Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Seattle
Family Black Belt Academy has been dedicated to martial arts instruction in Seattle for over two decades. Our mission focuses on developing physical, mental, and emotional strength through practical self-defense techniques and character-building principles. We welcome students of all ages and experience levels, emphasizing progress over perfection in a supportive community. Our curriculum integrates listening skills, focus, and leadership development, as demonstrated in our innovative children's book 'Leo's Notes.' With locations serving Queen Anne, Magnolia, Fremont, and Ballard, we offer family classes that create shared values and lifelong memories.Our experienced instructors prioritize safety while teaching efficient techniques across all ranges of combat, including strikes, throws, and defenses. The academy's philosophy centers on personal growth rather than competition with others, as reflected in our creed 'I train to be better than myself from yesterday.'
Services
Youth Martial Arts
Family Classes
Adult Training
Women's Self-Defense
Kids Camps
Birthday Parties
Leadership Programs
Character Development
Self-Defense Seminars
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We emphasize character development alongside martial arts techniques
- Our family classes create shared values and lifelong memories
- Experienced instructors with over 20 years of community service
- Free introductory lessons to experience our teaching approach
- Curriculum designed for all ages and experience levels
What people say
Confidence improvement
Family-friendly environment
Supportive instructors
Character development
Engaging classes
Services
Youth Martial Arts
Our youth martial arts program develops physical coordination, focus, and discipline for children starting at age 4. Through structured drills and games, students build listening skills and self-confidence while learning basic techniques. The curriculum emphasizes character development through achievable goals that reinforce positive behavior both inside and outside the dojo. Classes incorporate fun activities that maintain engagement while teaching essential martial arts fundamentals.
Family Classes
Family martial arts classes create shared learning experiences that strengthen relationships and develop common values. Parents and children train together in a supportive environment that builds communication skills and mutual respect. The program accommodates mixed skill levels while providing individualized attention to ensure proper technique development. These sessions foster teamwork and create lasting memories through collaborative martial arts practice.
Women's Self-Defense
Monthly self-defense seminars teach practical techniques for real-world situations in a supportive environment. Instruction focuses on efficient strikes, escapes, and defensive positioning tailored to women's safety needs. Participants learn both physical techniques and mental preparedness to handle potential threats. The program emphasizes confidence-building and situational awareness alongside practical self-defense skills.
Kids Camps
Full-day martial arts camps combine technical training with character development activities and physical games. Children practice techniques while building social skills through structured group interactions. The program incorporates empathy training, leadership exercises, and confidence-building challenges in a fun, engaging format. Camps include themed activities that reinforce martial arts principles through immersive experiences.
Adult Classes
Adult martial arts classes focus on practical self-defense techniques while improving physical fitness and mental discipline. The curriculum develops stress management skills and emotional control through structured training methods. Students learn to apply martial arts principles to everyday challenges while building confidence through progressive skill development. Classes emphasize personal growth and practical application of techniques in real-world scenarios.
People
Grandmaster Jason Purcell
Co-owner, Head Instructor
With over two decades of martial arts instruction experience, Grandmaster Purcell leads Seattle's premier family martial arts program. He develops curriculum that integrates character development with technical training, emphasizing progressive skill acquisition and personal growth. His teaching philosophy focuses on creating a supportive environment where students of all ages achieve their full potential through structured martial arts instruction.
Marie Clement
Co-owner, Head Instructor
As co-founder and instructor, Marie Clement brings extensive martial arts expertise to family-focused training programs. She specializes in adapting techniques for different age groups while maintaining technical integrity. Her approach emphasizes creating a welcoming environment that fosters student confidence and family participation through structured, goal-oriented instruction.
Master Thammarat Bualoung
Master Instructor
Master Bualoung contributes advanced martial arts knowledge to the academy's technical curriculum. With specialized expertise in practical self-defense applications, he ensures students develop effective techniques through progressive training methods. His instruction emphasizes proper form and real-world applicability while maintaining a focus on student safety and gradual skill development.
Casey Hartman
Senior Instructor
Senior Instructor Hartman specializes in youth martial arts programs, developing age-appropriate curriculum that builds foundational skills. He focuses on creating engaging learning experiences that maintain student interest while teaching essential martial arts principles. His approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and individualized attention to support each student's progress.
Nick Kieper
Senior Instructor
As senior instructor, Nick Kieper brings expertise in practical martial arts applications and student progression systems. He develops training programs that balance technical proficiency with character development, emphasizing measurable skill advancement. His teaching style focuses on creating structured learning environments that challenge students while maintaining accessibility for all experience levels.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for martial arts training?
We offer programs for children as young as 4, teens, adults, and families. Our curriculum adapts to different age groups while maintaining technical integrity and safety standards.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our instructors evaluate each student's skill level during introductory lessons and place them in appropriate classes for their experience level.
How do you ensure student safety during training?
Safety is our priority. We use controlled training methods, progressive curriculum design, and protective equipment when necessary. Instructors monitor student readiness and adjust techniques to maintain safe practice environments.
What character development benefits do your programs offer?
Our curriculum builds confidence, discipline, focus, and leadership skills. Students learn to set goals, manage emotions, and apply martial arts principles to improve behavior and academic performance through structured reward systems.
Do you offer family martial arts classes?
Yes, our family classes allow parents and children to train together, developing shared values and creating lasting memories through collaborative martial arts practice in a supportive environment.
What self-defense options are available for women?
We offer monthly women's self-defense seminars focusing on practical techniques for real-world situations. These classes teach efficient strikes, escapes, and defensive positioning in a supportive learning environment.
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