This is what people are saying about us.
"It starts with an introduction. Then it turns into a fascination, which turns into a want and then a goal and then something you get in 20 years when you realize what you want isn’t offered genuinely. I’ve been infatuated with heroes and protecting and fighting. I’ve spent a long road trying to find how to become what I wanted to be, or get closer in any sense. Then I met Mr. Doug Hicks, and it started getting clearer just how far and how long it’ll take. He’s opened my eyes to what fighting is and just how unready I was, but also what I could become. He offers insight to a lifetime of knowledge. He’s like my Mr. Miyagi and me the Karate Kid. Since I’ve started I’ve only loved each class and the people who attend it, and have learned so much here. You’ll learn a lot more here than most other places can ever provide period. Classes are personal, practical and introduce a certain skill set that will last you for the rest of your life and that you could take anywhere. If you’re looking for a place to start, or continue, this is it."
CM, Kirkland, WA
Doug and Eastside Combatives is a great place to learn traditional and contemporary martial arts. The class blends practical forms of self defense from Doug’s background of a variety of schools. I like that the class isn’t centered around repeating a bunch of moves or actions but builds upon practical fundamentals in structured situations from both offensive or defensive stances. Even more so, the student gets an understanding of foundational body kinesiology and how that will affect their movements both in and out of class. With anything where you mix the mind and body in concert, the knowledge gained here is highly valuable, well taught and beneficial to anyone who seeks it out.
EH, Kirkland, WA
I have known and trained with Doug for a number of years. Take the opportunity to engage with this man. He is a truly unique mix of background, skills and interests. As far as martial arts goes you get a wonderful blend of Systema, Tai Chi, Grappling, Traditional Asian striking arts, and Modern Combatives. I'm sure I'm missing something but you get the idea. Add to that the insight from his experience as a Police Officer, working with SWAT, and his Personal Protection training brings realism and context to whatever he is teaching. So often, especially in "self defense" classes and combatives there seems to be no realization or examination of the consequences legal and otherwise, of a use of force encounter. He brings that insight to the table. Couple all that with an ever inquisitive mind, and a very wide ranging corpus of interests and life experience and you have an entirely unique learning experience.
JB, Santa Fe, NM
Regardless of your experience level, or martial goals, I believe in Doug’s ability to provide an experience that you will remember, and thus be able to utilize. He is great at both the basics as well as helping any level of the more advanced artist, find ways to improve themselves in any type of combative situation desired. He even took the time to special tailor sessions to meet each of his students individual needs. The combative art forms practiced were practical to the modern times, yet rooted in an understanding of some of the more traditional arts. With his immense experience and practical applications Doug is someone who you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to train with.
KH, Spokane, WA
Doug was kind enough to take me aside in one of his classes and give me a personal lesson in self defense. I was in a violent relationship at the time and he taught me a few basic things that really helped me in my personal situation. He is an incredible teacher and he gave me (a young, petite woman) the confidence and know-how to take care of myself when I really needed to. He has a wide range of knowledge and creates fun and interesting classes. I would highly recommend him to beginners and higher level martial artists.
NW, Spokane, WA
As a traditional martial artist with decades of training, working with Doug brought a much-needed fresh breeze to my practice. He has enabled me to look at many of my techniques and approaches from a variety of new angles. I don't know another martial artist who has a better grasp of what he is teaching and why, and who is able to apply his approach with such skill. Never stuck in his ways, he is constantly looking to improve, even after having been practicing for such a long time.
AG, Kirkland, WA
If you're looking for a place to learn practical self defense, this is the place to go. Doug's teaching has roots in traditional martial arts, but is presented in a contemporary framework with real world scenarios.
Come and join us!
PS, Bellevue, WA
Long time student with Doug in Santa Fe and can tell you he took my formal karate training and made it quicker , more fluid , and punching power more devastating. His classes had no hidden “secrets” like in formal dojo’s only attained when reaching certain belt levels, but every class focused on technique, application and slow sparring in real everyday scenario. That said , you can come away with the ability to defend yourself after one or two classes, because as students in the martial arts we cannot wait forever to apply our skills. I miss the Santa Fe group,and this kind of setting creates lasting friendships, let Doug take you on a journey.
KF, Eldorado, NM
Doug has a scientific approach to unarmed self defense and relies on principles rather than a "style". He is effective at transferring skills to his students.
LK, Woodinville, WA
For further information on group classes, private lessons and specialty programs,
Contact us now.
"It starts with an introduction. Then it turns into a fascination, which turns into a want and then a goal and then something you get in 20 years when you realize what you want isn’t offered genuinely. I’ve been infatuated with heroes and protecting and fighting. I’ve spent a long road trying to find how to become what I wanted to be, or get closer in any sense. Then I met Mr. Doug Hicks, and it started getting clearer just how far and how long it’ll take. He’s opened my eyes to what fighting is and just how unready I was, but also what I could become. He offers insight to a lifetime of knowledge. He’s like my Mr. Miyagi and me the Karate Kid. Since I’ve started I’ve only loved each class and the people who attend it, and have learned so much here. You’ll learn a lot more here than most other places can ever provide period. Classes are personal, practical and introduce a certain skill set that will last you for the rest of your life and that you could take anywhere. If you’re looking for a place to start, or continue, this is it."
CM, Kirkland, WA
Doug and Eastside Combatives is a great place to learn traditional and contemporary martial arts. The class blends practical forms of self defense from Doug’s background of a variety of schools. I like that the class isn’t centered around repeating a bunch of moves or actions but builds upon practical fundamentals in structured situations from both offensive or defensive stances. Even more so, the student gets an understanding of foundational body kinesiology and how that will affect their movements both in and out of class. With anything where you mix the mind and body in concert, the knowledge gained here is highly valuable, well taught and beneficial to anyone who seeks it out.
EH, Kirkland, WA
I have known and trained with Doug for a number of years. Take the opportunity to engage with this man. He is a truly unique mix of background, skills and interests. As far as martial arts goes you get a wonderful blend of Systema, Tai Chi, Grappling, Traditional Asian striking arts, and Modern Combatives. I'm sure I'm missing something but you get the idea. Add to that the insight from his experience as a Police Officer, working with SWAT, and his Personal Protection training brings realism and context to whatever he is teaching. So often, especially in "self defense" classes and combatives there seems to be no realization or examination of the consequences legal and otherwise, of a use of force encounter. He brings that insight to the table. Couple all that with an ever inquisitive mind, and a very wide ranging corpus of interests and life experience and you have an entirely unique learning experience.
JB, Santa Fe, NM
Regardless of your experience level, or martial goals, I believe in Doug’s ability to provide an experience that you will remember, and thus be able to utilize. He is great at both the basics as well as helping any level of the more advanced artist, find ways to improve themselves in any type of combative situation desired. He even took the time to special tailor sessions to meet each of his students individual needs. The combative art forms practiced were practical to the modern times, yet rooted in an understanding of some of the more traditional arts. With his immense experience and practical applications Doug is someone who you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to train with.
KH, Spokane, WA
Doug was kind enough to take me aside in one of his classes and give me a personal lesson in self defense. I was in a violent relationship at the time and he taught me a few basic things that really helped me in my personal situation. He is an incredible teacher and he gave me (a young, petite woman) the confidence and know-how to take care of myself when I really needed to. He has a wide range of knowledge and creates fun and interesting classes. I would highly recommend him to beginners and higher level martial artists.
NW, Spokane, WA
As a traditional martial artist with decades of training, working with Doug brought a much-needed fresh breeze to my practice. He has enabled me to look at many of my techniques and approaches from a variety of new angles. I don't know another martial artist who has a better grasp of what he is teaching and why, and who is able to apply his approach with such skill. Never stuck in his ways, he is constantly looking to improve, even after having been practicing for such a long time.
AG, Kirkland, WA
If you're looking for a place to learn practical self defense, this is the place to go. Doug's teaching has roots in traditional martial arts, but is presented in a contemporary framework with real world scenarios.
Come and join us!
PS, Bellevue, WA
Long time student with Doug in Santa Fe and can tell you he took my formal karate training and made it quicker , more fluid , and punching power more devastating. His classes had no hidden “secrets” like in formal dojo’s only attained when reaching certain belt levels, but every class focused on technique, application and slow sparring in real everyday scenario. That said , you can come away with the ability to defend yourself after one or two classes, because as students in the martial arts we cannot wait forever to apply our skills. I miss the Santa Fe group,and this kind of setting creates lasting friendships, let Doug take you on a journey.
KF, Eldorado, NM
Doug has a scientific approach to unarmed self defense and relies on principles rather than a "style". He is effective at transferring skills to his students.
LK, Woodinville, WA
For further information on group classes, private lessons and specialty programs,
Contact us now.