Fighting Chance Seattle

This past Saturday I attended my first self-​defense class and all I have to say to Fighting Chance Seattle is THANK YOU! I would recommend this class to any woman out there who wants to arm themselves with the knowledge and quick & easy defense techniques for those ‘what if’ situations.
Prior to taking this class, I was aware of some basic self-​defense, however this class opened my eyes to a whole new set of techniques. From being attacked from behind to defending yourself on the ground, the class provided a wealth of information on following your intuition, self-​defense stances, and step-​by-​step maneuvers on how to break free.
The class was three hours and $ 45.00 and was worth every penny! The ages ranged from high school students to woman in their 30s/​40s, all with different reasons as to why they were taking this class. There was 1 instructor, 2 assistants and 10 women taking the class.
Thank you again Fighting Chance Seattle!

Only 3 stars. Great classes. However horrible with communications and living up to their promises.

I just took Jordan’s Women’s Self Defense Class, and I want to do it again!
Every woman should get this sort of training. He touched on the victim-​blaming that goes on in our society and reminded us how we can fight against that. He talked about how we can carry ourselves into the world in a more empowered way. We spent a good amount of time practicing hits on pads, and it really felt good. I saw a lot of grins, these women were tough! We then moved on to some of the typical grabs/​holds, and how to get yourself out of them. I get goosebumps writing about this… I felt so strong and capable.
Jordan’s teaching style is relaxed, fun, and serious… all at the same time. The atmosphere was so welcoming, the assistants were friendly and capable, and it was clear he had really thought through the curriculum.
We learned SO much, it was empowering, fun, AND exciting! I couldn’t wait to show my husband and son the moves I learned, and tell them about what I took away from the class.
TAKE THIS CLASS. You’ll be glad you did.
Tell your friends, too. They’ll thank you!
BTW, I also take Jordan’s Kickboxing Ryoku class, and my son takes his Teen Kickboxing… I highly, highly recommend it. This is a great dojo, a great community, and a serious workout. :)

I took the Self Defense for Women class with a friend and we both felt very informed and even empowered afterwards. Jordan focused on concepts and repetition. We could apply these concepts to a variety of situations which helped cement them in my mind. I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I retained due to this teaching style.
Also, the instructors walked us through some very uncomfortable situations but created a safe environment in which to practice. They took the time and gave individual attention to make sure we understood all of the concepts.
I would recommend this class to anyone.
Side note: I also started the kickboxing classes which have been great. Again, the instructor creates a safe and supportive atmosphere. I have never taken kickboxing before so I have nothing to compare to but I do enjoy myself.

This review is for the Self-​Defense for Women Workshop.
I wish that all women everywhere could get this training! I hope my friends are prepared for me to nag them until they do it. :)
I first learned about Fighting Chance Seattle a year ago. I was harassed twice and those experiences made me realize that I was unprepared should anyone attempt to assault me. So I researched self-​defense workshops, but after poking around the Fighting Chance website I became much more interested in Kickboxing Ryoku and enrolled in that program. (I have separately reviewed Kickboxing Ryoku. Spoiler alert: I love it.)
Alas, in the intervening year our society didn’t solve the whole «violence against women» problem, so I finally took the Self-​Defense for Women Workshop.
I think a big part of what took me so long is that it’s super yucky to think about being assaulted. Naturally, there were moments during the workshop when I had to confront the reality that this could happen to me and spend some time imagining myself in that situation. It’s not fun to think about, but doing so is necessary to prepare yourself to (a) hopefully avoid that kind of situation and (b) defend yourself if you are assaulted.
I learned concrete strategies and techniques to use along the whole spectrum of an assault, from avoiding it to de-​escalating the situation to evading a worst-​case scenario. My workshop had 10 or 11 attendees and was led by Jordan, co-​taught by a female instructor, and supported by 2 other female assistants. The instructor: attendee ratio allowed for lots of personal interaction, question-​asking, and one-​on-​one practicing.
One of the things that makes Jordan’s approach so effective is that he’s a feminist. That sounds like a weird thing to say, but it has pretty significant implications for his whole approach and curriculum. Having been through his workshop I realize that it’s pretty important to learn self-​defense from a feminist point of view. What do I mean? For starters, Jordan acknowledges the systemic issues that are at play in terms of violence against women. Practically speaking, he teaches us how to play to our strengths (e.g. intuition) and to be strategic in overcoming our disadvantages (e.g. size/​strength).
Because of the workshop I now feel much more mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to handle an assault. If you are looking to gain self-​defense skills and self-​confidence I recommend this workshop without reservation. And bring a friend; she’ll thank you for it.

We love Fighting Chance!
My daughter has been a part of the teen kickboxing for a few months now and is already planning out her long term belt goals despite having zero prior experience. I have never seen her so committed to a sport. Sensei Jordan really does an excellent job of including a range of abilities and instilling a sense of empowerment. From this social worker mom’s standpoint, Fighting Chance hits all the marks: pro-​social development, self confidence, physical activity, goal setting, positive peer relationships, and great mentorship. From my daughter’s standpoint, Sensei Jordan «has cool tattoos and plays good music». Win-​win!

I freakin’ love this dojo!
I had a gym membership for 10+ years on and off but never have actually liked going. I was wasting my money and time doing something so sporadically and not enjoying it at all. This year I decided to change that.
I remember taking a kick boxing class when I was 12 and loving it! Now that I am 30, I thought I should give it another shot. After checking out several dojos in the area, I came back to this one. What I loved was during my trial visit Sensei Jordan stated something along the lines of «I hate gyms, this is not a gym. We perform functional fitness here and have a good time.» As soon as he said that, I was all about it! It was that statement and the fact that his dojo really emulates a family atmosphere that I really love about Fighting Chance Seattle. Each class size is small enough that you really get one on one attention and don’t feel lost in the crowd. Also, Sensei takes the time to make sure that your form is correct and works with each person to reach their personal goals.
All the classmates are friendly, helpful and make going to class easy each week. Overall it is an awesome dojo and I cant see myself leaving anytime soon!
On a side note, I was driving to the dojo for a class and noticed a spider emerge then retreat back into my glove! Upon arriving at the dojo, I tried to be sneaky and asked Sensei to put my gloves on in hopes he would crush the spider if it was still in there. He saw through my ruse and suspiciously asked me, «Why?» since I cant really lie, I told him about the spider and he laughed as he put on my gloves and violently thrashed his fists about to ensure the spider would be no more! Thanks Sensei!
–Amanda

I took this class as a birthday activity for me and a group of friends. Jordan who taught the class was informative and fun! His assistants were great too! We learned a lot and had a great time, if you are trying to pick a self defense class come here!

My coworkers and I took the women’s Self Defense Workshop recently, and it was a great experience. Jordan is knowledgeable and provides a comfortable, safe environment for the workshop. I expected the class to mostly be just hitting stuff, but there was a large component of discussion on listening to your own voice/​intuition and listening to your gut which I thought was very powerful. And there was still plenty of hitting stuff :)
I had been wanting to take a class like this for a while and definitely recommend this– much better to be informed and prepared and hopefully never need to use it, than the reverse.

I took the woman’s self defense workshop one weekend with a group of friends. Jordan was amazingly insightful and empathetic to the struggles many women have to deal with on a nearly daily basis. I’ve spent considerable time debating, researching and contemplating issues around what makes some people seem to be more likely to be a victim than others, and he provided some profound and very helpful insight.
In addition, I found him very comfortable to work with. Even while working through some pretty intense scenarios, he was extremely respectful and patient with even the most skittish amongst us. Soon everyone was beating the crap out of the pads, and enjoying it!
I will definitely be signing up for some on going classes. The sense of empowerment is palpable, and the good exercise and added strength will be a great bonus!

I’ve always wanted to try kickboxing but was always too scared to go. It took me about a year to work up the courage to take that step forward.
Can I say, I wish I started a year ago. I never knew how much of an impact this could make in one’s life. I came here to lose weight because I absolutely hate running and exercise in general. I felt like this was out of the ordinary and could make working out a lot of fun.
I went to a free drop in class and was instantly hooked. It is a small group of people, 12 or less. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get the attention I wanted to really get it. I was wrong. Even though there is a lot going on, like the circuits, Jordan magically appears and gives you great feedback. He takes a lot of time with you and has a tremendous amount of patience and passion. You can tell he loves what he does and he isn’t there because he has to be. He can get you to smile but yet, get you to put your game face on. It is only natural.
As I keep going and sweating my butt off, I find myself getting more interested in martial arts, other than just using it as weight loss fun. Super interesting how that happens.
The environment is super friendly and supportive. I went by myself, not knowing anyone, and I feel completely comfortable.
Coming here has helped with anxiety, depression and lack of confidence.
I highly suggest other people out there like me to give it a shot. I never thought I could feel this way again and it has proven me wrong in all the right ways.

I think I was 10 years old when I started my first martial arts class (it was Judo). Since then I have tried more styles and gyms and dojos than I can honestly recall, but nothing seemed to fit me. I have only been at Fighting Chance for about a month and a half now, but from the first week I have felt home. I feel respected and encouraged and challenged. The atmosphere is one to promote all aspects of strength, inner and outer, physical and mental.
As a kickboxing class I have been impressed as well. The structure of the class has been in flux since I started, but the owner (Jordan) seems to have settled into a groove. The class is circuit style, half the room focusing on kickboxing the other half on conditioning. In the kickboxing circuit you work one on one with an instructor, get some specific critics and then work on those aspects throughout the rest of the circuit on bags.
As a fighting style, I can’t say it’s for everyone, no one style will ever fit all, but I can say that the way Jordan teaches has been very adaptable to different sizes and styles of people. Beyond that, I believe that this place teaches martial arts as just that, an art, a lifestyle. Nothing worth having comes easily or quickly and Fighting Chance is a welcoming place to train your body and mind one small step at a time.

Who knew this random little space was here, hidden behind the Subway?
I got to go to a «Kickboxing Ryoku» class here for free through Unilocal.It was a decent workout, involving several circuits through some traditional exercises as well as some kickboxing moves. The instructors were friendly and attentive, and the class was fast-​paced enough to be interesting.
I probably won’t be signing up for a class anytime soon, workout classes aren’t really my thing. But if you’re are looking to switch up your routine with a new workout, this could be a good one to try!

I first tried out a drop-​in class at Fighting Chance Seattle about 6 months ago. My goal was simply to get more exercise. I have always hated exercise for the sake of exercise, and have found it very difficult to get excited over a workout. I tried everything from basketball to tennis, and from running to swimming. I never felt like I belonged, and I always ended up giving up.
After my first (free) drop in class I immediately signed up for more classes, and over the course of only a few months, I’ve gone from 2 classes/​week to 6 – 7 classes every week. I recently joined the black belt program, and have become somewhat obsessed with getting my workout, as well as to advance as a student. Jordan has a way of not just teaching fundamental skills and exercises, but to build a community around the dojo. His way of teaching makes everyone feel included, from complete beginners, to advanced students. It is this sense of community, inclusion, and respect that makes Fighting Chance Seattle such a great place.
Go ahead, give it a shot — you’ve got nothing to lose!

I don’t give reviews often, but I think Fighting Chance Seattle definitely deserves a good one. I’ve been following the kickboxing classes there for a little over 3 months, three times a week, and I am now in the belt program as well.
Jordan is professional and has a pragmatic yet well thought out way of teaching the various techniques of his kick-​fusion blend. The classes flexible format allows for everyone to get not only some serious cardio but also to improve technically, regardless of their level.
It’s evident Jordan takes to heart seeing his students make progress. He always takes the time to break down the bio-​mechanics of each technique as well as the contexts in which they would be relevant, and he helps the students work on good form.
You’ll also get good background on what branch of martial arts the techniques you’re being taught come from, and how different/​complementary they are.
The general vibe is laid back, no BS, but if you are motivated you will certainly learn a lot and make significant technical progress, in addition to getting fitness. Breathing exercises at the end of each session are a plus, too.
I didn’t plan on it but found myself eventually signing up for the belt program, and developing an interest for martial arts, when I originally was just looking for a «useful» cardio.
I’d absolutely recommend this school to anyone who is looking for something different from the usual chain-​gym type of kickboxing classes.

Fellow Unilocaler Jessica G. talked me into buying the Unilocal deal for a drop in class and after months of trying to coordinate schedules, we finally made it in for a class this evening. I’ve been working out a fair amount lately (mainly running, bouldering and a new found exploration of kettlebells), but I’m always down to try a new workout.
Both the dudes instructing the class were extremely friendly, patient and helpful (Jordan and Cliff — or Kliff — sorry if I spelled your name wrong dude!). The class rotated between moves traveling up and down the length of the room (dance class style — actually a thing I hate doing in general), broken into groups who switch off doing kickboxing moves and general workout moves and then circuits traveling around the room using the bags, bosu or working with Jordan. I genuinely did not find the class to be fun. I was dripping sweat (partially due to the small, warm room — partially due to the fact a sweat more than any dude I’ve ever met) but I was not really interested or felt like I was being pushed even a little (because it was my first class maybe?). My workout buddy used to kickbox and she’s taken some time off from working out so I know she found it to be a pretty good workout, but to be honest, I got home and took my dog out for a 3 mile run. I’m interested to see if I’m sore tomorrow and I just didn’t realize the workout was happening.
I did like that the class was small (a total of 8 people in the room) and Jordan walked us through every move since we were new, but something just didn’t click for me. I did a tiny bit of kickboxing when I lived in San Jose at a gym that had about 12 heavy bags set up so you did the bulk of the class on a bag and I felt like that kicked my ass, but this definitely felt more like cardio… only with lots of breaks… so, not really a ton of cardio. I still gave them 4 stars because I think alot of people would enjoy the class, but since I found myself getting bored about 20 minutes in and wishing I could escape outside and run around the block, unless I wake up tomorrow with soreness in muscles I forgot how to use or Jessica G. makes me accompany her to make sure she doesn’t pass out/​die, I’m not sure I’d take another class.

I’ve got a crush… on Sensei Jordan!
Okay, but in all seriousness, when a guy starts talking about self-​defense for women and acknowledges gendered conditioning and the imbalance of gender roles in society, basing the theory of self-​defense on actual societal mores, I fall in love just a little bit. I was lucky enough to win a 2.5-hour self-​defense class with Jordan through Unilocal,and it turned out to be way more fun than fighting for your life has any right to be. Straightforward, with simple physical moves accessible to any age or fitness group, based on a basic theory of ‘get away as fast as possible’. It’s clear that Jordan has really studied his stuff, and it’s a great feeling knowing you’re in good hands.
I did come back for a drop-​in kickboxing class, and dragged a friend along. The class was more cardio, less straightforward kickboxing than I expected, but it was a fantastic workout and varied enough to be fully engaging. Friend had a blast as well. Jordan did mention that he’d be adding more kickboxing-​focused classes (less cardio-​workout) in the near future, and I’m looking forward to trying those out.

I took this 2 and a half hr course yesterday and so far have demo’d my new moves to my son, bf, my sis, a couple moms at soccer game this am and so on… I’m quite stoked about the self defense tactics I learned from Jordan and his helper Emily. I think all ladies would benefit from taking this class. Shave a little time in your day for this class and you will leave feeling a ton more confident and actually looking for some loser to try your moves on… sort of.
I liken this very much like taking a course in CPR. Not something you want to run and do but when you’re done, you’re quite thrilled with having done so. You want to be able to save a life if you need to right? Well, it doesn’t hurt to save your own by learning some very basic but important self defense moves.

The place is nice, has a few parking spots, the building is split up in quarters. I believe because Jordan shares the space with other types of trainers. Jordan, the teacher of the class, also teaches kick boxing. He’s a nice guy, good speaker, professional, engaging and is passionate about empowering us ladies to be able to protect ourselves from the bad guys.
When you take your class, ask Jordan to show you where his ulna is, too. ;-)

I attended the Self Defense for Women workshop. I’m recommending it to all of my girlfriends and any other women out there looking to learn some basic self defense maneuvers. This stuff could potentially save your life. You owe it to yourself to spend a couple of hours learning the moves and practicing them.
Jordan (the owner/​instructor) was great and very knowledgeable. No gimmicks. Just some basic skills that will give you the time and opportunity to make an escape from a scary situation. The workshop covers a multitude of scenarios from someone coming at you behind to someone tackling you to the ground. This workshop also covers some not-​so-​obvious self-​defense concepts like remember to exhale when you strike an assailant or why the armlength distance from an attacker is the most dangerous. Most importantly, this workshop gives you the confidence to do whatever it takes to protect yourself.
The class is held at the Outrageously Fit personal training studio in Ballard. The training space had ample space for our class of 9 and there was plenty parking. Jordan also teaches drop-​in kickboxing classes four days a week. I love that his classes are drop-​in (yay no membership fees!). Definitely check this place out!

I went for a two day course in women’s self defense — my mom and sister also took this course with me. The techniques taught were extremely practical rather than gimmicky maneuvers, and the instructors were amazing with my family and I.
I feel like I left the class prepared to remain calm in situations which would have likely caused me to panic before I took the class. I also really enjoyed all the people involved, it was a fun experience and made me wish I had time to study at Fighting Chance regularly!