About Virginia Dojo: Real Self-Defense for Real Life

You are never too old, too out of shape, or too busy to feel safe.


Most martial arts schools focus on trophies, intense athletic competition, or children's birthday parties. Virginia Dojo is completely different. [1, 2, 3]


We are Alexandria’s premier martial arts community built exclusively for adults and teens. With an average member age of 45, our classes focus entirely on practical, real-world self-defense—without the ego, the contracts, or the risk of injury from competitive sparring. [1, 2]

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Why Alexandria Adults Train With Us


  • No Experience Required & No Sparring: You will learn effective self-defense through cooperative partner drills in a safe, controlled environment. [1]
  • Real World, Natural Movement: We don't teach flashy high-kicks or gymnastic flips. You will learn natural body movements of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate that rely on technique and leverage rather than muscle strength. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • A Welcoming Community: Women make up nearly 40% of our student base. Whether you join our traditional co-ed classes, our active Senior Mid-Day Dojo, or our dedicated Women-Only classes, you will find a friendly, supportive community. [1, 2, 3]


Meet Your Head Instructor: Grand Master Roberto Curtis (9th Degree)


Robert Roberto Curtis

You aren't training with an unseasoned assistant. Classes are led by Grand Master Roberto Curtis, a 9th-Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate with over 50 years of martial arts experience.


Since 1979, Roberto has been a senior student of internationally renowned Okinawan Karate Grand Master Seikichi Iha (10th Degree). Roberto's expertise isn't just academic: 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, alongside co-owner and Women's Instructor Denise Coursey (4th Dan), Roberto brings those exact elite, "hidden-hand" Okinawan Shorin Ryu self-defense principles to regular folks in Alexandria. 

 "I owe you my life!"

"If I had never set foot in your self-defense karate class... I would be dead!"
— Amanda, Alexandria, VA [1]


Denise and Roberto Virginia Dojo Instructors

See if We Are the Right Fit—100% Free


We don't believe in high-pressure sales tactics, sign-up fees, or long-term contracts.


 We want you to experience our supportive environment for yourself. [1, 2, 3]


Come meet Roberto and Denise, meet your future classmates, and see how simple it is to boost your confidence, fitness, and balance.

 [1, 2]