My 7 year old started Han Mu Do in late August of 2024. I've been looking around to find a…read moredefensive style of martial arts for awhile (I wanted him to learn Aikido or Hapkido). I saw this place being recommended by many of the local moms in the Maple Valley/Covington Mom group on facebook, so I checked out their website and found that Han Mu Do incorporates Aikido/Hapkido in their teaching! I contacted Washington Han Mu Do for my son to attend the trial class. My son loved the trial class, and he wanted to continue (He is one of the most undecisive kid on this earth, and him wanting to continue is a big deal). It's been almost 2 months since he started, and he loves the classes. The environment is very family friendly and they teach the kids respect and discipline in addition to martial arts (which my son needs badly). Their prime location is also what sealed the deal for us. They are located within close distance from the local elementary schools, which makes it convenient to take my son to the class after picking him up from the after school program. In the same center, there is Taco Time and McDonalds just across the street for easy dinner after the class.

Long time customer…read more Good place if you want a workout other than the gym and kickboxing. Not so great if you want a mix of the physical and mental, yin and yang, contrary to the yin-yang symbol incorporate into their logo. While Han Mu Do is a good form of martial arts, the Maple Valley location is the only location in Washington State. You will likely start over if you leave. With only a few licensed instructors, mature students are often relied upon heavily to lead lower students and classes. Favorites are compensated, others are not. As a result, the schedule is not reliable due to leader availability. Unlike Washington Han Mu Do, other martial arts studios often include some aspects of Asian philosophy, such as an active focus on the balance between mind and body, meditation as part of the session, and understanding that spirit and body need to be in harmony. This studio is about forms, sets, and workouts. Repeat. Overall, a good cost to experience ratio when compared to a gym or other exercise place. But is that really what you wanted to do when you join a martial arts studio?

Phantom BJJ is the place I picked my love of jiujitsu back up again and it was a blessing I decided…read moreto go. However, I did leave for a reason. For those who don't know, Jiujitsu is an art of self defense that is definitely more practical for real-life situations. It involves fighting from the ground, taking people down, and actually doing submissions such as arm bars or chokes. It's similar to wrestling, but not quite as intense. The environment: Phantom has a mediumish sized gym, and honestly it's enough. The kids class tended to be extremely crowded and it was a push for space sometimes, though. There is a lobby as well, two dressing rooms, two bathrooms, and a cubby area to stash your things. The staff: The coaches are literally some of the most amazing people I've ever met. They're encouraging, practical, and care a lot about each person who steps foot into Phantom. However, after I quit (partly because of health issues, partly because they no longer had a womens class), the main coach sent degrading comments that were extremely rude and unprofessional to try to guilt me back into going to jiujitsu. It may have come from a caring place, but I am extremely offended - I stopped going to Phantom mostly because there was no womens class, and therefore no class I felt comfortable in. Another thing I didn't like was that the coaches often favored the male fighters. It took a friend of mine over three years to get her blue belt and the coach still complained about her missing classes (the only ones she missed were because of womens issues she couldn't help). Meanwhile, the boys are often given more credit, recognition, and belt promotions. Though I was at the same skill level as many of them, I watched them get promoted while I and many of my female friends were looked over. Here, I'll throw out a shoutout to one of the most amazing female coaches there: Simone, who has definitely been overlooked a lot and overcome a lot. She ran women's classes until they were shut down and was extremely supportive and always so kind! Classes: Last I went, they didn't have a womens' class, which is definitely a downside and the reason I quit. Jiujitsu is a very physical sport and as a woman, I will not fight with men. They used to have the womens' program, but ended up shutting it down with no explanation. They do have an adults class, kids class, and pandas class (the really little kids class!). They're open every day of the week, with different varieties of classes (gi or no gi, and a striking class for the kids). Competing opportunities: Phantom competes in two main Washington state tournaments: The Revolution (at the Puyallup Fair grounds) and Proving Grounds (at Green River). They have competition classes for both the kids and adults interested in competing or already regularly competing. Final thoughts: I'd recommend Phantom to anyone who's interested in starting jiujitsu, wants to get back into doing it, or is a seasoned fighter already. The community there is incredible. However, I would not recommend Phantom to any women because there is no women's program and the coaches often favor the males who go there. A lot of women who go there don't get enough credit or recognition for their strength and skill.

Contact the owners through Facebook and they were helpful and informative. For an women getting…read moreinto the sport I choose this place because they have a women's class on Tuesday and Thursday from about 7-9pm - Shannon is an excellent instructor but there are other instructors that help that are awesome! I am enjoying the community, the sport, being more aware of self defense and have really liked being a part of this group.

My kids have been going to Lions Way for over 10 years. They do an amazing job with kids at all…read moredifferent levels and from all different cultures. Skip does a perfect balance between tough and playful with the beginning classes. And it's a wonderful mentor with the older teens.

they not responsible kidos training and not respect full just paying over. They not care about…read morephysical education martial art. They need only money.

Great little dragons program for little ones!…read more Definitely a class that happens to also incorporate karate and self defense. Respect, active listening, taking direction, participating, and discipline are taught in a fun and exciting environment with peers.

AKEA is exactly what I've been looking for. They use a combination of individual and group…read moreinstruction, and are affordable as well. I like that they have you do an introductory course first. You pay a small fee and that gives you 2 lessons and a test. It gives you a feel for what their instruction is like and the test gives them an idea of whether you will be a good student (i.e. are you going to practice, etc). Mr. Jordan was a great teacher throughout the introductory sessions, and I enjoyed myself so much that I signed up. I am now signed up for the school and am excited to begin working towards my first belt. The school has a student manual which has some great information in it. I am still reading through it. I love that it makes it clear which skills you need to perform well in order to progress. While COVID has posed some challenges, AKEA has adopted their group classes to meet the state requirements. I am looking forward to going to my first group lesson next week.

I've attended several Taekwondo schools as a child on the east coast (one of which being your…read morestereotypical "McDojo"). A year and a half ago, it was time to finally introduce my then 6 year old son to Taekwondo and decided to join The Way Martial Arts Center after a great trial class experience. I have been extremely impressed with everything The Way has to offer, from the great facility to the instructors who are just amazing with the kids! They make classes fun and engaging, while also teaching respect, integrity, discipline and confidence, which has done wonders for my child. They also offer teen and adult classes which motivated me to get back into it! The thing I love most about The Way is the community that Master Nini has built amongst the students and their families. From student summer camps and parents night out events to birthday parties, family classes and dojang fantasy football leagues, this is NOT a common "McDojo"... It's a place to grow physically and mentally, learn how to live with a positive "black belt attitude", and to meet amazing people who want to see you succeed, whatever your goals are! "A family that kicks together, sticks together!" http://thewaymartialartscenter.com/

From the owner: We are dedicated to building a safer and stronger community. Kids, teens and adults train here in…read moreour traditional martial arts program for weight loss, self defense , confidence , and many other reasons. Try out a free class and see if it’s the right fit for your family. The energy is great

Such a great family here!!! Whether you're new and just starting or been going for a while…read more. everyone treats you like family.! We decided to get my son in to help his ADHD.. the teachers take their time and have so much patience.! My son has loved this from day one.. I am super happy with our choice!

This is my son receiving his second stripe. He just started over the summer he is loving it. All of…read morethe staff are absolutely amazing with the kids.

I waited about 6 months after first looking into this place before signing my 5 year old some up…read morefor his first class. I was hesitant because he's pretty adhd and have had a struggle in school. I've been looking into activities to help him focus and things that could build his confidenc. I called and talked to two people that understood my concer of having a student that has a hard time with direction, and what I was looking for for him. They assured me they work a lot on discipline and focus, and even have seen 180 with kids like him. Well we were asked to leave in the first 20 minutes of his first class. They had helpers and did try to get him to redirect into class and not run around. But they chose to send him out before he was done and told me he might benefit from private lessons. I feel they could have recommended that over the phone when I was going to through my concerns and probably would have liked to try that first if they encouraged it for kids in his situation, that I was very upfront about. It was embarrassing and devastated my kid. I'll find some one that won't give up on him, but not this place and not today I guess.

I paid for karate for my niece and nephew for years. Brought them to practice etc…read more.. Tony (owner) then signed a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that he'd never met me. We asked him in writing to right this wrong. My SIL removes them from karate because they were mean to her ! Not only does he not teach the basics that he professes about telling the truth, showing up he then lies about it. Please make sure you know what training and resources are available if you send your kids to their camps or after school activities. They are not a licensed daycare provider but advertise as such. (I have picture proof that i can share upon request) I'm sure tony will try to have this removed and get his "cult" to respond. I have many parents, grandparents etc that upon calling Tony out have been attacked by his cult following. Feel free to message me for details or with questions about his unethical practices and his refusal to fix his wrongs. I picked this place, paid for the services and he doesn't deserve anyone else to have the same fate that we did. If Tony rights his wrongs I'll update this as truth is important!

We've had such a great experience at this taekwondo school! The instructor is incredibly helpful,…read morepatient, and truly dedicated to the students' growth. It's clear they've built a strong, welcoming community where every child feels included and encouraged. My kids absolutely love coming to class--they have so much fun while learning discipline, confidence, and important life skills. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a positive and enriching activity for their children!

A true gem in Federal Way! We've been with Master Shon for the past 8 years and love it! Master…read moreShon is one of the top TKD instructors in the USA. Great for beginners and blackbelts, young and old, and all shapes and sizes. The sparring team is top notch and regularly produces national champions!!! The assistant instructors are also awesome and great with the Little Tigers. I highly recommend! TEAM MASTER SHON!!!!

My son has been attending for a few months now. In addition to learning the art of Taekwondo, to my…read moresurprise, they are heavily focused on values such as respect, integrity, hard work both at the academy and at home. Everyone from Master George on down are very kind and patient people. I would recommend Untalan's to anyone at any age.