By davidn75 December 28, 2017
This is a great school I have been training here for a few months now and they have knowledgeable instructor's and the class sizes are not too big. The instructors are available to answer questions and teach you the techniques so you can develop your skills on a daily basis and improve rapidly. ...read more
By melanieb32 December 21, 2017
NWFA has become like a second family to me. I started training in June of this year and have grown in ways I would not have otherwise imagined. Northwest Fighting Arts has helped me gain confidence, build trust in myself and others, form some incredible friendships and has challenged me to become stronger mentally and physically. The instructors and staff are encouraging, experienced and welcoming. I felt very much accepted and at home from the beginning on. I highly respect this school, staff, level of instruction and students here. Come join and grow with us! ...read more
By elijahs410 December 14, 2017
NWFA has shown me the power that martial arts and physical study has on my well being and the well being of others. Everyone that I have worked with has been personable and kind, and I feel welcomed everyday I go in. Happy to have signed up and excited to continue learning in this great community of smart and strong people! ...read more
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Robert EllisUses Martial Arts to Instill Confidence in Kids in TigardBy Kristen ForbesThe Times, Oct 29, 2009A teacher of Asian history once explained to Ellis that if he wanted to understand the culture, he had to immerse himself in a cultural activity, whether it was flower arranging or martial arts. He gravitated to a karate school in New York, where he grew up. He went on to undergraduate school, then the Marine Corps, then attended graduate school at the University of Oregon.Ellis worked as the CEO of a high-tech company that grew to national prominence and started several other companies before starting Karate on Main three years ago. One evening he had a conversation with his wife over a glass of wine and it occurred to him that what he really wants to do is give back to young people."In my opinion, there is a lack of character education and development during the formative years," Ellis says. "Also, there is a crisis of obesity among juveniles."Through martial arts, Ellis strives to guide children (and adults, as well) through a "journey of self-discovery" that teaches them how to be better and more peaceful through strength. Unlike in traditional sports, the competition in martial arts comes from oneself."The process is one of first learning discipline. Physical discipline always comes before mental or spiritual discipline," Ellis says. "Physical discipline leads to the ability to concentrate. The ability to concentrate then leads to the development of skill. As skill development occurs, it leads to confidence. Confidence leads to more concentration, more skilled development, and eventually what we have is kids with self-esteem."Ellis teaches value-based life skills: respect, perseverance and work ethic among them. These skills are obtained once the physical training takes hold. Mental discipline follows physical discipline, which then leads to philosophical, or spiritual, discipline."The understanding of true humility is only realized eventually," Ellis says.The lessons at Karate on Main are always age-appropriate, he says. Community is developed during the process, which Ellis builds on by offering movie nights, picnics and other activities for kids and parents to share.Ellis, a sixth-degree black belt, says his goal is to get all of his students black belts."A black belt is a universally recognized symbol of excellence," Ellis says, "like being an Eagle Scout or concert musician. Everybody knows it takes skill development, perseverance and work ethic over a long period of time. No one has ever said, ‘I wish I hadn't received my black belt.'"The life lessons, he says, are even more important than the belt. Ellis is proud to provide an opportunity for his students to learn and grow."The ability to provide a positive influence and to provide the training and curriculum toward goals of self-improvement is so rewarding," he says. "When most adults think back on what was their most enjoyable job, often people will remember when they worked construction for a summer in college — because it's an integration of mind, body and spirit. Often, you'll find the most rewarding hobbies have that integration, as well. So it's very rewarding to discover that integration in my work."The dojo on Main Street is designed to capture the look and feel of classical and historical China and Japan. Also included in the studio are an acupuncture clinic and meditation area. Ellis stresses a holistic approach to martial arts."What we do here can't be found anywhere else," he says. "Regardless of whatever words are spoken in organized sports, every year it becomes more and more about winning and less and less about the development of the kid and the development of character. There are many exceptions and many great coaches, but as an organized activity, it really has become all about winning."In this day and age, we have school systems that don't teach character because of political correctness. Many of these kids are not getting this instruction at home, either because they're children of the "Me Generation" or because of economic pressure on the middle class. You have two working parents, and there's just not enough time. What's happening to our kids? Generally, we have seen across the board a loss of respect, a loss of civility. These are the very kids that someday will be running AIG or nuclear power plants or becoming surgeons."Through martial arts, Ellis hopes to instill respect, civility, and other values that are crucial to children's development.Karate on Main is located at 12566 S.W. Main St. in Tigard. The Web site iswww.karateonmain.com, and the phone number is 503-968-1600. ...read more
By Karate On Main November 03, 2009
Tai Chi, Wushu, Kung Fu, Shaolin www.ckfa-wushu.com ...read more
By Chinese Kung Fu Association April 28, 2009
From: The Chief InstructorI just finished the Portland Gasshuku a few hours ago and am writing this message from Sensei Ellis's house. The event was a great success. I heard so many good comments from many participants who came up to me after the Gasshuku. The focus of the Gasshuku was kata. The first day, we spent two hours going through details of Sanchin kata, the fundamental kata for our style. During the class, we went through why Sanchin kata is so important, and how Sanchin kata will be used in other kaishu-gata. On the second day, we had senior sensei (Sensei Bob Ellis, Sensei Gene Villa, Sensei Brent Hartwig and Sensei Ernie Brennecke) check every single participant's kata. Each participant got private lessons and comments from some of the finest instructors in the IOGKF USA that he or she can bring back home and practice. We also had a short lecture of Goju-Ryu history and concerning Higaonna Sensei's famous Yoyogi Dojo training back 40 years ago by Sensei Bob Ellis and Sensei Ernie Brennecke. They were quite interesting stories. Sensei Ernie was in the Yoyogi Dojo in 1964, one year before I was born! How old is he? Please don't ask:-) I would like to thank all attendants, and dojo heads, and senior sensei (Sensei Bob, Sensei Gene, Sensei Brent, Sensei Ernie) for sharing your experience and knowledge that made this gasshuku so special.A Special thank you to Sensei Bob and his family for the great hospitality and for hosting this event. I surely had a wonderful time. We have so many talented instructors within our organization. We should start setting the stage to ask for these instructors to come forward and share their knowledge. It will benefit all of us.Best regards,Tetsuji NakamuraIOGKF North America Chief Instructor ...read more
By Karate On Main April 30, 2008
Tang soo do is a defensive martial art that has its beginnings in Korea. Tang denotes the dynasty the martial art comes from. Soo translated means open hand or worthiness and do means art or way. Simply, Tang soo do translated means The Tang art of worthiness. A basic front kick is one of the first mo... ...read more
Martial arts themed birthday parties are very popular among children of all ages. Finding the perfect martial arts birthday invitations can be difficult. Many companies will create custom invitation, but they can be very expensive. You can print your own martial arts birthday invitations for free. ...read more
