“My children (daughter and son) and I have trained under John Simons for years.  He is an excellent instructor that is very clear and precise.  His style of explaining and demonstrating everything is perfect for both children and adults to learn and grow.  I highly recommend him as an instructor for anyone wanting to train and learn martial arts”

~ Greg Pugh (Odyssey Student & Father)

“You won't find better Jiu-jitsu or MMA instruction anywhere in the area. From aspiring professional MMA fighters to 4 year olds, Odyssey has something for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. Members often find themselves getting personal, one-on-one instruction from black belt instructor, John Simons III. This is the place to be.”

~ Michael Hall (Odyssey Student & Parent)

“John Simons is one of the best teachers in the world. I’ve always wanted to start Jiu-Jitsu but never knew where to start or who to approach. I was lucky enough to be introduced to John and after my first visit to Odyssey I was hooked. John’s teaching style and curriculum works perfectly with how I like to learn Jiu-Jitsu, as well as the firearms training we do. I’m honored to be one of his students and close friends. Highly recommend!”

~ Gil Sharone (World Renowned Drummer for The Dillinger Escape Plan, Marilyn Manson, Bush, Team Sleep, Stolen Babies & More…)

“Odyssey students are some of the most talented that I ever trained with. John is not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very patient and willing to share his wisdom. Every time I have been invited to his school I have been very excited to see the new tools that he has to show me. Odyssey Martial arts is truly a hidden gym in King William VA. If you want excellent martial arts training combined with a wonderful community, please check them out!”

~ Robert Bane (MMA, BJJ and Muay Thai Instructor/Competitor)

“Odyssey Martial Arts Academy is an excellent school to teach kids discipline, develop them physically and mentally, train multiple forms of martial arts, and to make life long friends. Professor John Simons does great work with the youth program. Our daughter started training at age 5, and it was amazing to see her learn and advance in both skills and mindset. Martial Arts taught her not only self defense, but gave her a mindset of not giving up and working to achieve personal goals.  My family and I are forever grateful to Odyssey and staff. You wont find a better program!” 

~ Jay McClure (Odyssey Parent)

“John Simons is one of the most qualified martial arts instructors I've had the privilege to work with. John provides basic to advanced training and is very skilled at conveying the techniques and breakdown of each in a manner easily understood. John practices what he preaches and leads by example. From self defense to advanced Jiu-Jitsu and Army Combatives.  Having been an instructor myself, and yet able to learn many things from John, speaks to his knowledge and ability.  I strongly recommend John Simons and Odyssey Martial Arts for all your training needs.'‘

~ Wesley Fish (Retired Chief of Police, NRA Instructor & Royce Gracie Combatives Instructor

“I’ve known John Simons for over a decade now and I mean it when I say anyone would be lucky to have him on their security team. John is as professional as they get!”

~ Brian “Head” Welch (Guitarist for the Legendary Band KoRn)

“I originally started my Martial Arts journey in Oklahoma. When I moved here to Virginia, finding a Gym was mine and my parents top priority for me. Within the first week of living here, we visited Odyssey Martial Arts and the feeling of comfort, belonging, loyalty, and family was almost overwhelming. It all started with John Simons!! He introduced himself and made me feel apart of the family before even stepping foot on the mat. That is, in my opinion, one of the most important attributes to have for your students. Making them feel comfortable and feel like they belong without even trying. When it comes to his teaching skills... second to none by far. His ability to teach all ages and teach in different ways visually and audibly helped me to learn and pick up on techniques with ease. If I ever needed help or had a question, he'd be the first one helping me out in any way he possible. He is extremely personable and understands all of his students and the different ways that we learn best. I could not have asked for a better instructor, mentor, and most of all, a better friend.”

~ Ethan Greathouse (Odyssey Student)

“I started training at Odyssey Martial Arts in May 2020. I had been training since 2016 when the Army brought me to Virginia. Under the recommendation of a close friend, he directed me to Professor John Simons. From the first day I began training, everyone in the academy welcomed me with open, and often choking arms. The quality of training I have received over the last 3 years has been nothing short of excellent. Professor Simons and his team of instructors are true subject matter experts and are invested in the growth and training of everyone at the academy. I have also been fortunate enough to receive extra, one on one training opportunities from Professor Simons in weapons training and other MMA skills. This has helped me in my professional career greatly as a Modern Army Combatives Instructor. I have also had the pleasure of my children participating in his kids classes and I highly recommend them to any parent considering enrolling their child in a martial arts program. I am going to greatly miss this academy and the friends I have made here when I move later in the year.”

~ Evan Knode (Odyssey Student and US Army Combatives Instructor)

“My 3 daughters have trained at Odyssey for almost 10 years now. When they started my girls were all very shy, quiet, and didn't have much confidence in themselves when it came to things outside of academics. Over the last 10 years they have grown into independent, self confident, and strong young ladies. The confidence that they had instilled in them by their instructor John Simons carried over to their school work but more importantly in their every day life. That is what we love about Odyssey, these kids don't just learn Jujitsu they learn the "why" behind every single thing they do and they learn how they can apply everything they learn on the mat into everyday life. We love Odyssey so much that we started taking class as a family and I can say I live my life with so much more confidence now knowing that I am truly capable of defending myself or my family as needed and that feeling alone is worth everything!”

Stacie Viars (Odyssey Student and Parent)

“Odyssey has made a huge difference in my life as a whole. I lost 40 pounds in under a year and am more fit than I've ever been in my life. There is a super welcoming group of people in the adult class with a wide range of personalities. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and are willing to pass that knowledge on to anyone who will take it. The benefits I have gotten from attending the academy continue to show themselves in my everyday life. This place will make you stronger in every way!”

Robbie Jett (Odyssey Student)

“When I began my BJJ journey, I was shy, unsure of myself, plagued with depression and debilitating low self esteem. The treasures I discovered on the mats at Odyssey are innumerable. With consistency in training I found an inner resilience which improved my life. Learning about myself through the discipline of BJJ is a constant evolving education. Testing my skills against my classmates helped me learn self confidence through trial and error. The tools that are taught at Odyssey are utterly versatile. It’s far more than just a sport, or martial art practice. They build your character as you become the architect of your life, rather than the victim of it.”

Olivia Morr (Odyssey Student)

“Odyssey Martial Arts is an amazing place to train.  Three generations of my family have trained here and all for the better.  John Simons and coaching staff are phenomenal instructors: affirming clear, precise instruction and technique while also pushing for maximum physical effort but with careful oversight of health and welfare of each students ability, age, and other miscellaneous health limiters.  I have personally trained at Odyssey off and on (life happens) for many years and have been able to grow as a martial artist and maintain a level of joyful fitness, that would otherwise have proven much more difficult without such an establishment – its not only great exercise but a great education for sport and for self-defense.  I would recommend this academy to anyone.”

Bryan Mitchell (Odyssey Student)

“John Simon’s martial arts pedigree drew me to Odyssey, but his instructional style has kept me there. I have watched him train several generations. Each class is inclusive. He sets realistic individualized goals for every student to work towards.

Classes are fun, engaging, while addressing real-world scenarios of street self defense. I have studied under him for seven years, and my family and I will be lifelong students!”

Brooke Cutrell (Odyssey student)

“John Simons is truly a world class martial artist and phenomenal instructor! The way he has inspired me and generaations of students like me for decades is second to none. He has developed super high level youth and adult Jiu Jitsu students. Trust my when I say: You will not find a better instructor than John! Do yourself and your child a favor and sign up NOW. You’ll be so glad you did!”

Nathaniel Hunt (Odyssey student & Owner of Trinity Martial Arts Academy)

“I’ve known John Simons for over 20 years and he is truly a master of his craft. He treats everyone with respect, his classes are very structured, and he welcomes everyone. He has a gift with training children as well. I’ve seen kids go from no grappling experience to little “ninja assassins” within a short amount of time. It’s truly incredible watching their progression.

Greg Johnson (Odyssey student)