River of Life Martial Arts & Wellness Center

8.6
321 Morris Rd, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Perfect for:
Traditional martial arts enthusiastsThose interested in Japanese sword arts
Open now
River of Life Martial Arts & Wellness Center interior

About

River of Life Martial Arts & Wellness Center in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania is a comprehensive martial arts facility offering traditional Japanese martial arts including Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Iaido, and Kenjutsu. The center is known for its experienced instructors, particularly Richard Robinson Sensei who has decades of martial arts experience and holds multiple black belts. The spacious training facility provides a community-oriented environment where students can develop both physically and spiritually through authentic martial arts training.

Jiu Jitsu Near Me VerifiedJiu Jitsu Verified
8.64/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.

We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.

Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.

Overall Vibe imageOverall Vibe
8.8614 reviews
Instructor imageInstructors Quality
9.8614 reviews
Class Structure imageClasses
9.569 reviews
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
8.0812 reviews
Value for Money imagePricing
7.002 reviews
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
8.502 reviews

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 18 Google Reviews
The public reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with most students praising the instructors' knowledge and experience, particularly Richard Robinson Sensei. Many long-term students highlight the quality of instruction, spacious facility, and community atmosphere. There is one negative review concerning safety in children's classes and contract terms, but this appears to be an outlier compared to the majority of positive experiences.
Last Updated 24 May 2025

Instructors

The instructors at River of Life are highly experienced with decades of martial arts training and multiple black belts in various disciplines. Richard Robinson Sensei is particularly praised for his wealth of knowledge and teaching ability, while other instructors like Dwayne McClellan and Ian Cyrus bring specialized expertise in their respective martial arts.

Facility

The facility is repeatedly described as spacious with multiple training areas, which is particularly important for safety during throws and rolls in Aikido. The center also offers additional amenities like a weight facility for full members and accommodations for seminar attendees.

Pricing

While specific pricing details are not readily available on the website, some reviewers mention that the training is worth the cost despite being somewhat expensive. One review mentioned yearly contracts that may be difficult to cancel, suggesting potential inflexibility in membership terms.

Facility

Well MaintainedSpaciousFull weight facilityMultiple training roomsOvernight accommodations for seminarsMat space

Gym

Mixed AtmosphereWelcoming VibeGood Safety

Instructors

ExperiencedKnowledgeableTraditionalPatientDedicated

Classes

GiAdvancedKids ClassesAdult friendly

Pricing

Good ValueFree trialUnclear Pricing

The gym appears to offer sample classes for new students to experience the training before committing to a program.

Location

Ample ParkingGood Accessibility

Opening Hours

Open now
Monday 9AM - 9PM
Tuesday 9AM - 9:30PM
Wednesday (Today)9AM - 9PM
Thursday 9AM - 9:30PM
Friday 9AM - 8PM
Saturday 9AM - 1:30PM
Sunday 10AM - 3PM

Location

Located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, the center is accessible to students from the Philadelphia area and surrounding communities.

Address

321 Morris Rd, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Website

https://riveroflifecenter.com/

Phone

+1 215-542-0102

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of martial arts are taught at River of Life?

The center offers various Japanese martial arts including Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Iaido (Japanese sword art), and Kenjutsu, as well as wellness programs like Tai Chi, Yoga, and Meditation.

Who are the main instructors at the center?

The primary instructor is Richard Robinson Sensei, who holds a 6th Dan and has studied martial arts since 1959. Other instructors include Dwayne McClellan Sensei (5th Degree Black Belt in Iaido), Ian A. Cyrus (9th Dan), and Jason Robinson.

Is the center suitable for beginners?

Yes, reviews indicate that the center welcomes practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, with programs designed for both children and adults.

What makes River of Life different from other martial arts schools?

River of Life stands out for its traditional, authentic approach to martial arts training, experienced instructors with decades of knowledge, spacious facility, and the variety of disciplines offered under one roof.

More MMA gyms in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Discover other highest rated MMA gyms near you