This review if for the kids classes…read more This is a commercialized Martial Arts business focused on having clients buy new weapons every quarter. In addition, plan to pay quarterly for new belts and testing. The testing I've seen is the same for the past 2 belts so not sure what my kid learned new that required 2 new belts when he did the same requirements for each belt. Parents can't wait inside to sit and watch their kiddos. They have a zoom that you can join but it's one camera and you can barely see if it's your own child so no point in the zoom. When asked why parents can't wait inside, especially in the winter and rainy months, they told me that having all the parents would exceed the building's occupancy capacity... this is questionable as there is plenty of space. I was also told to not distract students. An easy solution is to not black out your windows so that parents standing outside can spread out and observe from outside. Another solution is rotate which days parents can come in. Tues / Thursday can have 1/2 parents observe from inside while other 1/2 observe from outside on Tuesdays and rotate on Thursdays. The only way to watch your child is through the double doors which needs to be cleared so people can go in and out. Most parents are unable to observe and are left waiting inside their vehicles for 30 - 40 minutes. Parking is also difficult. I regret signing a membership.

My granddaughter has been going here for about 5 years. She has learned a lot along this journey…read more She wants to be an instructor when she is old enough. They have taught her self confidence, pride, discipline, and endurance. She started out shy and very introverted, and is now very commanding of presents but in a good way. She finally interacts with others, and can handle things that were out of her comfort zone. We recommend East West to anyone's child, especially children who need to come out of their shell. It has done her wonders.

First rate instruction by a high ranking black belt (6th degree) and certified instructor in the…read moreISKF, the largest karate organization in the world. He is not only an excellent practitioner--he has numerous medals to prove it--but he is a great instructor who gives personal guidance and feedback. And just as important, he creates an atmosphere of support where everyone supports everyone in their progress. This is the norm for ISKF dojos but SWWSKC feels like a family, going out to share a meal together on Monday nights. First rate instruction, high expectations without negativity, welcoming atmosphere. Who could ask for anything more? Oh yes, and the fees are extremely reasonable

Best place on the North side of the river for fun, exercise, and self defense!read more

As a black belt myself, it is very important for me to have my kids attend a martial arts school I…read morehave faith in, and I am thankful we found Dragon Star Kung Fu. From the very first class and on, we felt comfortable and welcomed. The instructors and the other families at the school are friendly and treat everyone like family. I feel the instructors provide a good balance of structure, technique, life lessons, discipline, and fun in their classes. Our daughters have been at Dragon Star Kung Fu for almost two years now, and they've told me they plan to earn their black belts and beyond!

What a great environment for kids and adults to learn self-defense. My children and I are taking…read moreclasses, and we have learned so much over the years. It is a great school! Highly recommend!

Amazing staff... courteous and kind.... professional environment..... great customer service. My 6…read moreyear old feels comfortable and confident! Would highly recommend!

Surprised my partner with a private BJJ lesson and couldn't have been happier with the experience…read more Kaitlyn & Matthew are great instructors. They were able to show us (we did the session together) some good techniques (like rolling, the shrimp, and how to get out of a pin), taught us how to maneuver safely and didn't feel like totally novices in over our heads. If you're thinking about branching out and trying something new... I definitely recommend Emerge. Oh and they let me borrow a Gi

Austin is a great coach and trainer, I had an injury and had to take a break. I'm looking forward…read moreto going back!

This is an excellent Mixed Martial Arts gym that teaches boxing, muay thai, jiu jitsu, MMA, and…read morewrestling. The coaches all have a lot of experience and the price is more than reasonable.

Being a lifetime martial artist and having tried many styles of martial arts from Brazilian…read moreJiu-Jitsu to Taekwondo to Escrima, I wasn't sure what to expect from Shotokan but Shiba Sensei is very welcoming and presents the material and dojo etiquette professionally and precisely. Excellent teaching and conveys and explains the ins/outs of the techniques clearly and straight to the point. The dojo atmosphere is very traditional and welcoming. I am hooked. Wish I would have tried Shotokan earlier.

I've just started training in karate, but Shiba Sensei is always patient to explain moves…read more I also enjoy the dynamic of training as one group with people who are a range of skills -- from white belts (me) to black. It's a great group of people. Come try a free class like I did. It was a good enough experience that I went and bought a gi.

This dojo is run by a husband and wife team. The husband is the senior Sensei and has been studying…read morekarate for most of his life. His wife has also bee a long time student. The atmosphere is very focused, respectful and encouraging for all levels. I enjoy the classical structure of the class and the drills. It is no-frills and focused on foundational principles as well as practical applications. Out of 8 classes per month, there is 1-4 sparring sessions which range in intensity appropriate to one's level. Every class focuses on dachi and kihon (stance and basics). Three quarters of the classes have some focus on kata. I prefer the strict kata learning system in this dojo to other dojos I have been in. Each belt is associated with at least one kata. The Sensei-student relationship is strong, supportive, but unflinchingly focused on excellence. Finally, the group of students are top notch. Nobody is out I prove a point, women are respected and it is never about ego or domination. Even when it gets a little hairy sparring. I recommend Portland Shotokan completely.

Traditional Japanese Dojo. Excellent instruction and variety. I have been training there for 3…read moreyears. Karate is great for fitness and confidence. I recommend Pacific Renbukai to serious karateka of all levels and ages.

Kids have attended a couple birthday celebrations here. They had a blast, especially with the…read morebungee jumper/ bounce harnesses. The foam pit, slide and open play areas. Staff was around and watching/paying attention as well as facilitating, engaging, and helping direct the kids. They all seemed to be happy to be there and were very helpful. Would definitely recommend this for the birthday parties. A great time!

My daughter has been going to Naydenov Gymnastics for 3 months. We started making the commute up…read morefrom Portland when our neighborhood gym wasn't challenging enough. Naydenov has been great! It's an amazing facility with topline equipment and all of the coaches my daughter has worked with have been great. We have had an especially outstanding experience with Coach Chris. He is a great combination of exact, hands-on instruction and playful silliness that works really well for my kiddo. She has made awesome progress with his coaching!

I go here and I'm in the beginner class. When we first came in for the intro class (a one on one…read moreclass to give you an idea on what it's going to look like when you start lessons, and to give you some tips on how to defend yourself), my dad and I felt really welcome there. The people are kind and complimentary, and I really enjoyed it. I'm continuing to progress, and I would definitely recommend Kanthak Karate.

Echoing a previous review--I'm not sure what shifts they've made over the years, but this place is…read moreunequivocally a 5-star business. Seeing a completely packed house speaks volumes about how exceptionally well this operation is run. I signed up for the trial promo and was able to join a class within just two days. MJ was the best and reason I decided to commit to this journey. She is patient, remarkably knowledgeable, and her passion for teaching shines through immediately. The 1-on-1 session was purposeful and genuinely focused on training rather than a high-pressure sales pitch. I'm looking forward to engaging with this community!

Reading some of the negative reviews, I see that the latest was 4 years ago. I don't know what has…read morehappened since, but our grandson has been taking lessons for 2 weeks now and absolutely loves it. Every single employee I have encountered here has been absolutely wonderful and helpful. We watched the first class, and thought that the instructors were very skilled , patient, and genuinely cared about the children's progress. They treat each child with kindness and respect. The kids seem to have a lot of fun learning from them.I Also just can't say enough about MJ Shane, the new student Director, who made our grandson feel welcomed and excited. She has a very special way of connecting to the kids, and is a very sweet person. She has efficiently responded to each and every question I would ask from time to time, and thoroughly explained the answers. Yes, they ask for a 9 month contract commitment , and charge $40 per belt test, but it was explained to us upfront, without surprises, and we are okay with that because of the level of professionalism I have seen demonstrated.