WELCOME TO PACIFIC RIM
Our adult program offers classes in four martial arts and appeals to ages from 13 to 63. Whether your goal is physical fitness or self-defense, our classes are designed to balance learning a martial art while improving flexibility, balance, and stamina. We offer classes six days a week and each class is 1 hour to fit into your busy lifestyle.
Adult Judo
Our Adult Judo program is designed for ages 13+ and focuses on teaching throwing and grappling techniques based on the principles of Japanese Jujutsu and structured for safety.
Adult Hapkido
Our Adult Hapkido program is designed for ages 13+ and focuses on self-defense by employing the striking techniques, throwing and immobilization techniques used by the Korean military and police.
Adult Iaido
Our Adult Iaido program is designed for ages 18+ and teaches the art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword and cultivating the mind for the purpose of improving oneself.
Adult AIKIDO
Our Adult Aikido program is designed for ages 13+ and teaches a style of aikido developed by Kenji Tomiki. Tomiki Aikido teaches techniques of control and self-defense in the context of competitive challenge.
It is one of those places that will always have a space in your heart, where those memories and mindsets/skills you attain will follow you wherever you go and whatever you do. PRMAA had molded me into an individual who is less afraid of tacking life’s obstacles, who is more confident in making connections with others. Any school can teach techniques; few will teach martial arts as a tradition and as a fulfilling journey that lasts a lifetime.
Gain self-confidence
Training in a traditional martial art has many benefits, both on and off the mat. Join today and experience what time spent on the mat can do for your self-confidence and success in life.
join a community
One of the things that makes Pacific Rim so special is our culture. Join today and become part of a community of like-minded practicioners, each on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
Training at Pacific Rim has been a great experience for me and has taught me respect and discipline. It has also been very rewarding to develop close relationships with other students at the school who encourage the growth in my abilities and as a person.
OUR PROVEN APPROACH
In addition to our unique program offerrings and proven teaching pedagogy, Pacific Rim also provides students with the pride of sharing in a rich history and benefiting from our deep connections with Japan and Korea. Our unmatched lineage and commitment to providing the highest quality traditional martial arts training create a truly special environment.
direct lineage
At Pacific Rim, we teach and certify in five distinct martial arts. For each art we certify, we maintain a direct lineage to the founder of the art and senior instructors.
proven curriculum
The curriculum and rank requirements for each program has been designed to honor tradition, leverage timeless principles, and ensure successful execution.
international certification
Our international association and deep connections with Japan and Korea provide students with the opportunity to earn internationally certified rank.
What is different about Pacific Rim is that the training doesn’t merely focus on specific techniques. Values such as honor, discipline, and respect are emphasized as much as the techniques we learn on the mat. I haven’t found a better place to learn all that traditional martial arts can teach me.
Connections with Japan
When you become a student at Pacific Rim, you have the opportunity to learn from guest instructors from Japan and participate in our annual study tours. You also can earn black belt rank directly from Japan.
I have trained at Pacific Rim since 1982 and my experiences in the dojo and on my travels internationally have shaped my life and directly contributed to the success I have had as a management consultant. I truly believe that our dojo is second to none and routinely hear from guest instructors that we have amazing students and a great culture. Get started on your new adventure today and make friends and memories that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Once you choose a program that is right for you, you simply sign up for classes online and fill out a waiver. Dues are paid month to month and you are not locked into long-term contracts. You can even buy your uniform online and we will size you right at the dojo.
Why should I choose Pacific Rim over another martial arts school?
We think there are many reasons for choosing Pacific Rim if you goal is to get fit and grow as a person through the study of a traditional martial arts. Pacific Rim is internationally recognized as one of the most complete training environments in the world. Founded in 1979, we are the oldest martial arts academy in the Portland Metro Area and each of our instructors is highly trained and volunteer their time to help you learn the art and improve your life. Pacific Rim is a rare dojo where you can train and earn internationally recognized black belt certification from Japan and Korean in Hapkido, TaeKwonDo, Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, and Iaido.
Our dojo is state-of-the-art with 6,600 square feet, 2,300 square feet of mats supported by a sprung floor and 500 square feet dedicated to strength and conditioning. We have 2,500 square feet of office space complete with full multi-media equipment for seminars and workshops, and two guest apartments and kitchen facilities for hosting visiting instructors. Given all these unique benefits, our dues are very reasonable, our location is easy to get to, and we have ample, free parking in our private lot.
Will I get locked into a long-term contract?
No. When you sign up, you are committed for the first 60 days and then your membership is month to month. You can cancel at any time after that. That 60-day period gives you time to really experience what training at Pacific Rim is like and to connect with the great people we have here at the dojo.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
The answer is…it depends. The minimum required time to get to black belt is 4 years, but most people take 5 – 6 years. Think of earning your black belt like getting your undergraduate degree in college. Depending upon the course load you take and the field(s) of study you choose, the length of study to earn your degree will vary. That being said, it takes consistency, practice, and a commitment to understanding the principles of the martial art you chose to learn. While there are many schools that will promise a black belt in a set amount of time…they are more than likely selling you a belt but not necessarily the quality training you need to be good at the art.
Do I have to get in shape before I start?
No. Part of our process is figuring out your fitness level and making sure we help you learn while gradually improving your fitness.
What equipment will I need?
That depends on your program. If you plan to study Judo, all you will need is a uniform. If you plan on studying Hapkido, you will need a mouthpiece and sparring gloves in addition to your uniform. If Iaido is in your future, you will need a uniform, a special belt (obi), a wooden sword (bokken), and a training sword (iaito).
How long have the instructors practiced martial arts?
Our head instructor, Michael Martyn started training in 1981 and has studied with some of the worlds best martial artists in the US, Europe, Japan and Korea. He continues to travel to Japan twice a year for advanced training. Our other instructors have more than 115 years of combined training and teaching on the mat. Each instructor has rank that has been issued and certified in Japan and/or Korea. In addition, Pacific Rim is the International Training Center for USA Judo and our students regularly have the opportunity to train with world and olympic champions at our dojo as well as overseas during our annual Japan Study Tours.
What does "traditional" martial arts mean?
It can mean many things. A few of the major aspects of a traditional dojo include: a verifiable lineage in a recognized historical style; a respectful atmosphere; and observance of basic formalities. One reason many people seek out traditional martial arts is that they are more likely to teach decorum and mutual respect. In addition, traditional modern martial arts focus on the development of the person and view the techniques of the art as the medium for growth. As such, while you will learn valuable self-defense skills in a traditional program, the focus will equally be on how we are helping you grow as an individual in the areas of respect, confidence, discipline, honor, and mutual welfare.
