Northwest Fighting Arts

You will experience a balance between the sublime and the practical as an internal arts student at NW Internal and Fighting Arts. Careful, patient and you-appropriate teaching allows you to summon the elusive, powerful, healing Chi. The effort centers your mind, lightens your spirit and opens you up to greater possibilities. The atmosphere is purposeful but playful, noncompetitive and accepting. On the practical side, in a relatively short time, your muscles gain strength so that your joints are more stable, the hills you encounter seem smaller to climb and the challenge of balancing on one leg is no longer accompanied by windmilling arms. You feel better all over. The lead teacher, Jeff Patterson, and the other teachers are gentle, kind, humorous and yet exacting practioners of the "internal arts."

Pros: Skill of Teachers is Superior

Posted 11/03/09

This school is not a joke! I checked out alot of schools prior to this one and all i found were a bunch of ego maniacs jumping around pretending they were Superman. The instructors at NWFA are very helpful and will always help you out when asked. I've been a student for about a year and a half and I've learned so much. I've learned how to relax and how to focus which are the most important things when learning a martial art. So come on down and check out a class, you will see that I'm right.

Pros: Great workouts and cool people

Cons: None

Posted 11/02/09

I sometimes take NWFA's submission grappling and Kali/Escrima classes, but considering that I focus upon Muay Thai/boxing, I'm going to review the Muay Thai classes specifically.

For a guy in his early 30s, I initially considered myself to be in decent shape. About a week before starting out at NWFA, I could easily bike 50-60 miles in a single stretch. However, my first Muay Thai class -- while not lasting nearly as long as a 60 mile ride -- was far more physically grueling. A lot of new students stop attending class within a month after starting, as it isn't something that anybody MUST do -- given a choice between a night on the couch and a night in class, most will chose the former. However, after a year of doing this, I have to wonder why I didn't start during my twenties. There are few activities in life that are as fun and that will make you feel as good about yourself as Muay Thai.

The classes themselves are about 40 percent western boxing focused and 60 percent Muay Thai oriented, and you will generally not know which will be taught on any given night. Class begins with a short warm-up consisting of calisthenics or shadow boxing -- again, the warm-up is short, so I recommend coming early to stretch or do extended warm-ups. You will then pair up with another student and practice combination drills where you will take turns initiating and responding to the sequence of strikes (or sometimes clinching exercises) being instructed. (If you are brand new, the instructor will pair you up with an experienced student.) These drills are done at light to medium contact, depending upon your comfort level and the nature of the drill. After the class is roughly half over, one partner will put on Thai pads or focus mitts to hold for the other -- this is an opportunity to strike at full contact, provided that you are comfortable with the drill. Partners will switch off holding and striking, and the instructor will often impose calisthenics (e.g., burpees, jump squats, jumping pushups, etc) upon the entire class between rounds. The final round is usually a "burn-out" round, involving exhausting exercises like double-kicks, pyramids and "stacking bricks". Depending upon the instructors level of sympathy for everybody at the end of class, he may or may not have everybody close out with a set of "8-count bodybuilders" -- a burpee-like exercise that's great for you, but absolutely no fun at the end of an already tiring class.

The day and morning classes can be a little bit different from what I describe above -- I usually attend the night classes.

You have the option to spar before or after class, depending upon the fay, but it isn't woven into the class itself. Many students prefer not to subject themselves to the injury risk or discomfort that comes with sparring, and that is perfectly fine. However, I do recommend trying it after training for 3-6 months, as there is no better way to apply what you've learned than by exposing yourself to the unpredictability and randomness of simulated combat.

NWFA is very friendly to beginners, and you will find plenty of other students that haven't started long before you. This is a good thing, as I got my start here. However, I believe the lack of intermediate classes might be responsible for the fact that a number of experienced students have left since I started. I sometimes worry about this, as I don't want to ever be in the position where I am anywhere close to being the best student at the gym. I always want to be able to train and spar with people who are better than I (although that won't be an problem for me for at least another couple of years). That said, I would like to see at least one class a week devoted specifically to intermediate and advanced students.

Posted 10/31/09

My experience at Northwest Fighting Arts has been outstanding. They offer high quality instruction in a variety of arts, Muay Thai, Tai Chi, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to name a few. When I joined almost seven years ago what made me decide this was the place for me was that they pushed to the limit of what I could do but their was no ego involved. Just focused legitimate training.
I've read a couple of reviews that start "Don't sign the contract" I understand being frustrated by not being in the situation you want to but it's a contract. When I signed up, I went for the year commitment because I was certain this was what I wanted. Sign it if your are in for the duration. Jeff, the head instructor, has month-to-month options for people who want to check it out. The longer deals are for people who are sure, if you're not then go month to month and try it out.

Anyway, like I said, I love the training. Form your own opinion though. You can always check out a class to see what it's like before you dive in.

Pros: Offers several arts but only high quality instruction

Posted 10/15/09

I signed a month to month agreement with this gym and after attending a few classes I knew that I was going to cancel my membership. The owner Jeff was very eager to get me to sign a contract and once I did he was non existent. Two days after I met him and commited to his gym I said hello to him before my first class and he blew me off. The guy who was doing the moi thai class spent most all of his time working with with the members that he was friends with. I think he spent a total of 2 minutes with my and my partner while spending almost the entire class with two of the other 15 pairings.

After I realized this gym was not for me I gave them a written 30 day notice of cancellation and they still charged me for the 3rd month.

I think learning martial arts is a great way to be active and learn discipline but this gym was a joke.

Pros: Solid Work out

Cons: rude and poor trainers

Posted 10/01/09

If you are truly committed whether to yourself or to another person, you need to make sure it is something you can be honest about, both to yourself and to the other party. We too made a commitment to send our son there by signing a contract. But, we were committed to the mental and physical well being of our child's future through a martial art outlet.

Commit means (for those who signs a contract): to bind or obligate, as by pledge or assurance; pledge: to commit oneself to a promise; to be committed to a course of action.

I understand things come up, we had things come up too, however, we were still committed. So much so that I signed up my wife and myself.

Jeff and the other members are wonderful. Jeff is dedicated to both challenging and striving for the best of his students. I have been to other institutions and experienced many different styles of teachings. At Northwest Fighting Arts, I see the best of both worlds. I would highly recommend looking into this school if you want to better yourself not only as a martial art practitioner but also for personal development through the internal art forms.

My family and I are very happy here and we intend to make this a life long commitment for our well being. We all have different levels of priorities to our commitments, just make sure you are honest about yours.

Pros: Friendly staff and members, egos are checked at the door, family friendly.

Cons: So much to offer you may have a hard time deciding which classes to take.

Posted 02/01/09

We first started taking our 5 year old to NWFA about 7 months ago. We were hesitant at first, because we were really looking for a balance of discipline, respect, and fun for our child since he was still so young. We were so happy to see quickly, that NWFA demonstrates all of these qualities. Our son's confidence level has gone up, he is excited to learn all of the different types of Martial Arts that are taught, and the teachers and fellow students have been amazing. Recently, my husband and I have joined, and we love all that the NWFA has to offer us. You can choose form such a wide variety of classes, and all of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Their Internal Arts classes are great to be involved in, as well. We have had nothing but a pleasant and life-altering experience at this facility. We plan on being members for a long time, and we are thrilled to have found Jeff Patterson to teach us. Especially our son. Jeff has always been friendly, helpful, and concerned with each individulas comfort level, but he will definately push you hard, and you will recieve an excellent workout. ladies should check out the Muay Thai Boot camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I definately reccommend NWFA to all ages and both male and females.

Pros: Wide variety of classes, talented staff, great facility, excellent workout, great for families

Cons: Unfortunately, I don't have the time to utilize all of the classes

Posted 02/01/09

I've been going to NWFA for 2 and a half years.......i have done NO other martial arts, never joined a gym, never even played sports in high school......before i joined NWFA, i had very low self esteem and equally low confidence.......being a part of this gym/school has built both of those up in a healthy way.....it's taught me to see people in different ways.....watching all types of people train makes you realize you get what you put into it no matter your background, physical condition, life style, etc.....I've even had the chance to test for a couple rankings in my favorite discipline....and with the help of the entire gym, i passed!!......i've even had a chance to help others....

i've read these other reviews and notice some negative comments about the teacher.....i have not had ANY of those issues.......Jeff is very caring, interested and supportive.......it is very rare that i don't see him at the gym......in fact, it's shocking if i walk in, and he's not there with a smile and respectful greeting.......he pushes you to do your best, but respects your limits......and is concerned if i've been absent for a period of time......and makes sure i'm doing alright......

It's a wonderful atmosphere......

Pros: minimal ego, great work out, confidence builder, family atmosphere

Cons: i don't have enough time in my life to do all the things i want to do there.....hahaah.....(sounds like my problem..)..

Posted 01/05/09

My experience at NWFA has been very positive. After about four months of training there, I got a chance to go to China for 10 months, which I did. I found Jeff, the main instructor, very accommodating in this regard. It wasn't a problem for him to suspend my membership dues during the time I was away. Overall I would recommend training here.

Posted 01/04/09

I needed recovery from knee replacements. The usual, phys ed, yoga, weren't working. I had never done any kind of martial arts, so when I received the advice to learn tai chi, I was scared to go there. I expected an atmosphere of young athletic pride, a school where I had no hope of feeling at home. I found a school, NWIA where I was not only welcomed but encouraged at every turn. Much to my surprise, I could do it. I could even get competent at it. Now, at a healthy 70, after 3 years of training, I have changed so much. I no longer fall easily, or think of myself as an old lady. I have balance, strength and agility I didn't, in my lifetime, know I could achieve.

Pros: The real thing, excellent training from teachers who respect the lineage of their discipline

Posted 01/04/09

The owner of the gym is completely unsympathetic to personal problems, he is mostly concerned with your money. He was nice "at first" he even called me twice before my first day to make sure I knew where to go, I signed, now I wish that I hadn't!

Pros: really nice "at first"

Cons: its a business after it all

Posted 12/08/08

The owner of this gym is substantially more focused on locking you into a contract than leading any martial arts training. I felt very pressured from the get go, and after I signed the contract I didn't see the owner again. Once you sign, the contract is sold to an outside billing agency. The outside billing agency continues to charge you until you cancel with them, not with the actual gym. This company makes it very difficult to cancel and adds extra fees. So once you sign, you can no longer talk to anyone at the gym about your bill or canceling after your contract expires. The workouts are satisfying, and there are a wide variety of martial arts available, but getting your money is the main goal of the staff. I strongly advise against signing a contract at NWFA. And once you walk through the door, that is all they will want you to do.

Posted 08/10/08

before discovering Jeff and his northwest fighting arts studio my experience had been a shaollow machismo experience and as a women seeking benefits of strength and endurance to find inner peace and confidence challenged and strengthened by the owner and instructors at NWFA i have been inspired by NWFA with an inner peace, some days the minimal stances were challenged when i was required to hold a stance for 15 minutes i didnt get it at the time and yes it was humbling but i sincerely appreciate the awareness and instruction of the owner to challenge me to overcome the particular position i was slacking on, i respect the instruction technique and philosophy of NWFA to observe the lack of skill i was overlooking I would recommend this martial arts school it has over a ten year history in the SE Portland area and the owner having a 15 year world reknown accomplishments that he shares with the students by bringing his fellow fighting arts collegues into the training facility that is above par professional skills with a clean and fresh atmosphere uncomparable to others : 35 yr old female from portland <3 NWFA

Pros: experienced instructors,sparing ring and heavy bags, open 7 days early to late hours

Cons: no slacking little talking all serious workouts no whining will be hear you can try but...

Posted 04/17/08

I was a member here for 3 months, and the other members were really nice and inviting. Not a lot of ego's from the students. The owner of the school was distant and unwilling to compromise on difficult situations-so much so that I quit! Really unfriendly...

Pros: nice facility

Cons: unfriendly staff

Posted 08/05/07

I started at NWFA about 5 or 6 years ago to learn muay Thai, then tried the lameco/kali (Filipino martial arts) classes as well, since it looked like fun. They also teach grappling and western boxing, and tai chi. One of my favorite things about the school is the variety: I can study a mix of different martial arts, all in one place. The classes themselves combine technique and conditioning, so you can get quite a workout in while improving your form. The other students are considerate and helpful, and you can learn a lot from them as well as the instructor. The school recently moved into is current location on Morrison, and has a nice space, complete with a new boxing/grappling ring, and convenient access by car (it has its own parking lot) or bus (there's a stop right there).

Posted 06/26/07

I've been a member here nearly 5 years! I've probably tried over 20 different Martial Arts schools in my life and none have encompassed so much so well. My wife now attends classes with me because she saw what a good time I was having, how it was improving my health and how immediate the self-defense came along. There's other great places in town, but NWFA just offers more and more often. They always seem to be open and the people are really mellow, ready to encourage each other and have a good time. My wife and I have made numerous friends and it's benefited our marriage to do something together. Classes we go to are Tai Chi, Boxing, Muay Thai (kickboxing), Grappling/BJJ, Escrima and Jeet Kune Do. Even the people they have training for competitions are very friendly and there's a great ratio of men to women. If you live in Portland and want to have a good time training real martial arts, this is the place. (edit: Oh, almost forgot, they have a fantastic Youth program. There's usually 4 or 5 adults helping out and they know what they're doing. If you have kids its a great place to have them learn about respect and self-discipline.)

Pros: Private parking, friendly staff, Air Conditioned! Plush facility...

Cons: The workout can be as pricey as something like Yoga, because your learning something of value

Posted 06/16/07

I trained at 2 different martial arts schools before becoming a student at Northwest Fighting Arts and it by far has the most to offer. The classes are fun, energetic and great workouts and the staff are friendly and professional. I like that I can go to as many classes a week as I want compared to my old martial arts gym where I could only got to 2 classes per week. I like that there is a wide variety of students, of all ages, who are all there with different goals in mind...some are training to fight, others are there to learn self defense, others are there to study a discipline, while others are there to have a fun workout. There is so much that is offered at this gym that training never gets boring.

Posted 05/27/07