Tacoma, Washington, nestled along the scenic shores of Puget Sound and framed by Mount Rainier, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. This city inspires a wellness-focused, active lifestyle, making it an ideal place to start or continue your martial arts journey.
Whether you're looking to get fit, learn self-defense, or simply find a supportive community, Tacoma has a variety of martial arts schools to choose from.
Tiger Taekwondo Academy
Tiger Taekwondo Academy was founded by Master Jaeseok Choi and Master Kiho Kim based on the philosophy of Taekwondo - Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. They continue to provide quality martial arts instruction in both traditional and Olympic style Taekwondo. The physical benefits and philosophy of Taekwondo help bring a happier life to their students.
All classes are taught by Master Jaeseok Choi, 6th Dan Black Belt, and Master Russell Larson, 5th Dan Black Belt. They are assisted by several Black Belt students and color belt students handpicked by Master Choi to be Junior Leaders. Tiger Taekwondo is under the umbrella of the World Taekwondo (WT), which is the sole governing body of Taekwondo in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They are also affiliated with USA Taekwondo. This makes it possible for them to issue Official Black Belt Certificates from Kukkiwon.
They offer an all-ages class as late as 8:00pm, which really works for adults with a job and family. They strike a great balance between fun and learning and also between the various disciplines within Taekwondo: sparring, forms, self-defense, and weapons. They approach teaching with patience, building concept upon concept to give students a better chance at mastery.
Read also: Individual Martial Arts Instruction
They also offer an after-school Martial Arts program available to University Place School District.
Quantum Martial Arts
At Quantum, they believe that all people deserve to live a healthy, empowered life. They strive to help all students reveal their strength through martial arts. Quantum is a nonprofit 501(c)3 that provides scholarships to children and adults so everyone can learn martial arts. They are a community of volunteers, and you can help them continue to provide martial arts and so much more by donating or becoming a member.
Quantum is more than just a workout; it's a place to be yourself and reveal your strengths. Quantum teachers will guide you through the basics, including body strengthening, flexibility, and straight-line punches and kicks at the White Belt level. Progress through sparring and grappling, stick fighting and ground fighting as you earn your higher level belts.
They offer programs for kids, teens, and adults.
- Kids Program: Martial arts training gives young kids a fun way to build coordination and confidence. Classes include age appropriate skill-building games and training towards a special rank advancement.
- Teens Program: The Quantum Teens program is designed to guide and support our students as they navigate through what can be a challenging transition. Students gain confidence in their own uniqueness, build strength in their bodies and learn the discipline to navigate the world.
- Adults Program: At Quantum, adults come together to learn a unique style of martial arts in a non-competitive, joyful, environment.
The Quantum style teaches strength, balance and accessing personal power through kicking and punching. Sparring allows you to improve cardiovascular fitness, reflexes, self defense and resilience. Intermediate and advanced students continue their training in rolling, falling, grappling, and stick fighting. The style is the creation of their Chief Instructor, Master Rachael Evans, who has been exploring and expanding her martial arts for 40 years.
Read also: The Jade Fortress Martial Arts System
T-Town MMA / Checkmat Tacoma
T-Town MMA / Checkmat Tacoma is Tacoma’s longest running school for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. T-Town MMA’s core mission is to positively impact the lives in the Tacoma community through Mixed Martial Arts. They are located in the heart of Tacoma, and they have been serving the community since 2006.
Their programs are designed to help you achieve any or all of these goals. To do that they offer beginner and advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes as well as No-Gi Jiu Jitsu. Their striking class consists of a blend of kickboxing, Muay Thai and boxing. Finally, they have a strong emphasis on supporting women in martial arts. They have several female instructors and offer women's only instruction twice a week.
They also offer a kid's program, making T-Town MMA a place where you can train with your whole family.
Gracie Barra Tacoma
At Gracie Barra Tacoma, martial arts transcends being just a fitness routine-it’s a transformative journey for the mind, and soul. With exceptional instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), their team supports adults and children in building strength, focus, and self-assurance.
Joining Gracie Barra Tacoma isn’t just about signing up for a martial arts class-it’s about stepping into a powerful, encouraging community where your personal goals are truly understood and championed. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re welcomed into a space that values growth, connection, and transformation.
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Led by Greg Jones-an award-winning bodybuilder, certified personal trainer, and seasoned martial artist-every class is designed with purpose and passion. Greg brings a rare combination of athletic expertise and motivational leadership, ensuring that every student, regardless of age or experience, receives top-tier instruction rooted in respect, discipline, and real progress.
They offer instruction in:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A grappling-based art emphasizing leverage and technique over brute strength.
- Muay Thai: Dubbed the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai lets you unleash elbows, fists, knees, and shins with unrivaled force.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): A smorgasbord of BJJ, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing-it’s like a buffet where every punch and kick is a gourmet experience.
Ludusport
Ludusport is a full-service, modern Mixed Martial Arts Academy and Gymnasium. They offer instruction in recreational and competitive Boxing, Kickboxing, Thaiboxing, Submission Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts to students of all skill levels and ages.
They also offer a youth program for 5-13 year olds that encourages a healthy relationship with fitness, confidence confronting the challenges of everyday life, and excellence in sport. Students learn the Martial Arts curriculum of Striking and Grappling Arts through games, challenging drills, repetition of forms, and obstacle courses, while developing an appreciation for refined, graceful movement and physical problem solving.
Ludusport Styles:
- Boxing: Ludusport practices a Western style of sport Boxing with an emphasis on sound fundamental principles, the ability to change modes of attack between pressure fighting, and counter punching and ambidexterity.
- Kickboxing: Students learn the basic punch-kick form combinations utilized in the sport of kickboxing.
- Thaiboxing: Students add knees, elbows and clinch fighting to the existing skill set.
- Wrestling (Submission): Wrestling is a competitive sport that utilizes wrestling techniques in conjunction with submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques.
- Jiu Jitsu (Brazilian): Ludusport is affiliated with Grpl Club and Professor Yan McCane. Utilizing no-gi submission wrestling skills and adding in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu learned from Professor Yan.
Other Martial Arts in Tacoma
In addition to the schools listed above, Tacoma also offers opportunities to learn other martial arts, including:
- Aikido
- Hung Ga Kuen
- Shotokan Karate
- Taekwondo
- Tai Chi Chuan
Here's a comparison table of some of the martial arts styles available:
| Martial Art | Focus | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Taekwondo | Kicking and footwork | Speed, agility, precision |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Grappling and ground fighting | Leverage, technique, control |
| Muay Thai | Striking with fists, elbows, knees, and shins | Power, endurance, clinch fighting |
| Aikido | Blending with and redirecting an opponent's energy | Balance, coordination, self-defense |
| Shotokan Karate | Striking with punches, kicks, and blocks | Discipline, focus, power |