Being a lifetime martial artist and having tried many styles of martial arts from Brazilian…read moreJiu-Jitsu to Taekwondo to Escrima, I wasn't sure what to expect from Shotokan but Shiba Sensei is very welcoming and presents the material and dojo etiquette professionally and precisely. Excellent teaching and conveys and explains the ins/outs of the techniques clearly and straight to the point. The dojo atmosphere is very traditional and welcoming. I am hooked. Wish I would have tried Shotokan earlier.

I've just started training in karate, but Shiba Sensei is always patient to explain moves…read more I also enjoy the dynamic of training as one group with people who are a range of skills -- from white belts (me) to black. It's a great group of people. Come try a free class like I did. It was a good enough experience that I went and bought a gi.

As a student, I am thrilled to recommend this school and its staff. I have trained at several…read moreschools 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).

I have trained at One With Heart since 2019 and the community and the excellent teaching keep me…read morecoming 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!

This review if for the kids classes…read more This is a commercialized Martial Arts business focused on having clients buy new weapons every quarter. In addition, plan to pay quarterly for new belts and testing. The testing I've seen is the same for the past 2 belts so not sure what my kid learned new that required 2 new belts when he did the same requirements for each belt. Parents can't wait inside to sit and watch their kiddos. They have a zoom that you can join but it's one camera and you can barely see if it's your own child so no point in the zoom. When asked why parents can't wait inside, especially in the winter and rainy months, they told me that having all the parents would exceed the building's occupancy capacity... this is questionable as there is plenty of space. I was also told to not distract students. An easy solution is to not black out your windows so that parents standing outside can spread out and observe from outside. Another solution is rotate which days parents can come in. Tues / Thursday can have 1/2 parents observe from inside while other 1/2 observe from outside on Tuesdays and rotate on Thursdays. The only way to watch your child is through the double doors which needs to be cleared so people can go in and out. Most parents are unable to observe and are left waiting inside their vehicles for 30 - 40 minutes. Parking is also difficult. I regret signing a membership.

My granddaughter has been going here for about 5 years. She has learned a lot along this journey…read more She wants to be an instructor when she is old enough. They have taught her self confidence, pride, discipline, and endurance. She started out shy and very introverted, and is now very commanding of presents but in a good way. She finally interacts with others, and can handle things that were out of her comfort zone. We recommend East West to anyone's child, especially children who need to come out of their shell. It has done her wonders.

First rate instruction by a high ranking black belt (6th degree) and certified instructor in the…read moreISKF, the largest karate organization in the world. He is not only an excellent practitioner--he has numerous medals to prove it--but he is a great instructor who gives personal guidance and feedback. And just as important, he creates an atmosphere of support where everyone supports everyone in their progress. This is the norm for ISKF dojos but SWWSKC feels like a family, going out to share a meal together on Monday nights. First rate instruction, high expectations without negativity, welcoming atmosphere. Who could ask for anything more? Oh yes, and the fees are extremely reasonable

Best place on the North side of the river for fun, exercise, and self defense!read more

I joined Traditional Taekwondo in 2019 with my two kids. It was just supposed to be something fun I…read morecould do with the kids, but I absolutely fell in love with it. Even through the pandemic, Master Johnson went above and beyond to keep students engaged, whether that meant classes via Zoom or classes in the park. I have never done a sport in my life, and this past spring (2025) I got my black belt - at age 51! The classes are rigorous and the instructors are extremely skilled. In addition to getting a great workout and learning an incredible traditional martial art, I have discovered a community that is supportive and dedicated. I highly recommend Traditional Taekwondo to students of all ages.

My son has been going here for awhile and loves it. It's great for exercise and his self-esteemread more

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.

We went to a number of different martial arts dojos before finding Karate on Main. Our (7 year old)…read moredaughter had a hard time getting comfortable at other dojos, but after her first class at Karate on Main, she was already making new friends. While they do a great job teaching karate, for us, the most important impact we've seen was our daughter's growth in confidence and ability to focus. The instructors do a wonderful job of gently coaching children to be their best selves. We're very happy to be a part of the wonderful community at Karate on Main!

A great place for serious martial artists interested in learning traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu…read moreKarate Do. Excellent instructors, fantastic community and a great spirit for truly learning the art.

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!