Lee’s Martial Arts on Capitol Hill

From the outside, Lee’s Martial Arts on Capitol Hill doesn’t look like anything special. Once I decided I was in the market for martial arts classes, I actually walked by this place almost daily for six months before finally going inside. I mean, if you’ve seen one after-​school martial arts academy, you’ve seen them all, right?
Well, despite outward appearances, this is not just another after-​school martial arts place. An afternoon kids Taekwondo class is offered, but the vast majority of students are a remarkably diverse mix of college students and young professionals in the 18 to 30 demographic. After checking out other schools, it was really nice to finally work out with people my own age.
The primary martial art taught here is Hapkido (a Korean style similar to Aikido). Taekwondo is also offered, as well as Wing Chun Kung Fu two nights a week, and a Capoeira group comes in every Thursday, too.
Instructors are very accessible and personable, and the students are friendly and outgoing. Advanced students are always willing to help beginners, too, and this is where Lee’s Martial Arts really shines. From the moment I walked in the door, I was made to feel welcome and encouraged to participate, which was a striking contrast to other martial arts schools I visited where I felt like I was intruding on some private club.
Monthly tuition pays for unlimited classes, and classes are held six days a week. Equipment (uniforms, practice weapons, etc.) is additional. There are belt tests with associated fees ($ 55 the last time I tested for rank) every three to four months as well.
LMA carries some minor shortcomings in the form of some mild growing pains. The Hapkido curriculum undergoes slight changes from time to time, which may confuse some students. The student body is a little top-​heavy, with experienced students often outnumbering beginners and novices in any given class. Attendance varies wildly some nights due to students’ often very busy lifestyles, and the class experience (in terms of material covered and workout intensity) is sometimes inconsistent.
Growing pains and unpredictable attendance aside, this is a fantastic martial arts school that is well on the way to making itself truly great.