Excellent coaching from Tyler. He was amazing made our son feel confident and happy. He was encouraging and helpful.

I've always been interested in Jiu-jitsu, but for some reason I'd always managed to find an excuse for why I couldn't do it. I was too old, I was too fat, I was too broke. I was married. I was divorced...blah, blah, blah. Then I got a job less than a block away from NWMA. It was easier to deny the urge to go in when it was a place I passed once in a while when I came to town. Now I was confronted with it daily. One day, I chose to give in, and have yet to regret that choice! There really is no excuse. If this seems like something you've wanted to try, come on in and train with us! read more

The company you keep will affect & influence the opportunities you meet. I'm fortunate to have joined this group of intelligent, genuine and funny people. Since I started training at Northwest Martial Arts I've made dozens of new friends. It's like a country club where instead of wearing polo shirts you wear very sturdy pajamas. Instead of fine tuning your golf swing and improving your handicap, you learn hundreds of ways to choke and contort people into submission, all while getting in the best shape of your life. Nowhere in Eugene will you find more qualified martial arts instruction from a more diverse group of coaches. read more

Northwest Martial Arts Academy - Saturday Jiu Jitsu crew - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

5 years ago this month, I started Yelping. Even though I had written reviews for another service prior, it was nothing like Yelp. To suggest my life has changed because of it is an understatement, and so it is with my 2000th review I dedicate to another one of my life changing agents: learning concepts of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do (JKD) through Sifu Ryan Kelly and his staff at Northwest Martial Arts Academy. After having dabbled for years in various martial arts, there was nothing I had studied like Jeet Kune Do. It is far more "martial" than "art," a conceptual style of combat that soothes the mind and the body, the true intention of the discipline that is martial arts. Known as "Way of the Intercepting Fist" in Chinese (Jie Quan Dao / Jit Kuen Do), Bruce Lee created something that has revolutionized the way the modern world perceives fighting. It is out of box thinking, applied in a self-defense realm, which in turn creates an open source fighting mentality, by incorporating whatever means necessary to adapt and adjust to any situation. As famously described in his book "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do," his motto is: "Absorb what is useful; Disregard that which is useless." These words, along with the slogan of the emblem ("Using no way as way" / "Having no limitation as limitation") completely changed my life. Sifu Kelly is a talented Jeet Kune Do instructor, a man who stood out amongst his practitioner peers. He, along with his wife Jennifer, were incredible teachers and would take time dedicating weekly classes to students at nearby local universities. They taught everything with patience, understanding, and abided by the concepts introduced through Bruce Lee's vision. As much as there was a lot of fighting, there was also a lot of thinking - demonstrated by him, posing real life questions as to why the very limitations of stylized martial arts had little implication to the modern way of fighting. My first year learning was an epiphany that changed my approach with everything. It was like Neo being unplugged from the Matrix or learning about the internet for the first time. Suddenly learning self-defense was beyond a series of rehearsed moves and good-for-tv combat. It was about self-preservation vs self perfection, along with a series of philosophical ideals that made learning everything (not just fighting) that much more efficient. It has been many years since I took my first class and since my first competition, but I give full credit to Sifu Ryan Kelly for giving me an impression I'll never be able to shake. The constant seeking of knowledge, the ultimate truth in philosophy and martial arts, the battle from outside to within. I've not only become a better fighter in years time, I've become a better person because of it. I recommend this school for anyone who is serious about trying something new. Whether it's JKD or Brazilian Jiu JItsu or Kali or all of the above, give this school the opportunity to help hone your base of fighting methods. It will not only be a great workout and fitness routine, it might just change your life. read more

A lot has changed at NWMA. One of the original owners (Ryan Clark) has moved to Bend, OR, and opened another gym under a different name. Several former NWMA instructors have moved on to new projects, gym affiliations, or taken the leap into the professional MMA world, and the NWMA website does not reflect these changes to staff. Posted class schedules are not updated, so check with the business Facebook page or talk to someone in person for up-to-date information. read more

Dropped in and trained here for a night when I was home for the holidays- excellent instruction and a nice, big, bright space. If I lived in Eugene I would definitely train here. Good vibes. read more

Starting the practice martial arts can be quite an intimidating venture. Regardless of which discipline you decide to try, all involve putting the individual in combative situations designed to teach you how to defend yourself when the occasion arises. For many, I believe that the mere thought of these hazards is enough dissuade curiosity from becoming something more. Fortunately for those living in Oregon, NWMA provides the perfect opportunity for beginners to begin their martial arts journey in a safe and friendly environment. With locations in Eugene, Corvallis, and now Bend, there's sure to be a convenient location nearby. NWMA offers classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and more to come. Moreover, each discipline offers classes at various levels so that everyone, from children to beginners to the experts, can expect quality instruction appropriate for their level and abilities. As for the instructors, they are fantastic and some of the finest people I have ever met. I will truly miss training at NWMA. I've made many great friendships since being there. Importantly, my time at NWMA has inspired me to create my own journey of self-improvement through the martial arts. So I guess what I'm saying is come by and try it for yourself. Did I mention that the first class is free? What have you got to lose? read more

I am writing to give my enthusiastic support to Northwest Martial Arts Academy (NWMA) and the programs they offer to the community. I began my journey into the eastern martial arts in July 2013 when they offered me a free one-month trial class in Striking Fundamentals. When the time came to start my paid membership, I did so enthusiastically, for several reasons. First, I really appreciate the genuinely friendly and energetic atmosphere the entire staff strives to impart to their studio and expects from its practitioners. Whatever their skill level when they enter the program, NWMA makes everyone -- including me, a 51 year-old woman -- feel welcome, and encouraged to do their best. And it worked! I've been in the advanced Kickboxing class for 14 months. More recently I joined the Jiu Jitsu class, and now have earned three stripes during the last year. Which brings me to my second point. I appreciate how organized the classes are, and how much I seem to learn in each session. You don't need to see the curriculum (although there is one) to know that you are learning all that you need to know in your particular art from an extremely knowledgeable teacher. I can especially attest to the skills of all my coaches, because I've been a fencing coach for 13 years, having earned my Level One Coaching Certifications from the USA Fencing Coaches College, at the US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs. From what I've been able to see, the coaches do a great job of introducing a topic, quickly reviewing it for those who just need a refresher, and adding some additional tasks for those students ready to learn more about the subject. Finally, I support NWMA because of their interest in sharing the benefits of the martial arts with the community, especially at-risk youth, individuals from low-income families, and women who would benefit from the self-confidence and skills to be gained from a self-defense class. Professor Ryan Kelly has taught martial arts at the University of Oregon for more than 13 years - including five current classes - and has been the head women's self-defense instructor for the last seven years. In addition, Ryan and his wife Jenna teach women's self-defense workshops to many community groups and non-profit organizations. I heartily endorse all of the talented coaches at NWMA whose efforts keep students like myself coming back to class month after month, having fun, and learning life skills, attitudes, skills, and patience needed for long-term success. read more

Training here is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The culture here is awesome, come train with us!

Great instructors, awesome training partners, and training environment. This is the place to train in Eugene, Oregon.

I started my child in Brazilian jujitsu here almost 2 years ago when we moved to Eugene. I happened to run across this gym by chance and they had a nice introductory special so we decided to try it. One of the best decisions I've made for my son. He was 6 at the time. The coaches are excellent- knowledgeable, patient and wonderful with kids. My child has gained self confidence and I've really seen him grow. The classes reinforce self discipline, focus and respect. We even have take home sheets to monitor our son's manners (7 magic words), focus and self discipline. When they do these things at home, they earn stripes at the studio. Even though this is seen as an individual sport, NW Martial Arts treats the classes like a team and it feels like a family. Tyler is an amazing coach and offers private lessons at a reasonable price and Maddie does a great job of running the office and organizing our events. I'm so glad we found this studio. My son has thrived and it's helped him tremendously in other sports. read more

I've been taking Yoga classes from Natacia Hicks since July 2014 and I've been taking her Saturday morning classes at NWMA since January 2015. I've selected her classes because she's a highly motived and educated Yoga instructor who can easily explain and workshop poses during the classes. The classes can be as easy or as difficult as you need it to be based on an individual's fitness level which makes it both beginner friendly as well as being accessible to martial artists who need to retain their flexibility for strength and endurance training. read more

My 8 year old granddaughter attended classes for the last year. Not one week went by when she preferred to stay home. She learned so much from her coaches and classmates. She told me she was nervous at the first class but never experienced that again! My hat off to the incredible coaches! read more

I have been training at NWMA now for roughly 1 year. My experience has been nothing short of incredible. When I first decided to look into martial arts I was totally nervous about what kind of atmosphere I would run into. I figured that everyone would be on edge or something. This couldn't be further from how it i here at Northwest. In the year that I have trained here, I have not only begun to discover my potential as a martial artist and human being, I have gained a second home and family. One that I know I can count on and one that knows they can count on me. This has been truly a one of a kind experience and the professors and coaches care for the growth of their students so much so that you can really pick up on it in only one visit. Great job Northwest! read more

NWMA is now offering yoga several days a week! Instructor Natacia just may be the best yoga teacher in the area. Whether you're fit and experienced or no-so-athletic, she can help you achieve the best practice for you. Her classes are always challenging. She's highly trained and passionate about yoga. read more

I've been a student at NWMA for three and a half years and have had a wonderful experience. I started with the kickboxing class back in 2011 and eventually started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu last July. The instructors are very encouraging with a focus on safety and technique. All of the instructors are well trained and the owner has 30 years of martial arts experience, making him knowledgeable and approachable. NWMA has a very welcoming, friendly, and encouraging environment. I have, and will continue enjoy my wonderful training at NWMA. read more

My son has been going here for over a year! They are amazing! They care about people. I've always felt safe with the staff with my child! They encourage respect and discipline. Very friendly. It's a great place for kids. Safety minded. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else! read more

I have been training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as a member of NWMA all 4 years I've lived in Oregon and am proud to be a student of Professors Ryan Kelly and Harold Utterback. The training at NWMA I believe is now better than its ever been. Professor Ryan Kelly teaches the majority of classes, so students are consistently presented with solid technique and in depth analysis of situations from a highly qualified, personable and experienced instructor. When Harold is teaching class it is always a treat. Harold is very technical and great at fine tuning students jiujitsu. Northwest has in my opinion greatly improved with the recent changes made. They have added a structured curriculum, better drilling, and having two instructors makes the classes much more concise and focused than it has been in the past. The community at the gym is a very safe and welcoming one. The facility is very clean and there are classes to accommodate all levels of experience and differing goals. read more