Clean, good instruction, chill environment, chill people. Must check out if you're rolling in…read moreSeattle.

I have been training here for about 3 months now and here is my preliminary review…read more 1) Cleanliness - The mats are swept / mopped after classes. I have yet to think about the mats or my partner as anything less than spotless. The other students take pride in their school and keep it as well as themselves clean. 2) Size - This could be my only complaint. The classes attract a lot of people and if it were possible to expand another couple hundred square feet, it would be perfect. As it is, we'll bump into each other on an odd occasion - it's nothing that happens all the time. Just everyonce in a while when sweeping someone. 3) Instruction - Incredible!! Brian Johnson is a Machado Blackbelt under David Meyer & John Will. He has won multiple tournaments (including NAGA, ADCC & Grapplers Quest plus more) and he is the primary teacher for the basics & advanced classes. - One of the reason I chose to train at NWJJA was Brian's Curriculum and his willingness to show & explain it. Basic 24 (Which will soon be turning into the Basic 48) is a set curriculum that students must attend before going to the advanced classes - Giving everyone a base from which to build. - With his new curriculum it is focused into 4 separate days a week. Example: Mon = Guard Attacks I Tue = Guard Attacks II Wed = Guard Attacks III Thu = Guard Attacks IV. This way you are learning new things, but are drilling the same core concept for the whole week. And this is just the GI classes. NWJJA also offers NoGi classes as well as open mats & competition classes. NWJJA offers, what in my opinion, is a great way to learn. Consistantly building on the foundation in a progressive way. 4) Other Students - The atomosphere in NWJJA is relaxed and welcoming. Every single time I have made a mistake or had a question, they were there helping me and explaining how I should do things. I've read that in other schools, some people don't even try to remember names until someone has achieved their blue belt (About a year or 2). Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has a high drop out rate. It ain't easy and belts aren't handed out as often as some other styles. As such you see a pretty tight group of blue belts and up, because a lot of white belts quit for their own reasons. This hasn't been my experience so far with NWJJA. Blue, Purple & Brown belts train regularly in the basics class and I have never felt ignored. That's my review so far! Also - beginning soon there will be a kids class as well.

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!

Great space, amazing teachers, fun & engaging classes. We enjoyed our two week trial very much! And…read morelook forward to returning with a monthly membership. The only challenge we have: we'd love morning or early afternoon classes during the week.

This dojo definitely deserves a recent review. My 5 year old daughter has been going to Emerald…read moreCity Karate for a little over a month now and she can't get enough if it. She loves it. She's taken many lessons in other sports and activities and I've never seen her so excited and willing to go any other class, ever. The Sensei, Sensei Tobey I believe, is amazing with kids. Parents are welcome to hang out and watch the classes and it's great to see someone who can command attention, keep kids focused and still allow them to have fun at the same time. All the while, learning self defense and valuable life lessons. The Sensei's assistants are amazing and so is the woman who greets us when we come in and checks the kids in. I'm so happy we found this dojo and we'll be sticking with it for a long time to come.

On the telephone be forewarned of asking simple, direct, factual questions of owner/sensei Day…read moreabout his dojo and school methods because you may receive as best as can be described it as short and "cold shoulder" responses without elaboration. He may well be a warmer personally face-to-face.

Sensei Day openly teased my child in front of all his peers after being admitted to the hospital…read moreand missing a second tournament. He won two gold medals at the tournament the month before, to give an example of what an exemplary student he is. This apparently took place because he was "not there to uphold his title of grand champion, but appeared to perfectl|y healthy" (direct quote, confirmed by the other students and staff! Direct HIPPA violation.) My son and myself both qualify under the definition of "invisible disability" (severe life long breathing problems, so they do not necessarily show outwardly on a daily basis). If your child has a chronic health condition, DO NOT SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE SENSEIS, simply give the most vague notice of absence possible. Not only will they not take it seriously, they will use it as ammunition to try and shame them for not being present, even with discharge paperwork forwarded to the school they coordinate with and pick up from for their after school program; confirming his admitting Doctor from Children's Hospital, primary care physician, AND school nurse all agreeing he needed to remain home for the week after release (he was hospitalized for the same symptoms not even a week and a half before this incident, to highlight the severity of his health condition).l emailed asking to speak to him after class after the incident, and he's stayed in his office with the door shut. I asked to speak to the other sensei on staff, and she told me to email him (which I've already done extensively). He has been an active member for multiple years now, and it says "health and education center" on the website and on the side of the vans! To see him disregard basic health and this standard of care was shocking to experience. On top of that, I've been trying to get tuition help from their non profit the Kata Fund for MONTHS! You attempt reaching out on the website, you get nothing. He keeps claiming he's sent emails with details, to the point where I had to send screenshots to show him what I had and had not received. They finally provided a single piece of paper in an envelope delivered indirectly by the other staff members, with no further instruction after MONTHS of attempting to work with him on the issue. My son openly admits to being actively afraid of sensei, and that he doesn't trust him to take his health condition seriously. The employees and community however are truly genuine, lovely individuals. We will not continue with our membership moving forward due to this behavior on his part.

We love Zen Dragon!!!! Our son has been coming since he was 3 (now 7) and now our daughter (3) has…read morejust started!! We love the focus on foundation, community and building strong minds and bodies!! The Sensis' are great, especially with children who are young and starting out (and maybe need a bit more attention and direction!) and we love the fun events like Ninja night where they can bring friends!

Master Jennifer's dojo is a treasure of the PNW. Her team is incredible, each bringing their own…read moreaspects to the martial arts journey that leads to a well rounded experience and education. Sensei Amanda is so welcoming and great at teaching forms, Sensei Raven is incredible at helping students embrace a growth mindset and Sensei Taye has a breadth of knowledge he can easily break down into digestible terms. Master Jennifer fosters inspiration in her students in their techniques and exploration of philosophy that is applicable inside and outside of the dojo. Students here are friendly and welcoming, and losing ~40 pounds in 6 months through the exercise doesn't hurt either. If you're curious, try out a class. You won't regret it!

I cannot say enough good things about TSI! The qigong…read moremethods have been transformative for my health, and I have seen them benefit everyone in the community. The space is fantastic and is always a perfect space for training. Don't forget to visit the forest monastery connected to the school! It's in Snohomish and is the most peaceful spot on Earth!

I've been training at the Taoist Studies Institute since 2018, and it has completely transformed my…read morelife. Under Shifu ZhiCheng's guidance, I've learned sitting, standing, walking, and lying down meditation, Taiji, Qigong, and practical Taoist psychology. These teachings have not only helped me release physical tension--already life-changing on its own--but have also deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection and how to move through stuck emotional and mental patterns. What sets Shifu ZhiCheng apart is his ability to meet each student exactly where they are, guiding them toward profound insights experientially, not just intellectually. Through his mastery of internal cultivation and transmission, I've realized that life can be incredibly simple when we stop carrying unnecessary baggage. This isn't just theory--it's something I've come to understand through practice, thanks to his teaching. Because of this school, I'm a healthier person with better relationships and a more genuine version of myself. I truly wish everyone in the world could access these teachings. On top of his skill, Shifu ZhiCheng is also the most inspirational person I've ever met--his dedication to these arts is so deep that he even founded a monastery for full-time training. To say this school is 5/5 stars is an understatement. If you're looking for authentic internal cultivation, there is no better place.

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.

Wow, it's been one whole month since I started! Just a mere…read morefour months earlier to beginning this journey, I was in a hospital bed undergoing surgery for Stage IV Colon Cancer which through God's Blessings it was defeated. MKG MARTIAL ARTS SEATTLE has become my newest chapter. Everyone is so incredibly friendly and fun to practice with along with professional coaches and staff members who are there to tailor your own experiences at a pace that will be a fit best for you. The first step is commitment. Not just the commitment to practicing, but the commitment to not simply breeze through it and passively participate and go through the motions. Commit to 100% focus every time you practice. Commit to the knowledge it will be tiring and exhausting, and there is no easy way to actually practice. Getting better at something involves straying outside of your comfort zone. It will involve no small amount of struggle. You will feel uncomfortable and lacking in your abilities when you attempt to climb higher and higher. So, commit to all of this. If I can make the attempt after what I have been through in just the past year alone, imagine what you can achieve from MKG SEATTLE! Enough chit-chat for now and make that commitment to yourself....you will be glad that you did!

**This review is for the MAX10 Program**…read more I got excited when I purchased a deal from Bloomspot for a 5 week MAX 10 fitness program. I have been in a fitness rut so I figured this would be a great way for me to get back in shape. Right from the beginning, I like how thorough the trainers are. During orientation, they measure and weigh each student and go through basic Muay Thai movements. I thought I was in decent shape but when I saw my weight and body fat results, WOW that was a rude awakening! They also go over nutrition in a realistic manner (no fad diets!) and provide feedback during class. My first week was ROUGH. I don't mean that in a bad way but it made me realize I had to change certain habits in order to improve, such as getting in the habit of having enough sleep and eating breakfast. My biggest regret was missing out on a few classes (due to a cold) and I totally paid for it during the next session I attended. I highly suggest that if you enter this program, it is best that you try to not skip classes for the best results. So how are classes like? One instructor is assigned to a different day of the week so you don't know what to expect when you come into class. For the 9 am sessions the Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes are martial arts based while on Tuesday and Thursdays the classes are focused on cardio and strength training exercises. I personally love the martial arts classes more than the cardio and strength training but both classes go hand in hand. Now that its week 5, I have seen improvements in my strength and stamina, especially when it involves jump roping, burpees and push ups. I also do see some muscle development all around which I personally think is a lot better than trying to meet my weight loss goal of 10 lbs in 5 weeks. Although these have been an intense five weeks, I personally feel that it was not long enough, which is why I decided to sign up for the full 10 weeks. The cost of the program might seem a bit high but when you do the math and consider what you get out of the program, it's actually a great deal! Besides having classes 5 days a week, you're also assigned a coach to monitor your progress as well as having different instructors every day of the week and you get your own punching gloves to keep. You definitely get your moneys worth at MKG! I plan on updating my review at the end of the full 10 weeks. Thanks to the MAX 10 program, I'm considering of signing up for either their cage fitness or martial arts classes! TIP: Once you sign up for classes, you should like their page on Facebook so you get updates regarding seminars and special classes that are held usually on the weekends. I attended a foam roller workshop not too long ago and it was wonderful. So definitely keep that in mind!