Seven Star's Impact

I initially started training as a way to get exercise in a group, but then found an amazingly supportive, kind, inclusive, and empowering community instead. I love training with the community, and it's been helping me regain my strength and confidence after a bad divorce. Seven Star's vibe is such that even when I have a rough day, I don't give up, as I get better and better, little by little. "A black belt is a white belt who never gave up" is pretty much my mantra now. It's my favorite thing I've found in Seattle after moving here, and I hope to train here as long as I can.

Seven Star has provided me with countless skills to push my body to achieve more, but has also provided me with a community that I cherish. I never felt like I was the "kind of person" who could be athletic, but having friends who I knew I would see in class inspired me to make it a routine, and I've been shocked by how much more comfortable I feel in my own skin after 2 years.

As a small female who's not particularly coordinated, but has always been interested in martial arts, this community is a blessing. It's one of the few safe spaces I have, and I feel so fortunate to be part of a group that looks after one another and gives back to its environment. I am more confident in my ability to defend myself and others, and in general human kindness!

I thought what I would learn were skills for physically defending myself–like how to punch someone. What I am taking away today is that I have a strong voice and that I should use it. I am taking away more confidence and less fear.

I was sexually assaulted on my run around Green Lake. When I was grabbed from behind I shoved my elbows back and screamed as loud as I could. The man took off and people came out of their houses to help. I kept screaming until the cops were called. The skills I learned in your self-defense class last year literally saved my life. By knowing my voice is my most powerful weapon, I scared the guy off and got the help I needed. I honestly do not think I would be alive today if it wasn’t for that. The cops agreed. Thank you thank you thank you. You are an incredible organization.

Since training at Seven Star, I have become more connected and empowered in my body. I have gained invaluable mental and physical skills that apply to my life both on and off the training floor.

At Seven Star you will find a community of dedicated martial artists who are respectful and committed to martial arts excellence, yet joyously lacking the cultural rigidity that can accompany lineage-based art forms. The adaptive, reflective, community-minded approach to the art offered by the Sigung, the Sifus, and the rest of the teaching staff sets the stage for individualized growth in a way that too few educational spaces of any kind do. Training at Seven Star helps me to better meet the moment on and off the training floor. Item description

From the moment I started training at Seven Star, I was welcomed into a supportive and nurturing community of instructors and fellow students. What I appreciate most about my Kajukenbo training is the way it has equipped me to protect myself and those I care about in potentially dangerous situations. Knowing that I have the knowledge and skills to defend myself if necessary has given me a tremendous sense of power, confidence and peace of mind.