Karate West, located in Mercer Island's south end shopping center since 2007, is rated in the top 1% of all martial arts schools in the country. Developing life skills and creating leaders in personal achievement is central to the curriculum here. In business on the Eastside since 1989, Karate West offers various classes for ages 3 to adult, as well as private lessons. A great way to get started is to sign up for the introductory special which includes a uniform and one week of classes.