West Seattle Karate Academy

Sensei Kris builds great relationships with the kids. The environment is structured and fun, and both of our kids love it. We are very happy and would recommend West Seattle Karate to anyone. more

Wilder Sensei is a wonderful karate instructor - truly a gem. He runs the dojo (school) with structure, kindness, and humor. My two kids have been taking karate for three months now. They started because it was something we, as parents, had decided they would do for the summer. They left the first class with determination, and were already practicing the new movements they had learned. As a parent, I also love the model of respect that Sensei instills in the students. They bow before entering the mat, for example, showing respect and also acknowledging they are now ready to practice and learn. Sensei teaches how the study of karate can help with self-defense, and actually has the kids practice moves of defense, while also using strong words. For some kids, this does not come easily, and having the opportunity to practice in a safe setting is so valuable. Learning karate has boosted my kids' confidence in themselves and their physical abilities. We are so impressed with Wilder Sensei. Summer is almost over, but we will not be ending the karate lessons in this house. more

West Seattle Karate is a great place to train. It has the best instructors, several classes so you can receive more personal training. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to learn traditional karate. more

I've really been enjoying my time at West Seattle Karate. I've just started martial arts again at the age of 50, and I thought it would be intimidating. I need not have feared. It's obviously good for young children (many of whom outrank me -- ha!), and equally good for adults at all levels. There are multiple instructors, all very generous, so the class is often divided to give the most appropriate level of instruction to everyone. I've learned something useful absolutely every time I've gone. And even with my busy schedule, this time is worth it. I come out of each class more mentally focused than if I'd stayed home working. Highly recommended! more

The instructor was firm and kind, just what a young Karate Kid needs. My son needed special help and Kris was very patient with him, even when he was disruptive in class. He understands kids. more

Wilder Sensei is an exceptionally gifted Karate instructor. He is able to keep the class lively and interesting, and captures the attention of even the very young. Excellent learning environment for students of all ages and ability. more

Sensei Wilder is wonderful with kids. We've had our child learning at the dojo for the last two years and it is great to see them progress. Kris is kind but firm to the kids and brings them each along at an appropriate pace. His childrens classes have the kids laughing yet learning the entire time (and parents in stitches at his commentary and jokes - like a pixar movie, something for everyone!). We highly recommend the West Seattle Karate Academy, and the new dojo makes classes even better. more

Kris is OUTSTANDING with the kids! Would highly recommend to anyone! more

Our daughter has been going to west seattle karate for 6 months, and she is excelling and really enjoying the classes. Kris makes it interesting and fun for kids, and keeps them engaged with learning the katas. Great work kris, thanks. more

We've had our daughter at West Seattle Karate Academy for over a year now and I can't believe how far she's come, both in terms of her skills and her self-discipline. Kris is amazing with kids and strikes just the right balance between teaching them skills and keeping their interest high. more

I joined this Dojo a couple years ago and I for one have learned an incredible amount in the classic art of Goju Rju. Kris Wilder the sensei/owner is a one of kind. Not only is he a very high ranking sensei, he also really understands what it takes to help you get to the next level. I highly recommend the West Seattle Karate Dojo; not only for the self defense part but for the other things you gain in being there. more

Sensei Wilder rocks. Dude's not only a world class instructor, but also an internationally renown author with five highly-rated martial arts books to his name. He travels internationally to give seminars as well. We're lucky to have such an incredible resource to train with locally. I've been the guy's student for more than ten years now and have found that he's heads and shoulders above anyone else I've ever trained with. He's great with adults and kids alike, with an engaging and entertaining teaching style that makes the hard stuff simple and the "impossible" stuff doable. It's all good! more

My 10-year-old daughter started training here 4 years ago and soon a bunch of other kids from her school started training with her. The instructor, Kris Wilder, is GREAT with kids and a highly skilled instructor in every way. The atmosphere is extremely welcoming and encouraging too. I ended up joining the adults' class soon after and the atmosphere was the same. I had never thought I would study martial arts and here I am years later still training, learning a ton, and having a great time. The monthly dues are also extremely affordable. I highly recommend this place! more

When looking at activities for my six year old, I was hesitant to enroll him in a martial art class. After all, I really didn't want any more play fighting to go on at my house than already was. However, after many months of pleading and begging on my son's part, I finally enrolled him at West Seattle Karate. I am very happy that I did! I must say I am really impressed with the owner Kris Wilder. As soon as you walk through the door, he greets every child by name. When class is over, he says goodbye to all the students individually and thanks them for coming. This is very important especially for those kids who may be a little hesitant going into an activity and helps the child feel comfortable at the dojo.. He's friendly, knows his stuff and treats the kids with respect and kindness. I couldn't ask for a better instructor. www.westseattlekarate.com more

A small studio in West Seattle which specializes in youth Gojo-Ryu Karate. The founder Kris Wilder is GREAT with kids and what more could you ask for. I took my daughter to a Karate school up north several years ago to try it out and she was scared off by the instructors lack of experience with kids (I think). The guy there didnt talk to her or try and relate to her at all. She was freaked out by the whole situation. Kris is on the other end of the spectrum. Kris trained in Okinawa, is the author of a book of which you'll find on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1413418856/qid=1119925235/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-5057999-7620618?n=507846&s=books&v=glance The tuition is more than reasonable @ $45 a month and they meet twice a week (vs one). Both were pleasant surprises. They also just started a Karate class for pint sized kids as well called the Tiny Tigers.. more

West Seattle Karate is a great place for young kids to learn karate. They offer a full program that is extremely friendly for kids, but lets parents participate and/or watch the lessons. Their prices are reasonable, the progress rate is slow but moves forward, and the instructors are extremely compassionate. I like their focus on non-violence and karate as a form of exercise and body use, not just fighting. more

My child has been attending here for about a year and a half and loves it! The owner, Kris works amazingly well with the kids ranging from I believe 3 and up (different classes). While the location is quite small you will find it completely affordable and find your kids getting alot out of it. Since my child has joined there have been about 8 more kids from her school that have joined in on the fun. Classes are typically twice a week and then a belt testing occurs when they are ready (usually about every 4-6 months. more