Meet Your Instructors: Elite Experience, Zero Ego

You aren't training with unseasoned assistants.

Learn directly from world-class masters dedicated to your personal safety.


100+ 5-Star Google Reviews!

The biggest fear most adults have when joining a martial arts school is feeling intimidated or getting hurt by an intense instructor.


At Virginia Dojo, we do things differently. Our teaching staff brings over seven decades of combined experience to the mat, focusing entirely on a cooperative, supportive, and injury-free environment. Whether you are 18 or 75, our instructors are here to guide you at a pace that respects your body.

Meet Us on the Mat – Claim Your Free Class

No Experience Required • Adults & Teens Only • No High-Pressure Sales


Roberto helping Big Mike understand an application


With over 50 years of martial arts experience, Grand Master Roberto Curtis is a direct, senior student of the legendary internationally renowned Okinawan Grand Master Seikichi Iha (10th Dan).


Roberto’s expertise isn't just traditional—it is proven in high-stakes environments. During his extensive overseas assignments, he was trusted to train US Embassy Security Personnel, US Marines, and foreign security agents in tactical, real-world survival.


Today, Roberto leaves the elite combat stress behind to bring those exact practical, leverage-based Okinawan self-defense principles to regular folks right here in Alexandria. 

Recent Martial Arts Awards include:


* Best Karate Instructor in the Whole Wide World 2026!

   (My 6-year old granddaughter just conferred that upon me!)

* Marquis Who' s Who, 2024

* Best Karate Classes in Alexandria, 2023

* Best Local Martial Arts Business, 2023

* Best Martial Arts School, Alexandria, VA 2022 

* Best Martial Arts Instructor, Alexandria, VA 2021, 2020

* Best Martial Arts School DC-Area, 201

* Best Martial Arts Instructor in DC-Area 2018, 2017

Honored Listee of Marquis Who's Who

Roberto's Who's Who Press Release

Sensei Denise Coursey

Co-Owner & Women's Instructor • 4th-Degree Black Belt (Yondan)


Denise Coursey, 4th Degree Black Belt


Sensei Denise Coursey has dedicated decades to mastering traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate. 


She plays a critical role in ensuring Virginia Dojo remains a welcoming space for everyone, leading our dedicated Women's Self-Defense and Moms & Teens programs.


Denise specializes in teaching students how to maximize their natural body movements to neutralize threats, focusing heavily on situational awareness, verbal boundaries, and mechanics that rely on physics rather than brute muscle strength. 


Thanks to her guidance, women make up nearly 40% of our active student base. 

Our Teaching Philosophy: "Make Friends with Karate"


Passed down from Grand Master Seikichi Iha, our motto is simple: "Make Friends with Karate."

We believe martial arts should enrich your life, boost your physical health, and build community—not cause injuries or fuel toxic competition. You will never find aggressive sparring or hostile egos in our dojo. Every instructor here is committed to making your training safe, functional, and deeply rewarding.



Experience a Class with Roberto & Denise — 100% Free


100+ 5-Star Google Reviews • No Sign-Up Pressure • Average Member Age is 45+

Your First Day on the Mat: What to Expect


From the moment you step through our doors, Grand Master Roberto and Sensei Denise make sure you feel entirely at home. They understand that walking into a martial arts dojo for the first time can feel intimidating, which is why they personally greet every beginner to ensure you never feel lost or overwhelmed. Instead of throwing you into advanced drills, Roberto and Denise take the time to work with you step-by-step, breaking down foundational, natural body movements at a pace that respects your current fitness level. There are no drill sergeants or big egos here—just two highly experienced, warm instructors who are passionate about teaching real-world safety in a safe, patient, and completely injury-free environment.

Virginia Dojo Members with Seikichi Iha and Masatoshi Miyazato, 10th Degrees