Physical exercise for stronger brains

Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory and thinking skills. Kung Fu and Tai Chi offer even more health benefits; better balance, stronger muscles, increased flexibility, and sharper concentration. Add to that the confidence of knowing you can defend yourself.

~Master Sarah

Kung Fu

Our Kung Fu for adults and teens program gives you a fun and mentally stimulating fitness experience.

This ancient martial art will give you the confidence to defend yourself and discipline from learning precise movements.

Ages 12 and up. We can accommodate and tailor for most physical needs.

Our rates and schedules.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an time-honored form of low-impact exercise and stretching for young and old.

An internal martial art it benefits balance, flexibility, circulation, and more.

Ages 12 and up. We can accommodate and tailor for most physical needs.

Our rates and schedules.

Dragon Kid's Kung Fu

Our Kung Fu program for children. The same as our adult version it mixes training with games. Ages 7 to 12. We can accommodate and tailor for most physical and mental needs. Our rates and schedules.

Ready to begin?

We were on King 5’s NewDay. Watch the entire segment below.

What Our Students Are Saying About Us

Social Reviews

My kid loves this place! Wonderful teachers and a great community. My child is almost a black belt now. I was a student myself for a while, but life got busy for me. Anyways, highly recommend you... give this place a try. Unlike other martial arts places, this school really emphasizes self defense and not mandatory monthly tests just to generate revenue. Students test when they feel ready--on their own schedule. There's also a practice hour that you can attend to ask questions or just to refine what you're learning. And quite affordable. Nothing but good things to say about this school and Master Sarah. She knows her stuff!read more
Jen F
Jen F
Master Sarah offers no nonsense learning that is community based and fun. Our kiddo had an amazing time! She was compassionate towards learning disabilities and is big on inclusion. Our kiddo gained... focus, stamina, self controll and self confidence through the kids program. I'd recommend it hands down.read more
T B
T B
The material at the Seattle Shaolin Center is vast and diverse, and the instruction is detailed and inspiring. The classes are fun and the friends you make there are amazing.
DJ Emir Santana
DJ Emir Santana
Flora Elaine Diaz McLellan
Flora Elaine Diaz McLellan
A great reason to leave the couch! Both kung fu and tai chi are fun exercise for kids, teens and adults.
Gregory Martin
Gregory Martin
Kari Hedman
Kari Hedman
Everything from the purely martial to the purely meditative is taught here. Tai Chi has helped with control, balance and flexibility. Shaolin has martial styles that can fit all body types.
Andy A
Andy A
Master Sarah does a phenomenal job of teaching martial arts. With that said, she goes beyond simply teaching and truly inspires her students to be the best they can be. It’s easy to see how much she... cares and how invested she is in providing a welcoming, disciplined, rewarding, and fun environment. I also could not ask for friendlier or more supportive community of other students than what you will find here.read more
Julian Medina
Julian Medina
Megin Ellis
Megin Ellis
Roberta Puhrmann
Roberta Puhrmann
I love coming here, it's such a wonderful atmosphere and everyone is very friendly including Master Sarah. I tend to have some reservations doing any class for physical activity anywhere but I've had... no issue here whatsoever and have felt very welcomed. There's different classes for different levels and age groups! I'm very thankful I found this place as it has made a tremendous change in my mental and physical happiness.read more
Erin Ellis
Erin Ellis
Studying here for almost 3 years, this school is a mix of fun and discipline. As a 55 year old man, it has transformed my fitness. I love the mix of kung fu and Tai Chi balancing both the hard and... soft aspects of the art.Master Sarah creates an inclusive and non-judgmental atmosphere that helps students to try new things and not be afraid to fail. The community that has formed around the school is awesome to be a part of and I know I have friends for life.read more
Brad Fisher
Brad Fisher
Been here for a few months now and seeing a lot of improvement in my health. Classes are well paved and interesting.
Reyn Trannin
Reyn Trannin
I've had an excellent experience learning Kung Fu and Tai Chi from Master Sarah. She is a phenomenal instructor who has created an inclusive, welcoming community. I have improved my fitness, gained... confidence and self defense skills, and had loads of fun! I recommend this school to anyone who is looking to step out of their comfort zone and learn something new.read more
Samantha Fisher
Samantha Fisher
Its an incredible class. Everyone is so friendly and the class is so fun. I joined almost 5 years ago and am still learning every day. I would highly recommend.
Vinh Peterson
Vinh Peterson
There's a lot of great things to say about this school - Master Sarah's fabulous, the system is both deep and broad, the meditation & internal trainings are outstanding, and the exercise is great -... but perhaps the best thing is the sense of community. Especially during the pandemic, zoom & distanced/outdoor classes have been incredibly important to me. We take care of each other and all #WearAMaskread more
Joshua Lieberman
Joshua Lieberman
Ram Ness
Ram Ness
Our son and I joined almost two years. We've learned so much and we've had a great experience! I'm in the best shape I've ever been and our son loves...
Lazaro C.
Lazaro C.
Wonderful place, we love Master Sarah and the place is really all inclusive. We have a child who is neurologically diverse and has ADHD. There our child is...
T S.
T S.
I attended the Shaolin Center of Seattle as a small boy and later went to study at the Shaolin Temple in China and became a Monk for a time. I had already...
Michael R.
Michael R.
Justin Jones
Justin Jones
Sarah McIlwain
Sarah McIlwain
David Grange
David Grange
I have been going here for 1 1/2 years. It is my favorite place to go. Our teacher is kind but doesn't baby us. There are other nice people there, and there...
Enzo S.
Enzo S.
Quincy Laflin (quincy laflin)
Quincy Laflin (quincy laflin)
One of the best local Shaolin Martial Arts Studios around. They offer Tai Chi as well; couple times at least per week. Also, at least once a month, they...
William N.
William N.
Best traditional kung fu anywhere near Seattle. I've been training in various spots around the world, even with masters in China, and have found the most...
Joe J.
Joe J.
nice
Koffee The Puppy
Koffee The Puppy
I've been going for years, it keeps my interest much more than a gym and has some practical application as well. Helps keep my back from hurting. The people are great a little mini-community.
Billy Chatterton
Billy Chatterton
Mel Perez
Mel Perez
From the first day I showed up, this was the most friendly & welcome martial arts school I've seen. Now I've been going for 5 years and I love it. There is so much to learn!
Matt Bocek
Matt Bocek
Shaolin Center of Seattle is an amazing school. While I haven't been to other schools, when I was researching getting into martial arts, this one drew me in...
Corey F.
Corey F.
Our whole family takes Kung Fu and Tai Chi lessons there. A very friendly place, everyone is supportive and helpful so you can advance through the arts. I highly recommend it for people of all... ages. Get some exercise while learning valuable skills. The first two weeks are free so come give it a try!Note, the last time I checked the photo on the website was of the prior location though the address was correct. They are now in the Von's Shopping Mall on the east side of Aurora Ave N.read more
Richard Potter
Richard Potter


He who conquers others is strong;
He who conquers himself is mighty.

~Lao Tzu