Reviews
"I recently signed up with Brian at Martial Arts Tutoring to take a few self defense classes since they were based on some of the techniques he teaches in his formal
martial arts classes. Besides learning some basic self defense, I figured I would see if it would pique my interest in the martial arts.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions to date with Brian. He always begins with an interesting story and then spends the time working through the basics (blocks,
holds, strikes, escapes) until they become second nature. He answers all questions. He is very encouraging and never judges.
For anyone interested in learning the basics of self defense, or starting in martial arts, you cannot go wrong with Brian and MAT."
- Mike W. (July 21, 2024)
"We've had an excellent experience with Brian at M.A.T. He is knowledgeable, patient, and flexible, and he makes a genuine effort to get to know his students and
provides customized instruction tailored to their individual learning styles.
When we first started, my son was unsure which martial art he was interested in. Brian began by teaching him effective self-defense techniques, which helped build
his confidence. As my son became more comfortable with the basic movements, Brian strategically introduced elements of Taekwondo and Hapkido into the lessons. He
adjusted the instruction as needed while emphasizing the importance of building a solid foundation.
It's been six months since we began taking lessons with Brian, and my son looks forward to going to classes every week. We have seen steady improvement in his
skills and confidence. Brian's dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on my son's martial arts journey. I highly recommend him as an instructor!"
- Laura Q. (July 11, 2024)
"Wow! Brian is an incredibly knowledgeable instructor. His passion for martial arts, self-defense, and, above all, teaching, are so clearly evident after just a few
classes. His initial —free— introductory class was a perfect introduction to self defense for me and my wife. We both had a blast.
I was never “into” martial arts before, but Brian’s enthusiasm is contagious. He has taught me (and will continue to teach) real-world self-defense techniques
that go above and beyond just “fighting back”. He teaches first how to avoid dangerous situations, stay alert to potential danger, deescalate, and, if absolutely
necessary, defend your self in a variety of situations.
I highly recommend Brian!"
- Christopher F. (August 8, 2023)
"We are thrilled to share our experience with Brian! For the past few months, my daughter has been receiving personalized instruction, and we have been incredibly
impressed with her tutor. Brian’s skill and dedication shine through in every session, and his patience has created a comfortable and motivating learning environment.
With individualized attention, he focuses on my daughter's progress, tailoring each lesson to her specific needs and abilities. Under his guidance, she has developed
discipline, self-confidence, and a true love for martial arts. We couldn't be happier with the remarkable progress she's made with Brian’s guidance!"
- Sharmila S. (July 26, 2023)
"Very dedicated instructor. My girls enjoy the class and look forward to it. Brian is a very good instructor plus the price is much better
for one on one compare to any other studio."
- Aisha G. (March 30, 2023)
"Brian is an amazing instructor. He spent enough time explaining to me steps and moves. He has made a good introduction for what we are going to do.
Worked with me on techniques and mindset as well. I recommend Brian for anybody who wants to learn self-defense."
- Osama T. (January 31, 2023)
"Very professional and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend!"
- Michael P. (September 27, 2022)
"I really like how geared towards the client the practice is and the private setting makes it a lot less intimidating.
The instructor is very knowledgeable and personable."
- Emma J. (November 12, 2021)
"My brother and I took an introductory class to get an understanding of Brian's teaching style and studio in the beginning of the year.
We both enjoyed the class and felt that we learned a lot. What was unique about his studio is that the class size is small and the schedule is
flexible."
- Carly A. (June 15, 2020)
"Brian has vast martial arts experience, a well equipped dojo, and is very upbeat, enthusiastic and encouraging. He can also teach a wide
variety of disciplines and emphasizes self-defense in all his teachings. Great value for the money."
- Mitchell W. (Feb 3, 2020)
"Brian is an amazing instructor and can help turn anyone into a fighter. He can do plenty of sessions for cheaper than public studios but
more effective than most out there. I never thought about doing martial arts until after trying one session with this amazing instructor!"
- Omar S. (Jan 17, 2020)
"My two teenage daughters attended a self defense class with Brian a few weeks ago. I sat in the class and was impressed with his effective
teaching method using a three pronged approach. First, he prepared them mentally by talking about situational awareness, flight vs fight
mentality, lethal vs non- lethal force, and the different types of personal security gadgets in the market today. Second, he demonstrated
commonly used attack and grab tactics and how to fend these off. Third, he asked the girls to perform a return demonstration, practicing the
techniques he taught them repeatedly and receiving corrective feedback for improvement. After the class, he emailed a recap of everything he
talked about and even suggested other reference materials that can help us review what was just learned. I found Brian to be an effective
communicator and passionate teacher who owns a clean and well maintained studio in a nice neighborhood. A self defense class with Brian will
be a thoughtful birthday or high school graduation gift that will have a lasting impact on any young woman’s life."
- Andrew L. (June 23, 2019)
"Brian is very knowledgeable on self defense and getting out of a bad situation that can arise, for a few hours you learn a lot.
It was an excellent value and time well spent."
- David T. (June 3, 2019)
"Amazing instructor! My son took self-defense classes with him, and was enjoying it so much that we recommended it to his friend,
who then joined my son during his classes. My son is also planning to transition from self-defense classes to Hapkido classes.
I also sat in during one of my son's classes and learned so much myself. Mr. Auger's studio is great, and his prices are extremely
reasonable given the amount of knowledge he transmits to his students. I definitely recommend this studio to anyone interested in
self-defense and/or martial arts."
- Rana S. (Mar 14, 2019)
"Bringing my child to Mr. Brian’ class has been one of the best things I have done as a parent. His fantastic skills, his respect for himself
and others, and his willingness to do the best makes him the best self defense teacher. He is very knowledgeable. My child is really happy to
be his student. I love this class! He focuses not only on martial arts, but the building of a solid foundation for a child to grow on. I really
appreciate his efforts with my child."
- Lujayen T. (Mar 7, 2019)
"Great class! Before attending, I only had vague ideas that I would try to fight back if attacked. Now, thanks to this class, I know specific
ways how to shield myself from a blow, how to break a hold if grabbed, and how to strike back quickly and effectively so I can make an escape.
In addition, Brian taught us practical and concrete tips of how to avoid risk when jogging, parking or Ubering, as well as how to deescalate a
situation without appearing to be an easy target. Best of all, Brian was patient while we were learning the new techniques, but also repeatedly
challenged us to really fight back hard so that we would truly be empowered. Completely recommend the M.A.T. Women's Self Defense Class - best
use of time and money ever!"
- AB F. (Feb 17, 2019)
"My 14 year old daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed taking the Martial Arts Tutoring women's self defense class together. A great teacher,
Brian's expertise and enthusiasm made learning the techniques fun. Full of practical tips and individualized instruction, this class is an
excellent way to help people become prepared, empowered, and safe."
- Jeanne D. (Feb 16, 2019)
"I highly recommend Brian. Not only is he excellent at engaging my teenagers in his self defense techniques he is also a treasure trove
of resources to consult outside of his class. He clearly loves what he does and takes joy in sharing it with others."
- Lisa M. (Feb 14, 2019)
"I have been training in Hapkido with Master Auger for approximately eight months at the Korean Martial Arts dojang in Gaithersburg, MD,
where he volunteers on Monday evenings to lead classes in Hapkido and Taekwondo. Master Auger is particularly adept at small-joint locks
and has also helped me grasp various redirection-of-force concepts that I’d been struggling with. The highly individualized and affordable
training being offered at his personal studio in Northern Virginia would be a great way to acquire and/or refine some useful martial arts
skills from an enthusiastic practitioner!"
- Michael S. (Jan 10, 2019)
"I've only had one private class with Brian so far, but my daughter and I will be going back for many more.
Brian sent us a nice long email with lots of links to videos to help us get educated before our first class and in class he is both friendly
and knowledgeable AND HIS PRICES ARE FANTASTIC. I was ready to pay 3-4 times what Brian charges. We are starting with about a month of general
self-defense before we move on to Hapkido and I'm very psyched to learn and to do so in private classes with my daughter."
- Michael D. (Nov 23, 2018)
"Great enthusiastic instructor. Fun, relaxed atmosphere. My daughter was hesitant but after the first class loves going now. Met another family
and trained with them and they also were the nicest people to train with. Amazed how good Brian is as an instructor with kids. Small private /
semi private class where you can really learn and get instant feedback."
- Chris M. (Oct 26, 2018)
"Brian Auger is a professional with a passion for his work which is evident by the dynamism he brings to his work.
I started with a free session in the art of self defense.
Brian started right on time and after a thorough discussion of the course, he went right into teaching me the methods I would use to defend myself
and demonstrated several moves with me. The rates are very reasonable. I can't wait for my next lesson. I feel it will be time well spent."
- Diana M. (Oct 20, 2018)
"Brian is an excellent instructor and his style is great. The classes are very conducive to learning and interactive.
I enjoy the small class size and flexibility. I’ve studied at other schools that tend to be very business oriented and can sometimes be
mechanical in nature. Brian not only teaches the art, but also the practical applications. And the icing on the cake is the value.
I highly recommend."
- William D. (Aug 17, 2018)
"The small class sizes were really nice to get individual instruction, and Brian always had a helpful answer for any question I'd ask!
It was also useful to talk about general street safety. I was only able to take 3 classes before going back
to college, but feel like I learned a lot! We addressed many different scenarios and talked about being street smart, and Brian gave us a list of
some self defense items to purchase, such as pepper spray and personal alarms. We also learned how to fall properly and what force is appropriate
in what situation. I'm glad to have taken his class!"
- Jessica E. (Aug 15, 2018)
"Brian has provided a great introduction to self defense for my daughter who will leaving for college soon.
We wanted her to learn a set of skills to protect herself. Brian has provided her with those skills."
- Suzanne B. (July 16, 2018)
"My daughter is taking self-defense lessons before she heads off to college. She is learning very much from Brian and enjoying her time."
- Monique P. (July 14, 2018)
"Brian gave us a lot of valuable information and was very polite and professional."
- Jyoti M. (July 13, 2018)
"Love working with him. Very professional and responsive."
- Priti J. (June 30, 2018)
"Instructor Brian has taught many classes I have attended for Taekwondo over the years.
He is able to keep children in line but also still having fun with a mix of his commanding presence yet kind when needed teaching method.
Like myself, I appreciate the high standards he sets with his own flexibility, strength, and skill level as an inspiration to his students
to become the best martial artists they can be."
- WR L. (Mar 23, 2018)
"Brian is knowledgeable, patient, knows his stuff, and is a very good instructor. The small class size really helped him focus on me.
I studied Kumdo but have also studied Tae Kwon Do with him as well.
The studio is comfortable and the small class size, often one on one, really lets him work with you on specific things.
He helps you get in the right head space for martial arts. I'd definitely recommend him."
- Jeff M. (Feb 12, 2018)
"Brian did a great job tailoring a self-defense class for my daughter and me. My daughter had only 2 days before moving to New York
to take this class, so Brian had to cram as much information and practice into two sessions as he could. He did a great job and both my
daughter and I feel more confident about our self-defense capabilities."
- Susan W. (Jan 22, 2018)
"The prices are very reasonable compared to other martial arts in the area. The location is within walking distance to Old Town Fairfax and
Daniels Park. The studio is clean and the instructor is very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this studio for anyone looking to get
started with tae kwon do and hapkido."
- C.L. (Aug 7, 2017)
(571) 354 - 0070
