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Academy of Kempo Martial Arts
1950 130th Ave NE # 3, Bellevue, WA 98005, United States
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Review №1

The place looks and smells old but I dont care because my 4yo son really enjoys the lessons. The website is like nothing to be with the place. Its hard because he doesnt want to go but once there, he really enjoys it. It was difficult at the beginning because the teachers are very strict on following directions, which was the reason I starting sending him there. Now that we have been attending for several weeks, he behaves much better and follows the class. The best teacher is Fernando, he really knows how to deal with kids. He is funny and when he is in charge of the class is when my son enjoyed it the best.I bought a Groupon which included the 20 lessons, the uniform and two private lessons. I had to ask several times for the uniform and, at the moment that we are almost finishing the 20 lessons, nobody talk to me about the private lessons

Te
Review №2

We love training at AKMA. The Zoom classes have gotten us through the pandemic but we cant wait to get back to in person training.

Ma
Review №3

My kids love this place - it build character and important life skills in a very interactive way. The experiences is personalized to each kid. Both kids (5 and 6 y/o) enjoy going to the classes and look forward to earning the new stripes/belts. We really appreciate instructors focus on the whole person. This month they are learning about stranger danger in a very tangible way - I feel that they can apply these skills right away and be more prepared to deal with different types of situations. My daughter is very outgoing, she benefits from the emphasis on focus and balance. My son needs to learn how to be more self-confident - instructors are helping her to be more comfortable in different situations. My husband and I love observing the class and how instructors interact with kids. Every class is very dynamic and goes really fast.

Na
Review №4

I was looking for a fitness program that could keep me engaged. I had tried going to the Gym and found it too mechanistic. I was seeking something more holistic, something that was broad and would keep me engaged and learning for years to come. Ive been active for over a year with the academy.The culture is built around humility, mutual respect and support. The emphasis is on growth & mastery and not on achievement. The master & instructors make learning the techniques seem easy.I feel I have found what I was searching for. I intend to stay in the art & continue practicing and learning in the years to come. I would highly recommend the academy to anybody who is looking for sustained physical fitness and mental alertness.

Da
Review №5

It was a little over a year ago when I joined AKMA. I was suffering from my anxiety disorder in an unnecessarily hostile work environment and dealing with the strain provided by elements of my personal life. My hope was that by practicing martial arts I would learn to channel that energy in a more positive way. Going to the academy provided me not only the positive outlet I sought, but also a place that feels like a second home and a community of people who feel like a part of my family.Recently, my financial situation became rather dire and I was no longer able to afford going to the academy. When Master Jones realized I was not showing up anymore he contacted me and told me that there is no reason I shouldnt still come to class. He recognized my love and determination for the art but moreover the bond formed from practicing it with other people.These are not money-centric business people who pretend to be martial artists. This is a community of people formed around a common passion who understand and treat everyone who walks through their doors as a human being. As such, they deserve the same respect.Should you decide to see AKMA for yourself you will find that if you care for the people and care for the art that it is not hard to fit in there. People from all walks of life, ethnicities, religions and age all gather here to form a bond through a common interest: self-improvement. It is a positive journey, no matter the negative elements in the path of your life. It is a journey I highly recommend you take.

Ke
Review №6

Kempo Martial Arts is awesome! I have been a member for a number of years. My son and daughter started coming and they have had a great time. Learning a lot, getting fit and looking great at it all at the same time. It also gives us something in common to work on together.Sometimes the kids are stubborn and dont want to go but afterwards they always say they had a good time and like it. An additional benefit is my wife and I noticed their attitudes and overall behavior is better as well.Compliments to AKMA. Great program, great support and fun for all of us.Come join us!

va
Review №7

Excellent learning place. The staff is cooperative and always reviewing my needs and goals towards my learning process. Not a typical teaching process and that is ok because the art needs that method of teaching. Lot of confidence inspiring and support from the staff. Master Jones and Mr. Chase (primary instructors) are very knowledgable and motivating.

Cr
Review №8

All the instructors are friendly and really helpful.

Ch
Review №9

Ive been a student at AKMA for ten years and I can honestly say that my training here has changed my life. I originally joined to learn some cool moves, but it has become so much more than that. My training bleeds into all aspects of my life, both physically and mentally, and really helps me live a healthy lifestyle. My basketball game has certainly improved, and there are even benefits to my career. I love how I can find my limits and then push past them, getting physically fit and learning a practical skill at the same time.Im also the father of three young boys -- my oldest, age 7, is in the youth class. The increased confidence and fitness he gains will serve him very well at this young age. His mind will be sharper, helping at school, and hes going to have a huge advantage in sports.We really enjoy spending time practicing our kung fu together. Its a fun way to bond. I cant wait for his little brothers to join us!

Na
Review №10

Good people working there.My daughter very like the teacher.

Je
Review №11

Ill have to agree that using a contract and forcing people to pay even when they cannot come or want to stop is a bad choice.We went to check it out and they agreed theyd let us do a trial for $160 for the two of us (married couple) to come to a private lesson and one group class. We tried out one class, and decided it wasnt for us, but, it was too late. We couldnt get any of that back, obviously, but that was okay - still way too much for just a trial. The other three schools we tried out let us do a trial class or two for free - check with other schools too, we found a great one on the Eastside doing Kyokushin Karate with NO contract and at a reasonable price.We didnt sign up for any more classes because it was far to expensive for us (over $200 per month, per person), and I thought it was unfair to charge for a trial at all. Bad business choice.Some people may enjoy this school and not mind paying and arm and a leg, and being forced into a contract, but its not for me.

da
Review №12

I began training at AKMA in Bellevue about two years ago, a few months shy of my 55th birthday. I had no previous experience in any martial art.My experience at AKMA has been completely positive. The basic program consists of individual lessons and skills classes. There is plenty of open time where the mats are available for you to work out on your own, at no extra charge.The program is certainly strenuous, but also emphasizes safety. It is a non-contact studio. You learn sound fighting skills and practice them with your partner in skills class, but in a controlled fashion, holding your strikes just short. Full contact strikes are practiced on heavy bags.After a time in the program, youre allowed to free spar, but its light contact. High-belt sparring is nearly full speed and blocks are full contact (with pads) but again, the strikes themselves are held short.Because of this emphasis on safety, which Ive learned is a time-honored tradition in Kung Fu, as opposed to some other of the martial arts, injuries at AKMA are rare and almost always minor.The instructors are friendly and sincere and work well with all ages. There is an atmosphere of mutual encouragement and cooperation among the students, again, I think, because of the emphasis on safety.Any marital arts training has huge health benefits, in cardio, flexibility, balance, and strength. If youre looking to train, or to get your kids started training in a safe environment, AMKA is a fine choice.Dave Williams

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12 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:1950 130th Ave NE # 3, Bellevue, WA 98005, United States
  • Site:http://www.bellevueselfdefense.com/
  • Phone:+1 425-881-1550
Categories
  • Martial arts school
  • Karate school
  • Kung fu school
  • Physical fitness program
  • Self defense school
Working hours
  • Monday:11:30AM–9:30PM
  • Tuesday:11:30AM–9:30PM
  • Wednesday:11AM–3PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:11:30AM–9:30PM
  • Saturday:11:30AM–9:30PM
  • Sunday:11:30AM–9:30PM
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
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