About Us
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About Our Business
Welcome to Mercer Island Martial Arts located on Mercer Island just a short drive across the I-90 Bridge from either Bellevue or Seattle. Mercer Island Martial Arts has been serving Mercer Island and the greater Seattle area since 1997.
Referred to as “An Island Staple” we have been recognized for our work in self-defense, bully prevention, family, kids, teen martial arts classes, and community outreach.
We are the proud recipients of the “2022 Mercer Island PTA Council Community Partner Award”. We have also received the “Hometown Hero Award” from the City of Mercer Island. As well as, the “Readers Choice Award for Best Martial Arts School” from Patch Magazine.
Master Krista Wells a 5th Degree Master Instructor and Master MeLisa Strongheart a 7th Degree Master Instructor Co-Founded Mercer Island Martial Arts.
Mercer Island is a very unique community because it’s a small town that is in close proximity to two major cities. Master Wells wanted to serve this community because of her family ties to the Island and small town appeal allowed her to really focus in on being a community based organization.
Thank you for visiting our webpage. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
Instructor/Owner Krista Wells
Master Krista Wells is a 5th Degree Certified Master Instructor with the National Korean Martial Arts Association. She has been working as a self-defense instructor, educator with kids, youth, and adults for over 25 years. She has a background in psychology, recreation therapy, and nutrition and has evolved her practice as a fusion of training in self-defense for both the mind and the body.
Master Wells is passionate about the concept of mindfulness. She uses a holistic approach when it comes to teaching her instructors and students. The process is through an experiential learning milieu using positive reward systems, incorporating the principles of psychology, with a mixture of Korean Martial Arts.
Because of Master Wells’ unique background you won’t find anything like what you see at Mercer Island Martial Arts. Though years of teaching and training students she has honed in on these processes to make students a success regardless of what level age or ability.
Thank you for your interest in Mercer Island Martial Arts we look forward to teaching you! -Master Krista Wells
Why Choose Mercer Island Martial Arts?
World Class Program and Instruction
Most activities are focused only on the physical and don’t address the importance of our minds. They are often taught by volunteers or part-time staff. Mercer Island Martial Arts focuses on both physical and mental development. We are full time professional martial arts educators who are dedicated to the processes of teaching you and/or your child.
Mercer Island Martial Arts Instructors are hand selected by Master Wells for their abilities to mentor, coach, and to foster the exceptional. Our Instructors provide a supportive environment that allows individuals to progress at their own level and pace. During this process students learn important life skills such as respect, goal setting, confidence, self-defense, and physical conditioning.
It's easy and free to get started
Mercer Island Martial Arts offers a variety of curriculum that is catered specifically for age and ability. We offer elementary aged martial arts, pre-school aged martial arts, adult and teen martial arts classes, and family martial arts classes We offer a free trial and information package for you to come experience it for yourself. Meet our amazing instructors and staff who will teach you powerful skills that build more than just muscle.
Our Martial Arts Team Takes Great Pride In The Reviews We Receive
See What Our Community Members Say About Our Programs
Mithril Hugunin
In the six years I’ve trained here at Mercer Island Martial Arts, going from my last year of elementary school, through middle school, and into greater half of high school, I have always found that the skills taught in the dojang are those needed to succeed academically. One of the changes in perspective I’ve found most useful is focusing on learning new ideas and techniques instead of worrying about how they will be tested. On the floor at class we devote time to drilling the forms and kicks, perfecting every detail, so when the time comes to demonstrate the movements come naturally. Similarly, I've found it's necessary to put in the focus needed to study, reviewing simple flashcards and running through practice calculus problems until they are second nature. Walking into class one the day of a math test, I then have the confidence to not stress out even if problems look unfamiliar. With a strong base of skills, working through a challenge is fun instead of frustrating. Going for long term understanding of how each piece works and how every piece fits together is a study style that sounds intuitive, but can feel draining- it’s from my time at the dojang I’ve been able to see firsthand that it pays off, and with enough time building up foundation anything, even implicit differentiation, can be learned.
Sammantha Rubenfield, Parent
This is such an incredible place! My ten year-old son has been coming here for over four years, and in that time he has absolutely flourished. Not just physically, but intellectually and emotionally as well. They somehow manage to teach strength, compassion, and grit, all while having fun. I can not recommend them enough!
Brandy Craig
My family signed up for the family classes, as my daughter wanted to get some solid self-defense training to build confidence and help prepare for going off to college. I never imagined how much I’d get from joining her in this adventure, but it’s been amazing watching her learn all while learning so much myself. I can’t say enough about Master Wells and her staff, either. They CARE about each student, and are so encouraging! Just check it out… you won’t regret it!