The quick review: This school has world class teachers, a welcoming environment for all levels of…read moreexperience, and provides some of the best, most relevant instruction in the US. Full review: I started training in CA in 2010, and joined RGPDX about 2-3 months ago after visiting each of the top schools in Portland and taking private lessons from their instructors. Both the classes and privates were the most thorough and impressive I've ever experienced. I've taken classes with Aaron, Eddie, and Hannah mostly, and have been blown away from the start. I can't say enough about their skills as practitioners AND teachers; they are truly invested in their students' growth, are able to pinpoint the holes in their students' games that need improvement, and have an unbelievably vast knowledge of relevant, high-percentage, high-level techniques. They offer a ton of classes that can fit any schedule; early morning through night classes, GI & NOGI. Kids classes, adult coed classes, and women only classes are all available. There are showers, locker rooms, 3 bathrooms, huge upstairs mat, large downstairs mats, a weight room, and they keep it the cleanest facility I've ever seen. The teachers protect the students by fostering a safe practice environment and promote a laidback space while simultaneously taking the level of skill of their students seriously. Most of the teachers compete and win regularly, monthly, staying at the edge of what works at the highest levels of the art. If you want to be the next world champion, go here. If you're thinking about joining to get in shape and have no interest in competing, this is your spot. I came from another school as an 'upper belt' and was immediately humbled yet accepted as if i had been there since day 1. I improved more in these last few months than I have in the last few years. I guarantee you will not be disappointed and if you are, come find me in class and punch me in the stomach.

At age 52, I am two months into my jiu-jitsu journey. Especially since I was starting relatively…read morelate in life, I was intimidated to walk into any jiu-jitsu school. But at Renzo Gracie I have been thrilled to find not only amazing coaching but a welcoming community of training partners. I roll with much more experienced bjj players every week, and they are welcoming, accommodating, and happy to share their wisdom. And for praise I'll single out Ruben, who teaches most of the no-gi fundamentals classes: the guy is just a profoundly gifted coach. Lots of people can demonstrate techniques, but he has a terrific understanding of the basic principles that each of those techniques are based on -- you get to understand not just how to do things, but why, and how they tie into the broader goals of jiu-jitsu. I love jiu-jitsu now, and I'm sure that this place and these people are a big reason why.

Not everyone who is good at doing stuff is good at teaching it. Hannah and Eddie are not only…read moreaccomplished martial artists who are constantly reevaluating how effective techniques are in high level competition, but they are also talented teachers and coaches of competitive athletes and hobbyists alike. This is a fantastic training environment, where standards are uncompromisingly high, but students of all levels are met where they are and helped along, with nobody ignored or excluded. The vibe couldn't be less toxic. I'm an older, injury-prone guy, and I feel lucky to experience legit, high-intensity rolls in a setting where I trust my training partners to be safe, because that is part of the culture here. Oh, and my son loved Hannah's and Eddie's superb kids' program, which is no babysitting service, but delivers authentic skills instruction in a fun, supportive environment. Finally, for those looking around at schools, I'd advise looking for a few green flags- rates transparently posted on website, pressure-free trial classes, no sketchy contracts, no requirement to purchase branded uniforms, no bs. Honestly, I love jiu jitsu but it's not for everyone, and I wouldn't advise anyone let themselves get talked into a big financial commitment before getting the chance to try it out a bit.

I'm new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I was incredibly nervous. Thankfully the coaches Eddie and…read moreHannah were so kind and welcoming. The other students as well. You can tell they teach that kind of empathy and openness to everyone involved. There was no pressure to continue if I was too tired to continue. I'll be back for sure. Thanks guys!

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.

Best gym ever! You will get a great workout, learn new skills and meet some truly amazing people.read more

I am not from here, but was in the area visiting a friend. Though I'm not a regular, all the…read moreinstructors and students have been welcoming since I walked in the door. On top of the great atmosphere, the instructors and lessons have all been top-notch; every class I went to, I was able to learn and utilize something new. Simply put, this place is the epitome of the best side of the martial arts community.

My daughter has been going here for a few months. Thank goodness she is getting some exercise and…read moresocial activity during COVID. They take precautions and it is the only time she gets out of the house. I am so grateful and she is really loving it. She loses interest in most thing easily and she seems to be enjoying it and was so excited to make her yellow belt recently.

I met an amazing instructor and young adult when taking my kid here when we lived in the Portland…read morearea. Josh Tavill was a great example for son Andrew. While Andrew was growing up he often talked about Josh and how much he misses him. My son learned so much; he went in with a really bad temper but now he handles himself maturely and shows compassion. He is the one to help others relax now too. Thank you Josh we miss you and love you for all you did. We live in Salt Lake City now but I appreciate all you guys do for the youth in this world it gives our family hope.

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

I have been training at this gym since they opened. Nothing but very professional and skilled…read morecoaches who teach a very solid curriculum. Great training partners. It is a great place whether you're experienced or just getting started, looking to compete or just want to train. Definitely recommend.

I called this gym looking for information about its services, I had explained I recently was…read moreassualted while returning home from work. I was immediately hung up on, with no further questions. This gym is a McDojo, and I wouldn't reccomend it for anyone that's seriously looking to improve or protect themselves. If you are a person looking for a place to exercise, maybe? I would not reccomend it as a place to learn how to defend yourself. (I rarely write reviews, so I've gone out of my way to write one on both here and Google.) Good Luck everyone and stay safe!

My kids have been attending Pacific Northwest Martial Arts Academy for a while now and I absolutely…read morelove the respect, self defense and friendships the masters have taught/shown them! My daughter watched my son for about a year before deciding to join the crew and she absolutely kills it and talks about her martial arts family often! I live 50 minutes away and love when I'm able to watch and attend their classes/tournaments! 10/10 recommend!

Master Mike Carlson and Master Mary Carlson are a husband/wife team providing Martial Arts…read moreinstruction in St. Helens, Oregon! Master Mike coaches using his calm demeanor as a model for molding the behaviors of his students; winning is a goal, but learning skills and respectable behavior is most important!! If you are looking for a martial arts class, where the students are the priority, I highly recommend Pacific Northwest Martial Arts Academy ! The students all seem to enjoy and respect the Masters and the school! My granddaughter receives her Taekwondo instruction here and absolutely loves it!

Sifu Sky and his family have created a structured, disciplined, welcoming environment for children…read moreto grow their martial arts practice. The growth I have seen in my son over the past two years has been a beautiful transformation to watch.

Kung Fu been the best thing we've done for our daughter. Not only does she have a healthy outlet,…read morebut she is building incredible skills and amazing relationships with other members. Classes are taught with so much care and positivity that she comes home tired but also with a full heart. When you sign yourself or your child up for these classes they aren't only learning to protect themselves, but they are also learning when to use them, they are learning g integrity, responsibility, and to respect themselves along with others. We see the effects outside of class too!