user
NAK2 Academy
1740 19th Ave NW #4, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States
Appearance

Comments
Bi
Review №1

This is a great school. It’s great for kids and adults. Barry’s a playful and patient teacher with the kids and very knowledgeable.

Mi
Review №2

I have been at NAK2 for over seven years exclusively training in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program. Jen and Barry are the head instructors for all programs - Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Women Empowered, Kids Bullyproof and HIIT, with now a few junior instructors added to the staff. I never had any prior martial arts training and now in my middle-ages I have thoroughly enjoyed training jiu-jitsu because it is challenging for the mind and body, while not be too hard on the body! I love training at NAK2 because of the atmosphere and the people. It has been a welcoming, positive, helpful, and inclusive atmosphere ever since I joined and has a great sense of community among everyone - men, women, and kids. No matter what skill level or age you are, the instructors and classmates at NAK2 will ensure that you start out the right way and provide all the help you need as you progress through your journey. This is not a competition gym so if you are looking for a place to train BJJ and/or Muay Thai with real world self-defense applicability and in a more relaxed and non-competitive environment, I would highly recommend you give NAK2 a try.

Th
Review №3

My 9 year old son has been attending and training with the Gracie Bullyproof classes for a year and absolutely loves it. Excellent classes provided by Barry Nakayama and his team, secure and well balanced training, for both body and mind.

Du
Review №4

Found Barrys school while searching for a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Training Center. A few days later attended a super seminar in Seattle facilitated by the Gracie brothers. Barry and his wife were so generous to take us under their wing at that event. Recently made the four hour round trip to their school so our 4 and 6 y.o. sons could experience Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with other students. They had a great time in the Little Champs class. Barry is a gifted teacher with the kiddos. We look forward to continuing our Jiu-Jitsu journey w/ NAK2.

Ma
Review №5

I rarely give 5 stars. NAK2 is one that deserves it. Barry is the BEST instructor I have ever seen with kids, my daughter has been going for almost 4 years( she started when she just turned 4) and still loves it. Her longevity here has everything to do with Barry and the way he teaches and interacts with the students. Also it is a great facility to boot. If I could, 6 stars.

fi
Review №6

An amazing Gracie certified Jiu-Jitsu school with great instructors and friendly students! I visited NAK2 Academy when I was in town for a few weeks and I couldn’t have been treated better! Barry and Jen were both welcoming to me and within a few minutes of arriving they had me incorporated in like any other student. Not only were Barry and Jen super friendly, but their knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu is truly impressive and it was a pleasure to learn from them. As for the fellow students, they were more than happy to bring me into the fold and let me train with them and I immediately felt right at home. I highly recommend NAK2 Academy for everyone, especially those who are new to Jiu-Jitsu because you won’t find a more welcoming and friendly place to start your journey!

Ch
Review №7

I absolutely enjoyed training Muay Thai with Barry. Hes got a great teaching style and structures his classes to make sure that students at every level succeed. I would definitely recommend NAK2 if youre looking for a great Muay Thai gym.

Ma
Review №8

Barry and Jen are both very knowledgable and incredibly friendly. The classes are designed so that you learn the proper form and movements, while also getting an exceptional workout. Whether your goal is simply to get in great shape or to actually get in a ring, the classes will prepare you adequately and let you have fun doing it.

Je
Review №9

I didnt know what to expect, but found a fun, clean, challenging, gym. Ran by a great family with lots to teach, and training partners from all stages of life made it easy to fit in. Today, Im having a good time, with good people dedicated to getting in shape, and learning street defense.

Ar
Review №10

For the past couple months, Ive attended and tried out both kickboxing and bootcamp classes at NAK2. Jen and Barry were amazing coaches who created an environment in which I was able to push myself, improve, and increase my overall fitness. The workouts and classes are designed such that regardless of your starting fitness levels, you can scale and challenge yourself accordingly. If youre looking for a great place in which to improve your overall fitness or try out kickboxing, Id recommend stopping by NAK2 Academy.

St
Review №11

Hidden gem of a gym full of quality people with a humble owner who leads by example.

th
Review №12

Barry and Jenny are a great team that have made my martial arts experience extremely educational. The amount of individual time that they both can offer during class is amazing. Walking in before class and the instructors knowing your name is also unexpected, youre not just another person here. There is no push to buy gear from them nor to sign up for other classes but they do push for a community environment where everyone can come to practice Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and take boot camp type classes.

Ja
Review №13

Friendly instructors and atmosphere in general. Classes have a great combination of cardio training and technique training.

Ju
Review №14

I highly recommend NAK2! Having trained at the school since it opened, owners Jen and Barry and been wonderful instructors. Be it Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu you will get much more one on one training that you would a most other martial arts schools. Everyone who Ive trained with has been super friendly with no out to prove that they are better than you. This is also one of the cleanest schools Ive trained at which is a huge plus when you have to roll around on the mats. This is a great gym to train at, no matter what your skill level.

Jo
Review №15

As a mental health therapist I have long wondered how martial arts could engage and encourage clients as a form of healthy self care. This past month Barry opened up Nak2 Academy to a group I was running. Not only did he open up the doors to Nak2, Barry personally taught an abbreviated four-week version of Gracie Combatives to give the group an introduction into the world of martial arts. What initially began as a brainstorm between Barry and myself resulted in a full-blown experience for the group. Barry was incredibly gracious and charitable with his time as this was all off the clock for him. I have personally experienced Barrys expertise and guidance as I took up Muay Thai one year ago and it was encouraging watching how his teaching translates across various forms and age groups. A gifted teacher who takes pride in a clean, well-run Academy full of hospitable and caring members. Thanks Nak2!

sn
Review №16

Love this place. Great environment to learn g.j.j., muay thai, & the awesome gracie bullyprof. Once the kids are old enough, the whole family will be learning! Great job coach Barry & Jen!

bu
Review №17

Barry and Jenny provide a warm friendly environment to learn Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This isnt an intimidating meathead dominated place where only the strong survive :) Whether you are interested in just getting in shape, or plan on competing in the ring, this is a great place to work out. The amount of personal attention they are able to give is amazing, and I have rarely seen a martial arts instructor so good with kids. Come check it out!

Ho
Review №18

5 stars! I’m a 45 year-old man who has been training at NAK2 for 9 months. Barry and Jen have built a clean, safe, supportive and friendly environment in which to learn practical self-defense, challenge yourself mentally and physically, get fit and have fun.You can train in authentic Muay Thai, or Gracie Jiu-jitsu, or both. I decided to sample both styles, figuring I would just pick the one I liked best. Unwilling to give up either one, I continue to train both a couple of times each week, and really enjoy the combination. Most of today’s top MMA fighters incorporate both Muay Thai and Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-jitsu into their fighting, because the two styles are so effective and complementary.At NAK2 the gym culture emphasizes respect, and it is understood that people come in with varying levels of athleticism, flexibility and fitness. There’s a nice balance of men and women, young and old, big and small, and a wide range of fitness and skill levels. Everyone sucks on the first day, and we’ve all had a first day. You will find your fellow gym mates welcoming and eager to help you learn and grow.

De
Review №19

I have trained in several different martial arts styles in 4 different gyms since 1991. By far NAK2 is my favorite place to train. Here are the reasons why.NAK2 creates an outstanding environment to train in. They gym is cleaned regularly and has top of the line mats, bags, pads, and other training gear. Barry promotes training hard and safe with good technique and a positive attitude.NAK2 has several programs to choose from; however Barry is happy to tailor a program for you as well. I am a busy telecom executive and Barry was able to customize a program for me to combine group lessons and private lessons that flex with my schedule.Barry and Jennifer are well trained and disciplined in both Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, the top 2 fighting styles used in MMA. Barry and Jenn trained Muay Thai in Thailand for an extended period and the skills they developed there are obvious in the way they coach their Muay Thai students. Their Jiu-Jitsu program aligns with Gracie’s, one of the best available. Barry and Jenn are both certified coaches with the Thai Boxing Association of USA and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and they both continue to further their personal growth in the arts to ensure they can pass their knowledge to NAK2 students.One of the best attributes of NAK2 is the positive attitude and environment Barry and Jenn foster with their students. Every student there attends to learn something new and get the best out of each session. None are there to hurt other students, instead they create an atmosphere of trust and support for both beginners and experienced alike.I highly recommend NAK2 for Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and general cardio fitness. I also highly recommend NAK2 to learn the skills that will help keep you safe on the streets or compete in the ring. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.

Re
Review №20

Awesome place to learn/practice Muay Thai!

Information
17 Photos
20 Comments
5 Rating
  • Address:1740 19th Ave NW #4, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States
  • Site:http://www.nak2.com/
  • Phone:+1 425-295-7077
Categories
  • Martial arts school
  • Jujitsu school
  • Muay Thai boxing gym
  • Physical fitness program
  • Self defense school
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Similar organizations