My boy has been a student at Zen Dragon since it was affiliated with Z-Ultimate. We wouldn't have…read morestayed this long if we weren't pleased. Sensei Jack is great with kids -- and really loud when their attention wanders. They have an assortment of billing plans, with slightly lower rates for longer commitments. Most are billed monthly, but for three, six, or twelve months. (We started with the three month plan, and switched to twelve when it was clear that the boy was sticking with it.) The basic monthly fee includes one 30-minute personalized class per week (one or two students), plus several 45-minute group classes per week. He started with group classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and added sparring classes on Friday evenings when he earned his orange belt. They're very flexible about rescheduling the private lessons missed due to conflicting appointments, holidays, and so forth, so you always get the private lessons you pay for. Group classes, however, are not rescheduled. Our boy liked it so much he asked for additional classes for weapons training. Those are purchased by number of 30-minute lessons, rather than by calendar months. They have periodic promotions. One I want to do next time it's offered is free lessons for parents. What about the dojo? It's a nice space in a strip mall, with padded floors in the training area, clean floors in the lobby, office, and restrooms. The teaching style emphasizes avoiding conflict as the first step, but also handling one's self in a fight if it's unavailable. Some dojos treat martial arts mostly (or entirely) as a sport, while some focus on self-defense in a real fight. Here the emphasis is sport (plus exercise), and learning self-discipline, but there's also solid training on how to fight someone who is trying to hurt you. I'm rating this a five-star "best ever", but I don't have enough knowledge of other dojos to compare with.

From the owner: We specialize in Personal & Group Instruction for Men, Women and Children. We offer professional…read moreinstruction to all who are interested in taking the most practical system of martial arts out there. Whether you're a beginner or have trained before, we have something for you. We offer discounts to First Responders, Active and Retired Military. Call or stop by to schedule your first class of your FREE 2 week Trial.

Had 3 great training sessions at T3MA Redmond recently. Prof. Miriam and the rest of the colored…read morebelts at the gym were very welcoming and made me feel right at home. They have a strong focus on safety before, after and during classes as well as a solid process for insuring that drop-in visitors have a great experience. I had some hard rolls and some very technical instruction as well. I would definitely recommend T3MA Redmond to anyone visiting the PNW or anyone who lives in the area and is looking at starting BJJ.

My family has had a poor experience during our session and an extremely poor experience dealing…read morewith management. The review of the facility is for the 3-7 year old class: We signed our 3 y/o son up for the 3-7 year old class and did so without a trial session - during our visit of the facility and explanation of the class, we were resolved to have our son start and thought T3MA would be the perfect environment- We paid for the 1st month and GI upfront (+$400 in total fees) The front staff said that the instructor would introduce themselves to our son to soften nerves. Most of the students are closer to 7 than 3, and the class is definitely geared that way as well. Not only did the instructor not introduce themselves (any of them), within a couple minutes of the class starting, there was an immediate frustration that he would take some extra attention relative to the 6 and 7 year olds, and one of the instructors came over and said "If he doesn't start to participate on his own in the next couple minutes, we're going to ask him to sit on the side. We cannot give him special attention over the other students". Large contrast to what was explained. In hindsight we should have done the trial, but the explanation of this class for our 3 y/o son was much more considerate of his age. I'll forever have an image of my son sitting in a line prior to class and saying to me "dad, I'm so nervous", which is frustrating because they did nothing to alleviate that and made it worse as they were agitated that he needed extra attention. We gut check that experience, we then did a trial at a different national chain BJJ facility in Bellevue and had a night and day experience. The instructor spent a couple minutes with my son prior to, introducing himself, making jokes with him and becoming familiar to each other. The class itself was geared for 3-4 year olds and not 5-7 - there was an expectation that 3 and 4 year olds have limited attention spans and it catered to it. Much better for what we were looking for. Now the management piece - I then asked T3MA if they could treat my 1 and only class as a "free trial" - as they do offer and refund the month we paid for and at least a partial refund of the GI we paid for, since it is specific to T3MA and cannot be used anywhere else. I was told in email essentially "we offer a free trial, you should have done that first" - following by no response for 7 days upon protest, including not answer and returning phone calls and several email follow-ups, for again them to say "you had the option of a free class and didn't take it, tough luck". I was surprised by the class experience because it didn't match what was relayed, but I was very surprised by that response and unwillingness to refund any of the $400+ that I was out for my sons single class. Hope this helps families avoid a similar mistake - If you're considering T3MA, definitely do a trial, and more importantly, trial other facilities other than T3MA so you can benchmark the atmosphere and class prior to committing to T3MA.

This place is not what it used to be. I am so disappointed with the current state of the dojang…read more You used to have to work hard for your black belt, but now it feels like they give them out like candy. This school is clearly more about the money than the success of its students. The instructors used to be more skilled and now it looks like they are just trying to get through the class rather than actually wanting to help students. More than half of the class is spent doing jumping jacks and conditioning exercises rather than actually teaching Taekwondo. I don't remember the last time I saw Hwang's focus on the quality of kicks, sparring techniques, blocks, stances, and the individual weaknesses of the kids. They typically rush through these aspects whenever they do go over them --which leaves the students with terrible form and a lack of skills for self-defense. There is barely any space for the parents to sit down as well. They used to have an upstairs area where parents and students could hang out but now they have been trying to lease the upstairs space for the past three years. It just shows that they care more about the money than the students and families that are a part of the dojang. It also feels like most of the instructors don't care anymore. I mean during belt-level tests, students sometimes have an instructor in front of them telling them step-by-step how to do the poomsae when students are supposed to memorize these to receive the belt. It's an absolute joke! This place is nowhere close to a school or an academy or anything to do with teaching. The instructors look like they have lost their passion for Taekwondo and teaching. If you are looking for a place to learn how to properly learn Taekwondo, this is NOT the place for you.

My daughter has been going to Hwang's for three years, during which time she has grown tremendously…read moreand gained a great deal of confidence. At age 5, she started at a different martial arts school in the area, to help her gain some skills to overcome her shyness. Unfortunately, this other school's teaching style did not accommodate kids like her, who are more hesitant and cautious, which was disappointing, because this was one of the reasons why we wanted her to try martial arts. At the first sign of nervousness, she was told that weakness and tears were "not allowed on the mat," and was made to sit out. At age 5. Which I found appalling. Enrolling instead at Hwang's was one of the best decisions we have made. The instructors have been patient and encouraging, never shaming her when she has struggled. Instead, with just the right amount of good-natured encouragement, she has felt supported and welcomed, has overcome so much anxiety and self-doubt, and three years later she is a proud junior black belt, at age 8. The confidence she has gained has carried over into her school and social life, and I can safely say that we largely have Hwang's to thank for this. I feel that the curriculum for kids is age-appropriate and a good balance and progression of physical and mental discipline. General kids' classes do not teach hardcore elite-level technique, and that is fine. Students seeking more intensive martial arts experience are free to sign up for private lessons, or ask about enrolling in the Olympic training class. There will always be fees involved with testing and tournaments, and black belt promotion involves time and financial commitment just as at any reputable taekwondo school. For the positive changes we have seen in our daughter through taekwondo at Hwang's, we strongly feel that the investment is well worth it. Also, black belts are registered with the Kukkiwon in Korea, which is widely known as the world taekwondo headquarters. In other words, Hwang's is legit. Lead instructors and masters have all been welcoming, friendly, and willing to take time to answer any questions or concerns. All the instructors, including the assistants, are excellent role models for the younger students. Master Hwang takes pride in each student who comes through the door. The enrollment has grown a lot recently, and the school is undergoing renovations to accommodate the growth. Parking can be a challenge, but there is extra space available farther up the "street"at PSE. Our family looks forward to many more years to come, and more dan stripes on those belts.

WONDERFUL. I learned how to defend myself and I was united with many others. Beautiful people…read morebeautiful things.

As someone who struggles with anxiety and chronic overthinking, I walked into Sensei Chris' Dojo…read morefor the first time nervous and not sure what to expect. Chris was patient and indulgent of my ramblings, while making me comfortable enough to demo some practical skills in self defense. I surprised myself by signing up for lessons, and can say with 100% certainty that it is one of the best choices I've made in a long time. Sensei Chris' ability to respond to the individual needs of his students is consistently impressive, as is his unwavering dedication to his craft. I look forward to every lesson with him because I know I will be learning practical skills to help keep me safe in the real world and will have fun doing it!

Great classes and friendly trainers. Nice boxing gym and fun to go during open gym. Nice community…read morefeel

Boxing is one of the best workouts you can do and this place has everything you can ask for…read more Classes cater to all different levels and the gym culture is much more relaxed with a nice variety of different training styles.

This dojo has very experienced Sensei's. I've worked mostly with Sensei Gonzalez, Sensei Andy,…read moreSensei Middendorff and Sensei Scot. They have soo much experience and patience with anyone who wants to learn self defense. I have had to use some of these techniques in my work place and I can say for a fact that they know what they are teaching. Also they are all very welcoming and friendly!!! Definitely worth to try it at the least! You won't regret it!!!

Excellent martial arts dojo with true, real and practical applied techniques!…read moreSensei Yamamoto is first and foremost an integral and genuine human being with great morals and principles. He's got decades of practice and teaching experience. I recommend NMWA to any families looking for a team and family experience!

Offers a great variety of martial arts styles and techniques. My wife and I started a year ago and…read morewe continue to learn new and interesting practices every session. Most importantly, my wife enjoys it much more than the gyms and training we've tried in the past, which helps us stick to the regiment. It's quite different from the Tae Kwon Do I've studied in the past, so I'm having fun learning completely new things, exercising with various hand weapons, as well as applying the movement to what I've learned before. The instruction is very personalized, and there's a good rotation of instructors from the region and nationally, each of whom emphasize a different aspect of training. They are very knowledgeable about different customizations to help you with stengths, weaknesses, abilities, and goals. My chronic lower back pain has all but disappeared over the past year, my bicycling form and comfort has improved, and my wife has better circulation for hiking and fewer headaches.

From the owner: 8 Martial Arts Taught as 1…read more We are the only martial arts school that features the "8 taught as 1" training system. This system combines eight traditional martial arts into one complete training system that provides the most comprehensive conditioning of any martial arts style. The 8 taught as 1 system also includes powerful self-defense that can be immediately effective in real situations. Oom Yung Doe training is suitable for adults and children, and people of any condition - you don't need to be in good shape to get started. In fact, it is common for people with pain or injuries from other activities to fully recover over the course of their Oom Yung Doe training. The 8 taught as 1 training system includes: Kong Su (Tae Kwon Do), Kung Fu, Ai Ki Do/Hap Ki Do, Udo (Jiu-Jitsu), Tai Chi, Bagwa, 18 Weapons, Kom Do (Samurai Sword).

Great place for some good island style food but they also make one of the best tomahawk steaks I've…read morehad. Service is always top notch.

It all began in 1994 when I first encountered Master Hufana in his school near Cross Road Mall…read morewhere I went there for purchasing a uniform for a competition in Canada.This initial interaction marked the beginning of a transformative relationship that extended beyond just providing me with martial arts gear. After the tournament in British Columbia, I decided to join TKD classes under Master Hufana's guidance. Over time, I also did some training with him on Traditional Arnis, a Filipino martial art known for its focus on weapon-based fighting techniques. Traditional Arnis emphasizes not only physical combat skills but also mental discipline and strategic thinking. In 2004, my life took a different turn as I was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the US Army. It was during this challenging period that the philosophy of martial arts, instilled by Master Hufana and the training experiences, became invaluable. The principles of martial arts such as tactics, alertness, preparedness, survival skills, fitness, and the code of the Samurai served as guiding lights in navigating the complexities of a war zone.The teachings of honesty, loyalty, respectfulness, and maintaining integrity at all times resonated deeply with me as I faced adversity in Afghanistan. The discipline instilled through martial arts training helped me to stay focused, resilient, and true to my martial arts values even in the most challenging circumstances.Master Hufana's philosophy not only enriched my understanding of martial arts but also equipped me with valuable life lessons that transcended the boundaries of combat sports. The fusion of Eastern martial arts philosophy with Western military service exemplifies the universal applicability and timeless wisdom embedded in martial arts traditions. With respect, MK-Samurai 2024.

I've been training here for about three months now and I highly recommend it…read more Everyone here is so helpful and very friendly! Shifu Zhou is an awesome instructor. If you have questions, everyone is eager to help. The location is tucked away in between several car dealerships so it can be easy to miss, but usually there is a sign out by the road advertising the free trial class. I really wish more people knew about it! It's my favorite part of the week. :)

It is with great pleasure I write this recommendation for Shifu Zhou…read more For the past many years, I have been looking for some form of exercise that focused on mind and body wellness. I searched and searched and tried many Yoga and martial arts teachers. Most people I met are either out there to purely make money, or even with the best of intentions, are clueless and not properly trained to be masters. Finally ran into Shifu Zhou about a year ago and I consider it my extremely good luck. In the plethora of martial arts teachers, Shifu Zhou, stands above all like a titan. He is a truly authentic Kungfu and Qi-Gong master who came to Seattle on a mission to teach the mysterious and powerful arts of Shaolin. I go to the academy 5 times a week and learn both Kungfu and Qi-Gong. My health has improved tremendously. My allergies are significantly down. My gut issues are under control. And I have found a life-long sport to play. When I was doing hot yoga, I was having at-least one muscle or joint injury a month. Frankly I was expecting lot more injuries while playing Shaolin. Interestingly enough, and knock on wood, I have had zero major injuries since I started. A lot of credit goes to Shifu Zhou. He knows each of his student's condition intimately. He is very patient and kind and takes extra pre-cautions to make sure that people are safe while practicing. I absolutely recommend Shifu Zhou without reservation to anyone who wants to improve their health and learn a life-long skill of Shaolin Kungfu.

I was fortunate to practice here when I was visiting the area. The instructor made me very welcome…read moreand the quality of practice was high. I am not from the area but I reached out on line about being able to visit, and got a fast and welcoming reply. The dojo facilities are nice, there's plenty of parking. I hope to return if I get back to that area!

Best women's empowerment and self defense - - -…read more My daughter started here since she was 5 years old. We have been part of Aikido Northshore for 8 years. This Aikido school provides the best physical and mental discipline. The head Sensei makes this place very special. My daughter is mastering the principles of mind body unification and applys them to all aspects of her life. This Japanese martial arts provides her power that is naturally hers through the unification of mind and body practiced in the non-violent arts of Aikido. After many years I notice my daughter cultivate deeper relaxation by learning how to remove tension and calm her mind.