Do you know about Capoeira? To me, it's the most interesting of the martial arts because it is both…read morebadass and really elegant and fun to watch. It includes Brazilian music and all members are part of the activity even if they are not the 2 individuals "sparring" at the moment. The studio has just moved to a new location and is still working on its storefront but my 11 year old is now approaching year 3 in this group and he has learned so much. He started in a kids-only class (pre-Covid) and my then 5 year old started too. When Covid hit, Cavaleiro, the instructor moved things to Zoom and my son carried on (it was too much for my 5 year old). Now that they're back in studio, he is participating in advanced classes. Covid protocols are in place--all students practice masked. My son started not knowing how to do a cartwheel and now does aerial flips! The physical part is astounding but the music and singing (and learning Portugese while doing it) make it an all-around great activity. Cavaleiro and the other students are very welcoming to new students--helping include and guide them through the basics so they quickly become part of the group. Cavaleiro is super patient and quick to read his students' needs and reminds them that they're all on a learning journey.

From the owner: Capoeira Oregon is a school of martial arts offering training for all levels of Brazilian capoeira…read more Students learn capoeira movement, music, self-defense sequences, conditioning and so much more. Capoeira Oregon offers classes for kids and adults at all level of ability. Capoeira is a unique sport in that it blends dance like movement and rhythm with ground-level and high acrobatics. Together with powerful kicks and dynamic take-downs, capoeira is a complete offense and defense that is both effective and beautiful. While much of our movement must be extensively trained to achieve the best results, capoeira is meant to be a personal expression making it possible for players of all ages and skill levels to interact inside the "Roda", the circle where the game of capoeira is played. Our "sparring" is considered a game where two players match combat skills, show-off acro moves, or simply interact like two gears meshing in a fine-tuned engine. This sport is for anyone with the desire to learn it. The basic capoeira starts at very simple levels. Body of Brazil Capoeira takes each student as they are and helps form them into successful capoeiristas. We serve Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego and all Portland's westside communities. We are located on Beaverton-Hillsday hwy in Beaverton near Bi-mart, Portland Music, Uwajimaya, Home Deport, etc .

I've been training jiujitsu almost 15 years, and I've never found a school that's better than…read moreUnicorn at providing high-quality instruction while ALSO welcome everyone on the mat. Hillary and Brian aren't just excellent at teaching and grappling, but also at cultivating a truly inclusive environment. I used to live in Portland, and now own my own school elsewhere. My mom still loves in Salem, and so I always train at Unicorn whenever I'm in the Portland area. I've recommended more than a dozen of my students train there as well. They've all had a great experience. Whether you're brand new or a veteran black belt, and no matter what other background you bring to the table, you should check Unicorn out. I'll bet you love it.

I dropped in here while in Portland…read more Amazing instructors and owners. They care about their students and make everyone feel welcome, even an Irish Bostonian that lives in Eastern Oregon. Brian was teaching when I went. Very informative while showing BJJ moves, clean space to "roll" (spar) and I can not express how welcoming this group is. They are part of a veteran's group, show no hesitation towards women and show nothing but love for the LBGTQ community. That's how sports and instruction is supposed to be. Try something new. Go in here and give it a shot. This place is soooooo worth it.

Great gym for the all around. People are very humble, and allowed my wife and I to do a drop in…read more Wednesday nights offer serious conditioning with a much longer class. This is a great option for people that want to get serious, into shape or just want more mat time! Not sure if it's only for Blue's and up, but there were a few White belt's there. Instructor Jared drilled a cool arm bar and triangle in detail. Great explanation and was crystal clear on explaining the drill. We're all heading to SubLeague this weekend I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of Gold Medals coming from Next Level. I hope to do another drop in one day and always good to make more friends!

The thing that really sets NLMA apart for me from other gyms is the number of teachers they have…read more You can realistically train with 4 different professors each week. On Mondays they've just added a beginner class, which I've really been enjoying where a purple belt will answer questions about positions and moves and demonstrate basics. Monday also has a drilling class and blue belt and up class taught by a black belt. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are taught by a different black belt, focusing on a move/transition/sweep for the course of the three days. Saturdays are taught by the gym owner, another black belt, who does take-downs and competition team. This gym has the most black belts I've ever seen outside of a seminar. In addition to the three coaches, they bring in the two Zenith black belts for seminars twice a year. While there aren't any female black belts (that I've met) yet, there is a great ratio for men:women. I am rarely the only woman in class, and on one special night, the whole class was women! I look forward to the day I can train regularly with a female black belt. The higher belts are some of the most generous, nicest people I've ever met. Even as an awful white belt, they are open to rolling with me and talking me through the moves during drilling. Long term I hope that the mat area can be expanded because as the gym gets more popular, sometimes it can be be a tight space for rolling.

Great place for the family all around! My previous gym stopped offering kids class, but I loved it…read moreand after I found out my instructor was filling in here, I brought the family to try it out. The facility is brand new! New mats, showers, loaner go's for kids and adults and the owner, Jay, was really cool about letting me drop in to decide on the move. I wanted to focus on doing a tournament and my wife wants to get her conditioning and technique (nothing crazy). This gym is great for all! FYI, I hurt my knee and Jay was cool enough to let me use part of the mat (during class) to keep my conditioning and do light exercises on my own! Stop by and try it out, the place is legit!

I've been training at Gracie Barra SW Portland for five months, and have found both excellent…read moreinstruction and camaraderie. Professor Bruno Rocha, the head instructor, is a third degree black belt who has trained BJJ for 20 years. He regularly competes in gi and no gi competitions across the world, and it's an honor to learn from someone with that caliber of experience. My daughter also trains here, and the kids classes are a nice mix of general physical activity, BJJ techniques, and instilling good values like grit and respect. Jay Stahl, the owner and a coach (he holds a purple belt), helps foster a safe and welcoming environment for adults, kids, and parents alike.

Impact coaches have no learning structure or idea what they are doing. With no plan, the…read moreinstructors ask what the kids want to learn and end up trying to teach "arm bar from half guard"... that's not a thing, and anyone who even allows such incompetence in instruction shouldn't be running a gym. Will not be going here to learn anything about jiu jitsu!

In 2007 and 2008 I used to attend Capitol City Cage Fights (CCCF) in Salem as a spectator, and then…read morelater as an announcer for a few fights, which featured mostly amateur MMA fights with the occasional pro fight. It soon became apparent from watching the fights and interacting my with the fighters during the CCCF bouts, the technical skills of the Impact fighters (from various Oregon Impact locations) were a standout amongst the other gyms that had fighters competing. Their averages for wins were above the rest. I also never observed an Impact fighter show up ill-prepared or overweight. Impact's professionalism and discipline was apparent; and their fighters were great ambassadors for their brand and the sport. I haven't kept up with the Oregon fight scene in a long time. A lot has happened over the years including the successful spreading of Impact gyms down from Portland to Sherwood, Newberg, Salem, and McMinnville. In 08 I became a dad & money/time became extremely tight as I sought other entrepreneurial ventures. I trained occasional with friends or my bro-in-law when I had a chance but never Impact. Years later around 2017, still a cop, I started at the Impact location in Salem training off-and-on always having phenomenal experiences. I would also train BJJ separately with some of my cop buddies. Fast fwd to today. I haven't trained with Impact in a couple of years (not Impact's fault), but I continued to train with weights and work on the heavy bag to keep up some level of grappling conditioning in view of Impact training sessions at the Courthouse gym they operated out of. I will say this about Nic Gilardi (Salem owner). He is dedicated to his coaches, students, and their betterment. I've seen how the children's, women's, Muay Thai, boxing, BJJ, and MMA specific classes are all run. What I have seen consists of good folks all working together to get better where egos are expected to be checked when one steps on the matts (read the signs they have posted). It's also worth noting Nic Gilardi (Salem Impact owner) has also devoted his own personal time to training law enforcement officers. For those that don't know, as a former 'defensive tactics' (title for law enforcement's version of martial arts, so to speak) instructor (which doesn't make me anything special by the way), when the public sees what they deem as excessive force, it's generally a result of a poorly trained cop who panics and use poor techniques when faced with a physical fight or resistance out of their comfort zone. Good training like what Nic offers for cops to take part in during their off time directly results in more cool-headed confident cops, who can more efficiently and safely take a resisting subject into custody, vital for the wellbeing of the public especially in the bipolar political environment that at times can be at odds with law enforcement. I digress.. but will say one more thing. Some people gripe about the price BJJ gyms, but I will say Nic is a self made guy who scrapped his way up to earn and continue to earn his BJJ black belt plus a few stripes while dealing with all the trials and tribulations of being a business owner including during COVID. Salem Impact continues to help people become better people. Current estimates are that only .0006 % of the world (maybe 50,0000 out 8.1 billion people) walk this earth that have a legit black belt in BJJ. His instructors have put more time into gaining their ranks than it takes to get a bachelor's degree, with a few who have more time in than it would take to get a PHD, with 3 black belts having been created in the under Nic. For those who don't know who are used to seeing 10+ black belts walking around in kata-based 'traditional' martial arts dojos, developing 3 BJJ practitioners (all of whom have humbled me on the mats in a way where no ego was involved that made me better) is a huge feat which contributes to the Salem-Keizer community as whole. Their presence quietly and humbling walking amongst us makes our community safer. The level of expertise offered is at bargain compared to other specialized trainings found in the professional or corporate world. Training in BJJ or any worthwhile martial arts that includes sparring made up of more than just katas (not talking trash on katas) makes better humans and is a great antidote to the Victim mentality that has become a cancer in today's society(my views do not necessarily reflect Impact:). It's import to note, I have no dog in the fight in regard to Impact. I have not talked to Nic in a couple of years. I also have nothing financially to gain by this post. Whether it's with Impact or somewhere else... Get your kids and yourself signed up. OSS!

Today was my daughters first class. She's 5 and wants to be a wrestler when she grows up (just…read morelike Bayley). My husband took her to the first class, and reported that they were amazing. Our daughter is usually shy, and nervous about trying new things - but they let her go at her own place and watch when she wanted. I can't say enough great things about this place! I'm even hoping to convince them to let me bring some of my clients to a few classes!

Love this facility and the owners for giving my son the chance to do Judo when times are tough for…read moreour family! They are extremely understanding and work with us with classes! They care about each and every student and take the time to teach them well!

This gym has been home for 4 years for the family. Our Kiddos love the training and friends they…read morehave made along the way. Environment is very welcoming. Professor Shawn and assiting coaches are very knowledgeable and helpful. Come check us out. Start training today!

I trained at two other gyms and used to travel to 26 states for work and would "Drop In" various…read moregyms to get some mat time and see what other places are like. Shawn is the owner of the Hillsboro location and he has legitimate teaching skills. He has a unique way of detailing drills and coaching that makes you want to learn and makes complete sense. If you train Jiu Jitsu, you know what I mean. Not to mention, this gym wins a lot of competitions and has everyone from just about every profession, culture, age and size. It's great for anyone and the people are great! My wife and kids train too and they really like it. Wish I started here from the beginning. If you train BJJ or want to, I'd highly recommend calling the main number and asking to drop in. You'll be thoroughly impressed. FYI: They also do a great job with keeping you conditioned and safe during Covid. Lots of practice dummies.

My family became a part of the Family Martial Arts Academy family in September of 2018, when my…read more(then 6 year old) daughter began taking karate here, with their Tigers program. Paul Keller, the owner, and all of the Sensei's, are extremely compassionate and dedicated to every student. They have a wonderfully thought out program for kids, that encourages the students to do their best, not only at the dojo, but also within their school, community and home life. Students can earn "Victory" patches to sew on their Gi(uniform), by completing school homework, reading, helping out at home, practicing karate outside of the dojo, doing good deeds in the community, sponsoring another student, etc. My daughter enjoys her karate training, and her dedication to it, has greatly improved her home, school, and other extracurricular activities. I've watched her become more focused, grounded, determined and a better listener. My 3 year old son, is so excited to start his karate training when he turns 4. He loves watching his sissy in class and being at the dojo. Not only do they offer karate classes for the whole family, they also offer Tai Chi, Women's Self Defense, Mixed Martial Arts and Mat Pilates classes. I take Pilates here twice a week from a phenomenal teacher, Alli Breen, a classically trained Pilates instructor. I cannot praise her enough and her dedication to the art of Pilates! We are truly blessed to have such a phenomenal school in our community!

Jim Dalton is a kind, patient, and wonderful teacher of Tai Chi. I recommend his class to anyone…read moreof all ages. Thanks!