I am very grateful I started my bjj journey at Praxis. Larry runs a very chill and productive gym. He was patient with all of my questions and offered lots of solutions. Whether you're just trying to get in shape, learn self defense, or become a competitive practitioner, I would recommend you try Praxis out. read more

As someone who values clarity, transparency, and fairness, this was not the studio for me. I had an unprofessional and weird experience trying to start my BJJ journey here at Praxis with the owner, Alex. I visited the website and filled out a short form to view the schedule, followed by a longer form to register for a class. Shortly after, I received a message from Alex asking a question that I had already answered on the form, which led to some immediate confusion. He mentioned a required screening, but before we could go through any actual questions, he asked if I wanted my class canceled. Without waiting for my response, he canceled it within two minutes. After further discussion, he mentioned that any hostility (I'm assuming this was me asking for clarification) would be met with a similar response to protect those in his studio who have been victims of violent assault. As someone who has experienced violent assault myself, I was surprised that the owner of a martial arts studio, who is used to working with people in this situation, would be so unwilling to answer questions from someone simply trying to understand what they're getting into. I'm curious about what hostility I presented and the owner was unable to let me know. I can't speak to the overall culture or community here, but this was a very odd and discouraging way to welcome someone new to BJJ. I'd recommend going to other studios with clear communication and warm welcomes. read more

Praxis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - The owner abruptly canceling my class - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Seattle, Washington

So I trained at this place for a couple of months; long enough to see what it was like before I decided to move on. First of all, the mat space is great. Plenty of room and situated on a slightly elevated wooden structure so that you aren't getting slammed on mats lying directly on top of concrete. The mats were swept and mopped with sanitizing solution between each class that I attended. The students are an average bunch for Jiu Jitsu; most are pretty friendly, some are a bit reserved, and a couple are kinda dickish. In other words, a normal gym. Unfortunately that's all the nice things I can say about the place. The men's' changing rooms were a mess; just a small, dimly-lit room with piles of old ceiling tiles stacked in corners, along with discarded odds and ends. Definitely no-frills, and no privacy. Perhaps the women's' changing areas are nicer; I never thought to look. One thing I will say is that there are quite a few women who train here, and that women definitely receive more attention from the instructor than men do. Attractive women receive the most attention of all. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing depends upon on your perspective. This place is very expensive to train at. There is a "Membership Fee" just to join, and then the minimum is $200 per month for just 2 classes a week. $300 a month lets you take 4 classes per week. This is extremely expensive relative to other Jiu Jitsu gyms in the Puget Sound area, where unlimited classes always cost less than $200 per month. The worst part of Praxis BJJ is definitely the instruction. I could go on for a while on that subject, but I'll just hit some highlights. Larry, the only instructor I ever saw at Praxis, is just not that good at teaching. One time where my partner and I had both hit a point where we couldn't get a technique to work for us, and we both stopped drilling and looked over at Larry, waiting for him to notice us and offer to help. I vividly remember him looking around the room at the other people drilling, with a self-satisfied grin on his face, completely ignoring us. I've honestly gotten much better instruction from purple belts who cared enough to go around to everyone in the room, answering questions and correcting improper technique. Another thing that I found unhelpful was that techniques are taught, but the name of the technique was sometimes not provided. One class I participated in was taught a Judo throw but was not told what it is called. Another class we were taught the elbow escape from mount, but I did not learn the name of this technique until I watched a YouTube video and recognized it there. Larry DOES spend a lot of time policing technique. I like to use the single leg underhook guard opening that Saulo Ribero teaches, but when I did this, Larry would frequently interrupt me with admonishments for using my elbow to force my partner's guard open. I kept telling him that I wasn't doing that, but he persisted. At one point when he told me to stop using my elbow to open the guard, I looked up at him and said "I'm not!", and my partner looked up at him and said "He's not!" Larry turned around and quietly walked away. Another time the class I was in was practicing a Judo throw, and I was thrown down on the mats by my training partner, as usually happens when a Judo throw is executed correctly. Larry ran up and told me and my partner that we weren't allowed to practice that throw anymore, and had to just stand around watching other people while they practiced it. After Larry had walked away, I asked my training partner "What happened? Did we do something wrong?" My partner looked at me and shrugged. Apparently this kind of thing happens regularly enough that no one questions it. Larry teaches SOME Jiu Jitsu to white belts, but not the whole thing. For example, at Praxis BJJ white belts are not taught Kimuras, Guillotines, or Hip Bump Sweeps. Pretty much every Jiu Jitsu gym on earth teaches those techniques to white belts. I asked why white belts were not allowed to use the Hip Bump Sweep, and was told that it was because people would post their hands out to prevent the sweep, and someone might accidentally trip on their arm. This is like saying that people shouldn't be allowed to take flashlights with them when they go camping, because someone might get a light shined in their eyes. Posting a hand out is a legitimate defense to almost ALL of the sweeps in Jiu Jitsu; you just keep people separated when they are rolling so they don't get into a pile-up. Perhaps Larry King is some kind of a visionary genius who is simply ahead of his time, but it's more likely that his peculiar ideas regarding Jiu Jitsu instruction are NOT to be recommended to the general public. If you live in South Lake Union, like the convenience of being able to walk to the gym, and have plenty of money, than this might be a decent spot to train at. But you should be aware that you are paying for over-priced, watered-down Jiu Jitsu. read more

I was in town for work and was recommended to visit Praxis and I'm glad I did. What a great gym full of camaraderie, good people, and amazing technique. It was a honor to roll with everyone there and to meet Larry the owner who was very polite and friendly. Larry has a great philosophy blending technical Jiu Jitsu with a focus on body movement, spacial awareness, and fitness. It's obvious Larry is a great professor from the quality of Jiu Jitsu at every level, the respect and kindness on the mat, and the fact that everyone pulls together. Thank you for the warm welcome and I highly recommend Praxis to anyone looking to train Jiu Jitsu in Seattle. read more

I would recommend this gym if you are traveling. I was in town and did not have my gi, belt, anything and emailed to ask about classes and if I could borrow a gi. Professor Larry was very kind and said I could borrow a gi no problem. He let me join the advance class which was amazing. Everyone was very kind, great training partners, and the live training was very hard but safe. Excellent place to train, highly recommended from a visiting black belt. read more

Larry is a very humble and welcoming instructor. I wish him the best of luck. It was great to train with such a great group of guys and an amazing school read more

Praxis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Training while in Seattle - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I am from out of town and wanted to train so I thought I would try Praxis. This is a great place to train. Everyone was very welcoming and it was very clean with good hygiene rules. The coach was patient and made sure everyone understood and then walked around helping people with the drills. I stayed after for the advanced class and rolled until I was exhausted. I highly recommend. read more

For me, this is the perfect BJJ school. I tried another school before this and was injured my first day by a meathead type of character. Could've been bad luck, but the emphasis placed on repeatable technique and safety here is top notch. Occasionally other bjj experts will do seminars here, too. Pricing has always been fair. Larry is kind and so are the people who roll here. I don't currently compete but it seems like the people who do are happy and putting up some results. If you're looking for a place to lay down some bjj roots in Seattle, Praxis is a good choice. read more

In September of 2014, I decided to take up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I had no idea what I was getting into. However, I can say that in my last ~six months with Praxis, the experience has been nothing if not valuable and fulfilling. Larry is an excellent teacher. He is skilled at breaking down moves for an effective learning experience. His emphasis on safety in training makes the students feel at ease. Being a beginner myself, I can attest that you don't need any experience to get started. The curriculum of class is structure in a way that is easy to follow with little prior knowledge and will help you grow as a martial artist. Being a smaller woman and having no experience in grappling, I was originally nervous approaching the sport. Nonetheless, from day one Larry and the other students have made me feel welcome. It took one class for me to wish I had started grappling a long time ago. To anyone that is interested, but not confident that they are capable: my advice is to give it a shot before you walk away whether you train here or elsewhere (although I highly recommend here!). I find that since I started training I have gained an incredible capacity to surprise myself at what I can accomplish--both on and off the mat. read more

The instruction is solid, respectful and friendly. I love the emphasis on clean technique and an atmosphere that promotes safety, discipline, and fun. Even on those nights when a particular draining workday leads me to consider skipping the dojo, I feel energized and happy after practice. I am now convinced in the truth of the words of encouragement Prof. King often repeats after practice: "Get yourself in here twice a week, and the drills do the rest" (I paraphrase poorly). Going to the gym is fine, but working out while learning a great skill and making friends in the meantime is better! read more

I visit Seattle occasionally for work, and when I do, I make it to Praxis. Mr. King (the head instructor/owner) is such a good and genuine person, and a great teacher. The facility is clean, nice, and the location is perfect, as it is close to where I stay/work in downtown Seattle. The culture at this gym is very welcoming, and everybody is friendly and talkative. The warms-up are tough (in a good way), and the team is technical and challenging to spar with. read more

I had stopped by here for a visit. The guys I met at Praxis are super cool! I really enjoyed my training here, and the new space has a really cool set up in a converted industrial building. read more

While in Seattle for business, I had the opportunity to swing by Praxis BJJ for the intermediate level class after a long day in the office. Needless to say, I had an incredible time: Larry King is a great teacher who identified key aspects of techniques that I didn't even think about upon initial learning while ensuring that every person in class was up to speed with the sequence of the day. When it came to sparring, I had the pleasure of training against some really tough folks who kept me honest with their skill and technique. I can say with 100% confidence that training at Praxis BJJ was the highlight of my work trip and I cannot wait to visit again. I highly recommend for newcomers to jiu jitsu or visitors in the Seattle area to pay a visit to this welcoming and skilled gym! read more

I took classes with Professor Larry King back when he was at Easton BJJ in Denver, CO and he was one of my favorite instructors! It's rare to find someone knowledgeable enough who is a good enough teacher to give the exact right level of detail in the classes for beginner to advanced, but Professor Larry strikes the balance perfectly. Great instruction! read more

I've been at Praxis for a couple months now after starting at a smaller club where I first began training BJJ. Larry does a great job of making sure everyone in class is: 1. Staying smart and staying SAFE under his self defense instruction 2. Learning clean and effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu technique This is a great school in so many ways but i'll try to bullet point it real quick.... * Great Black Belt instruction from Larry King who will teach you very specific techniques while sharing with you the larger concepts of Jiu Jitsu for self defense * Large variety of class types for a flexible schedule...Noon and night classes every weekday, Saturday class, etc...so there's no/less excuse to not get to class * Nice people at the gym that are there to help you improve and are genuinely friendly * Organized and well structured classes where you learn drills that make Jiu Jitsu feel like a video game, playing defense and offense with your partner and focusing on specific areas every week I love this school. If you're still reading, you should come hang out with us at Praxis, make some freyunds, get in great shape, and learn self defense! read more

About a year ago I started my search for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Seattle to help get in better shape. There were many places that I had to choose from but after reading what Praxis' mission and take on Jiu Jitsu was I knew I had to at least give it a try. I showed up for the free class that Larry offers to everyone and had a blast. Before I knew it I was attending class 3-4 times a week and loving every second of it. Larry is a great teacher and is always patient with you. I am almost certain that if Larry wasn't as chill as he is I wouldn't enjoy it as much as I do. In the short year I have been going to Praxis I have learned a ton going to class regularly and practicing. I am glad that I went in to Praxis and cannot stress enough how awesome the class is. Even if you aren't that into Jiu Jitsu and just want a workout this is a great place for that and I highly recommend it. read more

Great gym, very knowledgable and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. I was in Seattle for the day and went to an open mat session midday. Larry was very welcoming and went out of his way to provide a good training environment. He structured the order of the rolls and kept an eye on the action the whole time. I'd definitely recommend Praxxis to anyone looking, and will definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

Great environment, terrific training, friendly people. I dropped in during a work trip, and everyone from white to black belt was welcoming, cool and a pleasure to train with. Good instruction, positive vibe and an all around great experience. If you live in Seattle, it's definitely an excellent choice to train here. read more

I don't often write reviews but I came across something that has moved me to comment. The review recently by "Sarah A" Is the most outlandish take that I have ever seen on Yelp. That statement is not an exaggeration. Not once in her condescending and incredibly disrespectful tirade did she touch on anything valid. Look, I'm no superstar, but I've been training Jiu-Jitsu seriously for over a decade. I've trained gi and nogi in a bunch of states with instructors of all kinds, including (several of each) world champions, household name mma fighters, and even members of the Gracie family themselves. I know good instruction, good gyms, healthy team environments, etc. I have zero reason to try and steer anyone in the wrong direction. I can whole-heartedly and without a shred of reservation recommend Praxis bjj to anyone looking to get better at jiu jitsu. Please note my use of the word ANYONE. I mean that seriously. I would point anyone of any experience level or age group to Larry's gym. This is a significant compliment to the overall instruction and team culture that is present at Praxis. It is not a 'competition level only' gym where all students roll and drill at full intensity at all times. It is also not a 'kids and beginners only' school full of watered down techniques taught simply to fill the classes and prevent injury. It is the best of both extremes of a jiu jitsu gym. Once again, I know because I've been to dozens of schools. Dozens. I have visited and have trained at several schools in the Seattle area and quite honestly, I have mostly great things to say about all of them. I am on good terms with the local instructors I have met and have enjoyed my time training with them all. Praxis stood out as a great school even amongst great schools. Larry and his team have been nothing but kind and welcoming to me since the moment I walked in the door. I recently moved to the area from California and never did I feel even an iota of standoffishness from the guys and girls there. This can be common with someone coming from out of town and from a completely different branch of the jiu jitsu tree with a different lineage back to the Gracie family. I'm not now, nor have I ever been prone to overstating , but really, I have been impressed by the techniques shown at Praxis. On a technical level they are wholly excellent. I should hope it is plain to see why that negative review would have me confused and disappointed. I feel silly for even dignifying the accusation regarding the instructors black belt, but I shall anyway. Larry is from a VERY well known and highly respected lineage in the jiu jitsu world. To try and slander that is totally laughable. Thank you to whosoever reads this. If anyone would care to discuss the matter further or would like clarification on my opinions feel free to contact me: Marty Farmer marty.farmer0@gmail.com Twitter: @martyfarmer Insta: martycombat read more

My wife and I started at Praxis 6 months ago. Neither of us had any previous martial arts experience. She has found it to be a super welcoming environment for women and we both love the community of people here. Larry and the other instructors are great and Larry makes it a point to learn everybody's name. If you want to compete, there are definitely people who do, but the focus is more on the discipline and mastery of the sport for its own sake. If I could give this place ten stars I would. read more

Larry and the other instructors are fantastic. Very encouraging and provide constructive criticism and feedback. It was my first time going out to any kind of martial arts training, so I didn't know what to expect. Upon walking in I was greeted by a very nice lady by the name of Kelsey. I was given some brief instructions and orientation. Once the actual class started, the instructors had us doing several different drills with a partner. The drills were varied and fun, showing us a broad range of the BJJ techniques available. Throughout the entire class, Larry and the instructors provided feedback on how we were performing the drills. All in all, this class was great for learning, a great exercise, and great fun! I definitely would recommend it to anyone that is looking for either a great workout, self-defense, fun, or all of the above! Also, parking is available in a lot across the street for very cheap, in case you drive in. read more

Great school, great atmosphere. They welcomed me, an out-of-towner, with open arms, which made me realize both the size and strength of the jiu jitsu community. The facility is wonderful--big, bright and has a floating training floor, which takes the impact out of getting put on your butt. The people were great too--skilled and no ego. I would recommend this place to anyone. read more

As an airline pilot I travel extensively and look for bjj gyms to train at while on the road. I'm fairly new to bjj and enjoy being a part of such a welcoming community. I was in Seattle on a Saturday and attended the fundamentals class taught by Larry. It was an outstanding class where we worked on movement from our feet followed by some takedown techniques. The second half of class focused on work from the half guard. The facility is awesome, the instruction outstanding and the students very helpful. I highly recommend Praxis for anyone wishing to up their game. read more

I've been to a few different schools in the area and decided to check out Praxis as I am looking for a new school and read the good reviews. I've been to a few different BJJ schools around the area so have some experience. First thing that struck me as odd is how quiet Larry was. Did not take a commanding place in the dojo. Spoke very quietly and hardly took control at all. Now since I only went to one class I can't speak much on the technique on a day-to-day basis but from what I experienced it was bs. Larry did not execute the technique with detail while teaching. He didn't even explain it well. He taught us a choke and when none of us got it he didn't give us more detailed instructions, he flat out said "you're choking a fully resisting person, you have to keep trying". Total BS. He was teaching a sport jiu jitsu technique and threw in a self defense oriented statement. The purple belt I worked with wasn't even able to get the choke. Couple other things that happened: While sparring with some of the guys, I was getting crushed under them (as often happens in jiu jitsu). I'm perfectly fine with this because I know I'll get better and that is part of the sport. While in the middle of a roll Larry goes up to the dude I was sparring with and straight up told him to "play defense" aka "lighten up" on me. The dude was being respectful and not hurting me, just playing the game, so it was out of line for Larry to jump in like that. He told another guy I was sparring with not to do a certain choke move on me "I'll tell you why later", he said to the guy. To this I was totally shocked because I know that move is legal and it wasn't hurting me at all. All this stuff Larry was saying, I don't know if it's because he was afraid I would get hurt, or he didn't want me to feel down about being dominated in a roll...? I don't know but it was straight weird. Also, I noticed Larry had an old-looking black belt. And while talking to him he said he had been a blackbelt for 10 years. This guy had not been a blackbelt for that long, I can guarantee. In fact, I have my doubts that he is a blackbelt at all and that's he's scamming people into thinking he is. By the look of the belt, it seemed that it had been fake "destroyed" to look old, but was in fact not. All that being said he was really nice to me. But some stuff about him just made me suspicious and caused me to think he was kinda sketch. read more

Praxis BJJ is such a great place, full of familiarity, camaraderie and overall fun - and I'm saying this as a visitor. I had the pleasure to meet Larry (the owner) about a year ago, when I was in Seattle for a business trip. He was kind enough to let me come and train at his gym and since then, every time I go back to Seattle, I make it a point to go to Praxis. Larry has set up a great atmosphere within the gym, and its visible that the focus is really on technique and thoughtfulness, not just 'slamming' someone who is smaller than you. And, that philosophy permeates through the instructors and others at the gym. If you're interested in BJJ, I strongly recommend dropping by for a class, or just to chat with Larry about BJJ. read more

The best BJJ school in Seattle, I do not have enough words to use to describe the incredible teaching and training that goes on here. Make sure you get down to train with this group right away. read more

Best around for real BJJ training a true gym of professionals for true students of the art, nothing is done sloppy, everything is top notch from mats to instructors, I give it my highest rating. read more

Letting out a best kept secret--Owner Larry King and his team at Praxis run the best Parents Night Out each month. The teachers are so natural with the kids, showing both respect and structure/limits to keep things gong smoothly and everyone happy. Friends say it is a great school, as well, in teaching kids confidence while having fun. Owner and staff are genuine to the core and you feel a sense of community from the moment you walk in and are warmly greeted. Thank you, Praxis! read more

I had to be in Seattle for 1 night for work and was so grateful that Praxis is in a great location with a very accommodating class schedule for the limited time I'm in town. I joined in for their fundamentals class at 7:30PM. Professor Larry is fantastic -- very respectful, thorough, and easy to understand. After some warmups to get our heart rate going, the drills were thoughtfully put together in a solid sequence so that by the end of drilling we had a comprehensive set of moves to work on. It looks like Professor Larry also summarizes his lessons on the website so you can continue studying when you're not on the mats. All of the training partners were very friendly and welcoming - no meatheads here! The facility itself has clean bathrooms to change in, shelves to keep your shoes, and comfortable seating on the perimeter to enjoy while you wait for your class to start or watch after your kids classes. I look forward to my next trip to Seattle for the opportunity to train here again. read more

Was in town with my 13 year old orange belt looking for a place to train. Owner was extremely accommodating to let us train there. Really nice training partners. Highly recommended! read more

I was in Seattle for three weeks for work travel and wanted to keep up my training. I've been to a few places in this area on previous trips but they didn't fit me. I stumbled upon Larry's gym and knew right away I wanted to get in as much training as I could during my stay. Calm, focused, friendly and very effective training. Thanks Larry and all the wonderful folks I rolled with!! I hope to see you all on the mats again the next time I'm in town. read more

Great environment. Open, airy, welcoming. Easy to get ahold of. Good quality training. I was visiting Seattle for three days. I called the same day but a couple hours ahead of time to ask if it was okay to come down. They said sure. They were great to spend a couple hours with. I'd highly recommend contacting them if you're interested in BJJ in Seattle. read more

I've trained at a few schools and Praxis is one of the most welcoming and fundamentally sound places I've been to. Larry is an awesome instructor and friend to all of his students. I really appreciate the individual attention and care that he shows. The students generally friendly and without ego. The classes are systematic to make sure that you understand the drills and why you are doing them. read more

Our two active-loud-and-never-tired kids love the classes and Parents-Night-Out. Great place! We highly recommend them!