What Is Seven Star Seattle?

Seven Star is a Seattle nonprofit that has offered martial arts training since 1981, with a specific focus on gender-marginalized individuals. Its programs are open to trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people of any gender, as well as all women, both trans and cis. The organization teaches Kajukenbo, a martial arts style, and also runs community self-defense classes. If you are looking for a martial arts space in Seattle that centers gender-marginalized people, Seven Star is designed for that purpose.

Who can train at Seven Star

Seven Star explicitly welcomes:

• Trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people of any gender
• All women, including trans women and cis women

This welcome applies across its training programs. For the Try a Class Night specifically, the organization states it is open to trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals and cis-women age 13 and older.

Programs and how to get involved

Seven Star offers several entry points depending on what you want to try.

Beginner's Cycle

If you want to become a student at Seven Star, the stated first step is the 4-week Beginner's Cycle. According to the site, the next cycle runs from September 15 to October 8. You can visit the Beginner's Cycle page to learn more and register.

Try a Class Night

This is a chance to check out Seven Star's martial arts style, Kajukenbo, before committing. The listed session is Wednesday, September 2, 6:30–8:00pm. No prior experience is necessary. The organization describes it as an opportunity to meet Seven Star students and teachers and get a feel for the curriculum, teaching style, and community.

Community Self Defense Class

Seven Star also runs self-defense training for broader populations. The upcoming class listed is Sunday, September 27, at 1pm, and it is open to all individuals age 13 and older. More details are available on the Self Defense page.

Renting the space

Seven Star's building is available to rent for rehearsals, classes, parties, or other events during mornings, early afternoons, and some evenings and weekends. The site notes it as a fit for martial artists, dancers, personal trainers, yoga instructors, and other movement-based activities. However, the organization states it is not accepting new rental inquiries at this time. Rates and availability are listed on its rental page.

Quick reference

Dates and availability can change, so check the relevant page on sevenstarseattle.org before planning to attend.