Discipline ā¢ Strength ā¢ Honor
ForgeYourInnerWarrior
World-class martial arts instruction for all ages and skill levels. Build unshakable confidence, elite fitness, and the discipline that transforms every area of your life.
3,000+
Students Trained
4.9
Star Rating
20+
Years Teaching
50+
Competition Titles
Our Disciplines
TrainLikeaChampion
Karate
Traditional Shotokan karate for all ages. Build discipline, focus, and powerful striking technique through kata, kumite, and kihon training with certified black belt instructors.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ground fighting and submission grappling in a safe, supportive environment. Learn the art that levels the playing field regardless of size or strength.
Kickboxing
High-energy striking classes combining boxing, Muay Thai kicks, knees, and elbows. Burn 800+ calories while learning devastating standup techniques.
Kids Martial Arts
Age-appropriate classes for children ages 4-12. Build confidence, discipline, coordination, and anti-bullying skills in a fun, encouraging environment.
Self-Defense
Practical, real-world self-defense techniques drawn from multiple disciplines. Learn situational awareness, de-escalation, and effective physical responses.
Fitness & Conditioning
Martial arts-inspired functional fitness. Bag work, bodyweight exercises, agility drills, and core training for peak athletic performance.
Our Founder
MasterInstructor
Sensei David Tanaka holds a 6th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has over 20 years of competitive and teaching experience. A former national champion, he founded Iron Dragon Dojo with a mission to make world-class martial arts accessible to everyone.
Under his guidance, our instructors do not just teach techniques; they build character, resilience, and a warrior mindset that translates to every challenge in life.
National Champion
3x gold medalist
6th Degree
Shotokan Karate
3,000+ Students
Trained & mentored
Community First
Youth scholarships
Your Journey
BeltProgressionSystem
White Belt
Beginning your journey. Learn fundamentals, stances, and basic strikes.
Yellow Belt
Building foundations. Basic combinations, first kata, and partner drills.
Orange Belt
Growing confidence. Intermediate techniques, self-defense applications.
Green Belt
Developing skill. Advanced combinations, sparring introduction, leadership.
Blue Belt
Refining technique. Complex kata, competition preparation, teaching basics.
Brown Belt
Near mastery. Advanced sparring, weapons introduction, mentoring juniors.
Black Belt
The true beginning. Mastery of fundamentals, leadership, lifelong learning.
Google Reviews
Verified Student Ratings
4.9 out of 5 ā¢ 198 reviews
Student Stories
TransformedLives
I started at 35 with zero experience. Three years later, I have my brown belt, lost 40 pounds, and have more confidence than ever. This school changed my life.
My son was bullied at school. After six months of kids karate, his confidence skyrocketed. He carries himself differently now. The instructors are incredible with children.
Our whole family trains here. Date night is Tuesday sparring class. The community is welcoming, the instruction is world-class, and we have never been healthier.
Membership
TrainingPlansForEveryStudent
Month-to-month or save with annual. Free trial week included with every new enrollment.
Kids (4ā12)
Structured kids program with belt progression, focus, and confidence building.
- 2 classes per week
- Belt testing included
- Uniform at signup
- Birthday party discount
Unlimited Adult
Unlimited access to BJJ, Muay Thai, and all conditioning classes. Most popular.
- Unlimited daily classes
- All disciplines included
- Open mat access
- Guest pass monthly
- Seminar discounts
Family Plan
Train as a family ā up to 4 members. Great for parents and kids training together.
- Up to 4 members
- All classes unlimited
- Family locker access
- Private lesson credits
- First uniform free per member
Save 15% with annual prepay. Military, first responders, and teachers save an additional 10%.
Inside The Dojo
WatchAClassInAction
BJJ + Muay Thai Class ā¢ 4:22
Real footage from a typical week ā kids program, beginner classes, and competition team.
Start Here
WhichProgramFitsYou?
Kids 4ā12
Focus, confidence, anti-bullying, and discipline. Belt progression keeps kids engaged.
Recommended
Little Tigers / Junior Grapplers
Fitness Adults
Get in the best shape of your life while learning real self-defense and technique.
Recommended
Unlimited Adult BJJ + Muay Thai
Competitors
Ready to test your skills on the mat or in the cage. Competition team training.
Recommended
Competition Team Tryout
The Difference
Usvs.TheStripMallDojo
Our Academy
Franchise Dojo
Lineage & Credentials
Train With Us
Location&Availability
Location
Eastlake
Ground-floor studio with free parking, family viewing area, and showers on site.
Class Schedule
30+ Per Week
Kids, teens, and adults ā morning, noon, and evening. First class free any day.
Enrollment
Now Enrolling
New student intro: free trial week + no commitment. Kids program has waitlist ā secure your spot.
Train With Us
ClassSchedule
We offer classes from early morning to evening so you can train on your schedule. Drop-ins welcome for all experience levels.
6:00 AM
Adult Fitness & Conditioning
9:00 AM
Adult Karate (All Levels)
3:30 PM
Kids Karate (Ages 4-7)
4:30 PM
Kids Karate (Ages 8-12)
5:30 PM
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
6:30 PM
Kickboxing
7:30 PM
Advanced Sparring / Competition
Saturday 9 AM
Open Mat & Self-Defense Workshop
Common Questions
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Absolutely not. Most of our students start with zero martial arts experience. Our beginner-friendly classes are designed to build skills gradually in a supportive environment.
Your Journey Starts Here
Free Trial Class
No experience needed. No commitment required. Come see what martial arts can do for you or your child. Your first class is completely free.
BeginYourTraining
Visit our dojo, meet our instructors, and experience a class firsthand. The hardest part is walking through the door. We will handle the rest.
Visit the Dojo
Location
2390 Eastlake Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
Phone
(206) 741-8520
Hours
Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Free Trial Week
Try Seven Days On Us
Seven days, unlimited classes, zero commitment. Try every discipline, meet the instructors, and see if the academy is your fit.
Active Students
280+
Black Belts Trained
34
Classes Per Week
30+
Years Open
12
The Journey
FromWhiteBeltToBlackBelt
Our structured curriculum guides students from day one through black belt. Every rank earned, not given.
Rank 1
White Belt
Fundamentals. Stance, basic strikes, first grappling positions.
Rank 2
Blue Belt
Intermediate techniques. Sparring introduction, drills under pressure.
Rank 3
Purple Belt
Advanced applications. Competition prep, technical depth.
Rank 4
Brown Belt
Teaching readiness. Assistant instructor role, sharpening all techniques.
Rank 5
Black Belt
Mastery + mentorship. Begin teaching, compete at advanced level, continued growth.
Rank 6
Coral Belt
15+ years post-black. Senior instructor and lifelong student. Rare honor.
Rank 7
Red Belt
30+ years post-black. Grand master rank with demonstrated contribution to the art.
Rank 8
Eternal Belt
A lifetime of discipline, mentorship, and carrying the lineage forward.
Most students earn a blue belt in 18 months, black belt in 8ā10 years. Consistency beats intensity every time.
What You'll Train
DisciplinesUnderOneRoof
Discipline 1
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ground-focused grappling. Leverage over strength. Elite sparring with belt ranks.
Discipline 2
Muay Thai
Stand-up striking with punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Conditioning that transforms bodies.
Discipline 3
MMA / Wrestling
Takedowns, clinch, and integrated fight game. Drill partners at every skill level.
Discipline 4
Boxing
Pure Western boxing ā footwork, head movement, and combinations for fitness or competition.
Discipline 5
Kickboxing / Cardio
Bag-focused conditioning class. High-energy workouts without contact sparring.
Discipline 6
Women's Self-Defense
Monthly free clinics + ongoing class. Real-world techniques, non-intimidating environment.
Discipline 7
Yoga & Recovery
Stretch + mobility sessions pair perfectly with hard training. Included free with unlimited memberships.
Discipline 8
Strength + Conditioning
Barbell + kettlebell classes specifically built for combat athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Discipline 9
Open Mat Nights
Weekly free drill and roll sessions with students from across the gym. No instructor, pure practice.
Parent + Student FAQ
CommonQuestions
Do I need experience to start?
Zero experience required. Most students walk in with none ā you will be paired with patient training partners and fundamentals classes.
What should I wear my first day?
Athletic clothes and a water bottle. We provide a loaner gi on your free trial week.
Do you have kids-only classes?
Yes ā separate Little Tigers (4ā7), Junior (8ā12), and Teen classes. Kids never train with adults.
Do you do private lessons?
Yes. 30-min and 60-min private sessions available with any instructor. Great for competitors and beginners alike.
What if I miss a class?
No penalty ā unlimited members can drop in anytime that fits. Part-time members get makeup classes within 30 days.
Can adults start too?
Absolutely. About half our adult students start in their 30sā50s. It is never too late to get fit and learn real self-defense.
Do you compete?
Yes ā we have a competition team that trains 4x/week for BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA events. Optional, but elite coaching is available for those who want it.
Is there a contract?
No long contracts. Month-to-month and annual options with clear cancellation terms. You are always in control.
What is the age cutoff for kids?
Little Tigers for ages 4ā7, Junior for 8ā12, Teen for 13ā15. Adult classes start at 16. We keep age groups separate.
Can parents watch?
Absolutely. The family lounge has full viewing of the main mat, plus Wi-Fi and coffee.
Do you offer military + first responder discounts?
Yes ā 10% off every membership tier with valid ID. Also applies to teachers and nurses.
What if I have an injury or limitation?
Talk to our coaching team. We modify for prior injuries, chronic conditions, and limited mobility. Nobody is left out.
Do you sell gear?
Pro shop on site with gis, rash guards, shorts, gloves, and mouthguards ā members save 15%.
Do you host seminars + camps?
Yes ā monthly guest seminars with world champions, plus summer + winter camps for kids and adults.
What if I want to compete someday?
Our competition team coaches take you from first match to regional and national tournaments.
How big are your classes?
Adult classes average 15ā25 students. Kids classes capped at 12 per coach for personal attention.
Do you have showers?
Full locker rooms with showers, sauna, and secure lockers. Towel service available for premium members.