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Adult Program
"Since I was first introduced to the study of martial arts more than 20 years ago, I have benefited enormously from the opportunity to practice and train under several very good teachers. I've always been attracted to the discipline and ideals embodied by the arts - both physical and mental, as well as the concept of utilizing the principles of training used by ancient warriors to help me face the challenge of living in the modern world.
I enrolled as a student at Traditional Martial Arts Academy with Mr. Espy last spring, and find that my training here is the best it has ever been. Part of it is the great physical workouts and the skillful, educated instruction where our instructors provide lots of detail on how to improve our techniques for both effective power application and personal safety. Another thing I like about class is the emphasis on personal responsibility to not only learn the philosophy of the art, but also to apply it in my daily life.
I find that the name of our style - Pyon Moo Do, or the Warrior Path of Transformation - is very well chosen. Mr. Espy and his team have created a safe space to train hard, and to bring the ideas of ancient training and philosophy into a personal present tense for the purpose of creating actual change in the way I experience life. I highly recommend training here to all my friends, and am constantly extending the invitation to come try classes because I truly believe in the benefits of training, as well as the quality of my school and its teachers."
Kaia, adult student
"When people ask me what I like about about studying martial arts at TMAA, I find that I do not have an easy answer. The simplest way of putting it is that it has changed my life completely. When I began my training with Sa Bum Nim Espy four years ago I was a disturbed teenager, finishing out high school. I was shy, quiet, I had low self-esteem, and was out of shape. With the guidance of Sa Bum Nim Espy, and rigorous martial arts training I learned to accept my fear, and ultimately myself. Now I am loud, proud, conversational, and in excellent physical condition. Everyday I am grateful for what TMAA and Sa Bum Nim Espy have helped me to accomplish. Sa Bum Nim Espy is a notable teacher with a wealth of knowledge that he is always seeking to share. His teaching methods are designed to help every student reach their potential in martial arts, as well as in life."
Eric, adult student
"Mr. Espy came to my high school when I was just a freshman. He made an announcement at lunch one day in the spring letting us know the school was letting him offer his class in our gym two nights a week. I was interested but already very busy with other activities such as volleyball. But I still came out for a few classes. The first thing I remember noticing about Mr. Espy was that it was very easy to talk to him and communicate with him even when I wasn't sure of myself. I was not sure I could commit myself to another activity but I wanted to try, and Mr. Espy was very encouraging without being pushy or demanding. It ended up that I could not do more than a few weeks worth of classes with Mr. Espy before a knee injury, and later surgery, left me recovering for more than a year. When I emailed Mr. Espy a few days afterwards that I couldn't come to class anymore because I had just torn my ACL (a ligament in the knee), he was very kind and actually went to my school to get permission to teach me a form of Tai Chi that is from a seated position.
About a year and a half later, I rejoined Mr. Espy’s school...located off of Bee Caves [TMAA has since relocated to South Austin].
The summer before my senior year of high school I finally was able to drive and so was able to come to class much more often. My parents are very old fashioned and never have cared for my doing martial arts. It was actually amazing they ever let me even start with Mr. Espy. The only reason they did was because my high school was letting him teach on campus and vouching for his character. Mr. Espy also talked to my parents when I started and his calm and poised way of explaining what his goals with the class were eased my parent’s fears that I would get injured (or turned into some strange monk!)
The last point I will make is this: I have never gotten injured in Mr. Espy’s class, only healthier. I returned to his school wearing a huge brace on my left knee and he made all the right accommodations so that I never reinjured my knee. He also does a good job of stretching us all out at the beginning of class so that we don’t put muscles or strain ligaments. I have gotten far more and far worse injuries from playing volleyball than I ever have from martial arts which attests to Mr. Espy’s attentiveness and knowledge of the human body.
Mr. Espy and his martial arts class has had nothing but a positive effect on my life, and Mr. Espy himself is a good friend my life would be poorer without."
Martha, adult student
"I find the classes to be very challenging, exciting, extreme and high energy. Being in sports most of my life I can honestly say that I have never experienced a better work out then at TMAA. I am learning self defense while practicing patience, consideration and forgiveness. In the process I have also gained speed, balance and confidence in myself. I have friends that are black belts in Tae Kwon Do & Kung Fu that are both very impressed with what I know for just being at an orange belt level at the TMAA. My instructor Sa Bum Num Espy is very dedicated and knowledgeable. I am always amazed at how much knowledge and passion he has for teaching others what he knows in martial arts field. I am constantly challenged by his teaching methods."
Steven, adult student
"I began training [seven months ago]. Since then, I have much more self confidence and motivation. Nothing seems insurmountable anymore. I am ready to face life's challenges head on, and I feel that I can do anything that I set my mind to. My body feels great, and this has impacted every facet of my life in a positive manner. Mr. Espy's class is very welcoming and inviting, and I have had the most wonderful opportunity to strengthen myself in this atmosphere. I have made great friends, and learned a compassion for others that I previously did not know. Becoming a student of Pyon Moo Do was the best decision I ever made, and I can only hope that others would be so fortunate as to experience this. There are no negative aspects to training under Mr. Espy, and it has and will continue to be a privilege to soak in his extensive beneficial knowledge. My experience has been fantastic, and I know that others will agree with me."
Jana, adult student
"...since I joined TMAA, I feel exponentially more powerful, focused, and knowledgeable...I [find] myself making wiser decisions, handling stress in a more healthy way, and feeling happier."
Kim, adult student
Children’s Program
"Mr. Espy, I can't say enough good things about you and the school. Many years ago I trained and also worked for another school in town and I left with alot of anger about the experience. That school was all about money and getting new kids in so there could be more money - forget quality education. So I was skeptical about you and your program. But I have seen how much you want the students to succeed and that means pushing their limits so that they can be proud of themselves. Plus you and Eric are great with the kids! They respect you and want to work hard for you! Thank you for being Sam's teacher."
Jennifer, mother of Sam, age 11
"Last year, my son expressed an interest in training in martial arts. He had a desire to learn more about protection and self-discipline. I began searching online through all of the various schools which trained children. I wanted a school which provided martial arts training, but that also offered a path into the self. I knew from my own experience that martial arts training can help the individual become more focused, self-reliant, and confident. I wanted to find a school which could provide that special combination of physical training along with mental and spiritual awareness. This was indeed a difficult search.
When I finally found the Traditional Martial Arts website, I was immediately drawn to their "mind, body and spirit" message. I gathered from the photos and bio that children are very important to the teachers there, a rare find. Upon closer examination, I immediately felt a warmth and safety in the room at our very first day there. My son walked out beaming with excitement. He wanted to return to this place that provided the safety and intrigue he had been craving. He looks forward to each and every class now with the idea that "anything is possible", both in training and in life. I have noticed a real change in the way he views things, and I believe this is due to his unique training at Traditional Martial Arts Academy.
Although my son struggles with a subtle form of Tourette's Syndrome and Nervous Tics, he has found the training to be quite helpful in helping him to focus and relax. I am both impressed and grateful for Mr. Espy's gentle, llight-hearted approach to my son's quirks. He has found a means of communication with him through his training that I would never have imagined. He has shown him new ways to cope with tension, stress, and anger, for which I will be forever grateful.
Both my son & I highly recommend Traditional Martial Arts Academy to anyone in search of not only martial arts, but self-awareness & development. It is a "whole" experience."
Lisa, mother of Pablo, age 9
"Since I have joined Traditional Martial Arts Academy I have learned to focus a lot more and my kicks are getting higher and I have met a lot of new friends. I love working with Mr. Espy and Mr. Eric. They have taught me a lot. They have also taught me how to do front rolls and my break falls. I really like being the loudest one in the class and all my new friends!!!"
Zachary, age 8
”TMAA is a incredible experience. It has changed me by teaching me how to do things I never thought I could do. I’m testing for my yellow belt on April 26, 2008. I couldn’t tie my belt but I kept trying and I did it.”
Jude, age 7
"I have seen a great change in Zachary's behavior and that he is focusing more and I'm enjoying every minute of it. At first TMAA was a little scary to both of us, because we didn't know anybody and didn't know what to expect or what was expected from us, but know it feels just like home. Mr. Espy and Mr. Eric are both great with the children and that's a relief. You can't always go to a place and expect your child to be treated with respect and dignity, but that's exactly what you get. TMAA is a great place for everybody. We started in August of 2007 and it's been uphill all the way!!!"
Georgia, mother of Zachary, age 8
”My two grandsons have been enrolled here for several months and I couldn’t be more impressed with what they have learned in such a short time: patience, confidence, tolerance. Mr. Espy seems to have a special knack for determining the different needs of each child. It is also impressive to see the respect he both gives and demands from all the children. I would recommend this class for any child.”
Carol, grandmother of Ryan and Jude, ages 11 and 7
“TMAA is one of the best things to ever happen to our family! My oldest son has special needs and when he started was too shy to even raise his hand in class. Now he has confidence and isn’t afraid to try new things. Everyone is very supportive and encouraging of one another. The kids all love and respect Mr. Espy and he has a way of bringing out the best in all of them.”
Amy, mother of Ryan and Jude, ages 11 and 7
“What an amazing influence your classes have been on our daughter! We’ve witnessed how your focus, patience, dedication, and light-heartedness transcends to each of your students. Gigi’s confidence and focus continue to grow and we realize that there is no stopping her now!
Thanks so much for passing along your integrity, spirit, and passion of Martial Arts.“
Yvette and Olivier, parents of Gigi, age 7
“My daughter started taking classes at TMAA because we were new to the community & wanted to make new friends. We have made some amazing new friends & every week she looks forward to going to class! Mr. Espy, her teacher, has been patient & nurturing. I have seen her confidence level increase because of her teacher & her new friends at TMAA.”
Veronica, mother of Alessandra, age 7
"Sophia thoroughly enjoys her time in the classes. While the classes are structured and disciplined, the children have fun, and the instruction level is always age appropriate. Through working toward goals such as mastering routines and earning stripes, Sophia's confidence and athleticism have greatly improved. However, the most profound improvement has come in her ability to calm herself down, when her frustration level gets too high, using the meditation techniques learned in class."
Don, father of Sophia, age 6
"Traditional Martial Arts Academy is a place that offers a student integrative work that involves the wholeness of a child. The teacher has great insight into bringing a child into a place of stability and expanding upon their capabilities. Personally, I have seen my son motivated and deeply enriched in only two months of working in this program. His self esteem is improving as well as his vitality for life. If you are looking for a community that elevates you or your child, I believe Traditional Martial Arts Academy will serve you. "
Stacey, mother of Sam, age 7
"At school, we were doing something on the playground, and I didn’t realize it, but my friends were talking about somebody that they shouldn’t have, so I just felt really relaxed and told them they shouldn’t be doing that and then I just walked away."
Kara, age 10
In response to a question about how learning to relax at TMAA has helped her outside of martial arts.
"My son has been your student for 7 months. During his time in the class he has learned the forms, movements, and conventions of participating in the program. More importantly, he has begun to understand the discipline and self discovery that comes with the learning. He has started to work through his frustrations, to control his impulses, and to focus on the tasks before him. Through this he has developed better mastery of his physical energy.
Thank you so much for the positive impact you are having. You are very much appreciated."
Heidi, mother of Nick, age 6
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