They aren't kidding when they say things like "ego free" or friendly. Definitely want to sign up…read morewith them. Went with my teenage daughter and she was into it too. I'm glad they exist!

I highly recommend Lightning Hand Academy because they teach techniques that can be used for…read morepractical, real world self defense, it's a great workout, and the school has very good, supportive community feel. Full disclosure - I studied with Lightning Hand regularly from early 2016 until August 2017. In July 2017 I met someone in Washington, dated long distance, then moved so I wasn't able to make time for martial arts. I thought I had written a review for LHA 4 years ago and just found that I had not, so I figured late better than never! I was primarily interested in practical self defense and a good workout. I was afraid of making the mistake of "studying the wrong martial art". The Wing Chun approach seemed practical to me - techniques are all standing up, emphasis is on close range & punching technique, early techniques are very simple which makes them faster to cement into muscle memory. Wing Chun doesn't do high kicks, which are flashy but high risk and in my opinion unlikely to be used in a real life self defense situation (by the time you know someone intends to actually attack you, not just posturing, they are inside kicking distance). LHA's class approach creates a good training loop in my opinion - warm up, discuss ideas and theory, practice smaller skill subsets - agility or striking drills, then integrate smaller skills into practical fighting application by sparring, repeat. Enough variety in techniques and drills to keep you from getting bored, but also comes back to basics frequently to make sure they are solid in your muscle memory. There can be BS (or fear of BS) around martial arts, but I felt LHA was a very low BS environment. All humans have egos, so Ray would regularly talk to the benefits of overcoming your ego, because it gets in the way of learning. Students are expected to teach each other by being good training partners, and held to this expectation. I was once corrected by Ray in I thought a very skillful manner. I was doing a drill with someone that is supposed to be about sensing and technique, but I was using muscle to overpower my partner. Neither of us were learning what we were supposed to be. Ray came over and swapped my partner out, and did the same exercise with me. He was pushing me all over, but I could feel that he was using better posture and technique, not muscle force. I was tiring quickly and he was barely exerting effort. He asked if I still feel strong. This was pointed enough that I understood his meaning clearly - knock it off! But also conveyed one to one so I was not embarrassed in front of the class. I got really clear from this teaching moment that I was responsible for helping others learn and resolved to be a better training partner. COVID has made a lot of things difficult, but I believe LHA is still operating, doing remote training. There is a lot in Wing Chun you can learn practicing solo with minimal equipment - forms teach correct movements, you can practice striking with a wall bag full of rice that will cost less than $30. The best training experience will still need another person, but maybe you can recruit a friend or significant other to train with you? If you're feeling cooped up and would like to try learning a new skill, there is no time like the present!

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!

The focus at the Mountain Warrior academy is on functional self defense, but even more so on…read moreintegrity and your overall health as a person; the teacher is lives his kung fu, and is a passionate advocate for working toward your best potential. Sometimes the lectures on "applying kung fu in your daily life," are more inspiring than the workouts and technical training! On of the things I like is how strong the school community is, and how welcome new students are made to feel. A culture of mutual respect is fostered by the teacher, and carried through by the students. Four stars. It's a unique school that puts your growth as its highest priority.

From the owner: Martial Arts Training, Kung Fu, Escrima, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing, Boxing, Wushu Forms,…read morePadded Weapons and Performance Team Training and Nutrition

Let me just say, I LOVE THIS PLACE…read more Where to start? First, it is very hard to find a facility that has high-quality carpet, high ceilings, and enough space for competitive Wushu athletes to train. Summit Wushu Academy has all of that. Second, it is even harder to find qualified Wushu coaches who are not only energized and knowledgeable, but also top-tier athletes and competitors themselves. This is very rare. Phillip and Peter Dang have keen eyes and can bring out the best in any student. They have a well-rounded curriculum and are not interested in just cycling students through, they want all their students to shine! Regardless of your age, sex, or level of experience, Summit Wushu Academy will challenge and inspire you to be a better martial artist.

Summit Wushu Academy is unlike any other martial arts school that I have seen. My son started at 4…read moreyears old and now as a 5 year old has shown immense improvement in a variety of skills. Sifu Phillip and Sifu Peter provide a fun environment to learn but instill values that are often lost in programs today: respect of teachers, respect of self, respect of peers, independence, high expectations, hard work and practice, and overall discipline of the mind and body. My son has learned how to be more respectful, work hard for things he wants, all while learning Traditional Wushu. His confidence has always been high, but he has learned an understanding at his age of his abilities that is gentle, caring and respectful of others. He is also learning regularly how to work as a team. As an adult my wife and I have begun taking evening classes where we are learning the basics. I'm beginning overweight, out of shape and not flexible, and they have been fantastic! While I can't always keep up, they keep the expectations high for me, while at the same time help to make modifications that will improve my ability as I strive to catch up with those that are well beyond my ability. Sifu Phillip and Sifu Peter are extremely encouraging of those of us jumping in as adults, showing a lot of respect, making it fun and challenging, and keeping expectations high.

Myself, my 75 year old father, and my 4 and 6 year old girls take lessons here with Mr. Alex Clark…read more It has been life changing. Dad was barely getting out of bed and now is out walking 3 miles and is recovering his more youthful self. My daughters have so much fun, have learned so many life skills, defense skills and how to just be good people. They love and respect Mr. Alex and Mr. Ryan. I myself can't get enough of the place..lol. I go as many days as I can. I have back, neck, and knee injuries I have been struggling with from the past and practicing Kempo with Mr Alex has done more for me than any physical therapist could. I was barely able to do a pushup when I started and now 9 months later can do 42 in a row! There is a real family feel to this Dojo. Not a big corporation. Love it!

Our son just started his first lessons at this studio. It is wonderful! The owner is very…read morepersonable, the cost is afforable and month to month. We looked at bigger karate studios that rope you into an expensive 6 month commitment, then nickel and dime you all the way. Our son loves these classes and for a small amount more per month, also gets a private lesson from the owner per week. He is not only building strength and self-confidence, but learning the art of karate. We recommend this studio to anyone. The kids have a great time too! Pam L.

I've been doing martial arts for quite a while. When I was between schools a friend recommended…read moreFlying Tortoise. Been there about a year now and am very happy. The quality of instruction is excellent. Joey and Kate are excellent teachers, and they have taken students from beginners to mastery. We got a friend's child interested in the Capoeira class, and it has been a wonderful experience for him. Can't recommend them highly enough

I went for my first ever martial arts class this week. Joey was an incredible teacher, so kind and…read morepatient, willing to answer any and all questions. I felt very welcomed and comfortable in the space and with the other students. Everyone was required to wear a mask which made me comfortable being at an in person class. I love their emphasis on inclusivity and acceptance. I will definitely be starting my journey here and will be bringing some friends that have also shown an interest in martial arts with me to future classes.

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)

I have grown up training with Instructor Ferrito at Ferrito Martial Arts. He has taught me to…read moredefend myself and confidently use my voice as a young woman. The strength and confidence that learning martial arts gave me as a young teen translated to confidence in the rest of my life and helped me to stand up for myself in many scenarios. As a young female college student living alone in a major city, when I am able to visit home and attend a class at Ferrito Martial Arts, Instructor Ferrito listens to my safety concerns and works with me to find defense techniques that are specifically tailored to my needs. This includes defense techniques for public transportation and other places and unique situations that I regularly feel unsafe in. Instructor Ferrito works patiently and kindly with people of all ages -- I began attending classes as a late middle schooler and am delighted to be returning to this wonderful class during college breaks. Students hold deep respect for each other and Instructor Ferrito because of the respect that he shows us. I cannot more strongly recommend trying a class at Ferrito Martial Arts, you will be warmly greeted and leave with practical tools to for self defense. This Dojang (martial arts studio) is especially great for young women. I have learned realistic defense techniques that can be used in real-life scenarios, including boxing, grappling (wrestling), knife and stick defenses and so so much more.

I was lucky enough to find Ferrito Martial Arts about 3 years ago, it's been a blast. Instructor…read moreFerrito is a wonderful teacher, during busy classes managing to be able to give one on one instruction on a wide range of techniques. I have found Instructor Ferrito to be a very patient teacher whether he is working with a beginner adult or a blue belt pre-teen, he fits his teaching to the student. This class has been great at giving me a good work out while providing vital self defense techniques. Farang Hapkido uses an effective mix of joint locks, strikes, grappling, and weapons to develop a self defense style that can work for any body type and is flexible enough to be adapted to any situation. I feel fortunate to have found a martial arts family with this school.