I have not joined "yet" but went and observed a class earlier in 2017 and was thoroughly impressed…read morewith the cordiality of the folks involved, the cooperative spirit , willingness to help and share in the learning . Saw the sensei (there were a couple of black belts 1st Dan up to 3d Dan) lead class through opening ceremony , warm ups and then demonstrate the technique to be taught , selected from what they call "The Boards" . All were involved all were motivated and looked like they were having a good time while training . More senior students showed the junior students (senpai , kohai) how to do a technique and encouraged them . Although I live up in Battle Ground WA , I will take the plunge and in the New Year make the trek to North Portland KaishinKai , looks like to much fun and exercise to miss out any longer ! Cheers !

I have been a member for a year now and absolutely love it. This is my first experience with…read moremartial arts and it has been amazing to see the change in myself. At first I was nervous and didn't really feel comfortable practicing and failing techniques in front of other people. I soon realized that this class attracts very encouraging, respectful and helpful people. I am much more confident in my ability to learn new physical skills and defend myself. Sensei Ryan is very knowledgeable and humble. I would recommend this class to beginners and experts alike.

It's a wonderful with school with awesome instructors. I always have fun learning and training…read morethere

Good instruction. Great people. Omar knows his Jiu Jitsu and it shows in his upper belts.read more

Wally Jones has created something genuinely special at Southwest Portland Martial Arts and CrossFit…read moreHillsdale. I've known him for only a few years, but in that time I've come to appreciate how unique his leadership, attitude, and teaching style are. Before joining, I'd heard plenty of stereotypes about CrossFit. That it was overly intense, competitive, and full of ego-driven athletes trying to out-lift each other. Wally's gym couldn't be more different. From day one, he made it clear that this is a space built on collaboration, respect, and personal growth. Wally fosters an atmosphere where you're encouraged to go at your own pace, focus on form and technique, and celebrate progress -- not perfection. He emphasizes lower weights and correct movement over brute strength, and that simple philosophy keeps people safe, builds confidence, and creates a lasting love of training. Wally's coaching style is constructive, humorous, and deeply human. He gives feedback that makes you better without ever making you feel small. He's the kind of coach who'll crack a joke mid-workout to keep spirits high but also knows exactly how to tweak your form so you get it right the next time. Even on days I don't feel like working out, his energy and encouragement make it worth showing up. What's equally impressive is how Wally treats people. He's accepting, thoughtful, and leads by example in the way he treats every person who walks through the door. Whether it's handling an awkward situation with grace, like gently escorting a confused stranger who wandered into class... or picking up garbage left in the parking lot just because it's the right thing to do, he embodies integrity in small, everyday actions. Wally's not trying to be anyone other than himself. What you see is who he is. No performance, no pretension, just genuine kindness and a sharp sense of humor. That honesty creates a community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome. If you've ever been hesitant to try CrossFit because you thought it might be intimidating, Wally's gym will change your mind completely. It's a place where effort is celebrated, individuality is respected, and laughter is part of the workout. Simply put, Wally Jones has built one of the most welcoming and grounded fitness communities you'll ever find.

My 6 year old has taken a few classes here and loved it. The teachers were great. The other…read morestudents were great. We are really lucky to have them here in our neighborhood. This place is way better than a bank occupying the space. (BofA used to be there)

4 of us came here for a trial class and had so much fun! It was most of our first time on the mat,…read morebut the amount of support and help we received from the coaches and other students was noticeably different than other gyms around. Definitely recommend!

I am so impressed with Impact Jiu Jitsu. My nine year old daughter has Asperger Syndrome, which…read more(among many other things) causes her to be very clumsy and both physically and socially awkward. She does not do well in group sports, even though she tries very hard. Because of this, I'd been looking for some kind of sport or physical activity that fit her. Impact Jiu Jitsu recently moved into our neighborhood, and we gave it a week to see if it would work out for her. Not only did they offer a full week (3 classes) with a very nice loaned gi, they also took extra time with her to help her get comfortable with the facility and the staff. Speaking of the staff, my wife is very hard to impress. But she goes on and on about the quality of the teachers there. They are knowledgable, they are so patient, they are focused on safety, and they are fully engaged. My daughter has finally found "her thing," and is excited to go to every class. We're absolutely delighted with every aspect of this gym.

I mostly train at their sister school, SW Portland Martial Arts (which is near my house), but I…read moreattend one sparring class a week at NPMAAM. I'm the newest and least-skilled guy there, but all of the other students are helpful and encouraging. Sifu Mike is a great teacher and I have a great time in his class.

I have trained at North Portland Martial Arts and Movement (formerly Northeast Portland Martial…read moreArts) for about six years now and my kids trained here for about three years. I cannot speak highly enough about the quality of the training my family and I have received from Sifu Sean Kelly and Michael Wall: they provide a great mix of martial arts fundamentals along with practical application. Mo Duk Pai is a form of Kajukenbo which is an early mixed martial art that came out of Hawaii in the early 40's. This form of martial arts pulls from KArate, JUdo and jujitsu, KENpo, and BOxing and also incorporates elements of Muay Thai, Arnis/Eskrima, and Systema. Mo Duk Pai is awesome! The Mo Duk Pai community in the Portland area is a fantastic group of skilled martial artists that share their experience with all students. With three schools in Portland, there are a ton of classes you can take with some of the best people to train with. And, the classes are very affordable, especially with discounts for multiple family members. In addition to martial arts, check out Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) training with Michael Wall. I've done several classes with him and he is a fantastic resource and wealth of knowledge with respect to getting your body moving to its full range of motion and achieving your fullest potential. This has been a great addition to my martial arts training. Like I said earlier, I cannot speak highly enough about this school! I look forward to training with you.

My daughter LOVES the classes that she takes through the Academia. Her focuses are swords in the…read moreBuckler style and the Victorian self-defense. The instructors are great. Very well practiced, mindful of a student's abilities and challenging too. The classes range from week to week depending on skill levels and if there is a special technique to train in. My daughter entered the school with no experience or equipment. This was not a problem. Other students, more advanced, step in to assist in training. Equipment is handy to use and rent. And items, like the special leather gloves, are for purchase. All in all this has been a foundational experience for my daughter. She is gaining confidence, skills and mastering two practices. It is a great deal! Definitely come check out the Academia, it's worth it.

These guys are as real as it gets. Working with recently re-translated material from German and…read moreSpaniard sources this school is an incredible and rare resource for individuals who wish to learn from those traditions. The school is reasonably priced, located in a really good place accessible by public transportation. The instructors there are the nicest people you will ever want to meet. They are friendly, treat students with respect, and without the snobbery that many newcomers experience in other schools. In short, if you are looking to learn sword-fighting in the traditional form, which includes the training of the mind, body and spirit, you will find a home here.

My son took lessons for several years and became very proficient. It was small groups and very…read morepersonalized and he loved going highly recommend these teachers.

Great investment in yourself or your child. Very compassionate instruction. Definitely worth it.read more

My 7YO has been attending for a few months and loves it!read more

Our son has loved his experience with AMMA - they focus on the physical and the mental mindset…read more Kristine and Christopher walk the talk both while training and within the community. The lessons are challenging and supportive. It's been a great fit !