I have been training here since late 2017 and have some previous martial arts experience. Kenpo interested me and the AKMA is convenient for me to attend classes twice a week after work, so I signed up. I mean, who wouldn't want to study the martial art practiced by Elvis himself?
Overall, this is an excellent place for both kids and adults to learn a traditional martial art. Note that I said "traditional"...that means if you're looking for an MMA-type experience or want to learn how to do fancy, spinny moves so you can be one of the next generation of Power Rangers, look elsewhere. It's not like that here, and anyone seeking the above will, frankly, get bored very quickly. This school is also not the place to be if you're looking for a quick path to a black belt, or if you're looking for a crash course on self-defense. As with other traditional martial arts, it takes a few years to become proficient in Kenpo...so buckle in for a long ride.
The dojo is clean, well-maintained and tuition is reasonable. Adult (16 yrs and older) classes are separated by levels so that students with similar experience train together (beginner belts on one night, intermediate belts on another night, etc). There are also classes on Friday nights and Saturdays open to all belt levels. No contracts; you can pay per month via automatic charges to your checking account or a credit card.
Shihan Marcello Aguinid, the owner, is an excellent instructor and is always accessible to his students. He is genuinely passionate about his art and is a warm, caring individual unlike other instructors I have had (at other schools) who were inaccessible and/or intimidating. The same can be said of the brown and black belt instructors in his employ. Shihan Aguinid also teaches most of the classes himself, unlike in other schools where the owner/founder/master either remains detached from day-to-day instruction or only works with senior students.
Consequently, the dojo atmosphere and culture are welcoming and nurturing. Everyone is supportive and wants to see you succeed. There is no tolerance for inappropriately aggressive behavior, posturing or any macho Cobra Kai bullshit. Everyone, regardless of age, rank or ability, is treated with respect...not just the most experienced, skilled or attractive (!) students. (I once trained at a school where my instructor could never remember my name, but knew the name of every hot girl who signed up for a class).
I don't get the sense that this is a "McDojo". I have not seen any kids with black belts. They don't do kids' birthday parties. There is no wall of trophies won by the dojo's members in local competitions, as the focus here is solely on self-defense, not sport.
The Kenpo taught here is unique in the fact that much attention is placed on developing control over one's mental and spiritual state not only during confrontation and combat, but in everyday life as well. There is also a lot of emphasis placed on self-affirmation and positive thinking.
Training is also conducted in gradual stages. Beginning students are instructed to move s-l-o-w-l-y so as to program proper physical form into their bodies, gradually increasing in speed and power as they progress through belt levels. This is also something that was new to me. Every other dojo I've trained at was always about speed and power from Day One.
Now, at the risk of appearing disrespectful to the school, I have some comments on the training curriculum that I've experienced thus far:
- While the emphasis on mental/spiritual development is excellent, I sometimes feel that insufficient time is devoted to teaching the actual physical mechanics of certain techniques (kicks, for instance). Thanks to my previous martial arts experience, I am familiar with most basic techniques, but a student new to the martial arts wouldn't be. I also feel there should be more consistent drilling on basic techniques in order for students to refine their form.
- I wish there was more drilling on pads or bags. You can air-punch and kick all you want, but I think you also need to feel what it's like to actually hit something with force. I'm considering buying a heavy bag to work out on at home, or maybe taking kickboxing classes on the side.
- I would also welcome some type of freestyle sparring, with safety gear and light contact (to start with), starting at yellow belt. Have beginners spar with beginners, and intermediate students spar with intermediates, and so forth. While choreographed two- and three-step self-defense drills are well and good, there's nothing like freestyle sparring with a resisting opponent to develop and hone one's instincts. It's commonly referred to as "live training", and it is the difference between fighting and...well, dancing.
All in all, a good place and probably the best martial arts experience I have had thus far. I will continue to attend as long as it's convenient to get to class. read more
