I've been attending Seattle CRT classes for a few months now and plan on attending for a long time at this rate. Seattle CRT focuses on tactics for real-world altercations (rather than in sports, where there are rules, weight classes, organized starts, etc.). Things I've already learned include how to manage distance with possible attackers; how to throw many types of punches, kicks, and knees (and how to combine them into combinations); how to be offensive and defensive at the same time; how to incorporate weapons (in ways that also complement attacking without weapons); the different attack timings; how to use the same attack across multiple distances; and even some initial grappling (again, this is just after a few months). A lot of the most useful lessons are front-loaded to get you set up as soon as possible. For example, they make sure your footwork, punching, and kicking basics are solid before moving onto the more nuanced, complicated material. Cory is always happy to answer questions and share his experience and takes on the different approaches. He will show you how different variations cater better or worse to "Real world" situations (vs. sports, etc.). You can tell he also cares about his students, wants to make sure we learn the right and safe ways of doing things, and knows how to crack a joke every now and then to lighten up some serious topics. I personally like the hybrid approach where the best aspects of several different arts are combined: the Wing Chun offensive approach to defense is merged with the versatile and weapon-friendly Filipino boxing punches and powerful Muay Thai kickboxing attacks. It might not be for everybody (if you want a more sport-oriented training, for example), but Seattle CRT is exactly what I was looking for and I'm a very happy student. read more

Corey is a great instructor. His long term students that help out with teaching are also very good. I am really enjoying myself. Corey is knowledgable and good at explaining why not just the mechanics. The classes are fun and I am learning a lot. Little by little gaining confidence because Seattle is scary and I want to be able to defend myself. read more

I have been attending CRT for over two years now and I think it's time to update my review! I'd recommend this school to anyone. It's a very positive environment that attracts all kinds of people, and draws from a few different martial arts styles (wing chun, escrima, muay thai). The school's owner and primary instructor, Cory, is very knowledgable about martial arts and a great teacher, and it's obvious that he loves teaching it. He encourages students to ask questions and always has an answer (and an explanation for why, which I find very helpful). There's a challenge by choice philosophy, so if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with an exercise, that's fine, although you are encouraged to try. Class sizes are small and the instructor to student ratio is good. I've never been treated differently for being a woman, everyone is treated with respect. I would say the difference between a self defense oriented martial arts school and a sport martial arts school would be in both attitude and some technique--in sport, you are paired up with someone of equal skill and size (weight classes), and go for points, whereas in a self defense situation, you are likely smaller than your opponent, they may have a weapon, there may be several attackers, and they won't get called out by a ref for eye gouging, etc. Also from a self defense perspective, you want to avoid getting into a fight in the first place, and safely deescalating situations is something practiced at CRT, and something that I've definitely used in everyday life. Another bonus: I always leave class in a better mood than when I started! read more

I've participated in different schools of self-defense, on and off, for quite some time and I very much enjoy Seattle CRT and highly recommend it. I hope my opinions (and that's all they are) help you make your decision to join up. I've received instruction in Brazilian Jujitsu in the past and am a big fan of it. If you find yourself on the ground, which often happens in a fight, I don't believe there's a better system. I, however, would like to not end up on the ground with an attacker for a myriad of reasons. In reality, the threat is never singular. Tapping someone out is fine and dandy until his buddy puts a steel-toe boot to the side of your melon. If you have a weapon on your person, you run the risk of that person getting his/her hands on it and the situation immediately bumps up to a deadly force situation (not that it wasn't before). So on and so forth. Plus, BJJ is still a competition martial art. Not a combat martial art. Sifu, I apologize ahead of time if any of the following is incorrect. I understand Wing Chun to be a very efficient form of combat, whereas it addresses a threat/threats as quickly and efficiently as possible. Why block then strike when you can do both at the same time? Every block is a punch and every punch, a block. What I like most about Seattle CRT is it acknowledges there may be more efficient ways than traditional Wing Chun to address certain threats in the modern world. Because of this, it incorporates kicks, knee strikes and kick defenses from Muay Thai and also odds and ends from Filipino Escrima. I'm not a huge fan of martial arts systems which refuse to deviate from tradition or concrete forms. Seattle CRT is not a Wing Chun school; rather a complete, well thought-out system of self-defense deeply steeped in Wing Chun. Sifu and his other instructors are excellent teachers. You can be the most brilliant and talented person in the world, but if you don't know how to teach, it's impossible to impart that knowledge on to others. It makes learning the system that much easier. Class is relaxed and stress-free and full of nice, everyday folk from all walks of life. There are no big egos present and it's an excellent learning environment. You don't have to be an MMA practitioner or a cage fighter to join. I think you're first taught if you can avoid the fight, altogether, avoid the fight, altogether. But if you find yourself forced into a fight, finish it, absolutely. Seattle CRT stresses having a warrior mindset in order to win battles through swift and decisive violence of action, maintaining physical and psychological momentum in the fight until the threat against you is destroyed. This is not a normal, everyday mindset which most people possess. Training yourself to have that mindset when needed and being able to immediately go from 0 to 100 when you are threatened is just as important as learning the physical techniques. The phrase "forward intention" is used in every class. Move to and through your threat in order to move onto the next one. The world is not a happy/fuzzy place, unfortunately, and they're not teaching us to bake cupcakes. Although, I do enjoy cupcakes. read more

This school is excellent. My last teacher was very cruel - he used us as punching bags, threw us against the wall and beat us; basically just demonstrated how pathetic we were compared to him. This place is a little different than what I am used to, but it works. I have learned a lot, but there are some drawbacks - I'm not allowed to crush anyone at my free will, which is very disappointing. Not allowed to put anyone down or show them how dreadfully wrong they are - bummer. No flashy belts that I can show off to my friends and victims - annoying. This is obviously not a Cobra worthy Dojo; I mean what is the point of being in a martial arts school, if you can't show off/hurt people? But, I guess if I had to do it all over again, I might - especially because it is satisfying to compare your newly found power, after a few days, to the new ants that are enrolling! Pros: Excellent Material Friendly Classmates Great atmosphere Good Structure Cons: Friendly classmates Great Atmosphere NO bullying read more

Just updating my last review from August. I received a call/text from Cory shortly after I wrote here. He was very apologetic and made sure to refund me my deposit. I hope the Muay Thai classes pick up again and would give Seattle CRT another try if/when they do. There was absolutely nothing I disliked about the instructors and classes themselves. I'm glad it was a misunderstanding. Thanks, Cory! read more

Seattle CRT is probably one of the best things I ever decided to do. It's truly practical self defense that puts pretty much all other martial arts to shame. I don't care who you are, you will benefit from CRT. Both Sifu Cory Walken and Sihing RJ Dealy are very knowledgeable, patient, honest, and truly respectful of each and every student. They go out of their way to help us in our individual strengths and weaknesses and show us that no body type is more capable than another. And to top it off, this group is like a big family. We push each other but in a healthy way and I can honestly say I like every person there enough to call them all friends. And unlike every other martial art I have seen, CRT teaches and stresses the importance of verbal deescalation, to stop a fight from ever needing to happen, and adrenal conditioning, so when the fight does happen you won't freeze, you won't give up, and you will strike hard, strike fast, and strike first. And a special call out to all the ladies out there who're looking for a self defense class you can feel comfortable in. I have never been looked down upon for my gender by my teachers, and over time and training so has each male in the class. In the last six months I have probably gained more confidence than I have my whole life. As someone with a lifetime of extraordinarily low self-esteem and who has always struggled to feel strong in any way, whether through suggestions of media or from socialization, I now am able to truly care for and respect myself. Oh, and did I mention it's cheaper than any other school I've seen? Seriously, what are you waiting for? read more

I tested out CRT for a few months. I paid for intro classes for myself, a buddy, and my gf. After that intro I paid for two months of classes. I really wanted to like CRT as it's close to my job and because there's a lot to like about the set up. Unfortunately, after that trial, only one person in the group wanted to go back. See, as a former military member, I'm really into fitness and martial arts. In the last few months I've tried out 3 different wing chun places. So here's an honest review of this place for other people. First the good: 1) The student trainers are great. If you can work with Jackie, work with Jackie. 2) The progression that CRT uses are solid. Cory, the head instructor, has some pragmatic knowledge -- what's important are footwork, a straight punch, and only a few other things. The bad: I've had quite a few bad experiences with this place. 1) When I told Cory that I was attending multiple wing chun places -- he wanted me to pick one and started bad mouthing the teacher at the other school. That other teacher says he's never met Cory and that it would be a great idea for a new student to try out multiple schools. He knew the better school would win the student. And it did. 2) I checked out this school solely because of a great groupon deal -- but wasn't allowed to honor it, because of some other special they had going on. If anyone wants to buy those groupons for a discount, PM me -- I won't be needing them. :) 3) There have been multiple times where class location and times have changed with little or no notice. My friend and I have ended up working out by ourselves multiple times. 4) This school doesn't spar. The say they have shock defense drills, which I haven't experienced in my limited time there. From what was explained to me, I doubt there's any real contact. It's impossible to learn how to defend yourself, without being put into more stressful, low-stakes combat scenarios. Summary: Come to CRT if you want to meet cool people. Don't come to CRT if you want to learn how to defend yourself. read more

I'm in town for just a few days & wanted to get a few Wing Chun classes while I'm here. I basically just searched maps for someone close & got a hold of instructor Sifu Cory Walken. I can not express how impressed I was with my private lesson. In fact even to the point that I wanna vacation in Seattle just to come back for more lessons. Cory's knowledge of this art form & his way of instructing is a perfect 10. He is obviously very dedicated to this & is passionate about instruction. Well worth every penny spent. If you want to study Wing Chun this is the place! read more

Concise and thoughtful instruction Sound teaching and a great vibe read more

I like this martial arts school :). The atmosphere is possitive and friendly yet when it gets down to doing the things right and safe Sifu Cory Walken will make sure you do them... right and safe! I dare you to try not too :D This is a martial arts school for real self defence. If you want to learn flashy moves that looks cool - probably that's not the best place for you. If you want to protect yourself in the middle of the night from a street thug that wants to rob you - then you're in the right spot. Added bonus for me is the fact that we train in the open during the warmer months. Long story short - nice people, useful skills and lots of fun :) read more

I have spent my entire life being belittled and beat down - thanks to Wing Chun I am now only belittled and not beat down.

If you're looking for real, practical self-defense, then look no further. This school bases its style in Wing Chun Kung Fu, but ditches any impracticalities/weaknesses in the system and brings in elements from Muay Thai and Eskrima to compensate. Everyone in the school is extremely friendly, open, and willing to teach/learn. Those who are new to the school get plenty of attention to make sure they start off on the right track. I've been going to the school for about 3 years and I plan to go for many more! read more

This was my second try at finding a martial arts school and I am very satisfied with Seattle CRT. Sifu Cory does an amazing job taking an interest in each student's learning and making sure they are understanding everything in class. The classes are both challenging and fun and I appreciate the emphasis on practical, real world self-defense techniques. The assistant instructors and other students are also very helpful and nice. read more

I describe this as a system of self-defense. Because of CRT I have learned skills and built on those skills through practice, practice, practice. It was hard at first and somewhat tedious. I was really out of shape. But I stuck with it and now have skills that are second nature. I don't wonder what would happen if I were to be attacked. I know I would have a fighting chance, even if caught off guard: because I know how to fight. If you want to become a bully in a bar, move on. If you want to defend yourself and hopefully (as I have) avoid bad situations by simply being more aware, this is the place for you. read more

I could rhapsodize on all the things I love about this school until I hit the character limit. There are a lot of things to like. Instead, I'll try to restrict this to things that haven't been said in other reviews that might be of use to somebody deciding whether or not to give CRT a shot. - The curriculum is designed to impart not only a mastery of techniques from classical Wing Chun (and Escrima and Muay Thai), but also a deep understanding of the principles that render these techniques effective. - The "challenge by choice" principle on which classes are driven allows students of any level of ability to improve constantly without compromising safety and comfort. We're always being pushed, but never being pushed harder than we want to be. - The instructors are approachable and always open to questions. They go out of their way to make themselves available to students and address their concerns. This, in my experience, is rare and extremely valuable to the learning experience. I'll end on this note; if you're at all considering pursuing martial arts or self-defense classes of any kind, it's at least worth your while to attend a free introductory class. There's no review that could adequately represent how all the various positive qualities of CRT hang together and augment one another to provide a truly top-notch education in a practical combat system. So come check it out. read more

Sifu Cory knows his stuff! This is my second time taking a martial arts class and I must say, this class is educational and very entertaining at the same time. read more

I've been training at CRT for about 7 months, and have learnt some fantastic self-defense skills. CRT draws mostly from Wing Chun, but also incorporates useful elements from Muay Thai, Escrima and counter grappling which gives the student an excellent overall self-defense method. I also feel very fortunate to have found this school due to its direct lineage to Grand Master Yip Man. The classes are focused, well organized and taught in a logical manner. Sifu Walken makes learning fun and provides a healthy training environment that emphasizes cooperation and respect for one another, regardless of skill level. There are no macho egos here and the training milieu is always friendly and peaceful. Sifu Walken is easily approachable and 100% dedicated to our success. If you're looking for highly effective self-defense skills taught in a friendly relaxed environment, then you really ought to check out CRT. read more

I have been attending now for a few months and am so far very pleased with my beginning classes. I was looking for a school which wasn't concerned with a color-belted system, but rather something which taught practical skills as opposed to katas. Cory is very knowledgeable and is always concerned with making sure all students' questions and concerns along the way are addressed. He has a logical introductory method for prospective students which allows for people to have a more accurate taste for how lessons are taught and what is expected. I look forward to seeing how much I will have learned by even summer's end! read more

This was my first experience with the study of martial arts and I'm very lucky to have found CRT. What impresses me most about learning from Sifu Cory Walken is that if something doesn't work, he gets rid of it. If there's an easier way to accomplish your goal, that's what he teaches. There's no rigidity in his style of teaching and we learn to worry less about proper Wing Chun and more about what will keep us safe. Everyone is friendly, positive and encouraging. You couldn't ask for more. I dread the day that I'll have to leave Seattle because I'm so impressed with CRT. read more