Portland Academy of Self Defense

Portland Academy of Self Defense offers martial arts and self-defense training based on Hapkido. Classes include fitness and conditioning drills along with coordination, balance, and movement skills. The program also includes bully prevention and conflict awareness skills, as well as options for private lessons, family training, friends training together, women’s groups, and small group training.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Office open Monday–Friday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; 12-week self-defense training program; discovery meetings available by appointment Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–8:00 PM and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Portland Academy of Self Defense offers a 12-week self-defense course and self-defense, personal safety, and awareness workshops for businesses, schools, community organizations, private groups, and small groups. The program teaches Hapkido as a comprehensive martial art focused on practical application, with age-appropriate training for kids, teens, and adults. It offers professional, results-driven martial arts training that includes fitness-focused classes where every class involves strength, conditioning, and overall fitness, and effective self-defense training focused on what works so students can respond under pressure.

The kids martial arts program combines martial arts, fitness, self-defense, and character development with a focus on confidence, focus, discipline, respect, and self-control. Training takes place in a safe, fun, well-supervised environment with emphasis on proper warm-up, flexibility, and correct performance of techniques, and classes have an ego-free team atmosphere where instructors provide individual attention. Programs are available for kids, teens, and adults, with private and small group training options and workshops for businesses, schools, community groups, and private groups.

Coach David Pritchett is the owner, founder, and chief instructor of Portland Academy of Self Defense. The academy states that, as a professional Hapkido martial arts academy, it takes a world class approach to training in all of its disciplines and is always trying to improve in every aspect.

Parent and student comments include: “I needed to get in shape after an injury, and well, middle age. I tried Hapkido for the first time, and really enjoyed it. Now, two years later, both my wife and I go instead of going to a boring gym......” (James J. Hussey). Another review notes, “Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value. Great instructor, fun classes. I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been coming.” (hot tangerine Oregon). A third comment says, “With encouragement from a friend, I signed up for a Hapkido class with Master David in July, 2014. And although I was sore the next morning after my first class, I knew the that I had made a good....” (Adam B).

Last updated July 13, 2026.