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Zen Dragon Martial Arts Mercer Island
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Mercer Island, Washington
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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule zendragon.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 206-232-2723
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–9 pm |
| Thursday | 12–9 pm |
| Friday | 1–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I can vouch for both adults and kids training because me and my daughter have been a part of Zen Dragon family (even before the awesome rebranding) for quite a few years now.”
“As a woman I chose this dojo over others because of their diversity and have grown more confident, strong, and have made some good friends.”
“If you have kids, I've watched so many sleepy pre-teens become adults while training here.”
“Little did I know that she’ll gain so much more than self defense skills.”
“It's ideal for adults seeking to improve flexibility, core strength, and balance, while offering incredible mental advantages.”
Other martial arts here
“Little did I know that she’ll gain so much more than self defense skills.”
What students say
“Sensei Nikolai is a great teacher no matter your capabilities.”
“The atmosphere here is incredibly welcoming and grounded, a place where both kids and adults can train, grow, and truly unwind from the rush of everyday life.”
“I can vouch for both adults and kids training because me and my daughter have been a part of Zen Dragon family (even before the awesome rebranding) for quite a few years now.”
“A special thank you to Chief Instructor Sensei Nikolay, who has been my son’s Sensei and mentor — his dedication, discipline, and genuine care for the students are unmatched.”
“They have goals to work towards, the chance to test for new ranks, compete in tournaments and a combo of private and fun group lessons.”
“As a woman I chose this dojo over others because of their diversity and have grown more confident, strong, and have made some good friends.”
From the reviews
Our family has been part of the Zen Dragon Dojo community for the past 10+ years and I cannot express enough gratitude for the positive impact it has had on my son's life. The sensei are second to none.
This is an amazing school. Both of my sons and I are in this school. We enjoy the exercise and learning self defense. Sensei Nikolai is a great teacher no matter your capabilities. We recommend him and the program
Zen Dragon Mercer Island dojo is a great place with an amazing team of Senseis and students. I can vouch for both adults and kids training because me and my daughter have been a part of Zen Dragon family (even before the awesome rebranding) for quite a few years now.
I've been training at this dojo for almost a decade and have been shown nothing but respect from a multitude of instructors. So anxious and with a ton of embarrassment, I started martial arts in my 30's and have taken my time learning and advancing. I could say wonderful things about all of my teachers!
New to Karate? Start at Zen Dragon Martial Arts Mercer Island
Zen Dragon Martial Arts Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island
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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