Chochin Dojo

I just took my first Self Defense class this weekend with Vanessa. I walked into Wash Park Martial Arts with no experience but knew I wanted to gain more knowledge with self defense. Vanessa, who was extremely welcoming, started with the basics of each move as well as the basic idea behind self defense. The other women in the class were also extremely helpful due to their knowledge and experience and helped me whenever I had questions. Even though I have only attended once class, I already know I will be going back for more training in self defense but now I have a curiosity for all the other classes Wash Park Martial Arts has to offer. I highly recommend this establishment not only because of the instructors knowledge and willingness to help students learn but also because it is a fun and challenging experience.

You should check Wash Park Martial Arts out if you are looking for a fun, safe and technically great school. I am a new student to the school, joining at the beginning of the year. I knew the school had been here for years, but never stopped in. I am glad I did stop in as the style is exactly what I have been looking for. I studied martial arts as a child and then in the '90's tried to but could not find a school that was a good fit for me. I wanted was a school that focuses on technique rather than kata. I also liked the way Aikido used leverage and locks, but wanted something more direct and effective. Wash Park Martial Arts checked all the boxes for me. I really enjoy the class environment as I get to practice the techniques on different body types. Interestingly, many of the students have come from other styles of martial arts, it seems to be a martial artist's martial art! But they are great with beginning martial artists. The school is very focused on providing a safe and fun atmosphere. The instructors are mindful and provide a great amount caution and attention to a student can do safely at their level. Learning martial arts techniques makes exercising a lot less boring! They have excellent kids classes and make it safe, fun and effective for the kids to gain coordination and self confidence. A black belt instructor started 22 years ago at the school when he was 8!

My two boys (10 & 8) have been coming to Wash Park martial arts for ~2 years, twice each week. The instructors have been excellent, and I have seen a noticeable difference in my sons' confidence, spatial awareness of their bodies, and physical strength development. The main focus of the kids' classes at this level is not striking (eg, karate kid or Bruce Lee style martial arts), but rather is focused on movement, rolls, and the instruction of specific techniques related to blocking and counter strikes. The students will do sparring and sword work (bamboo and foam at this age/level) when they have advanced through the first few belt levels. This not a typical, franchised, "McDojo", but rather a small, independent business run by the head Sensei (Marc), who has been studying the craft for many decades. It is a welcoming and inclusive community: not intimidating for newcomers, great for less athletic kids (which both of mine were two years ago!), or those that may be neurodivergent and struggle with team sports and group dynamics. I highly recommend this Dojo.

Commitment to Life and All Tasks I am an amateur mexican-style boxer with a national champion title from 2024. I came to this dojo seeking a more integrated, spiritual relationship to my body and to combat sport. What I found was a community of people eager to share what they knew and loved, who gave me a home-away-from-home in a new city. Practices at Chochin are loads of fun (after a long day, I am dying to kick off my shoes and ‘play ninja’), yet they also teach me to channel destructive or fearful energies into beautiful movements rooted in a sacred art manyfold older than america itself. I am grateful to the Sensei and other teachers, who take seriously the task of preserving this Japanese tradition, while sharing their knowledge in ways that are accessible and communicated lightheartedly via joy. Now I have two belts and I respect and love them equally- though one taught me of a strength like stone, and the other, strength like wind. Having enjoyed both, I believe the strength of wind is better equipped to carry us through the physical and mental challenges of life. If you’re curious— Try it out.

My daughter began practicing at Wash Park Martial Arts in January 2017, just after she turned 10 years old. I chose Wash Park Martial Arts because it was relatively close to home and I'd heard great things about it. She's been practicing regularly for 1.5 years now and I am a huge fan of both the type of martial arts taught, and of the instructors who teach my daughter. As a parent, I love seeing how excited my daughter is to go to class! She has developed meaningful relationships with the instructors and other students, and her confidence has developed considerably. She's progressed through many belt tests, gaining knowledge, strength and skill at every level. She is more passionate about practicing every week and I'm so thankful for the self-defense skills she's learning. Whether you have a son or a daughter, I can't say enough about the quality of Wash Park Martial Arts and their instructors.