I've been training at Wudang Kungfu for the past 3 years so far. If you are looking for a place…read morewhere you can train forms AND application, within the same gym, this is the best place in Seattle to do it. I have explored lots of different martial arts gyms in the greater Seattle area, and lots of them have different things to offer. However, it was difficult to find traditional Chinese gungfu that is rooted in the culture and practice of Chinese martial arts that also teaches real, effective, full contact application. This is the place to do it! Lu Laoshi and Chang Laoshi are both incredibly knowledgeable, but also down to earth and humble. They really know their stuff, through the historical lineage and practice. There are many amazing non-Chinese instructors of the Chinese martial arts, but I personally appreciate that both head instructors are ethnically and culturally Chinese while also being attuned to western culture and the norms of western students. This is not a school with Japanese style belt progression, or a very hierarchical student culture. Both Instructor Lu and Instructor Chang expect students to think critically for themselves, and for the instruction to make sense because it works, not just because "they say so." If you approach it with an open mind, there is much to learn at this school, no matter your training goals. Chang Laoshi has many years fighting in the ring, testing his application skills in ring fighting, to complement his deep understanding of the traditional forms, and Lu Laoshi has a rich knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine in addition to her martial arts practice. Whether you want to learn internal martial arts for demonstration, cultivate qigong, learn about the culture and history of Chinese martial arts, or spar and compete in sanda full contact ring fighting, this is a place where you can do some or all of those things. There are many places in Seattle where you can learn traditional Chinese gungfu, and internal martial arts. There are also many places that will teach you full contact grappling and striking, for muay thai/BJJ/MMA etc. However, if you are trying to learn both of these dimensions of the martial arts and not just one or the other, this is in my opinion the best place in Seattle for it. You can learn forms, qigong, application, open hand, and weapons, all under one roof and with two deeply qualified instructors. There are places that are probably more "affordable" if you are just looking for the cheapest place to train and get a workout, but in this case, I think the expertise and thoroughness of instruction is more than justified, especially considering the generosity of both instructors when it comes to time and answering questions after official class hours.

After attending Wudang academy for over a year I can confidently say that I was in the best shape…read moreof my life! My flexibility dramatically improved but also overall body connection/fitness. The chronic pain in my knee completely resolved. If you want to live a long, happy, and healthy life this is the secret! They have many different classes/styles of martial arts that can be practiced, and the masters are amazing at helping you choose the best style to fit your goals. If I had more time I would study as many styles as possible. During my time there I practiced Baguzahang (Circular Boxing), Taijiquan (Tai Chi), and Qigong. A memory that particularly stands out to me was a student who had come from New York just to study at the academy. He told me that he originally heard about it after climbing the Wudang mountain in China looking for a master to train him in the original Wudang Sword Style. He was able to find a master, but the man told him to come to Seattle, WA and study at Wudang academy. This demonstrates the authenticity to their teachings which draw direct lineage to the old masters of Chinese Kung Fu. I originally attended the academy several years ago, before my life became extremely busy and I moved to Chicago. I plan to move back to the area some day and Wudang academy is at the top of my list for activities to prioritize. If I have kids someday, I plan on taking them to the academy. I hope that in the future I will be able to make time to attend again. If my review piques your interest, please attend, and learn more in person. I am a humble student and am no doubt not fully representing the amazing nature of this academy so please go check it out for yourself! -Steven

Best womens self defense class in Seattle. How to not get in a situation where you need to use…read moreviolence to resolve the situation, basic strikes, where to strike and some basic grab escapes.

I just took their Women's Self Defense class and I really enjoyed it. I left the class feeling more…read moreconfident and informed about not only how to avoid attacks but also how to handle myself in a bad situation. Women should be aware of the basic self defense techniques and this class is the best way to start on this path. It's truly a great class because it's hands on, realistic self defense course that practice through common scenarios like wrist grabs, hair pulls, chokes, etc. The class focuses on physical techniques you can use to break free of an attacker and escaping. It is not about overtaking your attacker, but getting away and running to safety. You will learn and practice simple self defense techniques that don't require exceptional strength but will get you out of any situation. I now encourage all women I know to take this class as it is not only a very useful class but also a fun class.

I am very impressed with the quality of the Kung Fu classes here. They offer a variety of classes…read morefor different skill levels for children and adults. My daughter truly enjoys the classes. I feel good knowing she is doing something to stay active. Sifu Chon is a great instructor and is amazing with the kids. It is pretty neat to see how much the children look up to him. He does an amazing job. I would highly recommend joining if you or your kids are interested.

I've taken Nia (dance fitness) classes here on Saturdays at 10am. It's a lovely space to dance in,…read moreand Mollia & Tai are really fun teachers! https://nianow.com/molliajensen

I have been doing judo for 28 years (including 5 of the years in Japan). I started in the junior…read moreclass when I first started at Budokan Dojo and have been in the adults class since my teenage years. Instructors in all classes have decades of knowledge and are friendly and open to all levels. I highly recommend Budokan Dojo.

I have been practicing Judo for 18 years (including during travel to Japan), and in my experience,…read morethe Budokan Dojo Adults class is one of the best places anywhere to train Judo. The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly, the classes are challenging and fun, and the atmosphere is respectful and supportive. No matter what level you are, you will learn something new at Budokan, while improving your Judo skills and fitness. I highly recommend Budokan Dojo to anyone who wants to learn judo or take their judo to the next level.

Great martial arts studio! The teachers are professional, the community is welcoming, and the…read morelessons are authentic. I've learned so much about Capoeira, traditions, history, culture, music, language, self-defense, strength, and etiquette. I get a great work out every time I attend class. I highly recommend this group. I look forward to class each week!

I've been witnessing the growth of this school and the deep effects they have on the community for…read moreabout 4 years now. My kids train and they come home happy, helpful, inspired, and tired. Thanks, Mestre! This Group is committed to teaching the full spectrum of capoeira culture and it's an amazing thing to experience. If you have never seen capoeira before, come and get the big picture. If you are familiar with capoeira, come see why Mestre Nô's style is so intriguing. Google that name, and you'll be in class tomorrow.

Seattle Kung Fu The…read moremaster Seifu John Leon has taught hear in Seattle, Washington for more than fifty years. He actually does most of the Kung Fu classes himself. The main classes are Monday, Wend., and Friday 5- 7pm and 7 to 9pm. Their is Tai Chi classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:45 am. This is a serious Martial Arts that could change the way you think about your life.

Been training here for a few years and I just love it. Definitely a traditional school, so be ready…read moreto work those legs good. Along with the southern stance training, you work on kick, strikes, blocks, and forms. Although it takes a bit to get through learning the basic exercises, once into the forms, figuring out the applications for the moves in the forms is what keeps me coming back. They also do some tournament sparring practice(San Shou & San Da) on Friday nights and go compete in tournaments in the summer. Great way to get into that summer shape (as seen in my pictures). Come down and take a look at the class!

I do not recommend this facility at all! some news has come to light. they talk about you and…read morecriticize you when you are not their. Now it's either $180 or more to join at this facility per month. This facility, should have no right to play favoritism and criticize you when paying this much money towards a gym and trying better yourself mentally and physically. Its your money and you should treated FAIRLY when promotions arise. This used to be the BEST SCHOOL in Seattle. But, this is no longer the case. Look Elsewhere! I don't recommend stepping foot in this GYM ever!, for the amount money you pay. Here another reason that you shouldn't attend. These rules for 180 a month during the covid19 bring in your own dummy. - Seriously come on! This is outrageous. Here is the link to check out the other stupid things this gym is making you do. https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/gacie-barra-rolls-out-covid-19-exit-strategy/amp/ Thanks!

If you want a place with 100% legit black belt professors this is as good as it gets. I've trained…read morein other gyms where there might be a brown belt teaching the class or maybe a black belt or two if you are lucky. It's not uncommon to see 5+ black belts some days at GB and ALL of them have gone out of their way to teach me things and be helpful even when it was my first few weeks as a white belt. The best part, is while they train serious BJJ competitors, training is very safe and no one is trying to hurt you like some other places I've trained. Whether you are interested in BJJ just as a safe way to get in shape doing something fun, looking to make friends and meet new people, or you are a serious athlete training for competition, Gracie Barra is awesome. They really care about you and even if it's just your first day ever and want to try out a free day, they make sure to set you up with everything you need, walk you through the programs and not make you feel like the "new person" in the gym. Thank you GB and I hope anyone reading this review comes in to check it out like I did! P.S. I don't have kids but the kids class is often before the adults class and they always come running off with smiles on their face so it might be something fun to check out if you have kids also.

Simply an amazing experience. i'm tired, I have a giant bruise on my wrist, and I have not stopped…read moresmiling all day. This review is for the self-defense 101 class. class began with rules that instantly made me feel comfortable. Rules letting us know that anything we feel is OK, if we ever need to stop or don't want to participate in something, it's fine, things like that. Very comforting. we are then taught everything from how to use our voice to how to use our bodies. We are taught that we are allowed to trust our instinct and respond however we feel necessary to defend ourselves. We are taught ways to get away from people, ways to defend ourselves by hurting the other person if needed, and everything in between For me I must say that there was one clear highlight... After not even 90 minutes, we got to break boards! I I mean, how bad ass is that? Let me tell you something... It felt like the most bad ass thing I've done in a long time and I've been watching the video over and over again and smiling. I want to do this class again and again and I encourage anybody and everybody to go to Quantum

Although this place has moved down the street, the attitude has not. Quantum is a fantastic style…read morethat every serious martial artist should consider as well as anyone with an interest in what martial arts can teach you. Classes are intense with a heavy focus on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and technique (order varying depending on the class). The overall style promotes the importance of combining basic and advanced techniques into practical application with intense sparring classes designed to improve your own creative thought process while under duress. Most importantly, the Quantum community is very inclusive with an outward focus on inclusivity for LGBT people. Belt tests, work days, and community events are organized and performed by the student body for the betterment of all in the group. Definitely a great place to make some great friends. If you are new to martial arts or are looking for a great way to get in shape I recommend it. If you have studied Tae Kwon Do or Kung Fu and would like to continue your training in Seattle, I also recommend Quantum.

My art studio is directly above this gym and let me tell you, the positivity, love,…read morerecognition/cheering and pure joy that comes from this place is something that needs to be talked about. I don't personally practice Jiu Jitsu, but I can literally feel the good energy through my floor, so I figured I should write a review. Hope this helps somebody make the decision to go to this gym! They also play pretty good music haha. - The fashion designer upstairs

I started training here as a know-nothing white belt in May, 2019 shortly after they opened. BJJ…read morehas quickly enveloped my life and it's due in large part to Professor Dave Stegman and the Seattle Jiu Jitsu Academy. I consistently look forward to the next lesson, the next roll, the next challenge. The place is welcoming and clean, open to all skill levels and body types. Others at SJJA rank from white belts to black belts and every skill level inbetween. It's super easy to get here and parking on 1st avenue south where the school is located is a breeze. If you're in the Seattle area and looking for a place to train, stop into SJJA first. It won't disappoint.

Been here since 2022. The senseis are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely a great place…read moreto train.

This is the first Judo dojo in North America over 100 years old established between 1902-1904 & the…read moreoldest martial art school in Seattle & Washington http://www.michionline.org/fall00/page14.html . Kodokan Judo is taught here. Bruce Lee learned his throwing & grappling here in exchange for kung fu lessons http://www.michionline.org/fall00/page24.html. Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, visited Seattle Dojo. Judo is a Japanese martial art consisting of throwing, grappling, & submissions, which has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is the pre-cursor to Brazilian Jiujitsu. Only $25/month for Adults (Seniors), $20/month for Kids (Juniors). Classes: Monday & Thursday. Juniors 7-8:30Pm, Seniors 8:30pm-10pm. You may participate in both sessions at no additional charge. All the instructors are volunteer & this is one of the few judo dojos that owns a built for Judo dojo featuring Swain mats. 1990 Goodwill Games judoka athletes trained here. Great for kids & they will learn ukemi (break falls) - how to fall and not hurt themselves be it skiing, snowboarding, or riding a bike.