The Best Karate in West Seattle. Each year at the West Seattle Karate Academy we meet with well over 100 people in the West Seattle / White Center area about their desire to start karate training.
Our website is clear about the value of karate training. And the benefits associated with martial arts, as well as our rates, and times.
Sometimes the question arises, “Who are some of the other martial arts clubs you might recommend?”
Not to shy away from the question here are some other schools and clubs in West Seattle. These schools / instructors have great qualities.
This is not a list assembled by googling. I know these people and have been on the floor with them.
Best Karate in West Seattle, Well Kung-Fu
When it comes to Wushu and Tai Chi Sifu Resita DeJesus is the go-to person. Her studio is at 5423 California Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98136.
I have known Sifu DeJesus for some twenty years. She is affable, pleasant, and has high expectations for her students. I have been on the floor teaching with her at seminars and have had her instruct at some of my seminars. Sifu DeJesus is quick to laugh and wields a mean bullwhip too. Her accolades and skills run deep.
Tae Kwon Do – Again Not Karate
The West Seattle Tae Kwon Do Club is run by Master Darren Smith. Master Smith teaches at the Highpoint Community Center on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I know it violates the theme of Best Karate in West Seattle, but I think it has become clear it is about the people, not necessarily the art.
Take note: His classes are for adults only, 18+ and beginners are always welcome.
You will find Master Smith pleasant, thoughtful, and dedicated to his students. One of the attributes I like about Master Smith is he is always seeking, learning. You can reach him at westseattletkd@gmail.com
High Point Community Center in West Seattle at 6920 34th Ave SW, 98126.
Karate (Shotokan)
A member of the Pacific Northwest Karate Association Sensei Skip Matthews teaches at the Hiawatha Community Center. The address is 2700 California Ave SW. Seattle. Next to West Seattle High School.
Sensei Mathews and I met about a decade ago and he is a good guy. His classes on are Mondays and Wednesdays in a 2-hour block Beginners first-hour, Advanced the second hour.
Shotokan Karate is what he teaches. Shotokan could be considered the classic Japanese karate. Sensei Mathews is earnest, and pleasant. Ranks are earned with hard work and effort. You will get good training here under his guidance You can email him at: lsmathes2@comcast.net.
Also, the Hiawatha is the oldest community center west of the Mississippi, what a cool place to train.
Best Karate in West Seattle – Not in West Seattle and It’s Judo
The Seattle Dojo. The oldest Judo dojo in the United States the Seattle Dojo is the place to train in classic Japanese Judo.
I trained there and recommend the instructors as smart, and focused on their students. Tournaments are an important part of advancing in rank but are not required. Not in West Seattle, but they warrant a shoutout. The building was purpose built as a Judo dojo. The floor is spring-loaded and the walls are bathed in tradition and experience.
The facility is basic, no-frills because they train. It is common for Judo-ka from Japan who are visiting on business or for school to train at the Seattle Dojo.
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KRIS WILDER
Kris Wilder is a martial artist based in Seattle Washington. He has authored many martial art books, including the classic, The Way of Kata. Making no apologies for his obsession of Football he can be found telling any who will listen about the nuances of the Canadian Football League.