Here are some testimonials from students and some clippings featuring our students.

Black Belts Vedad and Acen were saluted in Alameda Magazine's 2010 issue honoring top Alameda's students . They join Melissa Lim who is also a black belt from our school and won the award two years ago and is now attending UC Berkeley.

Read all about it!

Libby, Rich and Sylvester training on top of a mountain.

When we moved to Alameda, my wife and I started looking for a martial art to take. We called all the studios on the island, and Sir, Erik Lee, sounded the nicest and even invited us to come take a class to see if Kuk Sool was for us. We took the class, and were completely impressed with Sir: he knows the material, is amazing in its performance, and is fantastic at teaching it to his students. Sir Rocks. We were also impressed that Kuk Sool does not sell balck belts. The process of getting a black belt requires at least four black belt tests, so in Kuk Sool, a black belt means more than paying for the belt.
Richard R. - Black Belt

Below is an article from Alameda Magazine where our hometown black belt, Melissa Lim, extols the virtues of martial arts training.

“I wanted to compliment both you [Maria] and Sir [Erik] on the Tiny Tigers Class..The class [is] focused and defined without losing any f the fun or intensity. I have witnessed easy-going as well as difficult students, and watched both of you handle them with a grace and respect that you should be proud of! I can't wait till Samantha turns 3 next September so that she can join as well. "
Tyler.

“Hip Hip Hoorah! Carlos is doing a marvelous job in all of his school work, participation in classroom discussions, completing his work using a lot of effort, and being a leader in citizenship both inside and outside of our classroom! Wow!".
Letter forwarded from Provi (Carlo's mom) who credits us with his improvement.

We wanted to thank you and Sir for taking the time to really teach and prepare Kyle for the tournament. He was really excited to go to his first tournament and had a great time...

We didn't know what to expect when it came to Kyle. Though he practiced at home, we weren't able to tell if he was really doing it well enough to compete. The extra practices at the school were very helpful and we did notice big improvements after each ession. Still, we just didn't know what wouuld happen...Could he do it?...Would he forget? Would he get nervous? The answers came that Saturday...

He started with his form. he didn't seem nervous at all. In fact, he did it smoothly. We were amaxed at how well he did it. We were even more surprised when he got a bronze out of it.

Next was technique. Problem was his partner, Carlos, was busy competing himself. The judges had him pick somone unfamiliar to be his parner. We thought surely this was trouble. Here was an unfamiliar partner and a girl almost a head taller to boot. Yet, he did his techniques without problems. In fact, his defining moment of the tournament came with his last throw. He was able to effortlessly throw his partner over his shoulder and down to the mat! There was not a hint of awkwardness...That moment demonstrated to us that Kyle had indeed learned his lessons well. And that Sir and you had taught him well. The gold medal was almost an afterthought to that moment.

[In sparring] we marveled at the kicks Kyle pulled off as well a the energy he put into the matches. The effort got him a silver medal but again another moment shone even brighter. Jerry Chow had come by to sit with Kyle and give him advice. We were touched that he cared enough to do that and thought how the school seemed to be filled with good people like Jerry.

A gold, silver, and bronze. Far more than we ever thought Kyle would do at his first tournament. We would have been happy just to see him compete and have a good time. Instead, he showed why we are so happy to have Kyle (and Kory) attend KSW of Alameda. He has great teachers there, like Sir and you [Maria]. And he's surrounded by good people , like Jerry and Carlos, who encouraged him in the weeks before.

The whole idea fo the school is not to win medals, but to teach Kuk Sool. In that one throw, Kyle showed he was learning. Thank you.
Gary and Ly Ly C.

I have two daughters. They have taken Kuk Sool for three years and both are brown belts. My wife and I are very appreciative for what Kuk Sool Won has done for our daughters.
Our youngest daughter has become an intramural tear in soccor, softball, and basketball because of all the calisthenics they do. Kuk Sool has really helped her with her speed and agility.
Kuk Sool has done wonders for our oldest daughter also. Not only has she gotten in great shape, but her concentration is so good she has a 3.8 GPA in high school.
My wife and I believe [their success] comes from their teacher Erik Lee. He is firm but not harsh. He’s authoritative but not dictatorial. His easy patient teaching style really helps kids to prosper.
Gil F.

I can’t stop myself, I just must say it like I see it: I love the website and love you guys. You are running such a dynamic program, both in the classroom and behind the scenes. It is a pleasure to watch it just get better all the time. You are an incredible administrator Maria, you really rock. I really love the philosophy that you and Sir embrace and teach. I am so grateful that Ellis gets to experience Alameda Marital Arts as part of his life journey. Too cool!

Have a wonderful day!

Jessi B

Trish

After outgrowing Ruby's Tumbling (which we loved), we considered gymnastics, ballet, and chose Martial Arts. I checked out the different martial arts in Alameda, and chose AMA (aka Kuk Sool Won) back when it was near Alameda High. The new location on Bay Farm is by far the best, thoughtfully designed to meet the safety and aesthetic needs of the students. Sir and Maria know their stuff and do their utmost to train the students in "body, mind and spirit." Initially it helped my girls improve in P.E. Their elementary school P.E. teacher said it was the best thing we could have done for them!. It helps them focus mentally (strong students), be confident (school presentations) and responsibly and effectively deal with bullies. Now nine years later (they're black belts now) they're physically fit and use their strength and discipline in high school team sports. So happy we chose AMA!

Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures and the encouragement! Kuk Sool is definitely T.'s favorite, among the many other things
he is doing.

Thanks to you and Sir's exceptional skills in both Kuk Sool and teaching methodology. We feel blessed to have T. under your and Sir's guidance, body,mind,and spirit! Julia