Martial Arts Programs in West Seattle

I was so excited to attend this school after the change of ownership and to see what a great difference... read more there is now! The new owner, Master Ray,  has turned this place completely around from a run down, depressing situation into a super positive, clean, updated and safe vibe because he cares about his students and their families!  Before,  I would never have even sat down in the parent observation area (see "before" pictures attached) but now it's completely comfortable to hang out there, including the fabulous coffee machine (see "after" pictures attached); same goes for all the other areas now as the whole school has been renovated. So, if for some people this is a disappointing change, I'm not sure what to say but for me this is a hopeful new beginning with the new owners - goooo Counterforce! Also keeping in mind that they are  involved in multiple community events this summer and spreading the joy and healthiness of the martial arts discipline to everyone! read less

How do I say it... "THIS PLACE IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO TRAIN AT!" If I could give it more... read more than 5 stars I would. CounterForce TKD West offers amazing programs of all ages and you really get what you are paying for. Ever since the new owners took over this place it has never been better. All the equipment and mats are brand new and state of the art. Always SUPER clean and organized I absolutely love that about this place, especially since my OCD about cleanliness and hate for germs only heightened after becoming a mother.

Prior to turning the school into CounterForce West, when it was "Lee's Martial Arts" the previous owners never took care of the school. All the equipment and mats were so old and nasty looking. They're these carpets on the floors that looked like every germ known to man was living underneath it. It makes me cringed just thinking and writing about it. They did absolutely NO kind of renovations to the place for however many years they owned it. They just never took care of it. They were literally running the school to the ground and it's a shame because it shows the lack of care for the students and "community" they had.

FAST FORWARD TO NOW; I'm so happy with the NEW owners!! Master Ray is an amazing instructor! He really loves what he does and cares for the school and the students. And it shows! Like I said you really are getting what you pay for. You come out of there always with a good work out and gain more respect for the art of what Taekwondo really is. It's such a fun environment! They also have a bunch of fun themed parties for the students throughout the whole year. My personal favorite is the 'parents night out parties' where you can drop off your kid and have a few hours of "me time" to do whatever you want alone or with your partner lol! By the time you pick up your kid they are extra tired from all the fun with a bunch of prizes. It's a win win! They also offer a summer camp program with a bunch of activities for a week during the day time! It's just an overall great school and environment to be at! It's a family owned school, so they make you feel like family! What more can you ask of this place!!!!

So I am not sure why a negative review was written about this location but it is absolutely FALSE! No injuries happened and the lack of "community feel" 'Mike K' is talking about is BS! Before you even go on the mats you are given a wavier to sign and must list any physical limitations you have. So again not sure who this 'Mike K' person is but what the school is now is complete opposite of what he or she said.

Definitely check this place out if you are looking for a place to train! I promise it will be all worth it!!!! read less

Our experience here has been great. Master Ray has been exceptional with kids and is great at training taekwondo, building... read more character and inspiring confidence in the students. I don't understand the negative review about the community and injuries. That HAS NOT been our experience at all.

Any athletic activity has a risk of injury, but I don't see anything about this place that would suggest a culture that would lead to any undue risks that seem to be implied in the other posts. My recommendation with this school would be to enroll yourself and/or your children if you have an interest in developing character and improving overall confidence and wellness.

If you are enrolling your children, as with any organization, observe and be engaged and I'm confident you will be happy with your decision. Don't let the negative attitudes lacking cocrete examples in some of the other posts to deter you from experiencing what this place has to offer. read less

Since Master and Mrs. Ray have taken over, the gym went through a nice makeover and replaced the old equipment.... read more They are both very nice and knowledgeable owners.

We do family TKD classes, something not many other gyms offer. This dojang is very friendly to adult and young learners alike.

Master Ray brings energy and skill to every class and pushes all of us to do our best. Every day we work on different things from basic skills, to poomsae forms, to using different weapons, to sparring. They offer several classes everyday and one on Saturdays.

Overall, a great workout for the mind, body, and spirit for all. read less

Since Master and Mrs. Ray have taken over, the gym went through a nice makeover and replaced the old equipment.... read more They are both very nice and knowledgeable owners.

We do family TKD classes, something not many other gyms offer. This dojang is very friendly to adult and young learners alike.

Master Ray brings energy and skill to every class and pushes all of us to do our best. Every day we work on different things from basic skills, to poomsae forms, to using different weapons, to sparring. They offer several classes everyday and one on Saturdays.

Overall, a great workout for the mind, body, and spirit for all. read less

My 5 year old has been taking lessons here for several months now and loves it! Mr. Ray is great... read more with the kids and has inspired so much confidence and respect with my son. Highly recommend! read less

Counterforce West Seattle is a great place for our 5 year old to learn self confidence and the 5 tenants... read more of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit! Mr Ray is awesome with the kids and keeps the energy and focus up all class long. Highly recommend! read less

I highly recommend Counterforce Taekwondo West Seattle for anyone who wants to learn Taekwondo. Thanks to Master Ray my son... read more has found his passion and love for Taekwondo! I’m glad we found an awesome, honest, and ethical Taekwondo master who believe in and teach his students the 5 tenets of Taekwondo – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. read less

Awesome school! All new inside with new equipment and the best staff. Highly recommend Counterforce West Seattle!

Master Ray has dedicated a lifetime to mastering Taekwondo and sharing his love and passion of the discipline with people... read more of all ages. He is a great and experienced instructor who not only teaches taekwondo but helps his students develop leadership, discipline and character through the art. He is an honest and ethical, hardworking businessman who supports the community in which he works. read less