As a student, I am thrilled to recommend this school and its staff. I have trained at several…read moreschools over the years and this one stands out for several reasons: 1. It is very welcoming and supportive; the community is strong and friendly. Some schools are very businesslike, or don't encourage students to be friends outside of class; this one is the opposite! 2. The style is very eclectic. You will learn to punch and kick, but you'll also learn to use weapons and to move in several different distinct ways. This style of martial arts has a lot to learn and challenges my mind and body every class. 3. Speaking of challenge, this class is a full body workout. I never step off the mat without getting really sweaty. The teachers make time to encourage you to drink water frequently during class. 4. This school and community are extremely inclusive. There are at least any many women and trans students as men; frequently men are in a drastic minority. There is no "bro"/macho culture here as there is in many other schools. While it is somewhat expensive for the number of classes (2-3/week at least as a beginning adult student) you get access to compared to some other schools, the pricing is not a secret (it is shown on the website and the staff will be happy to talk with you about it), I feel it is worthwhile based on about 10 years of training in other schools (even ones that cost less and had 10 classes a week).

I have trained at One With Heart since 2019 and the community and the excellent teaching keep me…read morecoming back! I love the workout I get and even if I've had a bad day, I always feel better after class. The school was also a great source of stability and community for me during the pandemic, and I will always appreciate the strength I gained from my teachers and classmates during that time. Highly recommend checking out an intro!

I never would have imagined that I would still be going to any gym two years after my first class…read more Now I can't imagine going anywhere else. My goal in coming to McConnell's was simply to help give me an outlet for moving my body. I didn't join with the intention of actually learning anything, just show up, cardio, and go home. It's been such a chill experience that I now take 4 classes a week, I'm gaining muscles, and am developing actual skills and knowledge. But the best part? I MADE FRIENDS! This gym attracts some pretty great people. It's welcoming to all body types, genders, orientations, and nationalities. And there's never any pressure to be more involved than you want to be. I have no interest in actually fighting, but I'm having a great time. I love this place.

As we cautiously reemerge from our Covid hibernation, finding a safe place to work out is a real…read moreconcern. Well, here it is. This gym is definitely doing it right. Limited number of people, spaced out so we don't get germy with each other, all the windows open, hand washing, disinfecting.... all the things are happening here. This is a boxing gym, you dont come here for a treadmill or to get swole. That helps keep it not too crowded. We roll in, participate in a well planned hour of drills and hard work, and roll out. Let me just say, this is one of the most comfortable boxing clubs I've ever been in. 2nd floor with windows all around. The natural light is amazing. There is a ring and plenty of bags and gear. They sponsor a club, and if your goal is to throw down for real you can acquire that skill and practice here. I just want to be in the zone, get out of my head, hit it hard for an hour and walk out feeling mighty. Mission accomplished.

I mostly train at their sister school, SW Portland Martial Arts (which is near my house), but I…read moreattend one sparring class a week at NPMAAM. I'm the newest and least-skilled guy there, but all of the other students are helpful and encouraging. Sifu Mike is a great teacher and I have a great time in his class.

I have trained at North Portland Martial Arts and Movement (formerly Northeast Portland Martial…read moreArts) for about six years now and my kids trained here for about three years. I cannot speak highly enough about the quality of the training my family and I have received from Sifu Sean Kelly and Michael Wall: they provide a great mix of martial arts fundamentals along with practical application. Mo Duk Pai is a form of Kajukenbo which is an early mixed martial art that came out of Hawaii in the early 40's. This form of martial arts pulls from KArate, JUdo and jujitsu, KENpo, and BOxing and also incorporates elements of Muay Thai, Arnis/Eskrima, and Systema. Mo Duk Pai is awesome! The Mo Duk Pai community in the Portland area is a fantastic group of skilled martial artists that share their experience with all students. With three schools in Portland, there are a ton of classes you can take with some of the best people to train with. And, the classes are very affordable, especially with discounts for multiple family members. In addition to martial arts, check out Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) training with Michael Wall. I've done several classes with him and he is a fantastic resource and wealth of knowledge with respect to getting your body moving to its full range of motion and achieving your fullest potential. This has been a great addition to my martial arts training. Like I said earlier, I cannot speak highly enough about this school! I look forward to training with you.

By far, the best martial arts school in the area! Knowledgeable, trained instructors who are there…read moreto help students reach their personal goals. Plenty of class offerings to suit your needs.

Friendly staff, real heavy bags, clean facilities and affordable pricing! Highly recommend!read more

I totally recommend Portland City Boxing. It's the best gym I ever went to. Staff and coaches are…read morevery friendly and supportive. Even though I came as an absolute beginner, I never felt judged or excluded. The group classes are great, and coaches make sure to pay attention to everyone in the class. Coach Phil is incredible; his strength and conditioning classes are my absolute favorite. They are challenging but deliver fantastic results.

I have not joined "yet" but went and observed a class earlier in 2017 and was thoroughly impressed…read morewith the cordiality of the folks involved, the cooperative spirit , willingness to help and share in the learning . Saw the sensei (there were a couple of black belts 1st Dan up to 3d Dan) lead class through opening ceremony , warm ups and then demonstrate the technique to be taught , selected from what they call "The Boards" . All were involved all were motivated and looked like they were having a good time while training . More senior students showed the junior students (senpai , kohai) how to do a technique and encouraged them . Although I live up in Battle Ground WA , I will take the plunge and in the New Year make the trek to North Portland KaishinKai , looks like to much fun and exercise to miss out any longer ! Cheers !

I have been a member for a year now and absolutely love it. This is my first experience with…read moremartial arts and it has been amazing to see the change in myself. At first I was nervous and didn't really feel comfortable practicing and failing techniques in front of other people. I soon realized that this class attracts very encouraging, respectful and helpful people. I am much more confident in my ability to learn new physical skills and defend myself. Sensei Ryan is very knowledgeable and humble. I would recommend this class to beginners and experts alike.

My company sponsored a private group lesson for the ladies at our office. It was a great session,…read morewe all learned a lot of great, real usable techniques and info and got lots of practice. Peter is great and so was his assistant Megan. Highly recommended!!

We just love going to Coach Peter's Self Defence class.My teenagers went for a trial class and they…read morecame home excited and asking to do more. We learn a lot while having lots of laughs. Peter is thorough and teaches all aspects of self defense, not just the physical moves. He presents realistic situations, and teaches the kids to read a situation, avoid getting into situations, use verbal defence whenever possible, defend ourselves while doing as little damage as possible, yet knowing and learning the techniques to really cause damage when the need arises. We hope to gain confidence with much more practices on the physical skills, but we also recognize that we need to be responsible for the choices and actions we end up taking in all situations. My family comes home from Peter's classes with lots of awesome dinner discussions. I highly recommend Peter's class. Everyone needs to learn to defend themselves, understand the psychology of "bullies" and then be responsibly for their own choices and actions.

This review if for the kids classes…read more This is a commercialized Martial Arts business focused on having clients buy new weapons every quarter. In addition, plan to pay quarterly for new belts and testing. The testing I've seen is the same for the past 2 belts so not sure what my kid learned new that required 2 new belts when he did the same requirements for each belt. Parents can't wait inside to sit and watch their kiddos. They have a zoom that you can join but it's one camera and you can barely see if it's your own child so no point in the zoom. When asked why parents can't wait inside, especially in the winter and rainy months, they told me that having all the parents would exceed the building's occupancy capacity... this is questionable as there is plenty of space. I was also told to not distract students. An easy solution is to not black out your windows so that parents standing outside can spread out and observe from outside. Another solution is rotate which days parents can come in. Tues / Thursday can have 1/2 parents observe from inside while other 1/2 observe from outside on Tuesdays and rotate on Thursdays. The only way to watch your child is through the double doors which needs to be cleared so people can go in and out. Most parents are unable to observe and are left waiting inside their vehicles for 30 - 40 minutes. Parking is also difficult. I regret signing a membership.

My granddaughter has been going here for about 5 years. She has learned a lot along this journey…read more She wants to be an instructor when she is old enough. They have taught her self confidence, pride, discipline, and endurance. She started out shy and very introverted, and is now very commanding of presents but in a good way. She finally interacts with others, and can handle things that were out of her comfort zone. We recommend East West to anyone's child, especially children who need to come out of their shell. It has done her wonders.