World Martial Arts Center Happy Kicks — Local services in New York

Update: After moving away a few years ago, I was on vacation in NYC and wanted to train at WMAC again. I realized after moving how unique this dojang really is. The key driver is Sabumnim (Master Herbert), who is not only a great martial artist, but a fantastic human being. His passion for his students' safety and well-being drives the culture at WMAC. Sabumnim and all the other instructors and students make everyone feel welcome and supported. They offer a treasure-trove of knowledge and inspiration. There is a great positive atmosphere and the new facilities are amazing! This is (still) a wonderful place for kids, adults, and whole families who are looking to learn/improve martial arts and to work on their physical and mental fitness. Until next time!

My original review from 5 years ago: Fantastic place to learn martial arts with an emphasis on complete (body, mind, spirit) training. Very welcoming to new students and a genuine interest from higher belts (including black belt) in all students' progress. For example, I couldn't make it for several weeks because of injuries (from skiing) and work schedules. After a few weeks, I got a call from one of the black belts to check whether I was doing ok.

Great diverse cross-section of NY-ers, both in the adults and kids. There are many whole families that train here, which speaks to the open and friendly environment. The master (aka Sabumnim) is a true martial arts master, in that he has an enormous knowledge of hapkido, a desire to pass on that knowledge and a big heart. For me, it is telling how he is always able/eager to adapt techniques for me (having limited use of one arm) so that I can learn what works for me. Safety comes first, and everyone, especially instructors are mindful of potential injuries or physical limitations. I always feel great, refreshed and grateful after training here.

Techniques are taught in a thoughtful manner, with appropriate variation and details for each skill level. The hapkido belt system ensures continuous learning, and mastery of techniques. The warmups are fun, with a balance of building strength, endurance, and flexibility.

There is very little that I would change, maybe slightly nicer changing rooms? All in all, I hope to train here and be a part of this great dojang for many...

After having been a student of WMAC for 22 years I feel the urge to finally write a brief review expressing my appreciation of this amazing place that has been a second home to me and my family. Four of my children have been through the kids program and three are still actively training at the school. I know it sounds kind of crazy, but my family is not an anomaly at this school. Many of my peers and fellow students have been around for a couple of decades and now have children in the program as well, (although I think I have the record with 4!) This is a testament to the founder and pillar of the school, grandmaster Sabunim David Herbert.

We are blessed to have a teacher whose values and conduct come from another era where tradition, martial arts etiquette and integrity are paramount to a dojang community and thus are reflected in every detail of the WMAC curriculum and facility. Sabunim's devotion to his students and the dojang community are that of an ancient sage. The quality and level of instruction go beyond what one would expect of a martial arts school in these modern times. We do of course learn and practice effective high level techniques that include conditioning, kick boxing, hand strikes, jujitsu, grappling, wrist locks, throws, weaponry, forms, gun and knife defense, but this only skims the surface of what is taught at World Martial Arts. The best lessons are the life teachings that develop self esteem, confidence and self worth which include the cultivation of compassion, humility, perseverance, responsibility, and discipline.

The 6000 square foot dojang is state of the art as martial arts schools go. The Feng Shui is all in line and every detail has been mindfully considered. Natural light floods and fills the space in the daytime with three exposures of windows facing to the north, south and east. The training area is lined with high quality mats and a dozen heavy bags hanging for bag work at the perimeter. The school is beautiful with new equipment always incoming. Adult classes are held 7 days a week with open training sessions for those that want to work independently on their practice. Kids classes are also conveniently held 7 days a week. The location is amazing and close to all trains in...

I attended this school for 5 yrs. Some seasons I attended more consistently that others, but always made it a point to attend at least 1 time a week during the busiest parts of my work/life balance. While I was put on the spot many times for not following directions to a "T", and felt embarrassed or challenged in front of others, this school was a great period of my life that gave me a new confidence. I see how it was teaching respect, focus, and great repetition of being present through learning this martial art craft/skill. Without a doubt this school taught me how to defend myself, protect myself in any situation, and gave me the confidence to walk freely without concern wherever I go. I've always been a very shy person and just stayed in the background or invisible. While I was at this school it definitely helped me break out of my shell. I've since attended many other schools, fight academies, and train in other styles of martial arts. I always think about how the instructors broke everything down slowly and repetition of one thing was intense training to were all becomes second nature at the WMAC. I was Never injured through training or learning at this school, which is something I cannot say for other places and classes I've attended over the years. It may seem like a very, very slow start as you get going here, but it is building onto a larger system of skills for you to carry with you wherever you go. One of the most important things to remember when training or learning at a school is find buddies, find partners to practice with. Off hours and when the school may be closed you can still train and have that accountability. This is where you see great improvement and excelling rapidly. Everyone I met while attending this school was extremely kind and helpful. I have 2 friends I made while attending this school that are now friends for life, and that was definitely not part of my goal when attending this school. But it's that type of school, great people. You just have to find the people you relate with and can train with. All the Best with your decision making on choosing a school that is right...