I love Hapkido. I speak highly of the art and I speak highly in general of the training I receive at BMA. I like the small class size and have always enjoyed the cameraderie of those training with me. The seminars are a nice change of pace and although they can sometimes be a little pricey, they're enjoyable and give us a chance to work on things not typically covered. Most of the people I am friends with know I am in Hapkido and I never miss an opportunity to demonstrate how easily I can injure somebody else...lol. It has also been good for me as a way of staying in shape.
Rick Moore
Overall, I find the curriculum and teaching style excellent. I have been a member or visited many other schools in various styles of martial arts in my life, and I find BMA one of the more enjoyable. It is a balanced mix of practical style but also low key (meaning not over-the-top or too intense) that makes coming to practice enjoyable, rather than a chore. I like the spontanaiety of the curriculum. Mixing up different things (footwork, hand/foot technique, working with power bags, and self-defense work) keeps the class from getting boring.
Vladimir Zuzukin
Michael B. Jones
Tristan Burchette Moore
Once I decided to learn Hapkido, I had to find the right instructor to learn from. Not just from a master of Hapkido, but a master of Hapkido that can truly teach the art, not just teach the techniques of Hapkido, but the underlying principals of the art. An instructor who not understands the underlying principles, but can teach them to a very diverse range of individuals with different body types, strengths, and ages...Not only does Master Beck understand and teach the principals of Hapkido, he augments these principals with very practical street defense skills, not the impractical flowery skills taught by other instructors. Master Beck also stresses the foundations of self defense, footwork, conditioning, body mechanics, and often ignored, mental skills.
John Dawson
I had never taken a martial arts class before and I talked
with a number of
my friends prior to signing up. My friends told me that the main
factor in
choosing a class was the instructor, then the style. That is why
I chose to
study with Master Beck. He has been someone I have really enjoyed
working
with.
Being 47, I was anxious about being able to do hapkido. Master
Beck has been
patient and a great instructor. And now that I know a little more
about
Hapkido, I think it is the best self defense art. I would encourage
you, no
matter your age, to come visit a class.
Ken Mixon
... to train the body is really to train the mind and the spirit and so on. When these things are brought together, there arises in the midst a great treasure called LIFE: Ki. If one way to translate "Hapkido" is "Art of Coordinated Power", then another equally valid way is: "Way of Harmony with Life".
I invite you to do as I have done and continue to do. Look in the dojo and you will see students and teachers. Look in yourself and you will find the teaching. At last, you will understand, that the martial arts truly begin in the heart and mind. ...I am eternally grateful to have the Honor and Privilage of studying Hapkido under the patient tutelage of Master David Beck.
Buddy Moore