WELCOME TO PACIFIC RIM
At Pacific Rim, we take pride in the fact that we have been offerring quality training for kids since 1982. We are internationally recognized as a model for develping successful martial artists and great people. Each of our programs is designed to accomodate the needs of various ages and skill levels and beginners are welcome to join our program at any time.
Junior Judo
Our Junior Judo program is designed for ages 7-12 and focuses on teaching throwing and grappling in a structured environment that balances both fun and discipline in each class we teach.
Budo Fundamentals (on hold)
Our BUDO Fundamentals classes are designed for ages 4-6 and focus on physical activity and learning the fundamental skills and movements of martial arts through activities and games.
Junior Hapkido
Our Junior Hapkido program is designed for ages 7-12 and focuses on teaching striking and self-defense in a structured environment that balances both fun and discipline in each class we teach.
Mr. Martyn has a gift for connecting with children and guiding them both in skill development and in building respect and appreciation for those around them. My sons are being more respectful at home and more appreciative of my parenting efforts.
Gain confidence
With every class they attend, your child will grow in confidence knowing they have worked hard for their progress, accomplished their goals, and served others along the way.
Build Character
A hallmark of our approach to teaching kids is our commitment to building strong a strong character by instilling the values of respect, discipline, integrity, humility, teamwork and service.
Having been raised in a traditional martial art, it’s wonderful to see my sons learning the same values I learned growing up: respect for others, discipline and service. The best part is that my boys always talk about how much fun they’ve had.
OUR PROVEN APPROACH
Our approach is grounded in achiveing a balance betweens developing martial arts skills and building a strong foundation of physical literacy. Classes are kept to 45 min to ensure maximum engagement, blending fun with discipline and technique with fitness. At the core of every class we teach is respect, discipline, humility and self-confidence.
moral education
Repect, discipline, humility, self-confidence, integrity, self-reliance, teamwork, service to others.
Martial Arts Technique
Punching, kicking, blocking, sparring, forms, throwing, grappling, falling, footwork, randori.
Physical Literacy
Balance, footwork, dexterity, tumbling, flexibility, agility, strength, posture, hand-eye coordination.
Our son looks forward to his classes and always wants to show us things he’s learned. Mr. Martyn knows how to instruct while also ensuring that the kids enjoy the process of learning. He is a gifted teacher – one who makes it a joy to learn.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
We have hosted exchange students and guest instructors since 2003. Our juniors have the opportunity to learn from international instructors, experience Japanese culture firsthand, and make memories that last a lifetime.
I started working with kids at Pacific Rim in 1986 and since that time, have had the pleasure and honor to literally mentor thousands of young martial artists. Each of our programs balances fun with discipline, and along their journey, your child will know they have earned their belts. The pride in their faces and the confidence in their posture that comes from training in a traditional martial art will make a lasting impression on their lives. Sign up today and experience what makes Pacific Rim a gem in the martial arts community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my child started?
Getting started is easy. Once you choose a program that is right for your child or children, 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 the uniform online and we will size them 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.
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.