Are you looking for the best MARTIAL ARTS schools in Seattle? We have done the research for you and searched through multiple review websites to identify the best martial arts school in Seattle that the local martial arts community is raving about. Here is a list of the best10 martial arts schools for you to practice in no particular order with details about their pricing.
Located in Cottage Grove; combat arts academy of Seattle was 2012 established in to offer something for everyone, for all the ages, and all skills. The school is formerly known as Elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu of Seattle, but it does not only specialize in BJJ, it is also specialized in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Combat Sports, Martial Arts, Self-Defense, Kids Programs, and After School Programs. Whether you are a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu competitor, mixed martial arts enthusiast, a child in need of a creative outlet or a stay home parent looking for a way to stay fit; CAA helps you to reach your goals.
Reasons why people love Combat Arts Academy:
- Sonia, the owner, is involved in every aspect of the school. She built a supportive community and empowered a great knowledgeable team of coaches around her.
- The School has an amazing welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.
What people say about Combat Arts Academy of Seattle
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This school is so solid. They do many things, which I’ve had the pleasure of watching, however I mainly come from the Muay Thai side of things. When I was preparing myself to fight, they chipped in and gave me the community support that I needed to get ready to fight out of state. Sonia even grabbed a pair of gloves and hit the bags with my daughter as I trained in the ring. I’ve also volunteered to help them in a Muay Thai show and got to be a part of that experience for their gym. Sonia has poured her heart into making amazing community events in her gym, including an all women’s show.
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-Casey L- (Yelp)
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-Kayla W- (Google)
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This is hands down the best gym I’ve ever been a part of. I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) 3-4 times a week, and I am loving the results. I’m getting better at the sport, getting in better shape, losing weight, enjoying competitive classes, and learning from the instructors every day. Plus, Elite has become part of my family. It’s a great community with some awesome people. Can’t wait for class tomorrow!
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-Sam K- (Yelp)
50+ Classes/Week
International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy was established in 2012 in Atlantic Seattle, the academy was officially founded in 2006 by Master Chang, Wu Na and Dr. Lu, Mei-Tlul to share Wudang martial arts and culture.
The academy has two main paths of application, which are internal and external.
– The Internal techniques are used to discover and foster a healthier mind, body, tough lifestyle.
– The external techniques are used for self-defense and fighting.
Reasons why people love International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy:
- Training under Master Chang and Master Lu will not only teach you the techniques of Wudang Martial Arts, but it will also teach how to approach obstacles in life.
- The students are so helpful and encouraging, they are always ready to support you and that what creates a community that feels like home.
What people say about International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy
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– Athena Chen- (Google)
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I have been training at this school for about 2 1/2 years and can’t speak highly enough of it. I had trained previously in another “external” martial art but was injured and stopped training altogether. After a long hiatus, I began looking for a school and a discipline that was a more holistic system, one that restores the body/mind/spirit connection. For me that meant an internal discipline like Tai Chi or Qigong and after a little research, this school stood out as the place to learn these and other forms of Chinese martial arts. I was not interested in a “calisthenics in the park” type of training and this school did not disappoint.
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-Alan A- (Yelp)
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-Kenny C- (Yelp)
20+ Classes/Week
2 Instructors
Seattle Close Range Tactics is a system based on Wing Chun Kung Fu. The school opened its doors in 2006 by Sifo Cory Walken, who has trained Wing Chun Kung Fu for over 13 years, to help students develop speed and adaptability through an effective system of tactics.
Seattle CRT provides students with applicable effective tactics and martial arts training for real-world situations.
Reasons why people love Seattle CRT:
- Everyone in the school is super nice, friendly, open, and willing to help, teach, and learn.
- The new students get plenty of attention and instructions to make sure they are on the right paths.
- The school teaches you useful self-defense skills to protect yourself in your daily life.
What people say about Seattle Close Range Tactics
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I’d recommend this school to anyone. It’s a very positive environment that attracts all kinds of people, and draws from a few different martial arts styles (wing chun, escrima, muay thai). The school’s owner and primary instructor, Cory, is very knowledgable about martial arts and a great teacher, and it’s obvious that he loves teaching it. He encourages students to ask questions and always has an answer (and an explanation for why, which I find very helpful). There’s a challenge by choice philosophy, so if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with an exercise, that’s fine, although you are encouraged to try. Class sizes are small and the instructor to student ratio is good. I’ve never been treated differently for being a woman, everyone is treated with respect.
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-Leah T- (Yelp)
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-Andrew Gillig- (Google)
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If you’re looking for real, practical self-defense, then look no further. This school bases its style in Wing Chun Kung Fu, but ditches any impracticalities/weaknesses in the system and brings in elements from Muay Thai and Eskrima to compensate.
Everyone in the school is extremely friendly, open, and willing to teach/learn. Those who are new to the school get plenty of attention to make sure they start off on the right track.
I’ve been going to the school for about 3 years and I plan to go for many more!
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-Akash T- (Yelp)
10- Classes/Week
6 Instructors
This is a Seattle born martial arts School, officially started in 1980 by Sijo John N Beall. Greenlake Martial Arts is the primer self-defense martial arts school in Seattle for more than three decades. The school was officially started in 1980 by Dijo john N Beall designed with a beautiful useful self-defense system that is based on martial arts to help you protect yourself from the real world threats.
Reasons why people love Greenlake Martial Arts:
- The instructors are incredible, approachable, knowledgable, and always willing to help.
- The students are super friendly, supportive, and open to teach the newbies what they learn.
What people say about Greenlake Martial Arts
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-geneva neubauer- (Google)
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Every time it’s time for class, I can’t wait to go and train. The instructors are great, and everyone is very friendly. The martial art they teach is great for practical application but is also a good workout. It is also a wonderful way to become refocused during a stressful week. I always feel better after training here.
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-John B- (Yelp)
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I have been lucky enough to train at Greenlake Marital Arts for the past four years and it has been an amazing experience. Matt Soule, the owner and head instructor, is one of the best teachers I have encountered in any discipline. Through his leadership, the school maintains a warm, welcoming culture for participants of all skill levels and gives you practical real world defense skills.
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-Tony Canepa- (Google)
20+ Classes/Week
5 Instructors
Alpha Martial Arts is a family Karate school established in 2001and is located in Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Bryant neighborhoods.
This is a Black Belt School teaching life skills through blocking, punching and kicking that helps to develop students who are not only physically fit and can defend themselves, but who are outstanding members of the community.
Reasons why people love Alpha Martial Arts:
- The owner and Head Instructor Silnas Nass is the best, Mr. Nass and all the instructors keep the classes motivated and full of energy and they are always supportive and encouraging.
- The community is beautiful, welcoming, and helpful.
What people say about Alpha Martial Arts
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The teachers here are fantastic and driven. They have this ability to be motivating without being overly intense. Everyone goes at their own pace but are encouraged to listen to their body and push their own limits. Their classes are perfect for beginners and intermediates. They’ll teach you the basics and give you little tips and tricks to get you kicking the wave master’s butt fast. The saturday classes are the best by far.
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-Alex Ferrante- (Google)
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Can’t say enough how great this place has been for our whole family. For the last 3 years since its opening, we have been fortunate enough to benefit from the very capable tutelage of the main instructor and owner, Silas Ness. As our youngest has said countless times: “Mr. Ness is awesome.” Our older child, who just received her junior black belt, continues to enjoy and feel committed to karate: She now volunteers as an assistant teacher for her younger brother’s class. Thanks to Mr. Ness and his team, the AMA dojo has made for a wonderful place for growth in many ways and for all ages..
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-Portia T- (Yelp)
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The staff is always alert and pumped and not afraid to make you sweat and groan and collapse. They learn your name and make you want to come back more and more. But if you miss a couple classes, they don’t get on your ass too much. It’s a nice balance. I would highly recommend you sign up for one of their deals and see what it’s like! You won’t regret it.
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-Joshua V- (Yelp)
30+ Classes/Week
12 Instructors
Parking
Located in Fairmount Park, Seattle Integrated Martial Arts opened its doors in the fall of 2009. The school role is to create an environment that cultivates personal growth, physical and mental fitness, body awareness, and a strong sense of community. Seattle IMA will help you to develop your skills and abilities.
Reasons why People love Seattle Integrated Martial Arts:
- Bob Heineman, the owner is very talented and knowledgeable across all the arts.
- The school helps you to explore the path that is the best for you and guides you along with it. Seattle IMA has it all, fun and hard work, furthering knowledge, and a positive community.
- The classes price is reasonable for all the knowledge and experience you gain.
What people say about Seattle Integrated Martial Arts
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-Seattle City Talent- (Google)
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I’m pretty new and have found SIMA to be incredibly welcoming, the teachers are knowledgeable, careful, and thorough. Everyone treats everyone like family and works to make sure you understand and get the lesson. I have already recommended this school to my friends and will continue to do so.
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-Christopher P- (Yelp)
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I looked for a long time for decent martial arts gym in the West Seattle area. I saw a sign outside this little studio advertising everything from Muay Thai Kickboxing to Bruce Lee’s JKD. I thought to myself, “This looks fun!” and walked in and meant Bob the owner and head instructor. That was 2 years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. I like the way SIMA incorporates numerous fighting arts and gives it’s students the opportunity to explore different styles. The mix of training stimulates both the body and the mind. SIMA is the total package in martial arts training! And Bob, the instructor…smart, funny, knowledgable, all around nice guy and great teacher!
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-Michael H- (Yelp)
30+ Classes/Week
10 Instructors
Located in Bryant neighborhood, Mat Chess Mixed Martial Arts dedicated to provide high-level restriction for everyone who walked through their door no matter of the age or body abilities, at MAt Chess MMA everyone gets the attention needed for a great result. The school create a friendly training environment where you won’t only be supported but also challenged.
Reasons why people love Mat Chess MMA:
- The School facility is always clean and well organized.
- The owner and the instructors are well knowledgeable and experienced.
- Andrew and Sean and great with kids, they give them what they exactly need.
What people say about Mat Chess Mixed Martial Arts
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I have been training in mixed martial arts for over a decade now, and visited Mat Chess today for the first time. It offers excellent Brazilian Jiujitsu and wrestling instruction, with high percentage techniques taught with attention to detail. The instructors are skilled, friendly, and helpful. Also, their kick boxers were some of the best I’ve seen in the state thus far.
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-Patrick W- (Yelp)
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-Clay Davidson- (Google)
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-John Smith- (Google)
20+ Classes/Week
3 Instructors
Showers
Located in Capitol Hill, Emerald City Aikido was founded in August 1991 by Sensei Joanne Veneziano. The school offers you a variety of classes for both children and adults.
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, it is practiced by people of all ages and abilities. The Aikido teaches you to respond rather react, lend the opposition to achieve the best results, effectively with opposing views, criticism authority, and finally to stay present in the stressful station.
Reasons why people love Emerald City Aikido:
- Sensei Joanne and the team of instructors are so professional and knowledgeable, they are more interested in teaching the art, not making money.
- The children classes are too much fun, but at the same time helps the kids to learn patience, the discipline of the mind and the body, respect, and the art of ancient practice.
What people say about Emerald City Aikido
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-Ken Coleman- (Google)
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I have been attending classes as a sortof adjunct student for the past four years at Emerald City Aikido and would recommend it to anyone who asked– from total beginners to advanced practitioners. Their programs for children, beginning, and advanced adults are all exceptionally robust. Joanne Sensei and her entire community of students have always been an exceptionally gracious and welcoming community to practice with, but classes are also physically and mentally demanding in the very best way! Emerald City Aikido maintains close connections with other schools and teachers in the area, making it an ideal place to encounter new and challenging ideas. I recommend ECA to folks in Seattle and everywhere as a totally open and welcoming dojo for people of all abilities, motivations, and types. They are an excellent example of the Art of Peace.
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-Kristin E- (Yelp)
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Emerald City Aikido is a fantastic group of people! I say that because, though the physical dojo itself is great, really what matters when you are training in martial arts is the group of people that make up the school. I’ve trained at bunch of other dojos (some aikido and other martial arts) and this is one of the best I’ve experienced. The head instructor Joanne Sensei is awesome! She’s not tall. She’s not particularly intimidating. But she’s definitely on my short list of people I want by my side in a bar fight. Seriously though, I’ve learned so much about managing conflict from her and her senior students as they have PATIENTLY taught me about aikido. If you don’t know what aikido is, google it and read up! Or better yet, drop by the dojo and check it out – the most open, friendly, skilled, and accepting group of martial arts you could ask for. The goal is taking a potential conflict and creating harmony. All the teachers are just amazing and each brings their own spin to the art – truly the “art” of martial arts. I couldn’t be happier training here!
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-Mark A- (Yelp)
10- Classes/Week
10 Instructors
Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts was established in 2012 by two successful alternative medicine clinics combined to create a beautiful community that leads you to a happier, healthier and more balanced life. SAMMA doesn’t only offer you martial arts training it also offers traditional Chinese herbal medicine, tui na, therapeutic bodywork, and healing qi gong and tai chi.
Reasons why people love Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts:
- The school is a great mixture of a serious training facility with expert instructors, a professional health clinic, and a welcoming community.
- All the martial art classes are formed in a useful way for real life.
- All the instructors are motivational and very aware of the variety of backgrounds and different levels of each student.
What people say about Seattle Asian Medicine & Martial Arts
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-Sarah Walker- (Google)
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Such a great place for learning martial arts for both adults and kids. Wonderful, dedicated instructors, and affordable prices. Great and supportive community of people. They also do acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and massages. Just awesome! They have a holistic approach in a supportive environment. In fact, it has helped my son able to focus more in school, and his confidence and fine motor skills has improved, resulting in better school performance. Highly recommend it!
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-Fabiola R- (Yelp)
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I had an amazing acupuncture session from Sean, today. It’s not the first time either. Every experience of receiving acupuncture and tuina from Sean has been extremely relaxing, helpful, and often times profound. Today, I came in with a knotted up stomach. Sean’s placement of needles and moxa brought me to some other realm of relaxation. I fell into a deep sleep and lost all sense of time. By the end of the session, I felt 110% better. He also offered great advice for preventative care. I really appreciate Sean’s calm, professional and caring presence as well as his wide range of expertise as a naturopathic physician and chinese medicine practitioner. Highly suggest you visit SAMMA!
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-Tiffany T- (Yelp)
20+ Classes/Week
5 Instructors
Seven star women’s Kung Fu is a nonprofit martial arts school established in 1981 and located in Central District Seattle. The school provides best instructors in Kajukenbo and Self-defense, embraces gender diversity and welcome all the individuals who identify as women aged than 13. The school offers free childcare, ASL interpreting device on a sliding scale, scholarships, and work-study to enable the students to train.
Reasons why people love Seven star women’s Kung Fu:
- The students and instructors create a beautiful, welcoming, and supportive community.
- The school won’t only teach you skills but also boost your confidence, teach you to think of yourself and as worth defending, and increase your physical strength, and give you endless tools for personal growth.
What people say about Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu
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I started the beginners’ cycle because I wanted to learn more self defense. To my surprise and happiness, not only did I learn self defense, but I found an incredibly loving and supportive community. The Seven Star folks have boosted my confidence, taught me to think of myself as worth defending, increased my physical strength, focused my mind, and given me endless tools for personal growth. I never believed martial arts was all it said it was until I met this school. I have taken a couple of other styles in the past — kenpo karate, poekolan kung fu, tai chi — nothing compares to the practicality of kajukenbo and the support of this amazing group of folks.
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-Ellen E- (Yelp)
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I stumbled upon this women’s defense course based upon my trusty yelpers’ great reviews and Google. I wanted to be proactive before moving to a new city by myself, so why the heck not? Michelle and her team are so helpful and empowering. Her workshop is the most bang for your buck because most places will try to lure you in with a membership to be the next karate kid. Seven Star is a non-profit, so there’s none of that business, her workshop is straight to the point and offers you the basic skills you need. I live on the Eastside and trek all the way to the Central District because truly, this place is one of a kind. I highly recommend taking a workshop or come to an open house and try a class!
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-Michelle V- (Yelp)
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I found Seven Star on Google and I started training here shortly after moving to Seattle. I wanted a way to get active and meet new people and I have to say the community here is amazing. I feel cared for here. The teachers are great and very understanding of my sometimes sporadic training regimen due to my job. The beginner cycle was at a really good pace for someone just starting to get in shape again and offered me a good challenge. I’m hooked on Seven Star.
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-Jen P- (Yelp)
10- Classes/Week