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May 2023 by Nick Schell
I can't say enough good things about World Martial Arts Center! My wife and I started with private lessons, but have since moved to the group classes. Additionally, I take the Kickboxing classes. All of these classes have been absolutely top-notch. Grandmaster Lee is an incredibly skilled martial artist and teacher but also a great man; he genuinely cares about each student and is always available for questions and extra help. He not only teaches the martial arts skills, but also life lessons and philosophy to make each student a better person. His energy and passion for Martial Arts is immediately evident from the moment you meet him. The culture at his school is one of respect, honor, community and hard-work, and is THE best Martial Arts school I've ever attended.While I have not been attending his school for years like some who have written reviews (I think I saw 18 years for one person!), I can say that it has already significantly improved both my and my wife's lives, we've met and gotten to know some great people and are happy to be a part of such a wonderful community.
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May 2023 by Rayland Tinsley
Good place to go to stay in shape and learn self-defense. Would recommend getting in shape before hand if not, will only be harder for you. Giving 4 stars because I wish his Muay Thai classes on certain days were about an hour or 2 earlier than the scheduled times but, other than that, good dojo and great instructor!
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February 2023 by Victoria Schell
My husband and I have been taking private lessons from Grandmaster Lee since August 2022. When we signed our contract for classes, the contract was very clear on what is expected of us and Grandmaster Lee asked us if we had any questions before we signed. Every time we come to his studio, we are warmly welcomed and respected by him and his students. During my husband’s and my private lesson, Grandmaster Lee asks how we are and adjust our training based on our needs that day. At the end of each class Grandmaster Lee always ask both my husband and I if we have any questions. When we do, he patiently and thoroughly answers those questions. In just five months due to his top-notch teaching and my hard work, I have learned a lot not only about taekwondo, but also about discipline. I have already seen a lot of positive outcomes physically and mentally. (I’m already back to a size 6 in pants!) I am excited to transition into regular classes in the next few months. Once I do I will be posting an update about his regular classes.
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February 2023 by Andrew Oyster
Hwal Moo Do or ‘The Art of Life Defense’ is a discipline of martial arts created by Grandmaster Kun Hwa Lee. At the World Martial Arts Center, students and teachers are conditioned to make good choices in day to day experiences by observing their surroundings, listening to higher ranks, and following regimens. The school is always clean; equipment is readily accessible and precautions are taken for the safety of everyone who visits. Lessons extend beyond the dojang class with Christianity being strongly influential in learning Hwal Moo Do. Show up with a positive attitude, reward yourself by training hard, learn your focus, and make an impact.
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February 2023 by Dawn Avila
We had very little contact with Mr. Lee. Instead he chose students to teach us. Meanwhile he was very rude and misogynistic towards me. He would talk to me through my husband or my son. We quit, sent him a 30 days notice and now we are getting a bill for over $4000. No way I would recommend this place, especially if you are a woman.
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December 2022 by Tony Starks
This review is well overdue. I have been here for two years and consider Grand Master Lee a mentor. Training with Grand Master Lee has been one of the defining activities of my life. World Martial Arts Center is the most elite and authentic Thai Boxing gym in the Northern Virginia area. When I think of character, I immediately think of Grand Master Lee and World Martial Arts Center. These instructors are 100% dedicated to the development of not only the body and the Muay Thai Style, but they also care about the character of the individual, a trait that is hard to find in this day and age. Grand Master Lee is relentlessly concerned about helping and giving back to people. If you are looking for a place to train, work out or be in a positive, upbeat environment, look no further than World Martial Arts Center! You will be hard-pressed to find a better community of people who will listen, teach you discipline, how to use and train your body, and the wisdom of when and when not to use force.I wanted no BS training but, at the same time, wanted an environment where I could learn safely. My job doesn't afford me downtime, and I need to be "up and running" so I can't get injured. World Martial Arts Center provides a safe environment where I get realistic training but don't worry about getting hurt. Muay Thai is incorporated into most MMA training, self-defense, police tactics, and personal fitness programs because of its simplicity and effectiveness. Whether you are there to learn self-defense, prepare for competition, or get in shape, their programs have a transparent path to meet any of your goals.The classes are open to all levels of ability and designed to promote personal growth and a sense of fellowship. I would encourage anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, to try it — and I can't think of a better group of people to pursue this art than World Martial Arts Center members. Great with kids, patient with adults. There is no theatrical component in training, though you better be ready to work hard. Highly recommend it for all kids and seriously-minded adults.
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November 2022 by Leonidas Kollas
Under his guidance for 18 years now, Grand-Master Lee has become family he is an exceptional teacher and his knowledge and love on Martial Arts is neverending. Hwal moo do has become a way of life which I can implement on a daily basis, in business,my family and generally every aspect of my life. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for his teachings.For all this he will always have my respect and loyalty, I cannot thank him enough.
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November 2022 by Haris Ertsos
This martial arts school is amazing, grandmaster Lee is literally one of a kind, immense experience in all levels! Every single person on earth would benefit learning from him and they would improve in all aspects of life not just self defense and martial arts. If you are on the fence joining this school or want to start a new activity, then take the leap, you won’t regret it. Hwal moo! ?
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November 2022 by John Mandalis
Their training has improved my physical condition and has proven to be very effective in my law enforcement duties, but the most important thing to me is that I can trust them with the training and guidance of my daughter. I am grateful for their excellent work...
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November 2022 by kostas spatoulas
After 20 years practicing H.M.D. under the guidance of G.M. LEE and the national headcoach of Greece G.M. ALEXAKIS , i have to say that is the best environment for a kid or an adult to grow up a strong and kind character. G.M. LEE might sometimes seems to be hard but this is part of the teaching. So i am looking forward for the next 20 years . Keep going and never give up . HWAL MOO !!!
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October 2022 by Julious Lucas
I have had the privilege to meet good and bad people, unfortunately more bad then I care to count. Grand Master Lee gives me hope in humanity at times almost unreal how can this man with all this knowledge, experience, wisdom be so humble and strong all at the same time. Qualities I can only dream of having and maybe one day seeing all over the world. Thank you for everything Grand Master Lee!
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February 2022 by Maria Yepes
My son has been learning with Grand Master Lee since Oct 2021. He is the youngest student in Muay Thai class and I am very grateful that we have chosen this school for his martialArts classes.Grandmaster lee is a wonderful teacher. He has helped bring out the best in my son on so many levels. His confidence and humility have increased and teeter a nice balance. His stamina and love for routine and working out, flexibility etc. have also increased. I'm hoping these lessons will be life long.Grandmaster lee shares wisdom about parenting and the world and is a pleasure to speak with. He's such an inspiration.If you and or your child are patient, humble and understand and appreciate the hard work that is required to be successful, then this school will benefit you. You will see results. It’s just a matter of patience, persistence and trusting in the long career Grandmaster Lee has had in teaching these forms.I would highly recommend this school to anyone who truly wants their child or themselves to learn and practice Martial arts and gain self esteem.
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February 2022 by Jackson Van Ness
As someone who has been taught by Grandmaster Lee for over a decade, I can say that he is truly invested in the success of his Tae Kwon Do students. I began learning Tae Kwon Do at World Martial Arts Center in 2010, when I was nine years old, eventually becoming a second-degree black belt and helping to teach classes. Grandmaster Lee’s way of teaching is not common here in the U.S.; he does not run his Tae Kwon Do school as a business, but rather as a place dedicated to learning and discipline. Tae Kwon Do students at World Martial Arts Center must work hard to earn each rank. They undergo a test for each belt, during which they must demonstrate their knowledge of the techniques they have learned so far. If they make three mistakes or are too sloppy with their techniques, they fail the test and must re-test at a later time. In addition, Grandmaster Lee keeps order in his classes by disciplining students who misbehave or who do not put in effort. This discipline consists of raising his voice/yelling at students to catch their attention as well as making students do push-ups or other exercises as punishment. While this might seem a bit overbearing to someone who is not familiar with Grandmaster Lee, it instills a sense of discipline in the children at the school, teaching them the essential values of self-discipline and a good work ethic – critical things to have if one wants to become proficient at Tae Kwon Do, or be successful at life in general. And while to an outside observer, Grandmaster Lee might appear impatient or harsh, he deeply cares about his students and wants them to succeed and be able to defend themselves. This is shown by how much time and effort he puts into teaching his classes, as well as the one-on-one instruction he gives to students who need it.I can say that without the work ethic and self-discipline taught to me by Grandmaster Lee, I would never have achieved most of my accomplishments. I doubt that I would have ever become a black belt or an Eagle Scout, I probably would not have graduated high school with good grades, and I probably would not be doing well in college like I am now. Grandmaster Lee’s discipline, as well as his patience with making sure that I knew what I needed to know to be able to progress in my knowledge of Tae Kwon Do, has helped me immensely in my life. Grandmaster Lee’s way of teaching helps the children at World Martial Arts Center to become confident in their ability to defend themselves and to be confident in their ability to work hard at whatever they do. It teaches them the critical life skills of hard work and self-discipline, helping them to succeed as time goes on. If you are a parent in Warrenton, I would urge you to send your child to learn under Grandmaster Lee. It will be one of the greatest investments in your child’s future that you could ever make.
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February 2022 by Joshua O
I don't think words can give justice to the quality, uniqueness, and life-changing nature of this school. Grandmaster Lee is perhaps one of the most qualified individuals in the world to be teaching martial arts, and I can hardly believe this hidden gem lies in Warrenton.World Martial Arts Center is a school that teaches martial arts for self-defense, as well as discipline, courage, confidence, and leadership. If you are looking for "Sports Taekwondo," this is not the place. You will be challenged and tested, but you will also be strengthened and built up.I started coming to WMAC when I was seven years old, but I was scared by the intensity and yelling, and so I quit. Seven years later I chose to face my fears and return, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I understand now that Grandmaster Lee truly cares about each of his students, and his methods push someone to achieve more than they thought was possible.I left for college before I was able to earn my black belt, and upon looking into other martial arts groups there, I discovered that Grandmaster Lee's training goes far beyond that of most schools. As a red belt I found I was able to hold my own against 2nd-degree black belts. The quality and training of WMAC is simply on an entirely different level compared with the majority of schools.Grandmaster Lee does not run his school like a business, and it's clear that the focus is on the quality of his students. In fact, he signed the contract with Global Financial so that he could take more of an active role in instruction, rather than worry about the business side of things. Most of the bad comments here seem to be about this other company, which Grandmaster Lee has no control over. If you are upset about that, write a review for Global Financial, not WMAC. However, for any would-be students, this whole issue needn't be a problem for you if you just read the one-page contract:"You may cancel this agreement without any penalty or further obligation within three(3) days form the date of this agreement. ... If you move your residence and work more than 25 miles from the school facility, your membership may be transferred to any affiliated school or facility with which Global Financial, Inc. has and agreement allowing transfer. ... Members may cancel this agreement if written proof(verified by a physician) is submitted station that the use of our facilities and services would impair the member's health during the term of this agreement. The disability or condition preventing use of the facility must be permanent. ... In the case of cancellation, your refund or membership dues shall be prorated based on an individual price without any discount or special."It's also true that Grandmaster and Mrs. Lee are Korean and therefore have accents... however, it just goes to show that they are the real deal. You won't find their level of tradition or excellence anywhere else.To anyone looking to learn martial arts and self-defense, grow physically and mentally tough, or have a place for your kids to learn discipline, then I cannot recommend this place more highly. I wish I could give it six stars. Thank you Grandmaster and Mrs. Lee for helping me become the strong and confident young man I am today!
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January 2022 by B C
Grandmaster Lee’s Tae Kwon Do school is a one of a kind experience. My son has drastically increased his balance, coordination, memory, confidence, strength and global awareness. He has learned about Korean culture and language that he hasn’t had the opportunity to learn anywhere else. He has learned to work with kids outside of his age group and even made new friends from it. Some parents complain that Grandmaster Lee is too strict. He is strict but loving and protective of all the kids put in his care. If you’re the type of parent who allows your children to control the household, then you might not like genuine tae kwon do teaching. However, if you want your child to grow physically, psychologically and emotionally strong then this school is for you. If you want your child to improve focus, coordination and balance, this school is for you. If you want you’re child to live confident and able to stand up for themselves then this school is for you. Thank you Grandmaster Lee for teaching my son the life long virtues of traditional Korean Tae Kwon Do and for being a one-of-a kind role model
