Traditional Martial Arts Academy -Programs for Adults and Children -- Austin, TX

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Who is this for? Adult Child Both Name: Email: Phone: What are the main benefits that you are seeking? (Select all that apply) Physical Fitness Stress Management Empowerment Self Discipline Improve Grades Meet New Friends Recreation and Fun Concentration Self Defense Strength to Say “No” Healthy Habit Greater Energy Comments		Student Testimonials Kaia talks about life at Traditional Martial Arts Academy "...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 "After 7 years of training in Tae Kwon Do and 6 years in full time college, I knew that any further education I would seek out would not be initiated by the subject matter in question alone, but also the teachers with whom I would be learning from. Finding TMAA has been a godsend. Logically, in seeking a school I would think that a thorough review of the material being taught, an evaluation on the teacher(s), and a good vibe from potential training partners would be in order before committing. After my first night in class, I knew I would join at the end of the trial period. Sa Bum Nim Espy is a very dynamic and fun teacher, not only does he have an extensively thorough skill and knowledge in what he teaches, but a certain light heartedness that makes it all the exciting and fun. I was only concerned at the very beginning about whether the curriculum is something I would be interested in learning, and once I got a taste my concerns have become only a distant memory. The curriculum is quite diverse and the little bits and pieces that we glimpse of the advanced curriculum always makes me very happy about what I will be learning in another year. Additionally Sa Bum Nim Espy's love of martial arts is always bringing new information in on what we have already learned, as well as from time to time new items that we learn..just because! The wei-gong (hard style) classes are highly energetic, with a good balance of curriculum and physical conditioning. The nei-gong (soft style) semi-class-nars (or maybe classy seminars?) are quite relaxing and invigorating all at the same time, while advancing my intuition, knowledge, and feeling of my energetic body. I am very happy in my training at this school and even more so about where I will be in a year from training here!" Ariel Nate discusses life as an apprentice instructor "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 "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 "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 "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 "...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
home testimonials schedule our staff contact & map student documents other programs

Who is this for?
Adult Child Both

Name:

Email:

Phone:

What are the main benefits that you are seeking?
(Select all that apply)
Physical Fitness
Stress Management
Empowerment
Self Discipline
Improve Grades
Meet New Friends
Recreation and Fun
Concentration
Self Defense
Strength to Say “No”
Healthy Habit
Greater Energy

Comments

Student Testimonials

Kaia talks about life at Traditional Martial Arts Academy

"...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

"After 7 years of training in Tae Kwon Do and 6 years in full time college, I knew that any further education I would seek out would not be initiated by the subject matter in question alone, but also the teachers with whom I would be learning from. Finding TMAA has been a godsend. Logically, in seeking a school I would think that a thorough review of the material being taught, an evaluation on the teacher(s), and a good vibe from potential training partners would be in order before committing. After my first night in class, I knew I would join at the end of the trial period. Sa Bum Nim Espy is a very dynamic and fun teacher, not only does he have an extensively thorough skill and knowledge in what he teaches, but a certain light heartedness that makes it all the exciting and fun. I was only concerned at the very beginning about whether the curriculum is something I would be interested in learning, and once I got a taste my concerns have become only a distant memory. The curriculum is quite diverse and the little bits and pieces that we glimpse of the advanced curriculum always makes me very happy about what I will be learning in another year. Additionally Sa Bum Nim Espy's love of martial arts is always bringing new information in on what we have already learned, as well as from time to time new items that we learn..just because! The wei-gong (hard style) classes are highly energetic, with a good balance of curriculum and physical conditioning. The nei-gong (soft style) semi-class-nars (or maybe classy seminars?) are quite relaxing and invigorating all at the same time, while advancing my intuition, knowledge, and feeling of my energetic body. I am very happy in my training at this school and even more so about where I will be in a year from training here!"
Ariel

Nate discusses life as an apprentice instructor

"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

"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

"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

"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

"...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

home testimonials schedule our staff contact & map student documents other programs