Andrew Babeu
When I first started training Jiu Jitsu with Team Dave Trader back in 2009, I was a 265 pound “wannabe” gangster. Training with Dave and his team has changed my life in more ways than I can describe in a short testimonial. Within just a few months I was so much more athletic and flexible than when I started. After only 8 months of training (and 2 months of dieting) I had lost over 40 pounds. I also feel like I matured into a much more focused and responsible person because of the people I was surrounded by in the gym – it is truly a great group of people. Everyone on the team has been willing to me and offer advice both inside and outside of class. Now at a muscular 205 pounds, I am proud to say I am a team member and competitor at Dave Trader Jiu Jitsu.
- 2012 VHSL Wrestling AAA Cardinal District Champion
- 2011 US Grappling Richmond Men’s White Belt 202lbs – Champion
- 2011 US Grappling Richmond Teen No-Gi Advanced 185+ – Champion
- 2011 US Grappling Richmond Teen Gi Advanced 185+ – Champion
- 2011 Winter Copa Nova Men’s No Gi Beginner Absolute Champion
- 2011 Winter Copa Nova Men’s White Belt Absolute 3rd Place
- 2010 Grapplers Quest World Series of Grappling Teen Gi Advanced Heavyweight – Champion
- 2010 Grapplers Quest World Series of Grappling Teen No Gi advanced Heavyweight – 2nd
-Andrew Babeu (Manassas, VA)
Chris & Jill Wilson
I can’t say enough good things about the kids Jiu-Jitsu program at Manassas MMA, led by Michelle Welti. My wife and I were looking for a legitimate gym for our 6 year old son to start his walk with mixed martial arts. We have definitely found that at Manassas MMA. Witnessing the growth in our son’s self-confidence, respect for others, and discipline has been amazing! Michelle has a way with kids that many people don’t; this makes her perfect for the job. As a parent, words can’t describe how awesome this is. Some people just have a gift for teaching and working with children, and Michelle is by far one of those people.
-Chris & Jill Wilson (Manassas, VA)
Bill Nagle
I went to try out BJJ with a friend of mine who had been training there for a while, and after my first class I knew I was going to join. Dave Trader was highly recommended to me as an instructor by a well trusted friend who had trained under Dave a few years prior. I had always been interested in BJJ, but never had the time, and was a little scared of starting at a new school with new people. I instantly felt like I was at home with the family at Dave Trader Jiu-Jitsu. The school runs with a very laid back atmosphere, which is a must for me. I’m not into the militant-style training that some other schools offer, as BJJ isnt really that type of art. It’s a very technical martial art, unlike any other. It is inspiring and comforting to know that I am learning from a seasoned competitor who has competed at the world class level, and knows how to teach both the fast paced competition game, and the flowing, smooth, and technical game that i have come to love.
-Bill Nagle (Gainesville, VA)
Bubba Saltiban
In the short amount of time that I have been training with Dave, my jiu-jitsu game has improved dramatically and I am already competing! I am also training Muay Thai and MMA. Being able to get the full training I need to be a successful combat sports athlete all in one place is something that is truly hard to find. I would recommend Manassas MMA to anyone. Whether you are looking to lose weight, compete, or join a great team atmosphere, Manassas MMA has it all.
- Copa Nova Men´s White Belt Heavyweight – Second Place
-Bubba Saltiban (Manassas, VA)
Marco Rivera
I have been training at Manassas MMA for almost 2 months now and I can say with confidence I have never received training in a better environment or from a better staff of instructors. The very first time I walked into the gym, I was very nervous about training with a new group of instructors and teammates. That feeling was immediately erased as I was welcomed by all the coaches present upon entering the gym for the first time. The coaches that arrived later made time to welcome me as a new student which made me feel much more at ease about training with all these new instructors.
Just as class was about to start, all the current students also made time to welcome me as a new student. This really reassured me that I wasn’t just fresh meat coming into the gym.
During my first training session, head instructor Dave Trader taught techniques that are fundamental to being successful in Jiu-Jitsu, in a way that made clear sense to me and the other students present. Assistant instructors Bill Nagle and Michelle Welti also have years of experience and training, and assisted in teaching these techniques in a clear concise manner. Throughout class, my training partners never once treated me as if I was just a new kid. They spent the time to ensure I was practicing the techniques properly during drilling sessions, as well as explaining why I should do the techniques specifically the way it was shown.
I was extremely nervous about sparring for the first time in a Gi, because it was something I had no experience doing. Once again my training partners did not use this as a chance to beat up the new kid. They were proactively showing me how I would do things in a competition match situation while remaining active and teaching me how I should defend. None of my training partners ever put me in a submission hold in a way that it would be seriously painful. Manassas MMA has the best balance of a friendly environment mixed with experienced instructors to make all new students become successful in training. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my technique after only 2 months of training. I couldn’t ask for a better place or better instructors.
-Marco Rivera (Manassas, VA)