Our son started attending Master Lee's school in 2019, and just recently received his black belt…read more The program has been incredible for him, building skills in Tae Kwon Do, but also cultivating patience, discipline, and respect. Master Lee's teaches the school, along with his wife and son. His other black belt students also assist in teaching, from helping in weekday classes, to teaching specific black belt and danbo classes on the weekend. Every instructor we have encountered shows kindness and respect, and clearly cares about the students they are working with. At the same time, they hold to the same standards and expectations set out by Master Lee. The school has been an amazing part of our family for more than seven years now, and we are so thankful to be part of the YS Lee family. We highly recommend Master Lee's school to kids and adults alike!

This guy is a snake oil salesman. I called to get information about classes and was told to come in…read morefor an in-person appointment. I showed up expecting to discuss training, only to spend the entire session being subjected to a sales pitch for his program. The meeting was largely about ranks, certificates, and why I should commit to his program--none of which I was interested in. I made it clear that I wasn't looking to treat TKD as a comprehensive system. I wanted to extract the useful kicking skills from TKD and incorporate them into a broader cross-training approach focused on practical stand-up skills. I had spent months researching and mapping out how I wanted to approach my training, including which skills I wanted from each martial art and how I could realistically manage the cost of multiple memberships. Rather than discuss those goals with me, he essentially acted as though he knew better than I did what was best for my training. I explained that my plan was to train different arts in blocks--for example, spending several months focusing on one art before rotating to another--partly because maintaining multiple martial arts memberships simultaneously can be expensive. He dismissed this approach as ineffective and a waste of my time. His position was essentially that simultaneous cross-training was the only effective way to train, completely disregarding the financial limitations that can make maintaining several memberships at once unrealistic. He then literally called me stupid because I wasn't willing to accept his approach and commit full-time to his program. Even more ridiculous, after I explained that my goal was practical stand-up fighting and that I wanted to avoid making ground fighting the centerpiece of my training, he recommended BJJ. That completely missed the point of what I had explained I was trying to accomplish. I also mentioned that I had some limited experience with JKD (Jeet Kune Do) and was interested in continuing to develop it. He dismissed JKD as ineffective for practical street fighting and claimed that former JKD students had performed poorly in his classes. I found those comments particularly dismissive, especially given that I was asking about my own training goals rather than asking him to endorse his personal opinion of other martial arts. I obviously can't verify his claims about those former students, and based on my own experience with JKD, I strongly disagree with his characterization of the art. I'm not interested in collecting ranks and certificates or spending years becoming invested in one particular system. I'm interested in extracting useful skills from different martial arts and putting them together in a way that makes sense for my goals. Apparently that wasn't acceptable unless I was willing to buy into his entire program. Aside from my experience with the instructor, I also found the overall atmosphere to have a very kiddie-corner, family-oriented vibe. That may be perfectly appropriate if you're looking for a place to put your kids after school and have them work toward ranks and certificates, but it wasn't what I was looking for as an adult seeking serious, practical training. That made the instructor's insistence that I abandon my own carefully considered training regimen and conform to his program even more ironic. I came away feeling like I had just been sold a package at a McDojang rather than given honest information about martial arts training. If you want to follow this instructor's system exactly as prescribed, maybe you'll have a different experience. But if you're looking to cross-train, have your own training goals, or simply ask questions without being pressured and insulted, I'd look elsewhere.

I've been training at ACMA for the past few years and couldn't be happier with the school and group…read moreof people. My fellow students are serious and motivated which provides for a great training atmosphere. Jason Bartlett is very knowledgeable and experienced in Chinese martial arts and an especially good teacher. I have seen more results from training under him than any other training I have done.

Applied Combat Martial Arts is near and dear to me. I ramble so to cut to the chase, don't hesitate…read moreto contact the school if you're interested. It is the most positive life choice and practice that I continue to make each week. Completely life changing and wonderful. I would offer this to my dearest friend as the secret to longevity and happiness. If you think you have what it takes, do it, take the leap and try it out for yourself. Words will fail me here but, ACMA has shaped me more in the 4-years that I've attended than my previous 15-years of martial arts training. Without the guidance to body, mind and spirit that Sifu Jason Bartlett has offered, I believe that I could have spent my lifetime studying and training and would never have reached the current understanding of martial arts as a whole that his mentor-ship has granted me. I have achieved vast improvements in body awareness, received training for the chaos of fighting. I'm a better trained fighter than I have ever been. I'm a better man than I have ever been and I grow more and more, being constantly sculpted into a better version of myself each class. Changes you can look forward to by attending ACMA, in my experience, are as follows: Spirit - You will push through hesitation and fear. You will become powerful and unyielding when you need to be. You will define your limits to confrontations. Create values in yourself and hold yourself to a high standard of excellence. Body - You will test your personal limits. You will experience growth and change with Jason's guidance and ability to help with any healing that needs to take place thru his study in eastern medicines. You will realize new potentials in yourself, unlock movement and connectivity that was not there. You will learn many aspects of power generation. You will learn fast twitch muscle fiber incorporation and training. And so much more that it's not even funny. I have six lifetimes of study ahead of me and I get the luxury to choose which path to mold and hone to a more and more dangerous weapon. Mind - As your abilities and absorption of knowledge top out and you become overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge that Sifu Jason passes to you. Jason will teach you ways to make room and stillness through meditation and other techniques that touch on your spirituality and expand your capacity for mental acuity and greatness. You'll learn how to make right decisions and maintain a new level of consciousness that brings a self confidence in your daily decision making. There is a healthy sense of comradery between the students. To me, they all feel like family and the school is a home away from home. Sifu Jason guides us all and we help one another to understand and encompass the teachings. Yearly retreats in which you can fully immerse yourself in kung fu. This has been an experience I had never had before and I highly recommend it. This retreat keeps us in touch with our lineage and brings us to the apex of our year's training. I began my martial arts training at 18 years old with a Hung Gar kung fu school run under Si Gong John Leong. I also trained Wing Chun kung fu for a year under the students of Sifu James DeMile. Though these were important steps in the entirety of my martial arts training, nothing I've ever experienced has rivaled the teachings of Sifu Jason Bartlett and his ACMA school. Sifu Jason Bartlett has training in Aikido, Bagua, Hung Gar, Pak Mei, Shortfist, San Shou and much more. For a more detailed look at our school and Sifu Jason Bartlett, please see the school's web site: http://www.appliedcombat.com/ Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from seriously interested individuals. Kris Koenig - Proud member of Applied Combat Martial Arts

Collectively i have trained with Mr. Scott just shy of a year. life has forced me to pause training…read morebut it is on my mind every day. Training here is highly recommended the Hall is welcoming and all peoples , including those with disabilities are encouraged to attend. There are students from 5 to 75 ( trust me the 75 year old will take you out ) . This is a complete system and always evolving, Mr. Scott treats all as equals and listens to feed back. If your looking to learn and evolve or are just curious, try it out. You wont learn everything in a month or a year but you will advance and one day things just start to click , muscle memory develops and then your hooked. It changed my life and I hope it changes yours. When i am able to return i hope to meet you.

I wanted to enroll my child into a martial arts program to help build self confidence, discipline,…read moreand the framework for self-defense. We looked at several different programs in the Lynnwood/Edmonds area before choosing White Tiger. It was a fantastic choice. One of the many things I liked about a White a Tiger was that before trying, we got to take 3 1-on-1 courses to make sure that my child was 1) a fit for the program and 2) that my child enjoyed it. Also, during the enrollment process, the instructor, Mr. Scott, gave me a form that essentially asked "what do I want my child to get out of the program," "what are my child's biggest strengths and weaknesses," and "why do you want your child in kung fu?" I really liked that because it help introduce my child to Mr. Scott and establish a common goal between he and I for my child. As far as an instructor, Mr. Scott is extremely good. He's patient, understanding, and makes learning techniques fun. He's tough when he needs to be, but there's also no shortage of lighthearted jokes mixed in, to put a positive spin on things. He has very good energy, you can tell he cares about his students, and he makes tough times more tolerable for them. I'm glad that he's teaching my child, because not only is a great instructor, but he also has the demeanor necessary to reach them as well. If you, or your child, is looking for a Kung Fu/martial arts program in the Lynnwood area, I would heavily consider reaching out to Mr. Scott to inquire. Shoot, even as a parent I've learned a lot about different techniques, forms, etc.

Shaolin Center of Seattle is an amazing school. While I haven't been to other schools, when I was…read moreresearching getting into martial arts, this one drew me in right away. The school teaches Kung Fu and Tai Chi (and a lot more) for the sake of learning and wellness. If you're looking for a school that competes in Karate Kid arenas, this isn't the school for you. If you want to learn a martial art to explore your own self, with others who feel the same, than you've hit gold. You'll sweat, you'll hurt, you'll bleed, and you'll come back for the next class. By the way, I'm now in my 40s, and I was never made to feel that way.

This is a small woman-owned business and is inclusive to all which drew me in. There's no set…read moreadvancement date; you go at your own pace, no competition. Master Sarah and her teachers are very supportive and all advancements celebrated!

Stumbling across this class is one of the best things that happened to me this year. The…read moreinstructor, Vadim, is the real deal, with several decades of deep experience. This isn't westernized "McDonalds" qigong, this is the genuine practice, the teachings passed down by Chinese masters of the art. As a beginner, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Vadim made me feel immediately welcome, patiently reviewing foundational practices like Ba Duan Jin. I'm thrilled he emphasizes standing practices (e.g. Zhan zhuang), deceptively powerful exercises often overlooked by lesser teachers. He's great at demonstrating proper form, explaining WHY we're learning particular practices, and patiently correctly mistakes in our form. After my last class (a real workout for body and mind!) we got tea and talked about life. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an accomplished and generous teacher. Hope to see you in class one day!

Vadim is an excellent teacher, he demonstrates the movements and provides clear instructions on…read morebreathing, energy flow, and mental focus. I always feel energized and relaxed after class. It's wonderful to be outside and breathing fresh air.

Professor Fenix and the crew at Fenix Capoeira are some of the most welcoming people I have met…read moresince moving to Seattle. They truly have a 'crew' mentality and welcome newcomers immediately and with smiles and handshakes! These guys are more than just a capoeira group. They are a solid bunch of people that combine all aspects of capoeira, not just the physical. That being said, you will definitely get a workout, and there is room to give as much as you have on any given night. It has been a long time since I have had such an enjoyable experience with a new group of people.

I recently tried Capoeira with a friend's group in Utah. On my return to Seattle I wanted to look…read morearound to find a local group because I loved it so much when I tried it first. I want to share a little bit of my experience with Capoeira here: First of all Capoeira is one of the best workouts I have ever done. Skiing, Basketball, Soccer, Yoga, Pilates, Lifting Weights, Swimming, Surfing, Volleyball, Handball, Bear Hunting, Salmon Fishing and Seahorse Tickling. Nothing comes close to Capoeira if you want to have a full body workout which on the one hand increases your muscle strength and on the other gives you better endurance, flexibility. Try the Jinga for 5 minutes and your glutes will inform you that you have never been this challenged and fit before. I thought Brazilians look so great in a thong because they are, uhm, Brazilians. Now I know its the Capoeira!!! Ok, maybe Samba also has something to with it. Speaking of Samba, during the workout a constant stream of brazilian beats keeps you in rhythm and bouncing a long when the going gets tough. The music, combined with the history and the people that practice this sport lend it an amount of soul that you will not find in other martial arts. Once you start and commit to it, you will find it hard to leave. Also, this is awesome for kids!!! Now, if you think that Capoeira is something that you want to try then you should give Professor Fenix "Academia" (gym) a try. We have had several Capoeiristas visit and they assured us that this is the nicest one in the Seattle area. It is well lit and has nice soft mats that keep your sweet toesies soft and it even has a play pen in case you want to park your 4 year old (like I do) while you work out. But the best part are the people at the Professor's Academia. Everyone truly embodies the spirit of Brazil and Capoeira. They will make you welcome, show you all the moves and eventually challenge you to your limits. Just don't ask me to do a back flip - YET!!!

Here's what you need to know about Fight Gods. 1. Ryan is…read moreawesome!!!!! 2. The people are really friendly and supportive. 3. All kinds of fitness levels, everyone is welcome. 4. You know the B.S. you get from those "other gyms" (I'm looking at YOU, Planet Fitness!)? None of that here. 5. No intimidation, no gym lunks. Everyone works at their own level of fitness. Start where you are. 6. Drills are challenging and fun! You want to be at Fight Gods. Seriously, you really do.

I joined this gym shortly after it opened since it's close to my house and it's been a wonderful…read moreexperience. Despite missing a few months due to injuries, I couldn't have found a better gym. For starters, there are no egos in the room and that starts at the top with Ryan Bow who has over 20 years as a professional fighter and is still humble and patient. There is truly an environment of cooperation during every practice and that makes it a great experience on top of the great workout. Everyone legitimately wants to help each-other improve and that attitude carries over to every new person that joins. The techniques that are taught are taught in a way that everyone can find valuable, no matter their skill/experience level. If someone picks something up quickly Ryan will add a layer for them. Conversely if someone is struggling he'll distill it down to the base layer until they are comfortable with it. Having been on both ends of that spectrum I've never felt uncomfortable or bored at any time. Finally, the curriculum is perfectly designed to appeal to people of all skill/experience levels. Members vary from people who want to fight professionally to people just looking for a workout with all sorts in between. The variety of skills that are taught are a perfect way to keep everyone learning rather than plateauing, and there is always another belt to work towards.

I took 5 years of Taekwondo and American Kickboxing as a teen and was sorely missing martial arts…read morefor health, balance, and self defense. Taekwondo is great but I felt like it's missing something at the core - I was ready to try a different martial art and give myself a new challenge. I found Kirkland Oom Yung Doe in 2012 via Yelp. Eight different styles of martial arts including weapons training? Um, yes please! Contrasting it with my previous martial arts experience, there is a much stronger emphasis here on mind-body connection and seeking balance. Head Instructor MacKenzie and Instructor Michelle are patient and very knowledgeable not only about the styles but how they affect your body and mind. I have bad habits such as pushing myself too far to the point of illness, physical damage, or runaway thoughts that create anxiety. They have been able to customize my training so that I can develop mental and physical strength while working to minimize my inflammatory behavior. Several months into my training and I'm feeling more relaxed with higher stamina and more strength. It's definitely worth the investment for anyone who is willing to commit himself or herself to lasting improvement.

I learned about Oom Yung Doe through a complimentary community women's self defense seminar they…read moreoffered one Saturday morning. I later signed up for their six-week level one women's self defense seminar, which was a great decision. The class size was small with personalized feedback and interaction. I am excited to keep building on my learnings, as I am now taking the six-week level two self defense seminar. I recommend checking out Oom Yung Doe's classes! The instructors are knowledgeable and really care.