Portland Academy of Self Defense

Enrolling in the Portland Academy of Self Defense has been great for me. The training is helping with my fitness, flexibility and confidence. David, the instructor is awesome at explaining techniques, fundamentals and principles of self defense. He explains the ideas behind the concepts. His knowledge of self defense comes through in the instruction. My initial intent was to learn self defense as well as improve my fitness. I look forward to continuing my journey in self defense here at the Portland Academy of Self Defense. I highly recommend this place!

Coach David was very knowledgeable, insightful and kind! He stayed open for my mom and I to take a class during the holiday since I was only in town for a few days and it never felt like we were rushing through skills or techniques. He’s patient and encouraging. Highly recommend!

I highly recommend Coach David and Portland Academy of Self Defense as a self-defense class for families! Coach David was wonderful with my children (ages 5 and 6), quickly making them comfortable and engaged and ensuring they felt successful. For the adults, his teaching was exceptional: he explained specific techniques clearly, but, more importantly, he heavily focused on core principles. This principled approach is key, as it teaches you how to adapt and overcome various real-world situations. If you're a parent looking for practical, confidence-boosting skills for the whole family in a supportive environment, this is the perfect class.

We are having a wonderful experience at Portland Academy of Self Defense. Coach David has the right temperament to reach our son, who did not thrive in the class structure of other martial arts studios. He is eager to go to class each week and gives 100% because he feels positively motivated. From what I can see, he has made enormous progress after just a few sessions, and it has overflowed into his behavior at home. Coach David also takes time to give bits of real-world guidance that my son and I are able to discuss on the way home. It also looks really fun! Sometimes I want to jump in! I recommend Portland Academy of Self Defense to people of all ages who are interested in self-defense or just great exercise in a positive, accepting environment.

I signed my 10 year old kiddo up for Hopkido as a way to learn self defense, to focus, and get fit. They have ADHD and anxiety. David has been teaching them and keeping them in line. The routine and regiment of teaching them different moves, especially step-by-step, has been really beneficial! I highly recommend signing your kiddo up!