out pro fighters, judging by their facilities and current fighters they are more then capable of developing them.
A Look Inside Capital Jiu-Jitsu
February 11, 2008
