Northwest School of Karate
About
The Northwest School of Karate offers training in both MMA and traditional karate disciplines, led by a diverse team of experienced instructors. Head Instructor Greg Sommers-Herivel holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate, and the coaching staff includes specialists in Goju-Ryu, Hapkido, Shotokan, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and yoga. This variety allows the school to provide comprehensive martial arts education while maintaining a focus on careful instruction and hard work, as noted by long-time practitioners.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the inclusive and adaptive training environment where everyone works hard on their own goals at their own pace. They describe the school as a tight-knit community with excellent coaching, specifically highlighting Head Instructor Greg Sommers-Herivel as an amazing teacher and positive role model who advocates for students beyond the dojo. Reviewers appreciate how the dojo maintains a low-key, friendly atmosphere while providing careful instruction and hard work, with many noting it feels like a family rather than just a gym. The school has earned a strong reputation in the local martial arts community, with other instructors welcoming their participation in tournaments and events.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Ted Pogorzelski
a year ago
An amazing place to learn. They are kind and informative with their teaching, a perfect blend. If you are looking for a dojo, look no further.
Robert Villaflor
3 months ago
My son started taking classes here a while ago, I ended up joining too shortly after. I figured I'd be there waiting for him anyways. I also wanted to get a better sense of the school before joining. I've had 2 very different experiences with schools prior. When I was very young I was part of a school that didn't have much of an identity that felt like a gym/daycare membership. When I was a young adult I was part of a small tight knit Aikido class that felt like a family, and a connection to the wider art and its practitioners. I was looking for more of the latter so I had to feel it out before I joined. What I found was a school that is at all times inclusive, accessible, and adaptive. Anyone and everyone has a chance to belong and everyone works hard on their own goals. The school has a great reputation amongst the local martial arts community and other senseis/masters are happy to see us when we participate at tournaments and other events. Even if you're not committed to joining as a student, ask them if they have a complimentary self-defense seminar coming up. It's great for anyone who feels marginalized and would like to feel a little more empowered.
Retrofit Property Solutions LLC
5 years ago
Sensai Greg is amazing. Excellent training and consistent at your own pace growth for students.
Amanda Metcalfe
a year ago
My boys have been going here for about 3 years and they absolutely love it! They see their sensi as a positive role model, he shows up to other sport functions and he has been an advocate for them at school. This is a great karate community.
funny looking
4 years ago
After many decades in the Martial Arts I feel fortunate to have found NW School of Karate The dojo is low key and friendly. The emphasis is always on careful instruction and good old hard work
Contact
1421 S 192nd St Suite 5A, SeaTac, WA 98148, USA
groupCoaches & Instructors
Greg Sommers-Herivel
Head Instructor/Sensei
3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan) in Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate
Began study at Washington Karate Association, joined NWSK in 2003. Over 20 years experience in Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu. Instructor since 2005.
Elena Yager
Instructor/Sensei
Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate
Assists in instruction of Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu. Attorney with Northwest Advocacy Foundation, bringing unique perspective for survivors.
Sabrina
Instructor/Senpai
Trained in Goju-Ryu, Hapkido, and Shito-Ryu Karate
Introduced to martial arts at six, trained for nine years. Supports Sensei Sommers-Herivel as instructor to people of all ages.
Micaela Pearson
Instructor/Senpai
Trained in Shotokan and Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu
Grateful to teach at NWSK and learn Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu from Sensei Herivel. Previously trained in Shotokan with Sensei Kimura Hargis.
Shana Schorsh
Apprentice Instructor
ITF-style Taekwondo, Tsun Jo Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Began studying martial arts in 1993. Over a decade in Taekwondo, plus Kung Fu and BJJ. Believes all styles contribute.
Kristine Brecht
Apprentice Instructor
Karate and Yoga background
Loves connecting purpose to Karate poses and philosophy. Enjoys Kata as moving meditation. Background in Yoga complements Karate.