Westside Academy of Kung Fu

I have been attending this kung fu school for over three years. Fifteen months ago, I added regular Brazilian jiu-​jitsu classes. Sifu Wally can figure out how to teach a class that includes someone who just walked in the door and has no idea what they are doing to someone who has taken classes for years. (From what I’ve observed, he’s good at teaching kids’ classes as well.) BJJ is my favorite thing to do in all the world — and I’m a woman in my 50s. I trust all my classmates, which is important when you are doing such an active sport. The school is affiliated with several other kung fu schools as well as Alive MMA.

I really like this place. Sifu Wally is able to control a room full of kids down to only 5 and keep them all moving in a coherent direction of learning. He’s not overly harsh, but he gets things organized and they learn. His talent and patience amaze me. I couldn’t do it with other people’s kids this well. No way.
My son has been there since age 6 I think (He’s now almost 13 and ready to age out to the adult class). He has learned a lot, and really enjoys the training and especially the competitions (which are quarterly with other schools).
I like the practical aspects of the training, and the fact that this style covers all combat. (they compete in both grappling and stand up sparring at tournament).
It’s a great structured form of gym class that really grabs some kids. Most seem to stay for a while, and there are several other kids who are pretty long term students there as well.
I’ve watched the adult grappling class a little, and it looks really good as well. My primary interest in the place is for my kid though.

My 3 and 4 year olds love Sifu Wally and Miss Lara— they have two great spaces with one dedicated to kids under 5. Fantastic programming and wonderful teachers. Highly recommended!

My 4 year old daughter absolutely LOVES this Kung Fu class!

Excellent and varied instruction in the martial arts. While Kung Fu is the primary emphasis focusing on basic techniques (how to punch, block, kick, etc), sparring, forms, weapons and more; there are also classes in BJJ & Crossfit. Opportunities for all ages… as young as 4 and some students in their 50’s (I’m one of them). Sifu Wally finds a great balance of pushing you to improve while also allowing you to progress at your own pace. It’s a small school that’s growing and also has affiliates in SE & NE Portland which provide additional opportunities to train and attend regular seminars, tournaments & camps that are offered throughout the year. A big part of the student’s training is helping to teach others what you have learned which goes a long way to truly understanding how techniques work.

Sifu Wally is so good! My kids (12-​year-​old girl and 9-​year-​old boy) and I took classes there for almost two years (we moved out of state or we would still be there). It was perfect. Wally’s ability to keep the interest of high energy kids (my 9-​year old) while gently challenging both of them amazed me. He was even able to get me to push my abilities (I am 40+ and while I am in decent shape and taught women’s self-​defense (WomenStrength) for 10+ years, I am not a kung fu expert). What I really liked about West Side Academy of Kung Fu was the style. I liked that it was practical and, if necessary, useful for both kids and adults to defend themselves. Since I had taught the basics of self-​defense, I had an idea of what I wanted my kids to learn to be Kick Ass Self-​Assured kids. We all thrived in his classes. I was told he used to be a nanny in a previous life –based on how he interacts with the kids, I am not surprised. His wife also joins the classes. She is great too. I attended the cross-​fit a couple times — man that is a good work out! Wally’s practical sense of good fitness was always appreciated. West Side Academy of Kung Fu is one of the things we miss the most about leaving the Portland (Hillsdale) area.

Sifu Wally is great with kids. He is always very positive and works very individually with all kids. I highly recommend the kids Kung Fu classes.

I started working with Sifu Wally almost seven years ago, and he is always working to improve himself as a teacher and martial artist. He is always excited to meet every student at their current level, whatever that may be, and help them to move forward in their training.
The community here is close and friendly — because you have to trust everyone you work with. The principles behind the style: ethics, hard work, and practicality (among others), help it to stand apart from the crowd.
As for kids’ classes — Sifu and the other students (because all students are expected to teach as well as learn, upon reaching a particular level) invest time and energy into making them fun, safe, and engaging. In the past, they have even started community outreach programs through various schools, community centers, and at other kung fu branches around town for young people.
I highly recommend this school! If you have any questions, you can drop in any time to watch a class, and there are all sorts of offers for free/​reduced price trial periods as well.

My son has been a student of Westside Academy of Kung Fu since it opened. He’s in the 6 – 8 yr old class. I’m continually amazed at Sifu Wally’s patience and rapport with kids. My son loves his classes, too.

I started taking Kung Fu classes with Sifu Wally in early 2009; I have developed a strong sense of confidence and am much more fit. Now that I’m taking CrossFit too I’m surprised how much my endurance and strength have increased.
Sifu Wally is very patient and develops a personal interest in helping you achieve your goals.
Whether you want to start training in martial arts or advance your level of fitness with fun, challenging workouts you can’t go wrong with this place.