In the words of our members:

"The quality of instruction, the clean facility, the non-threatening and inviting atmosphere. It's not like a bunch of big egos and that type of thing... ...I travel from Lake Oswego and know several other members who travel from a ways away just to train at this school. Years ago I was studying Tai Chi as well as the Eskrima. The styles of martial arts that I was looking for, you guys offer, and you offer classes that I as a full time working guy can fit in somewhere." - Chris, Internal and External Arts member

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"The professionalism of the instructors as a whole and the broad schedule at NWFA are what brings me to NWFA. That and it's thirteen block from my house." - Dan, Internal and External Arts member

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"Hey Jeff, just trained Muay Thai for a few days here in Thailand. Thanks to your classes all the lessons were review and I was able to spar with a trainer . Thanks for all the quality instruction." -Ben

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“I needed recovery from knee replacements. When the usual physical rehabilitation and yoga weren't working, I received the advice to do Tai Chi. At Northwest Internal Arts I found a school where I was not only welcomed, but found encouragement at every turn. Not only could I do it, I was getting competent at it! Now, at a healthy 70 and after 3 years of training, I have changed so much. I no longer fall easily or think of myself as an old lady. Now I have balance, strength and agility that I didn't, in my lifetime, know I could I could achieve.” -Kitty

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“NWFA is a fun place to safely train in a variety of martial arts. The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, and the gym is spacious with a boxing ring and lots of mat space downstairs. If you're looking to get experience in boxing, muay thai, grappling, filipino stick/knife fighting, or internal arts such as tai chi or qi gong, then this is a great space to learn in.......

In the eight months I've trained here my fitness level and skill in grappling and kickboxing have increased significantly. The atmosphere is laid-back, but the workouts are as intense as you and your partners are comfortable with. All in all, a great dojo to learn a variety of martial arts.... ” -Nick

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“My wife introduced me to Tai Chi and I am a novice student, having attended for 8 months. At the school we start out with a warm-up, loosening our joints and relaxing our breath, then work for 40 minutes with the Tai Chi form. This is an exercise I can do even with an old auto accident injury in my lower back.

My studies at NWIA have taught me to relax, helping me overcome the fast pace of modern life. This low impact exercise is perfect for me, I can improve my flexibility as I work muscles I have never developed in my previous 60 years.” -George

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“This school is an amazingly comfortable place to be. Students are respected, their limitations are honored and the experience is one of persistent good humor and acceptance. The teachers are highly skilled in martial arts and in teaching, as well as being relaxed and patient. All ages and physical capabilities are made welcome and kindness is the rule. There is an extremely wide range of internal arts, i.e. tai chi -- various forms including fan and sword and qigong. There is also an even greater variety of the external fighting arts styles. This means you don't get bored and you never run out of styles to learn and practice. Finally, the environment is clean, uncluttered, unpretentious and perfectly suited to martial arts training.” -Susan

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“For a guy in his early 30s, I initially considered myself to be in decent shape. About a week before starting out at NWFA, I could easily bike 50-60 miles in a single stretch. However, my first Muay Thai class -- while not lasting nearly as long as a 60 mile ride -- was far more physically grueling. A lot of new students stop attending class within a month after starting, as it isn't something that anybody MUST do -- given a choice between a night on the couch and a night in class, most will chose the former. However, after a year of doing this, I have to wonder why I didn't start during my twenties. There are few activities in life that are as fun and that will make you feel as good about yourself as Muay Thai...

...You have the option to spar before or after class, depending upon the day, but it isn't woven into the class itself. Many students prefer not to subject themselves to the injury risk or discomfort that comes with sparring, and that is perfectly fine. However, I do recommend trying it after training for 3-6 months, as there is no better way to apply what you've learned than by exposing yourself to the unpredictability and randomness of simulated combat.” -Chris

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“This school is not a joke! I checked out a lot of schools prior to this one and all I found were a bunch of ego maniacs jumping around pretending they were Superman. The instructors at NWFA are very helpful and will always help you out when asked. I've been a student for about a year and a half and I've learned so much. I've learned how to relax and how to focus which are the most important things when learning a martial art. So come on down and check out a class, you will see that I'm right.” -Rick