There are many benefits of training in the martial arts . At the Phoenix Academy, we have categorized the main benefits of training into three groups.

1. Greater Focus – More Energy – Healthier Lifestyle.
2. Self Confidence – Self Defense – Self Determination.
3. Strength & Flexibility – Endurance & Balance.

No matter what course of study you are in, the student will enjoy the great benefits of the classic martial arts offered here at the Phoenix Academy. If you would like to see how the training looks at our academy, please click here to view some demonstrations in our video gallery.


The Students of Phoenix Academy

My interest in Martial Arts goes back to my Jr. High and High School days where I studied for less than a year in Isshinryu Karate. I never really went anywhere with it, but always admired those who stuck it out. But the few techniques I learned didn't seem to fit "real-world" self-defense. Now as a Father, I had contemplated signing up my 7 year old son for a martial art. I looked at TaeKwonDo, Aikido, TangSoodo, and others. None of the classes seemed to fit, and quite frankly it seemed that that the children in these classes were given belts just because they showed up.

Then I was introduced to Tim Elliott at our church by a friend of mine who had recently signed up. My friend is an ex-bodybuilder and bouncer who definitely could take care of himself. He told me of HwaRangDo under Master Elliott would definitely fit what I was looking for. My son and I were guests at a class and I was amazed at how much fun the kids were having. I saw kids that were disciplined, focused, yet not being forced into some draconian form of servitude. Master Elliott then invited me to try out a class. Being curious I agreed, as I would love to have an activity that my son and I could do together. That one lesson I learned three amazingly simple, yet highly effective techniques of self-defense. At the end of the class, I felt like I had been through a weight lifting session and aerobic workout.

After attending the Phoenix Academy for almost 8 months, I have enjoyed every minute of my training. I've lost weight and gained strength! It's also been a tremendous blessing to see my son become more confident and eager to succeed. He can't wait to go to class, and he's made some good friends as well. All of the instructors at the Phoenix Academies are top notch. They know their stuff, and they are willing to teach all who would learn. Whether you are looking for physical fitness, the ability to defend yourself, or just want to stretch yourself, this is the place to be. I highly recommend this to anyone, young or old.

— Pastor Chris Ward,Calvary Chapel Maricopa, AZ

In early 1995, I began to search for a martial art. I had no experience in any art, but I did have several preconceived ideas of what the perfect art would be. It would provide a great work out, and it would teach me many ways to defend my self, but I also wanted tradition. I had seen a few demonstrations, and I knew that I wanted the kicking aspect too. I visited about five different schools that were close to my home and which varied dramatically in styles and background. I was impressed, but still I felt that something was missing.

I had a close friend who had left his Tae Kwon Do school (He was very close to his black belt at the time) to study Hwa Rang Do. I decided to look into Hwa Rang Do for myself, and it was all that he’d told me. The first time I entered the Do Jang, I went in unannounced, sat down, and just watched a class. My first impression was that these guys were throwing each other around like rag dolls. They were sweating a lot. I decided to try a class the next day. In the beginning I expected to learn nothing but stances and etiquette, but this was not the case. I left my first class with a brief rundown on etiquette, one basic stance, and four joint locks in defense to a wrist grab. By the end of my first month I was doing kicks that I never would have tried before. My search was over. By the end of my first year I was hooked, and I knew that I’d found my pearl.

After my son Devon was born, I knew that I would want to put him into Hwa Rang Do. I began to watch my Master Instructor Tim Elliott during kids’ classes, and I saw that he cared for all his students in a way that I’d not seen in a teacher. He takes a personal approach that seems to be driven more by his desire to share his knowledge than by money. The Hwa Rang Do Kang-Sul program began to be taught here in Phoenix Academy around the year 2000. It is a simplified version of Hwa Rand Do that is designed for individuals with no martial arts experience. Devon now has his yellow belt in Hwa Rang Do Kang-Sul division. I’ve seen him change and developed more self-confidence since he started Hwa Rang Do a little over a year ago. He loves going to class with me, and it is a great activity for a father and a son or daughter to do together.

I recommend Hwa Rang Do to anyone who likes a challenge in life and who wants the benefits of studying a martial art. In my opinion, it is the most well rounded art around. There are many good arts out there, but for me and my family Hwa Rang Do is the perfect art.

— Scott Wilson