Of course, you've heard of all the challenges in life that you seemed to have succeeded. As well, you've seen advertising stating that all the schools offer the best program or helps your kids with certain challenges. I can go on and on but this is not what you want to read. Instead, the question should be "Why would you choose to better your life?".
The answer to this is not complex at all. The answer is at Phan University of Martial Arts. A majority of the public views martial arts as being very violent and applying the physical attributes of oneself.
Children who attend Phan University of Martial Arts are destined to succeed in life because we teach them about goals, self-esteem, discipline and persistence at an early age. More importantly, the traits children learn in our unique program will pay off for the rest of their lives!
Overweight kids who lose a few pounds through self discipline and exercise stand to gain massive amounts of self esteem and confidence. Smart kids, bored with school, will start to learn to set goals and reach for higher limits. Wild kids will learn how to focus and channel their energy in a more positive direction. And finally, shy children are brought out of their shell.
As for the adults, the people of the Far East have considered martial arts as the perfect way to increases fitness, flexibility and stamina for over 2,000 years. In fact martial arts is the world's best all-round workout because it not only gives your body an awesome workout but it sharpens your mind as well!
On the news on March 15, 2001, a young lady was punched in the face at a mall parking lot and then pushed into a car. Did she expect the unexpected? The same news program showed a young man that had been beaten up and robbed as he walked back to work from a lunch break. Was he alert at the time? In other news, a man went into a paint shop and began to shoot off rounds of ammunition at the bystanders because he lost his job. Stress is one of life's biggest challenges.
Just realize every day, the role of a martial artist is to act accordingly to his/her surroundings. You will have to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. No matter what, you will have to learn the ways of controlling situations, dealing with resistance as well as redirecting them.
You may have to decide where your future lies when your son gets frustrated and then takes the anger out on the dog or even innocent people. You will decide how to react when a man stands behind you then says without hesitation "Give me your money or your life". You will learn how to deal with stress while under pressure with deadlines to reach and searching for a babysitter.
You will learn how to handle different situations as life will always hand you challenges. You have to decide whether martial arts is right for you.
This is the most frequently asked question. We understand that this is a very personal issue regarding budget. "We do not seek to 'sell' out prices; we seek to sell the benefits of our school and the quality of our instructions and the outcome of our students.", Master Quyen V. Phan Le.
Because there are so many schools out to make a buck these days, sometimes people don't realize that they are committing themselves to a non-certified, non-accredited martial artist without any teaching experience. Instead "PEOPLE ARE GETTING WHAT THEY PAY FOR", budget or no budget. This investment is for a lifetime. Whether you know it or not, the instructor will be playing one of the biggest roles in your child's life or even yours. By accepting a low payment school with a large number of students, you will not receive the attention you or our child need to reach your goals. Investing in your life and or your child should be priceless. When it comes down to facing a situation with no alternate route, you may face the failings of that so-called instructor's teaching. More than 60% of our students are from the surrounding schools. Please read the article below.
I AM THE PRODUCT OF A McDOJO by M.J. Harday
I went into a training program in good faith. I didn't know much about karate, or even that there were different types of martial arts, but I did know that I wanted to learn how to defend myself.
To someone like me, whose only exposure was through TV and movies, when a school opens and you go to see the instructor, and he looks like what he does is a lot like the things you see on TV, you tend to believe that they really do know what they are doing. When the price seems reasonable and he says "you look like you're in pretty good shape, good enough I can promise you'll be a black belt in 2 years" you get excited, and you sign on the dotted line. When he offers you a 10% discount for paying cash up front, you jump at it. And then you start your classes, knowing that in just 2 years you'll be a black belt and you'll be able to defend yourself.
He was right. In 2 years I did get my black belt. I went through the test with a dozen other people, and we all paid $500 to test, and amazingly enough we all passed. We were downright proud of ourselves and each other for getting through 2 years of sweat with each other, helping each other to learn along the way.
Our classes just seemed like what a karate class should be. We bowed in, we called each other 'sir" and "ma'am"; we exercised and pushed ourselves hard to get into shape; we learned countless katas and spent hours working on special kicks. We learned a lot.
What we didn't learn though, and didn't even realize we weren't learning, was how to use the techniques that were in the katas. We never learned to combine techniques. We never realized just because we could do these katas well, and just because we had nice looking, fast and powerful kicks, that we didn't know how and when to use them. We never sparred. None of us had ever taken any real contact.
Most of us, so damned pleased with ourselves for sticking with it for two whole years, stayed and went for our 2nd degree black belts. And then third. The only thing that changed in the class patterns was the katas we learned. But we were doing so well!
I could have stayed on that happy little path for the rest of my life if not for what happened to someone else. I wasn't even there, but it opened my eyes. It scared me so badly that I had to start reading notes posted on the Internet, and comparing what other people were saying about their schools to what was going on in mine. I even started checking out the things other schools in the area were doing.
One of the men I started class with, one of the guys who blazed his way through to black belt in 2 years and stuck with it along with me was beaten up in a way I didn't think anyone could survive. He was a mass of ripped flesh and broken bones and blood, and that was after a few days of healing. He lost the hearing in one ear and for a while they weren't sure he was going to walk again. All because he was attacked, and he thought he knew how to defend himself.
He says now that he was confident until he was hit with the first punch. All that kata practice hadn't taught him how to block effectively. We were never taught that a kata is a fight from one side and that the things we were doing represented someone else fighting us. It was just patterns we had to learn. Block-punch-kick... well how in the hell was that supposed to teach us anything when we never really knew what it was in the first place, what the movements represented, and how to counter attack?
We're not black belts. We're a bunch of well conditioned dancers.
This guy could have died. As it is he will have lasting effects of being beaten for the rest of his life. It was an eye opener for all of us, when we realized none of us had ever even taken a serious punch. Things just kind of fell into place then. We didn't spar. We weren't allowed to compete. The reason given that sport held no place in his teaching, but the truth is that he couldn't afford for us to be exposed to people in the martial arts who knew what they were doing.
A few months later, we know. We were conned. This joker left his own instructor as a blue belt with only 2 years instruction because he thought he was good enough. It wasn't good enough. His ego could have gotten any of us killed.
If you own a belt factory, please think twice about what you are doing. Your students trust you, and the rely on you to teach them well. I spent a lot of years of my life thinking I was being taught by a high ranking black belt when he was just a smooth talking jerk who couldn't stick with his own training. I thought I was about to test for my 3rd degree black belt. Now I know, after talking to people and then going to see other schools, that I am probably no better skilled than the average 1-2 year student with a orange or green belt. I might be faster and have more endurance, but they know more than I do.
I have started training now with a Chung Do Kwan teacher who is 100% different. Nothing is a given with him. He didn't promise me anything and hearing my version of How-I-Got-My-Black-Belt insisted I begin as a white belt, and he would give me ample opportunity to progress if I learned things quickly.
You know, that first black belt just isn't as attractive anymore.I just want to be able to defend myself.
If you own a McDojo, think twice. It's not your life that might end in a bloody heap on the side of the road. Can you live with that? I hope not.
This should be a lesson to many of the schools and prospect martial artists. We may all look good in a uniform, but not all of us have the high standard of teaching or competing. (We may all look the same, but we are very much not built the same). It's your choice, be the victim or the victor. We only build real and true martial artists. Factual information, many schools in D.C. metro area are very much commercial. False information, many schools will 'TEACH YOU REAL MARTIAL ARTS'. Factual information, many schools try to teach real self defense, but end up dangerously injuring students. False information, many schools allow black belts teach classes and are certified or recognized through a national governing body. Factual information, many schools teach too much of the sport aspect, but does not progress the student in several challenges in discipline, courtesy, integrity, loyalty, honor, or respect. Nor teach them realistic self defense tactics. False information, many schools require students that attends academic schools to provide progress reports.
When you are ready to be taught real martial arts, feel free to set up an appointment. Phan University of Martial Arts offers several tuition programs as well as payment plans to accommodate your budget.
Which martial arts is best suited for me or my child?
Here at the University, we educate potential students about the differences of each martial arts and what each offers for each person. Although the style of each martial arts discipline is different, their aspects of disciplining one's mind, body and spirit is very much the same. We strive to never endanger ourselves in any situation unless it becomes necessary to defend ourselves. Your choice in a martial arts requires great consideration. You must realize none of the martial arts are easy and perfection is not possible. We can only help you become better. Realize that choosing the martial art you want is a great challenge. It will require dedication and a focused mind, body and spirit. To arrange for your appointment, please contact us so that we may help you narrow down your choice to the art you wish to major in.
I teach my students to take advantage of the resources available and to not abuse them. For example, since the public library is open to everyone, make use of it. If there was a cost for each visit we made, not many people could afford to go. This is the reason for unlimited teaching at Phan University of Martial Arts. We trust that the students will take advantage of this, allowing them to grow in knowledge, in skill and in human actions. We allow the students to take as many classes during the week to fulfill the requirements in achieving their goals, which is not about being a black belt but being undefeatable at school, at work, or at home.
Yes, only during the classes of your belt level, "all belt" classes, and open dojang/dojo, if it is offered the same day. Click here to view the class schedule.
Yes you do. With the growing number of families these days, it's possible that more than one family member would be interested in learning about the martial arts. They say that most children are more likely to partake in activities if there's a chance that the parents will do so as well. In any case, family discounts are offered at Phan University of Martial Arts. To set up an appointment, please contact us at your convenience.
Yes but there are restrictions regarding the discount. Some examples are:
You will receive a 50% discount on your tuition and this will only apply to those taking the course. This special discount will not extend to family members or friends. A one-on-one interview will still be required before being accepted to Phan University of Martial Arts.
Yes, we offer a variety of uniforms supplied by numerous martial arts retailers.
We are located in Burke, Virginia 5.5 miles from 95 interchange.
Directions from NY:
Merge onto I-495 S / CAPITAL BELTWAY (Passing through DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA- then crossing into VIRGINIA). 25.1 miles Take EXIT 169B-A toward VA-644 / SPRINGFIELD. 0.8 miles Take EXIT 169A-B toward VA-644 E / FRANCONIA / VA-644 W / SPRINGFIELD. 0.2 miles Take the VA-644 W / OLD KEENE MILL RD exit- EXIT 169B- toward SPRINGFIELD. 0.2 miles Merge onto OLD KEENE MILL RD / VA-644 W via the ramp on the LEFT toward VA-617 S. 5.2 miles
Directions from DC:
Take I-395 S (Crossing into VIRGINIA). 12.8 miles Take EXIT 1B toward FRANCONIA / VA-644 / SPRINGFIELD. 0.8 miles Take EXIT 169A-B toward VA-644 E / FRANCONIA / VA-644 W / SPRINGFIELD. 0.2 miles Take the VA-644 W / OLD KEENE MILL RD exit- EXIT 169B- toward SPRINGFIELD. 0.2 miles Merge onto OLD KEENE MILL RD / VA-644 W via the ramp on the LEFT toward VA-617 S. 5.2 miles
Directions from FL:
Go north 95, Take EXIT 169B-A toward VA-644 / SPRINGFIELD. 0.8 miles Take EXIT 169A-B toward VA-644 E / FRANCONIA / VA-644 W / SPRINGFIELD. 0.2 miles Take the VA-644 W / OLD KEENE MILL RD exit- EXIT 169B- toward SPRINGFIELD. 0.2 miles Merge onto OLD KEENE MILL RD / VA-644 W via the ramp on the LEFT toward VA-617 S. 5.2 miles
9566 Old Keene Mill Rd Burke, VA 22015-4291 Visit our teams website, a non profit 501 (c) 3 organization www.pumateam.org
We have set higher goals for members of our team. There are annual tryouts during the month of September. All students attending the University are allowed to participate in the program. The cost is free as well as the program which removes the University from any financial obligations. During the tryouts, their is a two-week probation period. During the probation period, students must not get into physical or verbal confrontations with anyone. Respect is practiced at all times. Basically there should be no mistakes during probation. If any of these obligations are breached, the athlete is then cut from tryouts until the following year. Physical tryouts will be every Saturday and Sunday. As part of the commitment, you are expected to give 150%. The head coach does not look at techniques. Each belt level will refine its techniques as time passes. The main concern is the effort put forth. After the tryout, each student and/or parent is then requested to sign a legal binding document which states the necessary rules and regulations of the team. Again, if ever a team member breaches this contract, the team member will first receive one (1) verbal warning. The next violation will mean a discharge from the team. As a reminder, there will be no complaints on training whatsoever. Grades shall not be lower than a "B" average in school (elementary, middle/high school, college, and professional work levels). All aspects of training is to be elite, during training out in the snow, rain, or sun (heat). We practice to be better than the average. The team strives to be undefeatable. As we may say "It is easy to be bad, and so hard to be good, but in reality we practice to be better, not perfect."