Where Purpose Meets Pavement
We serve the Washington, DC Metro area with certified roller skating instruction that transforms both skills and lives. At F.L.Y. Skates LLC, our programs range from beginner lessons to advanced instructor certification, all infused with personal development principles that build confidence beyond the rink. Our veteran-owned business brings structured, trauma-informed coaching to individuals, families, and organizations throughout DMV, with growing reach in Orlando, Atlanta, and Baltimore. Whether you seek private lessons, group experiences, or our signature Together We Roll™ sessions, we meet you where you are and help you grow. Our philosophy is simple: “Share knowledge & together everyone serves.” Ready to start your skating journey? Connect with us at [email protected] or call (240) 206-1007 to discuss how we can help you First Love Yourself.
Wheels of Cultural Heritage
Rich traditions roll forward through every class, certification, and community gathering we host. As keepers of skating culture's legacy, our mission extends beyond technical skills to honor the deep roots of rhythm skating in Black and veteran communities. F.L.Y. Skates intentionally bridges generational gaps by pairing youth with elder skaters who share not just moves, but stories, wisdom, and cultural context that might otherwise be lost. Our sliding-scale pricing, scholarship spots, and donor-supported programming reflect our commitment to accessibility, ensuring economic barriers never prevent anyone from experiencing the transformative power of skating. When you join us, you become part of a living history that continues through your growth and contributions.
Movement as Medicine
Skating serves as a vehicle for total transformation, not simply a recreational activity in our community. The Drelġé Moment Method™ connects physical movement to mental wellness, emotional processing, and community building through each lesson we teach. Sessions incorporate breath work, mindfulness, and somatic awareness alongside technical instruction, creating space for healing past trauma while building new capabilities. This whole-person approach explains why our students report improvements in all areas of life—from communication skills to stress management to professional confidence. F.L.Y. Skates deliberately structures classes to build supportive relationships among participants, fostering a community that continues supporting each other's growth long after the formal lesson ends. By sharing knowledge and serving together, skating becomes the gateway to a more connected, confident way of living.
Laurant "Dr. J1" Jolly
Founder & Lead Instructor
Dr. Laurant "Dr. J1" Jolly brings over three decades of leadership excellence to F.L.Y. Skates LLC as its visionary founder. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and federal executive, his background blends disciplined service with lifelong passion for roller skating and community building. His academic foundation includes a Doctor of Management (DM) in Organizational Leadership & Information Systems & Technology, with additional expertise through his Master's studies in I/O Psychology at Walden University and Post-Master's Certificate in Online Teaching in Psychology.
As creator of the Drelġé Moment Method™ and host of The Drelġé Podcast™, Dr. Jolly unites skating technique with personal transformation principles. His certifications as a Higher Education Instructor and Mastermind Group Facilitator strengthen his approach to trauma-informed coaching that serves veterans, youth, and diverse community members throughout the DMV region. Dr. Jolly's unique ability to connect military precision with cultural expression creates powerful learning experiences that build not just skating skills, but life skills that remain long after the skates come off.
MMOMs
Master Mentors of Movement
The MMOM team forms the backbone of F.L.Y. Skates' instructional excellence. These certified coaches and community leaders each bring 20+ years of skating expertise and service leadership to our programs. What distinguishes our Master Mentors is their deep commitment to cultural preservation and inter-generational connection. Many come from veteran backgrounds, bringing discipline and structure to their teaching approach while maintaining the soulful expression that makes skating a powerful vehicle for personal growth.
Each MMOM holds certification in trauma-informed facilitation and movement-based mentoring, allowing them to create safe, supportive learning environments for students of all backgrounds. As honorees of the Legacy on Wheels™ initiative, they represent the living history of skating culture while actively building its future. Their purpose extends beyond technical instruction—they serve as cultural guides, community elders, and bridge-builders who pass down values, traditions, and wisdom alongside skating skills. When you learn from an MMOM, you gain not just a coach, but a mentor invested in your holistic development on and off the floor.