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Seattle Martial Arts: Building Confidence Through Knowledge
Known for its tech revolution and outdoor lifestyle, the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington, is also home to another place of pride: Seattle Wu Shu. This training facility is located in West Seattle, Seattle's best kept secret, southwest of downtown.
Founded in 1991 as Inner Concepts Martial Arts, the school pivoted to Seattle Un Hop Quyen Do and eventually became Seattle Wu Shu in 2007 by founder and co-head instructor Restita DeJesus.
Sifu DeJesus began training in Butokukan Karate in 1978 and moved to Hua Rou Kenbo in 1990 under Terry Faircloth. An avid student of the arts, she has also trained diligently in Kyudo, Doces Pares Eskrima, Wushu, Tai Chi with an emphasis on Chen and Yang styles, and Northern and Southern Fist. Her proficiency in multiple disciplines allows her a unique perspective to offer her students a fusion of various art forms.
In early 2020, the school World Champion Cathy Long After settling in Seattle, Long began teaching kickboxing and Kung Fu San Soo, an art form that focuses on self-defense, which fits with the school's philosophy.
Currently, there are over 100 enthusiastic students enrolled, with hundreds more receiving training at seminars taught by this dynamic duo. The center offers over 20 classes per week in a multidisciplinary approach, including Kajukenbo, Kung Fu San San Su, Tai Chi and Kickboxing. Doces Palace Eskrima.
“All of our classes are constantly growing,” DeJesus said. “It is such an honor to have Kathy as a teacher as she brings such depth of knowledge and experience to her teaching. We are all so excited that she has made the Pacific Northwest her home!”
The motto “Confidence and Strength Through Knowledge” was chosen to pay tribute to the knowledge imparted through all the arts taught in the studio.
