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... 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.
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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... 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!
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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... 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!
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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.... 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
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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... 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..
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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... 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.
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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... 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.
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