04/13/09

Parents, beware!

by deedubpdx

. . . because you will be stuck for the life of your contract if your child wants to quit. What's worse, in my opinion, is that the people here won't even discuss things reasonably. My child attended classes at Hawthorne for two years. When school and other commitments made it impossible to continue--and she was no longer enjoying the classes--I called to ask whether they'd consider releasing us from our contract (at the time, six months remained). At their request, I wrote an e-mail explaining my particular situation and my reluctance to spend $99/month for classes my child no longer will attend. This has led to complete stonewalling from them; phone calls are inconclusive at best (the head honcho is conveniently never around to make a decision) and my e-mails are absolutely ignored. They have never even given me the courtesy of a yes or no answer--but they keep charging my account, so I've figured it out. In terms of the contract, they are within their rights to do this. However, the formerly friendly atmosphere, and the sheer amount of time that we have spent there, led me to think they might be human beings about this. Their Web site says something about Poekoelan being the way to "a joy which heals the self, community and world." Perhaps not. This is no way to treat people, and I'm left with something other than a joyful feeling.

• Cons: Make sure your child really wants to do this . . .

05/24/08

Started with Yoga - now my whole family is involved...great family community and good workouts!

by runningskirt

I started out as a yoga student wanting something that was within baby nap-time distance of my house (I only had an hour where my partner could watch our little one and I didn't want to waste it travelling.) This was over three years ago - I added on strength training and now, train in the martial arts there and OWH.

The hours have been difficult at times - especially losing the early morning free gym hours - but overall it's worked out really well. I love the community - that my child is welcome there, that I've never been given a line or treated in any way differently because I'm a woman or small - the vibe here is such that no matter what your gender, age, ability, sexual orientation - you are supported in your training and welcome.

It's different than the YMCA, 24 hr fitness and all of the other gyms i've ever belonged to. The instructors are some of the best I've encountered - and the staff - while yes, it's a small community, they get to know you - the staff are supportive and friendly. I'd give it a try - they are always offering specials.

12/17/07

Not worth it

by heidiambler

I began One With Heart wanting a nonjudgmental place where I could work out at my own pace and learn a cool skill (boxing & kickboxing). I was disappointed. This is only a good place to go if you're already in top shape and have perfect coordination. The instructors move way too fast for beginning level classes, and they humiliatingly single people out (me) who bungle the combinations or otherwise have trouble picking them up. It feels like fifth grade gym class. It's also way too expensive at $99 per month. (There are cheaper packages, but this is the one you must choose if you want the boxing and kickboxing classes.) When I moved to Seattle, I was relieved that it was grounds for being released from my contract. However, One With Heart continued to bill me for THREE MONTHS after I canceled my membership, each time assuring me it was a mistake, this would be the last time, it won't happen again; etc. Lies. Not cool, not worth it, wasted a lot of money. Thought I'd throw this review up to warn other people.

• Pros: Nice facility & ambience. Attentive service.
• Cons: A little TOO attentive, too expensive, shady billing practices.

10/27/05

i found it all

by alohagirlie

i love my classes! the varity at one with heart is so great, and i love that i can come at almost anytime of the day and get expert instruction. the poekoelan classes are amazing and full of high energy fun, with practical application. the women's self-defense classes have changed my life, and i feel not only safer in my everyday adventures, but like i can really be myself. i am so excited to be part of this community. i whole heartedly recommend one with heart to anyone looking for a space to be themselves.

• Pros: friendly, expert instruction, all ages

10/10/05

fun classes but no anonymity

by screaminggeek

one with heart has great classes and a healthy martial arts program. the people are very nice and kinda cultish. we found the required one-year contract to be onerous and inflexible. we wanted earlier morning hours and better cardio equipment. OWH is not an anonymous gym experience. our schedule made workouts erratic and the staff seemed disappointed in our spotty attendance. eventually we just dropped out of the scene, not wanting others to keep tabs on our fitness participation.

• Pros: wide class selection, empowering
• Cons: expensive, old cardio equipment

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor

Poekoelan kung fu, kickboxing, Indonesian martial arts, self-defense and yoga in group sessions or private lessons. Special workshops held frequently.

02/15/04

Compassionat Balanced Action

by foxey13

One With Heart is the gym alternative for those who loathe the gym scene. The weight floor is one of the best in town, the high level of excellence of the instructors will make any work out you choose a learning and cardio experience. One of the few kickbox programs in town where the instructors are actually martial artists - allowing you to safely hit the bags. Call them up, try them out for a week, you won't be sorry!

• Pros: great environment, kid friendly, fabulous instructors

05/14/03

i love this place!

by mamamoon

the atmosphere around one with heart is something you cannot find anywhere else. strength and compassion flow around the school. the instructors are the most passionate and patient people i have ever studied from. i highly recommend checking out their poekoelan kung fu classes!

• Pros: creative classes, open all day, variety of classes
• Cons: not open on sunday