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Zen Dragon Martial Arts Crown Hill
5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Seattle, Washington
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 3–5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule zendragon.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (206) 724-0177
Hours
| Monday | 2–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 2–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 2–8 PM |
| Thursday | 2–8 PM |
| Friday | 3–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They have a great program for kids, that teaches, self control, focus, listening skills, all while having fun and learning new things.”
“And as a woman I feel so much more confident and safe knowing that I can defend myself if I ever need to.”
“The fees include group classes as well as a private lesson each week, which is what sets this dojo apart from most.”
“One of the main factors of joining ZD was the emphasis on practical self defense, which is important in today's world, plus it's fun to make friends you can beat up XD.”
“As much as I enjoy and would recommend the adult classes, my kids (ages 7 and 11) love the kids' classes as well.”
Other martial arts here
“One of the main factors of joining ZD was the emphasis on practical self defense, which is important in today's world, plus it's fun to make friends you can beat up XD.”
What students say
“I am so grateful to Master Jennifer, Sensei Raven, and the rest of their amazing team for their dedication.”
“It's a very welcoming environment, and the material taught is a combo of traditional forms and practical self defense techniques.”
“It's been super motivating to get in better shape, learn discipline, and have a supportive group of instructors and fellow students.”
“The sanseis manage to have me laughing my way through lessons and enjoying my time with them even though we are learning a disciplined art form.”
“Our son has been coming since he was 3 (now 7) and now our daughter (3) has just started!! We love the focus on foundation, community and building strong minds and bodies!”
“They know how to direct and focus even the youngest of children, doing everything to ensure that they learn respect and patience as well as martial arts.”
From the reviews
Zen Dragon has changed my life ! For the better ! My son joined in 2022 and after a month said I should join him. It's been super motivating to get in better shape, learn discipline, and have a supportive group of instructors and fellow students.
My wife & kids have been attending classes there for 4 years - and we love it. The instructors know what they are doing, especially with the young ones. My children look forward to going - which is saying something.
I've tried taking martial arts previously over the years but I have a short attention span so either the classes were too disciplined and boring or they made me feel guilty if I went a week without practicing on my own at home.
Our family of four all train at the Crown Hill (formally Ballard) dojo. Ages 4 1/2 to 38. We started with just our daughter at the age of 3 1/2 to help improve her confidence. A year later I joined and then in the midst of the pandemic last year our 4 year old son, then my husband joined.
New to Karate? Start at Zen Dragon Martial Arts Crown Hill
Zen Dragon Martial Arts Crown Hill comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Zen Dragon Martial Arts Crown Hill
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
