West Seattle business news: Martial-arts studio moving back

Got a note from Restita DeJesus, head instructor at Seattle Wushu Center (formerly Yin Yang Arts Center), who wanted to share this news: “My Tai Chi / Kung Fu studio was located at the old Graham & California building that was torn down. After being there for close to 8 years, (prior to that, on California and Juneau in the Nail Salon/Women’s fitness bldg for 6 years), it was very sad to leave West Seattle. Before teaching commercially, I taught at Southwest Community Center and Alki Community Center for a long time…..so after more than 20 years of being in West Seattle, I was crushed that I would have to leave …. However….I just want to notify readers of the West Seattle Blog that we will be moving back to West Seattle!! The owners of the Satellite Auto Glass building have agreed to lease the shop area to me. I was so overjoyed that I just wanted to … let everyone know we’re returning. Our plans are to move into the building the first week of February (cleaning, prepping, moving small items), and moving our big items in February 6th, 7th, and 8th. We’re looking forward to being back ‘home’ very soon!” (Her center’s new location is at 5659 California, which has been for sale for months.)

cj January 28, 2009 (8:02 am)

Congratz on the move back. That building is for sale though, so is the owner [who has not had much luck selling it so far] not going to sell it after all? I would hate to see you start up again and have to move when/if he sells it.

kaat January 28, 2009 (8:14 am)

Having started my son at the old Graham street location, and then taking him to the location in Georgetown, I am overjoyed that the sudio is moving back to West Seattle! Yay!

GreenSpaces January 28, 2009 (9:46 am)

This is awesome. Restita is finally someone I talked to who may be able to help the High Point neighborhood have an outdoor Tai Chi practice this summer, out in our beautiful Pond Park! I am very excited.

westseattleite January 28, 2009 (9:57 am)

I’m excited to see something go there. I live down the street and that place sitting there empty has just been an eye sore. The side buildings attached to it seem so wierd. Maybe the hubby and I will sign up for some classes since it’s so close.

Lisa January 28, 2009 (12:20 pm)

I am so excited to see the school coming back to West Seattle! I joined the school while it was located at Graham and California and it feels like now the school is moving back home. I can’t wait for the first class at the new space!

Tim January 28, 2009 (12:45 pm)

This is a great opportunity for you and your family to join one of the best martial arts school in Seattle! Sifu DeJesus is a great instructor no matter if you are a youth, teen, adult or senior, she offeres something for everyone. I hope to see you all there!

Eli January 28, 2009 (1:40 pm)

Yeah!!! My son was heartbroken when they had to move to Georgetown. I am sooo happy to see them coming home!

WushuGrrl January 28, 2009 (6:09 pm)

Wow. I didn’t know that the news of our return to West Seattle would go up so quickly!!

Wendy: Please contact me in the Spring, and we can see about arranging “Tai Chi at Pond Park!”

CJ: As far as I’ve guessed from our correspondence, the owners want to hang onto the building for a while longer.

Westseattleite: We have a new beginners Tai Chi class that will be starting on Monday evenings in mid February, if Tai Chi is something you might be interested in.

Kris Wilder January 28, 2009 (10:08 pm)

Restita is one of the best, and not just in Seattle but nation wide. Good to have you back where you belong – in our neck of the woods.

Kris

KatHP January 30, 2009 (9:14 am)

I am so delighted that Sifu Restita will be back in our neck of the woods! For anyone who is interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi, she is a fantastic instructor. My son thoroughly enjoys her classes. We’re looking forward to seeing her and her group perform in Chinatown this Saturday.

Marina February 2, 2009 (11:58 am)

I so excited that we’re moving back to West Seattle. I’m sitting at the computer with 20 papers in front of me with various measurements, trying to figure out the new floor layout, and it’s so awesome to think that in 5 short days we’ll be putting it all together. The school rocks and if you’re thinking of learning self defense, we’d love to have you. And who wouldn’t want to train in a location with huge bay doors…think of the awesomeness!

WushuGrrl February 6, 2009 (11:50 am)

Today, we’ll be moving all the mats. Tomorrow, the Wushu carpets, equipment, and furniture. Should be fun! We’ll be starting classes this coming Tuesday February 10th!

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