Seven Star's Impact

We go above and beyond traditional martial arts schools

Seven Star is transformative for our students and our community — whether they train in kung fu or take a self-defense workshop. Seven Star is a nonprofit that has created a nurturing, non-threatening environment to learn practical self-defense skills and build strength and confidence through martial arts.

Since Seven Star started, we have created programs in response to our community's needs and aspirations. We started free childcare to allow parents to train. Sliding scale dues, dues-assistance and scholarship support financial accessibility. Recognizing a broader need for communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community, we provide affordable community self-defense workshops. Inspired by our students' and community's commitment to social justice, we are engaging racial equity and gender inclusiveness experts to align our teaching practices and create welcoming and equitable training for all.

We can't do what we do without support from you — our community! Your tax-deductible donation supports our nonprofit programs like free/low-cost self-defense classes, childcare for students, and more.

Give the gift of strength and confidence!

Student testimonial photo gallery
Erica S, white belt
Erica S, white belt

The supportive community at Seven Star has helped me move through some big fears and find joy in the movement and the fight. Practicing self defense and sparring were scary at first but I'm becoming more and more strong and confident in my body and in the ways I move through the world.

A highlight was at the 2023 Pride March, doing Kata 2 with all my fellow white belts through downtown Seattle as the crowd went wild!

Katie B, black belt
Katie B, black belt

It’s hard to sum up something so transformative in a few sentences. I started training because I thought it would be fun to hit things, and while it absolutely is, I had no idea how much more it was. Seven Star has given me the space, the support and the tools to (re)invent myself physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Dawn M, black belt
Dawn M, black belt

After surviving a violent relationship, I was looking for a safe place to develop fighting and self-defense skills. The art of Kajukenbo and the superior instruction at Seven Star have transformed me in ways I never thought possible. I am stronger, more focused, and more resilient than ever before. Even my coworkers have commented on my newfound confidence, my ability to speak up, and my leadership skills.

Blishda L, white belt
Blishda L, white belt

I have always wanted to learn martial arts in a space that is welcoming of BIPOC folks and people of all shapes and sizes! I found all of this and more when I joined Seven Star! I love that I am in a space learning with women and nonbinary people and that I'm learning how to be more confident and how to protect myself and the people I love!

Shana R, black belt
Shana R, black belt

Training has made me more confident, increased my understanding of my own body, and has given me skills to be strong and defend myself. But what I didn't expect was how much it has done for my mental health. It gets me out of the house, away from all the pressures of work and family, to a place of joy and play among friends who work hard and play hard, who support me and challenge me and keep me accountable. When I am exhausted and I've had a bad day and I show up to train, all that gets left behind, becuase you have to be fully present when you are about to get punched in the face. You can't worry about board meeting or the car maintenence or the unpaid bill. Training makes me work hard and do things I never thought I could do and then leave feeling like I can handle anything as long as I just keep going.

Elia G, green belt
Elia G, green belt

Since training at Seven Star, I have gained the confidence to travel abroad solo, set better boundaries with friends, work, and strangers, and become stronger, both physically and mentally. Plus, I made some of my closest friends, who I get to punch (with consent)!

  • I initially started training as a way to get exercise in a group, but then found an amazingly supportive, kind, inclusive, and empowering community instead. I love training with the community, and it's been helping me regain my strength and confidence after a bad divorce. Seven Star's vibe is such that even when I have a rough day, I don't give up, as I get better and better, little by little. "A black belt is a white belt who never gave up" is pretty much my mantra now. It's my favorite thing I've found in Seattle after moving here, and I hope to train here as long as I can.

  • Seven Star has provided me with countless skills to push my body to achieve more, but has also provided me with a community that I cherish. I never felt like I was the "kind of person" who could be athletic, but having friends who I knew I would see in class inspired me to make it a routine, and I've been shocked by how much more comfortable I feel in my own skin after 2 years.

  • As a small female who's not particularly coordinated, but has always been interested in martial arts, this community is a blessing. It's one of the few safe spaces I have, and I feel so fortunate to be part of a group that looks after one another and gives back to its environment. I am more confident in my ability to defend myself and others, and in general human kindness!

  • I thought what I would learn were skills for physically defending myself–like how to punch someone. What I am taking away today is that I have a strong voice and that I should use it. I am taking away more confidence and less fear.

  • I was sexually assaulted on my run around Green Lake. When I was grabbed from behind I shoved my elbows back and screamed as loud as I could. The man took off and people came out of their houses to help. I kept screaming until the cops were called. The skills I learned in your self-defense class last year literally saved my life. By knowing my voice is my most powerful weapon, I scared the guy off and got the help I needed. I honestly do not think I would be alive today if it wasn’t for that. The cops agreed. Thank you thank you thank you. You are an incredible organization.

  • Since training at Seven Star, I have become more connected and empowered in my body. I have gained invaluable mental and physical skills that apply to my life both on and off the training floor.

  • At Seven Star you will find a community of dedicated martial artists who are respectful and committed to martial arts excellence, yet joyously lacking the cultural rigidity that can accompany lineage-based art forms. The adaptive, reflective, community-minded approach to the art offered by the Sigung, the Sifus, and the rest of the teaching staff sets the stage for individualized growth in a way that too few educational spaces of any kind do. Training at Seven Star helps me to better meet the moment on and off the training floor. Item description

  • From the moment I started training at Seven Star, I was welcomed into a supportive and nurturing community of instructors and fellow students. What I appreciate most about my Kajukenbo training is the way it has equipped me to protect myself and those I care about in potentially dangerous situations. Knowing that I have the knowledge and skills to defend myself if necessary has given me a tremendous sense of power, confidence and peace of mind.

“Seven Star has given me my body back. I feel confident enough to move through the world as who I am, and strong enough to keep moving. ”
— Anonymous student

Support Seven Star and give the gift of strength and confidence every month!

Your tax deductible donation of $5-$100 per month supports our nonprofit programs such as childcare, ASL interpreting, sliding scale dues, work study, free/low-cost self defense classes, and trainings on racial equity, gender inclusion, and more.