My 7 year old started Han Mu Do in late August of 2024. I've been looking around to find a defensive style of martial arts for awhile (I wanted him to learn Aikido or Hapkido). I saw this place being recommended by many of the local moms in the Maple Valley/Covington Mom group on facebook, so I checked out their website and found that Han Mu Do incorporates Aikido/Hapkido in their teaching! I contacted Washington Han Mu Do for my son to attend the trial class. My son loved the trial class, and he wanted to continue (He is one of the most undecisive kid on this earth, and him wanting to continue is a big deal). It's been almost 2 months since he started, and he loves the classes. The environment is very family friendly and they teach the kids respect and discipline in addition to martial arts (which my son needs badly). Their prime location is also what sealed the deal for us. They are located within close distance from the local elementary schools, which makes it convenient to take my son to the class after picking him up from the after school program. In the same center, there is Taco Time and McDonalds just across the street for easy dinner after the class. read more

Long time customer. Good place if you want a workout other than the gym and kickboxing. Not so great if you want a mix of the physical and mental, yin and yang, contrary to the yin-yang symbol incorporate into their logo. While Han Mu Do is a good form of martial arts, the Maple Valley location is the only location in Washington State. You will likely start over if you leave. With only a few licensed instructors, mature students are often relied upon heavily to lead lower students and classes. Favorites are compensated, others are not. As a result, the schedule is not reliable due to leader availability. Unlike Washington Han Mu Do, other martial arts studios often include some aspects of Asian philosophy, such as an active focus on the balance between mind and body, meditation as part of the session, and understanding that spirit and body need to be in harmony. This studio is about forms, sets, and workouts. Repeat. Overall, a good cost to experience ratio when compared to a gym or other exercise place. But is that really what you wanted to do when you join a martial arts studio? read more

Moved into the Maple Valley area and I wanted to find a sport or physical activity for my two boys to participate in. I asked if they'd be interested in trying martial arts (though I probably said it like "Hey you guys want to do ninja training?") and they enthusiastically said yes. I searched around and found Washington Han Mu Do and after a quick email exchange with the owners we were on our way to try out the first class. The first thing that caught my attention about this place was the student creed. It talks of optimism, setting and achieving goals, finding balance, and helping others to make a better world. The best thing is it's not just lip service, they walk the walk. They encourage all the students and talk about respect, for themselves and others. The instructors are patient but firm, the right balance of holding the students accountable while acknowledging that young minds need time. Many of the students, as they achieve higher ranks, give back to the school by helping teach and train the lower belts, so there is a strong sense of community. My youngest routinely expresses his desire to grow and get good enough to "be a helper" someday, and it's awesome to see the spirit of giving growing in him so early. The practice itself is really great. I wasn't familiar at all with Han Mu Do as a martial art but I have seen some of the high belts do demonstrations, and wow! The skill and focus is undeniable. My boys are still in the early belts but you can see how the foundational skills they learn every class will help them build up and grow into the more complex sets and forms. It's impossible to get them out the door for most things, but when I say it's time to head to Han Mu Do they're in the car and ready to go in a flash. Check it out, and watch the students as they arrive to the dojang and see their faces light up when they say hi to the instructors and their classmates. It's a special place and all are welcome. read more

Our 3 boys have been doing martial arts here for over 6 years. The instructors are truly amazing! They are kind, patient and professional. They strive to demonstrate respect and kindness for others while teaching the art and skills of Hanmudo. This practice will carry our boys far beyond their years here at the dojang. We have one Junior Black Belt, one 1st degree brown belt and one 2nd degree red belt. They all intend to achieve their First Dan Adult Black Belt before graduating high school. Doing Hanmudo has helped to shape them into amazing young men. It is not always easy, in fact, it is hard at times, mentally. As with most things in life, if parts are not hard, if you don't struggle and persevere, it's not worth doing. I could not imagine their lives without Hanmudo. Come try out a class sometime! read more

Amazing instructors, clean environment, and excellent value. We have tried other martial arts places in the past and this is by for the best experience we've had. The instructors are wonderful with the kids and very friendly. read more

Washington Han Mu Do - Breaking boards! - Martial Arts Near Me - Maple Valley, Washington

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Yeah.. so full disclosure in that I am now one of the instructors here at Washington Han Mu Do, but I hope you wont discount what I have to say as a review as I started as a new student here too. I have been a continuous martial arts student since 1988, studying a number of styles and been both student and guest in many martial arts schools. I came to HMD as a new student, but of course with many years of knowledge of other styles and techniques. What I found though very quickly, was a school and system I could easily call home. I want to start with the most obvious thing first.. the school location itself. What most students wont appreciate, if you haven't been in many other places, is actually the quality of the space itself first. I have spent many years working out in closet sized commercial spaces, dusty school or Parks n Rec gyms, or even a converted garage behind the instructors house. The space setup for Washington Han Mu Do is among the best I have ever had and rivals what I have seen in the "world" headquarters of some entire systems. Without a basis for comparison, it's easy to overlook what HMD has as just normal, but it is far from that. Great dedicated space, professional quality mats (trust me, doing falls on concrete with poor mats SUCK) and always available good gear. This is a BIG DEAL and something I hope folks appreciate, I know I do every day. Next and very importantly is the Han Mu Do school and style itself, and why it really matters. There are hundreds if not thousands of martial arts styles to choose from and tens of thousands of individual schools. Everyone teaches differently, different philosophies, teaching styles, school structure and a million other variables. Even as a lifelong martial arts student and fan, even I find it all hard to keep track of at times. HMD is a vibrant, active and growing school system and that really matters. The founder is still active daily in the system, and there is a healthy system of schools and instructors and this is vitally important and makes HMD very special. It is (sadly) more common for many schools to be small, at times stagnant, and start to shrink in size. While Washington HMD is the only instance of the school system on the west coast, we are lucky to have the support of that large school system, and the energy and growth that comes from that. The home school in Baton Rouge is active, hosts events frequently that bring in the many other satellite schools and is always eager when Washington students can come attend. Again if you are coming from a place where checking out HMD is your first martial arts school, or because we are local or just down the street, you may not realize these things yet but they really matter. As I student over my many years, I have been in schools and in one case a full school system that sadly faded and closed. Its really heartbreaking to go through, and while the knowledge one gains never goes away, that sense of being part of something greater does. It was really uplifting and energizing for me as a new HMD student to see the large and vibrant school system and hear that Dojonim (founder Dr. Kim) is still actively involved in the school. It was something I took into account very strongly as I decided to join HMD. Lastly but equally importantly, the instructors and students of HMD. Again from the context of many schools, years, students and instructors (and being one too), the HMD system is filled full of great people and that is really wonderful. Sure, one could call me biased especially now that I am part of the system for years and an instructor but I hope folks can hear the sincerity. Not only is our little pacific northwest branch overflowing with great students, instructors and parents but I was pleased on a home school visit to find the same of the system itself. Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the "magic" of martial arts.. that its great hidden secrets being taught, filled full of mystery and therefore ignore the dynamics of the people actually teaching and participating in it. People matter... maybe even more so than the material being taught itself. If the teacher cant teach well, or fellow students are not helpful or friendly it really doesn't matter what is being taught. While martial arts is a profoundly individual journey in learning, it cannot be done without the active and enthusiastic participation of your peer students and instructors. So.. I hope with all of this information and opinion, that will inspire you to come and check us out and visit us at Washington Han Mu Do. We would be happy to share what we know with you, and include you as a fellow student on the lifelong journey of martial arts and ultimately self improvement. read more

Everything about this place is Awesome. My boy is building confidence and skills and loving the technique. The instructors have just been wonderful and very skilled. The pricing is very affordable and fair. I am 57 and decided to join trying to keep up with my boy. I'm loving it and regaining flexability I thought was gone for good. The mixed martial art style of Han Mu Do is great covering so many more situational scenarios' in It's style. read more

Great instructors, great price and teach in a beautiful new facility ! They are very patient instructors that teach self-confidence and just the right amount of discipline and respect. Thanks guys ! read more

Washington Han Mu Do is a wonderful school in every way. Both of my children take classes here. The oldest has some behavioral issues which were especially prominent when we first started attending, but the instructors have been wonderfully patient and understanding. They are a family-operated place with a great sense of community. I highly recommend that anyone who is interested check them out! read more

My kids and husband have been students here almost since the school started. Nearing black belts, we are so grateful to have found this martial art. Great school, excellent instructors! read more

We are so happy we discovered WA Han Mu Do in Maple Valley! Our 4 year old has been loving the Little Dragon's classes and was absolutely smitten when he received his 1st stripe. Eric and team make a noticeable effort to make it special for them! The balance of learning fundamentals and having fun in the Little Dragon's class is spot on. We contacted numerous martial arts centers in the area and decided on WA Han Mu Do based on their value system and the character of those who run it. We couldn't imagine being anywhere else! read more

I have been practicing here for almost 5 years with one of my sons, my brother and one of my daughters. Great instructors. Great school. Practical self defense system for people of all walks and abilities. read more

Great school. Great instructors. Family friendly. If you've ever been interested in trying out martial arts, and maybe haven't figured out what, come check out Washington Hanmudo. read more

Great facility and excellent instructors! Eric and Rocky are great with the kids. A great value for this level of instruction!

Very patient and knowledgeable instructors. My 8 year old loves it. He was having difficulty in school, but ever since he has taken martial arts, he has been much better. The things that he is learning here, he is applying to his daily life, and it shows. He sometimes requires some extra attention, but the instructors are more than willing to provide it. Also, the price cannot be beat. If you are interested in starting your child in martial arts, or even an adult thinking about it, you won't find a better place than this. read more

My 6 yr old son has been attending the Washington Han Mu Do class for about a year and they have helped him not only learn the basics of the art, but also grow more confident in his body, skills and become more confident overall. They are patient and challenging to the kids to help them strive to do better.. we hope to be with them for years to come! read more

How wonderful it's been to have found this form of Martial Arts (Han Mu Do) being taught in a safe, friendly, and fun place. These patient instructors are approachable, caring, and really involved with the students. They take the time to discuss my child's progress and genuinely want to see him succeed. It is evident the students are having a great time learning from the outbursts of laughter throughout class and the eagerness to show off their acquired skills. I am absolutely amazed watching these children confidently use their learned self defense techniques when matched up against children bigger than themselves or even the adult instructors. I feel assured that my 8 year old will have the ability and discipline to defend himself when necessary. The monthly tuition is more affordable in comparison to other dojos and I don't feel like I am being "nickeled and dimed" with testing fees, belts, trophies, etc. since it is included in the tuition. Overall, I would definitely recommend this dojo! read more