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

I trained here for several sessions while passing through Seattle, and this place is a gem! The…read moreclasses emphasize strategy and having an overall game plan, which sets them apart from other gyms. The skill level of everyone here is noticeably higher than at many other gyms I've trained at. Everyone is very welcoming, creating a supportive atmosphere. Andrew and Jacob are great instructors, adding to the excellent training experience. I highly recommend anyone looking to improve their game to train here.

Excellent spot for BJJ, Muay Thai and mma. Got some solid mma training here during the early…read moremorning class with the 5:30 am crew. Drilling on mma fundamentals followed by several rounds of sparring, eating body shots for breakfast. Great tips and feedback from coach who definitely knows his stuff. Highly highly recommend this spot.

They teach 5-17 years. Must have membership with the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue. Class is $30…read moreper session. Professor Yamada, Kenji 8th dan Started the judo program in 1957. Been here since. His son Yamada, Harold 5th dan runs the class now. Sign up online at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue Web site. Friday nights from 6pm to 8pm.

I was basically raised in this dojo....I started when I was 11 years old, and now as a young adult,…read moreI still consider it my home. I trained here for years before becoming a children's instructor, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Koei Kan Martial Arts Academy in Bellevue is the kind of place that becomes a part of your family, a place where you sweat, where you push yourself, where you grow, and where you learn. One of the most unique things about this dojo is that often families train together, kids and parents of all ages side by side. It really is a place for family, and it's changed my life.

This is an awesome dojo, and can't say enough good things about this place…read more This dojo is definitely more on the fighting/kumite side of karate, while other traditional aspects of karate are taught, everything with this style goes back to kumite/fighting in the end. Sparring is freeform and rarely point although point fighting is taught as it's apart of the system. They also practice bogu kumite which if your unfamiliar with I suggest looking it up! The sensei's/students are very mindful about limitations and will meet you wherever you are. Throws/take downs and ground fighting are also heavily focused on. Many students cross train in this system and bjj, the school also hosts bjj(gi/no gi) events and often hold training events with other styles. Again everyone is super mindful of limiations/experience and will meet you where you're​ at. On the lighter side kata (empty hand and weapons) are also taught and comes from a shudokan/shuri-te background. Bunkai (application of kata), nage (throws/takedowns/self defense techniques) are also taught and focused on. To sum it all up, this dojo is great no matter where you are in martial arts (new or experienced), great for kids/family's too, and offer flexible training times throughout the day. It's well worth checking out!

Excellent instructors and excellent material! Kwan and Art are masters of their craft as well as…read morevery kind and generous with their knowledge. I come away from each class humbled and amazed by their skill and by the variety and layers of the training. I feel that every area of my life has benefited from the training, far beyond the martial arts aspects. I highly recommend Systema Seattle for anyone interested in Systema, anyone interested in martial arts in general, and anyone interested in increasing the variety of their current training or health regimen.

Systema is a Russian martial that is perfect for all ages, and all people/identifies. It is a blend…read moreof breathing and holistic modalities like relaxation, breathing, movement, and good posture and applying them combatively to ourselves and another person/partner. The work is dynamic and gratifying; its also therapeutic aid at understanding your fear and stress as it pertains to you and how it embodies in behaviors that may not be as beneficial as you have thought or taken the time to. There is a lot of fun learning to fight , and there's a lot of work at understanding yourself. If you're looking for a blend of martial arts that is honest and delivers a premium connection to getting into a flow state this might be for you.

Highly recommend! Self defense and confidence booster…read more This is a great program in a healthy environment. The leaders are good people, developing good people. The skills attained here are VERY practical and if used properly, would be VERY effective. No need to be "flashy" if it's effective. My teenage daughter has surpassed me and is excelling.

My partner and I took a free trial course in Tsun Jo Kung Fu today. Everyone here, especially the…read moreinstructors, were very welcoming. Initially, we were asked to follow along with warm ups. Next, two different instructors worked with us as a pair. They reviewed proper stances, basic movements, punches, and a couple of blocks. We did some of this work with punching bags, the instructors and each other. They made it interesting, fun, and empowering. They were very encouraging. One was lighthearted and upbeat and the other more serious but patient and very nice. I enjoyed the intimate setting and small class size. In addition to classes they have a small gym that is available to students free as long as the dojo is open. I might have to finagle my work schedule to make this work but we felt good about this experience and plan on continuing with either the one month unlimited trial or five class pass. Based on my first impression, this is totally worth it!

I went here for three years while I lived in Seattle and went to just about every class at some…read morepoint whenever my work or school schedule changed. Every instructor has been welcoming, highly competent, and teaches you something new. I was able to quit all my other physical activities and stay in pretty great shape just coming here, despite my terrible dietary habits. Even the virtual workouts the team put together during the worst months of the COVID shutdown kept me fit, and probably kept me sane as well. Gym culture is key in a martial arts gym and I can tell you that everyone here is helpful, friendly, and willing to challenge you in a way that is respectful and builds you up without ever being uncomfortable or risky. There can also be some variation depending on who you work with for partner drills, especially when the class is full, but having been both a total rookie and a veteran I can tell you there is always something to work on - technique, speed, power, adjusting for reach etc. The key is coming back, working with someone new, and continuing to improve. Instructors will make extra time for you when you are new. Be aware that this is a gym and there is definitely seasonality - early spring it can get full, early fall there tends to be a lot of new members, many of whom are new to Seattle (I assume recent grads). That said, the instructors do a good job adjusting the class depending on average skill level and space available.

Been training here for sometime now and I can say its definitely worth the money. 10/10 would…read morerecommend for beginners but as well as more advanced people. The trainers really know their crafts will drill their technique profusely, take coach Marios class if you stop by!

Best gym in seattle, Coach ivan, Jose and Bano are the best coaches ive ever had. Very welcoming…read moreeveryone is super nice.

Best gym ever ever ever ever. Come here if you want to get better at every martial art that you…read morewant.