Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

Love my training. Everyone from the students to the staff to the Master are helpful and I find them professional and skilled martial artists. more

My daughter has joined last summer and we just wanted to see if this sport could be for her. She loves it at the Bellevue campus and enjoys all her teachers/masters. So we stayed.\r When we leave home she might be in a bad mood and down low on her energy level but when we return home she is upbeat and happy, always ready for whatever comes her way. This is exactly what I wanted for her: fitness combined with joy. So far we did not have to compete or participate in anything we did not want to. I sure hope it will continue like this for her during her teenage years. As a girl it feels good to know your strength and capabilities! more

I started training at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts (AKMA) in the Spring of 2009, at the age of 28, to get more discipline in my life and learn self-defense. While searching online, I was attracted to the AKMA because they promoted self-discipline and self-defense up front, have one-on-one lessons in addition to group classes, and do not charge fees for belt tests. When I came in for an interview, the instructor really emphasized that the AKMA is a school and should be treated that way. I think going into my training here with that mindset was the best thing I could have done. I started out as everyone does when first training in martial arts, not knowing what I was doing. :) But I was amazed at how the different group classes and my one-on-one lessons built on each other to create a system that makes learning extremely efficient and effective. By going to the appropriate group classes, practicing at home, and learning the details in my one-on-one lessons, I progressed much faster than I would have thought possible. Now that I've been training here for a couple years, I realize that the styles taught here are extremely versatile, effective, and surprisingly fun. I can't wait to go to each class or lesson. I'm grateful to the AKMA for giving me a very sound foundation in self-defense, getting me more in shape, and helping me with my self-discipline. When looking into other martial arts disciplines and schools, which I recommend you do, please consider that you will get what you pay for. Be sure to ask what extra costs there will be over the course of the next year so you won't have any surprises. Personally, I think the AKMA is underpriced for what I've received in return. more

I have been bringing my son to AKMA for the past 3 years. It has helped his self esteem, his confidence and his balance and coordination. My son has ADHD and the classes have really helped him focus. It also gives him a positive outlet for his energy. The Belt system they use has helped him to set achievable goals and it has really helped him to feel good about himself and what he can do. He is so proud to tell everyone he is a Black Belt! Being a larger child my son is often singled out by other kids. AKMA has taught my son how to keep from being bullied at school as well. The instructors know each kid by name. They give them personal positive feedback and encouragement. They have obviously worked with kids of all types and know just what to do to get results. I would recommend this school to anyone who would like to give their child a positive learning experience. more

I have been practicing in these studios Lynnwood, Bellevue and Federal Way for more than 13 years. more

Throughout my life I have trained 5+ different martial disciplines. What struck me about the Academy is that much of what they considered basic knowledge the other styles considered advanced. And now that I've tried all the rest I know for certain the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts is the best! Training here is like living in America. Is it perfect? No. Are there problems? Yes. Crikey, if there are people then there are always going to be problems, but like America, where can you honestly go in this world that is even close to being any better? The Academy is like a growing giant Redwood or Sequoia tree. At first it looks no different than any of the others. In fact, some of the other trees grow much faster and seem to be better, but if you will just stick with it ... If you will just consistently train and give it time and effort then eventually you will mature and once fully grown, I can assure you all other trees (styles) pale in comparison. more

These guys do have a varied schedule, but, as a student, I had to cough up large down payments in order to attend them. The water and other drinks they sell are ridiculously marked up, and I was constantly being ""pitched"" for this or that class that I needed in order to progress. Other schools that offer one-on-one training are definitley worth searching for! more