West Side Championship Martial Arts
About
West Side Championship Martial Arts offers mixed martial arts and karate training in a structured environment that emphasizes discipline and personal growth. The gym provides aftercare programs, day camps with field trips, and year-round classes that many families find to be flexible and engaging. Parents appreciate how the programs serve as consistent after-school activities where children develop pride in their accomplishments and feel part of a community.
Reviews highlight that many students experience significant boosts in self-confidence and focus through the training. Instructors like Mr. Molton are noted for their patient yet firm approach with children who initially struggle with attention, helping them become teachable and engaged. However, some parents report negative experiences where instructors appeared impatient with young or neurodivergent children, with one review describing a child with autism being yelled at and embarrassed in front of the class. The gym's leadership, including GM Lewis, is praised by some as outstanding and responsible, while others criticize specific instructors for what they perceive as inappropriate teaching methods for children.
The gym appears to work well for families seeking structured martial arts training with flexible scheduling, particularly for children who respond well to traditional discipline. Prospective members with very young children or those with special needs may want to inquire specifically about accommodations and teaching approaches to ensure a good fit.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Many parents praise the gym for boosting children's self-confidence and focus, with specific mention of Mr. Molton's patient yet firm teaching style that helps even initially distracted children become engaged. The aftercare program and year-round classes are described as flexible and community-building, with children developing pride in their belt achievements. However, several reviews describe negative experiences where instructors were perceived as impatient or inappropriate with young children, including one instance where a child with autism was yelled at and embarrassed. Some parents specifically criticize certain instructors' methods with children while praising GM Lewis's leadership.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Nicolle Meadows
3 years ago
Both of our kids have been enrolled in the aftercare program/classes for the past 4-5 years and both have thoroughly enjoyed it. I find the aftercare program to be the most flexible with parents from other programs offered in the area that we've tried. I also love that they plan field trips with kids when they offer day camps for days that schools are closed.
Maryam Myers
11 years ago
My children have been attending Westside Tae Kwon Do for the past year. So far it has been a wonderful experience. I have seen my older son's self-confidence boosted. He works harder towards earning his belts than anything else I have seen. He had gained a strong sense of pride over his accomplishments. My younger son started off at the beginning of kindergarten and wanted to be a class clown. He lacked focus and just wanted to play around during class. Mr. Molton did not write him off. He reassured me that he could teach him. He was gentle, being patient and firm, and he was right. My class clown was teachable. This has been a great year-round after school activity. My boys don't just go to a class, they feel as if they are a part of something.
ronald christopher Garland
a year ago
Highly respected and responsible martial arts community, GM Lewis is a outstanding leader for those interested in a clean and healthy life in martial arts. V/R RCG
Joe Morrison
6 years ago
Worst experience ever for a 4 year old child to be kicked out of your studio. All because she was excited and couldn't sit still. Within 30 minutes 3 of my 5 children that were there got kick out of a place that is advertising that they can teach discipline. the instructor needs discipline himself. Very rude and doesn't care the he is there to teach children and adults not just adults. I will never recommend this place to anyone that has children. we can't have people like this teaching anything!!! Get him out of Bellevue. He is teaching wrong methods to childre . Not even giving them a chance to show improvement with time. he tried to be a nice guy while talking to the adults but was very to our children. if you love your children dont take them to this place because they will be taught to be rude to others while being directed to prison
ANNITIA JACKSON
6 years ago
We had called and spoke with the Bellevue location concerning bringing our son who has autism and ADHD for a trial lesson. My husband explained our son had special needs in advance and was assured they would be accommodating and had worked with kids who had special needs before. Nope! The male teacher yelled at him and embarrassed him in front of the whole dojo. Said if he couldn't listen he couldn't be taught in his class. If you are not equipped to handle special needs students, please don't tell parents to bring their children to be shamed in front of other people. It's already hard enough to find classes for special needs kids as it is. My 7 year old son cried all the way home. Then when we called Tony Lewis stated he wasn't a psychiatrist and was very rude. This is appalling and we are hurt and shocked by his behavior.
scheduleHours
Monday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed