As a student, I am thrilled to recommend this school and its staff. I have trained at several schools over the years and this one stands out for several reasons: 1. It is very welcoming and supportive; the community is strong and friendly. Some schools are very businesslike, or don't encourage students to be friends outside of class; this one is the opposite! 2. The style is very eclectic. You will learn to punch and kick, but you'll also learn to use weapons and to move in several different distinct ways. This style of martial arts has a lot to learn and challenges my mind and body every class. 3. Speaking of challenge, this class is a full body workout. I never step off the mat without getting really sweaty. The teachers make time to encourage you to drink water frequently during class. 4. This school and community are extremely inclusive. There are at least any many women and trans students as men; frequently men are in a drastic minority. There is no "bro"/macho culture here as there is in many other schools. While it is somewhat expensive for the number of classes (2-3/week at least as a beginning adult student) you get access to compared to some other schools, the pricing is not a secret (it is shown on the website and the staff will be happy to talk with you about it), I feel it is worthwhile based on about 10 years of training in other schools (even ones that cost less and had 10 classes a week). read more

I have trained at One With Heart since 2019 and the community and the excellent teaching keep me coming back! I love the workout I get and even if I've had a bad day, I always feel better after class. The school was also a great source of stability and community for me during the pandemic, and I will always appreciate the strength I gained from my teachers and classmates during that time. Highly recommend checking out an intro! read more

The teachers and staff at One With Heart are so special! Our daughter adores them, has learned so much, and feels accepted and cared for. This has been a wonderful community for her to learn and grow! read more

Last year I took the Women Self Defense Class at One With Heart and it changed my life. I felt empowered, cared for, and stronger than ever (I'm 40 and I have done many other things in my life, but nothing like this). After the 5 weeks of the class ended, I knew I wanted more. I could not stay away from what immediately felt like a community that embodies values of inclusion, care, and determination across everything they do. Being part of it brings me a joy that grows with every movement I perfect, with every word of encouragement I receive, with every laugh I share with others. I highly recommend this school to anyone of any age, any body type, any story. You won't regret it. read more

My friend and I found this place when searching for an inclusive self-defense training. We felt so welcome and safe there that we signed up for Intro to Martial Arts, then kept going. After a year of hard work, we are now intermediates and building a community of the most wonderful people we didn't know we needed. Our bodies are stronger and our hearts are fuller because of One With Heart and the people to train there. read more

My young adult child is autistic and has been attending One With Heart for 2 1/2 years now and he couldn't be happier with staff and instructors. One With Heart is welcoming and inclusive to all and he has been treated with respect and dignity. One With Heart has had a profoundly positive impact on his social interactions, his confidence, and feeling of being included in his community, and we could not recommend it more highly or endorse it more enthusiastically. read more

What a 2022 COVID Fail. We are a long time Portland resident/Hispanic/Latin family. I re-enrolled our youngest son who's going into 6th grade online. We actually re-registered for One With Hearts, ALL OUTSIDE day camp for kids at Mt. Tabor that we - attended in 2021. It doesn't say a word about 5-15 yrs old NOW needing a COVID vaccine..and it better be 2 weeks out. Complete meaning with COVID vaccination and everything else up to date. After getting two shots already to attend, we actually were still not in compliance...really? After the fact details provided would have been nice to know prior to paying over $425 for the camp again. Shortly after showing up, being told don't come back without your "complete vaccine record?" Thanks Cidra! Our doctor doesn't recommend it, and agrees it comes with ample risk. Most of the time ...doesn't even work. *NO Religious exemption allowed, as we do attend a religious private school with attendance for over 2 years..yes for a reason. I can not, and definitely do NOT recommend this camp or school to anyone...It's discriminatory at best. read more

I dabbled in tae kwon do and aikido 30 years ago in my 20's, and started at One With Heart in early 2021 with my then 14 year old in the parent-child class. I thought I'd do it for 6 months and as my kid took it up I'd lose interest. Nothing could be further from what happened. I'm 3+ years into my experience here and there are so many reasons I've fallen in love with it. 1. the community is supportive, positive and inclusive, 2. the training is fully practical: I know I can defend myself if I'm ever attacked, 3. I'm as fit now at age 58 as I was 25 years ago when I was marathoning and weight lifting, 4. the Silat art of weapons and open hand training is very simply fun to practice. My only regret is that I didn't start earlier. read more

I highly recommend the Women's self defense classes. The women who teach this course are all about empowering women with fantastic tools, boosting self-esteem, and building confidence in a very safe environment. The methods used are fantastic to help women both prevent attack and also block an attack should one occur. Thank you, Janesa for all your hard work and BIG heart read more

My two kids have attended this school for four years now. The teachers are compassionate, attentive and fun. We've used evening classes, after school transport and summer camps. All are amazing. read more

One with Heart does not live up to its name. If your kid has attention difficulty or any neuro-sensory issues they will be asked to leave. The instructor told us he was improving and doing well, but a manager suddenly asked us to leave. His classes were all white and wealthy and although the instructors were wonderful, the management is just paying lip service to their mission. read more

I took the 3 week intro to Pukulan class, and then signed up for the full membership. All the teachers are fantastic. They are encouraging while being clear with their instructions. I never felt like I was being looked down on or judged for not knowing what I was doing or for being awkward. And we learned self-defense skills with immediate practical application on day one. I've always wanted to learn martial arts, but I never quite "clicked" with a school or instructor. Finally, at One With Heart, I feel I've found that perfect balance between fun, structure, exercise, and self-defense that I always hoped for. Highly recommend! read more

Looking for something different I joined OWH-TC this summer. I really enjoyed the evening fitness classes. The classes combine martial arts and general fitness into four 30 minute classes Mon through Thurs. that run back to back to back to back. You can start at any point and end at any point in the 30 minute chunks. You get addicted to it and you leave with a good sweat. Unfortunately for me the classes are made up mostly of women, so being able to actually punch or kick anything beyond a tap was pretty much not going to happen. The people here are really friendly and for the ladies out there - you may just want to look at this as a great alternative to anything else. It's not intimidating at all and the one male instructor John prides himself on just being a big goofball, he's quite the character. The other instructors are great too. As for the guys - it's up to you, but unless there is a fall rush of testosterone, don't expect a bunch of other guys to kick the bags with. read more

After a month-long trial in Nov. 2010, I was hooked! Signed on for the year. I don't have any other martial arts experience to compare it with, but I sense this place is top-notch. One With Heart has a great community vibe. I'm doing the basic kung-fu program, which is two 1.5 hour classes per week. It's a SUPER great workout--you will sweat, and cogitate, intensely--tailored to your fitness level, building upon prior classes, and those 1.5 hours are packed with full engagement with the instructors and your fellow students. Everyone is positive, encouraging, and there to learn. The depth of knowledge is impressive. Maybe this is true with most martial arts, but the wealth of experience possessed by the teachers, instructors and the Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen system overall at OWH is amazing--and intriguing! I've just begun, but it's clear that training will continue to be unique, interesting, and challenging. read more

I just took a women's self defense class here with Katherine as the instructor. I can not recommend it enough!!! The 4 hour class really gave me a good introduction to self awareness and some really good information on what to do if I end up in a situation that I don't feel comfortable with. I also learned some things that will really help to get away from an attack. I'm telling all my lady friends to take this class! Thank you Katherine and all the lovely ladies who attended the class tonight! read more

My daughter absolutely loves the Transported After School Program (TASP). They drive vans to the elementary schools, pick up the kids, bring them back for a kung-fu lesson, some time for homework and some time for play. I can pick her up anytime between 5:15 and 6:00. These people are great with kids, there are lots of women on staff, my daughter's self confidence is soaring, it's just wonderful. And hey, how many times do you get to tell the grandparents that the kid is practicing eye-gouges? read more

I love this place! My kids started before me. They had instructors who knew them and supported their learning with respect and kindness. They got time to play and they were asked to work at learning this beautiful martial art. When I started training in the adult program, I weighed almost 200lbs (I blame the children for all that baby fat) I didn't think I would last very long because I had never succeeded at any athletic endeavor ever. I had spent so much money on gym memberships that I never used. This looked like so much fun, and there were other people that looked like me starting out too, so I jumped in. Now I weigh 145lbs and I am 45 years old and I am in the best shape of my life. What I did not consider when I began, was the possibility that the fear I had felt my whole life about being a vulnerable weak woman walking through the world might ever go away. Now it has. I have a good solid understanding of self defense and so do my children. My daughters won't ever carry that fear. The instructors are wonderful, the classes are fun and you develop flexibility and strength through movement with a purpose. read more

I am enrolled in the Crossfit Elements class. It is exactly what I needed: a friendly group, a knowledgable and helpful instructor, workouts that are super challenging but which can be scaled to my needs, and a growing and invested facility. Learning to do the moves in Crossfit properly isn't easy, and the Crossfit Elements class has helped me practice, get strong, and also given me confidence. Mike has been a really great instructor. The facility here is growing-- they're putting in new floors for Crossfit this week as well as getting other gear. They also have air-conditioning, which means no 110 degree gym on those days when it gets hot here in Portland! Everyone at One With Heart is super friendly and welcoming, and I can't recommend it enough. read more

Is One With Heart a fun place for kids and adults alike? Are the folks friendly and the facilities good? Yes. So why 5 stars? What makes them different, or special even, than other places? Why choose One With Heart? If you spend any time around the OWH studios, families and teachers, it won't take long to realize just what a unique place it is. It just so happens there is so much more on offer than martial arts. Alongside the classes, there is a caring, progressive community where all are welcome and where wonderful things are happening. Under the expert guidance of Mas Guru Agung Janesa Kruse (founder), the school is currently developing what the Pukulan art-form really means to them and are changing/growing for the better and for the future with their community in mind. Mas Guru Agung is hands-on with the kids all the time; she is no errant or 'mysterious' founder-teacher, someone who is revered but never there. Far from it! The students love and respect her, her passion for what she teaches is so evident and so infectious. Her knowledge, wisdom & skill is invaluable to everyone. If you are ever lucky enough to see her in action, she is a tour de force; her powerful grace a sublime extension of her own physical self. Lead by her example, her wonderful roster of teachers - each impressive in their own right - are all highly skilled and when you witness their own capabilities in a class you realize just how amazing they are. Balancing the high energy and intense focus of the art with just the right amount of fun, fairness & discipline, they are not merely teachers; they are guides and those who wish to learn from them will never be disappointed. With a wide range of strengths and ages, each teacher has their own style and flair, with individual personalities & the essence of each one's personal practice shining through in class. Even though at different ranks, they mentor the students one-to-one as well as in a group dynamic with dexterity and skill. They teach by showing and whatever the student's personal practice, everyone can reach whatever level they desire at their own pace. My 10 yr-old Young Human (YH) has been at the school for just over three years and has grown in so many ways. Not only has YH developed all the things you'd expect from a martial art, such as being physically stronger/more coordinated, confident and more focused, there is also a deeper more profound sense of self respect now, an emotional strength and empowerment that can be called on for any reason. By learning a form that transcends the more known "street fight" application of other martial arts, young students at OWH begin to embody aspects of the rich history, the language, the fluidity of form that, when combined with what they bring to the studio and their own sense of self (wherever they may be at in their practice), the history becomes current, relevant and applicable to so much around them. Even though there is a clear path for students to take (one rank to the next) the path can be, and often is, very different for each individual. The students are taught to develop personal aspects of the art-form with continual encouragement by all the teachers for students to find and develop their own style, to commit to being the best versions of themselves they can possibly be right where they are. They do all this while teaching the structure of the forms and the nuances of each movement, practicing over and over. Every student is expected to learn the basics well; foundation instruction is key. Yet the ways in which they do it is varied and hugely rewarding for children and adults alike. Students who may be a rank or two higher than the class students are often present to co-teach with the higher ranked teachers, something which is wonderful for the younger students to see: the "I can do that one day, I can get there" feeling becomes very palpable when exposed to that. The lines between teacher and student are defined yet flexible, the idea being that even as a teacher there is always something to learn. Students will carry the teachings with them forever. Strength, courage, the ability to transcend whatever challenge they may be faced with, to find creative solutions for dealing with those challenges, to be both friend and teacher to their friends & classmates, to stand tall perhaps when others won't, to be the one to speak up when others are silent, to find their own grace & strength so they become true advocates for something far bigger than themselves. All honorable and wonderful attributes to have. Just know this: if you do try it out and enroll your child, it won't be long before you start thinking: "Maybe I can do that." You should. You won't regret it. read more

My daughter looks euphoric every time she returns from class. She has tried other martial arts groups in Portland but has never felt supported and uplifted like she does in One With Heart. So glad I found you!!! read more

My husband and I took a self defense class at One With Heart that was focused on how to protect ourselves and our children. I can not recommend this class enough! We talked about how to trust our gut and what red flags to look for to avoid bad situations. I took away the confidence and the tools I need to fight an attacker if I need to. We practiced body language, voice, and physical strikes. We were both amazed at what we learned in 4 hours! I highly recommend this class everyone! read more

My 12-year old son has been going to the after school program here for 2 years. The people that work and teach here are wonderful! Most importantly, one with heart has taught my son so many things about being a better person as he grows up. For him to NOT complain about coming here is an accomplishment alone. I strongly recommend anyone who has kids and that is interested in putting them into a martial arts program to give this place a try. read more

My son started here just taking the summer camps. He loved it so much that we signed him up for a full year. It has been great for his self esteem and his ability to concentrate. The staff are wonderful and very caring. They take the time to get to know the children and help each one with their needs. read more

I love working out at One With Heart. I'm enrolled in classes for the martial art (Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen) and CrossFit. Both are great for getting in shape and building strength and confidence. The CrossFit program at this gym is fantastic- the class size is just right and the instructors are so personable and down-to-earth. Tyrone safely pushes each student to work their hardest and it's amazing how quickly I've seen results. If you're looking for a place to workout, this is as good as it gets. I really like how welcoming, both male & female-friendly, and comfortable One With Heart is. read more

If you're looking for an incredible journey on the path to self discovery, look no further than One With Heart! I'm in the best shape of my life! And it's fun to boot! I've never felt more capable nor so safe as after having trained self defense and martial arts with OWH. The best part though is the community and the camaraderie. 10/10 would recommend. read more

My daughter has been taking lessons for 7 months and she loves it!! The teachers are amazing and supportive and she had learned so much ! I was reluctant at first because of the cost but it is worth every penny. So glad we decided to do this! read more

I have been a student at One With Heart for over 10 years now. I love the art. I have trained different martial arts my whole life and this art is THE ONE for me. From the depth of knowledge that the Head instructor brings to the deep commitment to the kids program (which my kids love), this school is exactly that, A school of martial arts. I will continue to train here as long as I can breath. And my kids LOVE their training and I love watching who they are becoming as they grow (confident, respectful, thoughtful, compassionate) in this art. read more

Dave N has it right. The possibilities for self-improvement, empowerment, and the volume of information to learn at one with heart seem to be the very definition of extraordinary--yet somehow, the art, knowledge, and the community are completely accessible to everyone. I, my 7 year-old, and my partner are all engaged at this school, and each of us is tremendously interested to see where it will take us. Regardless of what is happening in my life, training Poekoelan centers me--helping me be mindful, completely present. Everything about the instruction encourages and helps me to acheive that. From the first moment of the first class I was asked to do things I never though I could do. Impossible. Now, just a few months later, nothing seems impossible. Challenging and worthy of prolonged study and practice, yes. But impossible? No. I never imagined I'd be involved in a martial arts program--let alone my child. But there is so much contained in this study. There is awareness of self and others. There is oneness with our animal selves. There is personal growth and reflection. Today, I can't imagine our lives without it. read more

My eight year old son is in his 2nd year of Poekoelan's Transported After School Program, summer camps and classes. All of the instructors and employees are top-notch and truly care about the children and there development, both physically and mentally. The kids learn to follow directions and they get a lot of exercise which is so critical for children of the electronic generation. I truly recommend One With Heart and suggest strongly you give them the opportunity to be a part of your children's life; you will not be sorry! read more

I've been a student at this school for over five years. My initial experience with the school was very good. The atmosphere was a welcoming one, and the desk staff was very warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Coming from a background in other martial arts, I expected to find the same grandiose attitudes here that I'd found at other schools, from other practitioners. I was wrong. The practitioners here instruct adults and adolescent with patience, putting aside the ego. The instructors also take very good care of the students, making it a safe environment for all to train. The head instructor along with the other instructor have a love of the art, and love sharing their knowledge thereby making the art fun to learn for all age. I'm very happy my journey brought me here. read more

One with Heart is not concerned with the welfare of families with lesser means. After a year of my son being in their after school program they abruptly told me in late July that he was not welcome back next year because he was too distracting to other kids in the program. I don't necessarily disagree with their assessment but finding out that this was an issue and that we could even potentially be asked to leave the program came as a shock and left me scrambling to find afterschool care for next year so late in the game. This is the most hurtful interaction I've had with a childcare provider. read more

When I moved to Portland 4 years ago I had a super tall 5 year old who needed to learn how to move his body and build the confidence to be strong and in controlled at the same time. My son was desperate for martial arts - most of which I do not like for children *little boys don't need help learning how to punch and kick things* After a lot of searching I made my way to One With Heart. I should point out that in my previous life have been a college athlete and have coached Junior Olympic volleyball to girls of ages 15-18 (not a newbee to the whole athletic/coach world). I was instantly blown away by the style of training and control that each person in the room had. We stayed through the 'little monkeys' sessions which are a fun way to get introduced to the art for little people. Then we jumped in and signed the yearly contract for my son - we have never looked back. Let me break it down for you point by point why this place brings benefits to your family member that is training as well as the rest of the family unit who isn't: 1. I witness time and time again a respect that is being taught and honored through actions and words that is remarkable. It does not matter what your rank, what your age, what your gender or sexual identity might be --- each individual is treated with a calming respect that empowers each community member to feel strength in their person while at the same time not gaining that strength by weakening another community members strength. 2. The art is taught with beauty and grace and strength. If you would have told me that my 6 year old could sit and meditate for even a minute (let alone 10) I would have laughed at you. It happens daily here. 3. A true sense of community is formed at One With Heart - I know the owner of the studio and all the people who work there truly care about each member training and their support systems that may or may not be training at that time. 4. Openness and growth - you will receive both of these gifts when sending your kids here or training yourself. Children are given a voice to express their struggles and successes. Parents are consulted as a support member to the child's growth not as a dictator over their future. I sooooo appreciate this. As parents if we would stop and listen and quit projecting our wants onto our children we can learn a lot about who they are. One With Heart has not only given my children the ability to speak out in a calm way but has helped me learn the skills necessary to hear their needs. 5. Power and Strength --- there is nothing wrong with young women and young men and little kids and adults being strong. I am proud of that my children are capable of defending themselves. And be sure the art is one of defense and focus not one of yelling and hitting and hurting. 6. Did I mention community - I chose to not put my children in pre-school, not for us. Never really wanted them in after-care programs; however, sometimes you don't have a choice. But I have not hesitated nor regretted the decision to enroll my two children in their TASP program. My children are safe, they are learning values that will carry them through life, and are being active and healthy. Seriously if you aren't already there you should be ---- now I know it isn't cheap. We have made serious sacrifices for our children to have this experience - it is worth it. I too would love to start training myself .... it will come some day soon. But I do know that just being a part of this community through my children is benefiting me even though I am not on the mat with all of these amazing people. read more

Although I'm really of two minds about poekoelan tjimindie tulen (the art taught at this school), the bad parts of it are so bad that I really can't recommend it at all. I was a student for some years, and this is what I have to say. The school: When I first joined several years ago, adult classes were still the prominent feature of the business. In recent years, the school has relied increasingly on children's programs ("kids' classes") in order to keep its doors open, as few adults can afford membership (which incidentally unbalances the student body in terms of economic class). The kids are taught a very watered-down version of the art so that none of them fall out, and often given promotions they do not merit, and this may give them a false sense of their own abilities in dangerous situations. Kids who don't fit get most of the attention, leaving kids who have actual aptitude less attention than they need. Personally, I don't believe in "kids' classes"...or "adult classes" for that matter. I like "classes", where individuals who have interest and aptitude are welcome to train, and everybody else can go find something better for them. Also, the kids' instructors at this school are not required to submit to criminal background checks (or weren't the last I knew), which leaves way too much up to trust. The art: I find the form of poekoelan tjimindie tulen to be beautiful, powerful, challenging and fun. Unfortunately, you can't just do the form; you also have to buy into the cultish metaphysics, which become gradually more of a factor the higher you go in rank (so that by the time you've figured it out, you've probably invested years of time, tons of effort and untold buckets of money). It really tries to be a sort of community or surrogate family, and so it attracts a lot of lonely people. While it may feel good to be a part of something like that, it may actually do nothing but delay any real healing you might need. I think martial art should be simply a formal collective activity, not a social situation where you have to prove you're a good community member ("teammate"). I also think that questioning what you're told is something everyone should be allowed to do, and it is shunned in tulen. I have seen very dedicated, loyal students treated absolutely shamefully by instructors, and I have to assess that there is a streak of sadism running through the hierarchy of this art, even though the words are always about compassion, peace and healing. I'm not saying their intentions are bad, just that they might be misguided about what compassion, peace and healing really are. A false sense of confidence and belonging can be worse than none at all, making an individual dependent on the cult for their own sense of wellbeing, and if they lose the teacher's approval then they can end up worse off than before they started. By all means, make your own choices, but I would look elsewhere. I consider the time I trained in poekoelan tjimindie tulen to be one of the biggest mistakes of my life. There is no retirement plan at the end of a bad cult experience, so my advice is to avoid investing yourself in the first place. read more

Thirty years ago, I took Pukulan (Poekoelan, in those days) from Guru Janesa (was Banto Janesa) when she was teaching part time at Reed. It was such a profound experience that I have never forgotten the depth, authenticity, power, and wildness of that art. It informed not only how I approached my later experimentation with martial arts but also my way of dealing with threat and conflict from a place of power, confidence, and humility. One with Heart is the real deal. I've told my children about the "crawls" we did in class and some of the ideas and methods in the 4-animal system. I live in Denver now, but if I were back in PDX I absolutely would be going with both my kids for the discipline, workout, and spirit of this very unique and special kind of martial art. read more

My son started taking classes at Poekoelan when he was five, and he is now twelve. I probably don't know all of the things it has taught him, but I do know that it has enhanced his self-confidence, taught him about harnessing his power and being able to quiet his body, and has challenged him to try and push himself in ways he would have done otherwise. The teachers are phenomenal. They are patient, encouraging, and compassionate, in addition to being true experts. There is a real family type of atmosphere here, and it's not just because there are a bunch of kids running around. Many of the students have been training with each other for years, and their teachers have become a critical fabric of their childhoods. They have really special relationships with the kids, and have a genuine interest in their well-being. It is sweet, and very refreshing. read more

When our daughter started at One With Heart I would have given them 5 stars. Over the years class sizes have increased to the point of being unmanageable. A huge disappointment and something that discouraged my daughter to the point of becoming frustrated and no longer wanting to attend. We let folks know we were pulling out of our 1 year contract and were charged for an additional month 30 days, which is what we signed up for. However, they then charged us more unexpectedly, claiming that we also had to pay the difference of the higher month to month membership since we weren't finishing the year. This amounted to a lot of money. My understanding was that was what the one month cancellation fee was for. This just confirmed my understanding that One with Heart has joined the meat market mentality of big corporations focusing on profit and not people. They not only said their classes were too large but continue to add students to them. read more

My children have been participating in The Transported after school program here for the past 10 years, one son and one daughter. The teachers here are dependable, reliable, kind and teach your kinds great values. This is a great for kids to get daily exercise and learn respect and commitment. I'd encourage you to give One With Heart a try. read more

When I walked in, I was greeted by no one. When someone did come out they looked at me, turned and walked away. The "Locker Rooms" are tiny, and dirty. The prices are over rated, for the service you get. In the middle of the class, the teachers "friend" came in with here dogs and into the room the class was taught in. I would never come here again, or recommand it. If you want this service and the little respect I got for my money, go to One With Heart. Otherwise look eles. Do your self a favor, leave this place for the rats, like the ones who live in it. read more