Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts School in Portland
Northwest Fighting Arts has been Portland's premier martial arts training center since 1994. Founded by Jeff Patterson, a third-degree black belt with over 36 years of experience across multiple disciplines, we offer comprehensive instruction in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Boxing, Eskrima, Tai Chi, and more. Our proven curriculum, developed over decades, caters to all skill levels from beginners to competitive athletes. With a team of expert instructors who have trained under legendary martial artists worldwide, we emphasize safety, technical proficiency, and personal growth.Our community-focused approach combines physical fitness with mental discipline, stress relief, and practical self-defense skills. We provide free trial lessons and 30 days of complimentary training for new members, making martial arts accessible to everyone in our Portland community.
Services
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA Training
Boxing Classes
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Free personal lesson for first-time martial arts students
- Proven curriculum developed over 30 years of instruction
- Instructors trained by legendary martial artists worldwide
- Community-focused environment with over 500 active members
- Safety-first approach with expert-monitored training sessions
What people say
Amazing instructors
Supportive community
Life-changing experience
Expert coaching
Transformative training
Services
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Our Muay Thai program develops striking proficiency using all eight points of contact. Students learn traditional Thai techniques for self-defense and fitness, including elbow and knee strikes, clinch work, and conditioning drills. Training improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and mental focus while preparing practitioners for competitive or recreational applications.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
This ground-fighting system teaches leverage-based techniques to overcome larger opponents. Our curriculum covers positional control, submissions, and transition strategies for both self-defense and competition. Classes emphasize technical mastery over strength, with structured progression from white to black belt requirements in a safe, controlled environment.
MMA Training
Comprehensive combat training integrating striking, grappling, and wrestling techniques. Students develop well-rounded skills for self-defense or competition through structured drills, sparring sessions, and strategy development. Programs accommodate all experience levels with safety-focused instruction from experienced fight coaches.
Boxing Classes
Technical boxing instruction covering footwork, striking mechanics, and defensive techniques. Classes combine fitness training with practical self-defense applications, improving cardiovascular endurance, hand-eye coordination, and mental focus. Programs available for both recreational fitness enthusiasts and competitive boxers.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis
Weapon-based system focusing on stick fighting, knife defense, and empty-hand techniques. Training develops spatial awareness, coordination, and practical self-defense skills through pattern drills and sparring. Students learn traditional Filipino martial arts principles applicable to modern self-protection scenarios.
People
Jeff Patterson
Head Instructor
3rd-degree black belt with 36 years of experience across multiple disciplines. Founder of Northwest Fighting Arts in 1994, trained under Muay Thai pioneer Ajarn Chai Sirisute and BJJ master Rigan Machado. Author of three martial arts books with over 25,000 students trained.
Daniel Tran
Coach
Started training at age 9 under Jeff Patterson. Trained with martial arts legends including Dan Inosanto and Rigan Machado. Specializes in JKD principles and adaptive combat techniques. Now shares his expertise through personalized instruction and curriculum development.
Stephen Burtt
Instructor
Began martial arts journey at 13 with Tae Kwon Do. Formalized training under Sifu Gregory Fong in Kung Fu and internal arts. Now teaches Muay Thai, Boxing, and Escrima at NWFA while pursuing black belt certification. Combines technical precision with practical application in his instruction.
Lark Pien
Sifu
Specializes in Tai Chi Quan and Yi Quan under Grandmaster Sam Tam. Focuses on internal martial arts principles, standing meditation, and body-mind connection. Teaches Tai Chi forms, push hands, and JKD/escrima classes while emphasizing individualized learning approaches.
Chris Miskell
BJJ Coach
Started BJJ training in 2018 under Jeff Patterson. Trained with masters Pedro Sauer and Rigan Machado. Leads curriculum classes for white and blue belts while continuing personal development. Focuses on technical progression and community building within the martial arts program.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer in Portland?
We offer Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Boxing, Eskrima/Kali/Arnis, Tai Chi, and Jeet Kune Do. Our comprehensive curriculum covers traditional and modern combat systems for all experience levels.
Do you provide beginner martial arts classes?
Yes, we offer structured beginner programs in all disciplines. Our free trial lesson helps new students determine the best starting point based on their fitness level and personal goals.
Are there self-defense focused classes available?
All our programs emphasize practical self-defense applications. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Eskrima classes particularly focus on real-world defense scenarios while Muay Thai develops effective striking techniques.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors hold black belts in multiple disciplines and have trained with legendary martial artists worldwide. They combine formal certification with practical experience in competition and real-world applications.
Do you offer family martial arts training?
Yes, we have family-friendly classes and youth programs. Our Kids Martial Arts program builds discipline and confidence while adults can train together in most classes.
What fitness level is required to start?
No minimum fitness level required. Our programs adapt to individual capabilities with gradual progression. Instructors modify techniques to accommodate all physical conditions and experience levels.
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