Behind peeling red paint and dusty windows, Seattle Martial Arts Supplies sits tucked away on King Street. Peeking in past the yellowing Black Belt magazines and other kung-fu related periodicals,... More

Behind peeling red paint and dusty windows, Seattle Martial Arts Supplies sits tucked away on King Street. Peeking in past the yellowing Black Belt magazines and other kung-fu related periodicals, you see an older-looking shop filled to the brim with martial arts supplies and you feel almost like you've been transported to an alley way in China. Unfortunately, the charm pretty much ends there. The space is cramped and there aren't any real displays, making browsing difficult and less than inviting. While there are many supplies (clothing, weapons, fighting gear), the goods feel stacked without any obvious order; finding what you need will require the assistance of the staff, who fortunately are nice and helpful. One man, I've heard, can immediately tell you which pant size will fit exactly. I've yet to be a patron while he's working, though. With the wealth of online suppliers, the prices feel high at Seattle Martial Arts Supplies. A metal fan, for example, runs about $60+. But if you'd like to handle a particular weapon, try on clothing or if you need something immediately, this is a good shop--and one of the only ones in the area--with your basic gear.
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