Testimonials

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 and TaeSooDo 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

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Patrick Krause was first introduced to Hwa Rang Do while serving in the United States Marine Corps in 1981. While stationed at Camp Pendleton California, Patrick observed Master Tim Elliott instructing Marines in the art of Hwa Rang Do. Patrick knew immediately that he wanted to learn this martial art. Unfortunately, Patrick was transferred to Tokyo Japan where he served as a Barracks and Embassy Marine. Upon his discharge from the Marines in 1985, Patrick discovered there was a Hwa Rang Do Academy in his home town of Glendale Arizona. Patrick began his studies with Master Tim Elliott in 1985. In 1986 Patrick was hired by the Glendale Police Department as a Police Recruit and he had to suspend his training while attending the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy in Tucson Arizona. Patrick spent ten years with the Glendale Police Department then transferred to Glendale City Hall where he is currently a Senior Management Assistant in the Community Partnerships Department.

Patrick has continued his training earning a Black Belt in Tae Soo Do and is currently a Red Sash in Hwa Rang Do.

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Before I enrolled my son at the Hwa Rang Do Phoenix Academy, he had low self-esteem, no confidence in himself, he was easily distracted in school, he could not focus on his homework and he was constantly being bullied at school and around home. I researched many self-defense academies and none of them were able to give my son what it was he needed. I called the Hwa Rang Do Academy and spoke with Master Tim Elliott. I discussed with him my situation with my son and he took the time to listen, he answered all my questions and explained in detail what they could do for him. I am in customer service with my current position and none of the other Karate; Tae Kwon Do facilities customer service was as kind, caring and compassionate as Tim Elliott was. We were invited to be a guest and possibly sign up for their promotional offer, which I found on their website. We went to the Hwa Rang Do that same day and my son loved it! Since my son has joined, his grades have improved, his attitude has changed and he is no longer being bullied at school and around home. Both Tim Elliott and Scott Wilson are excellent instructors and they are great with the kids. Not only has my son learned how to defend himself but he has learned respect, dignity, values and most importantly he has learned the mastery of success by setting goals and working hard to achieve these goals.

When my son had completed the requirements to test to move to the next level, he tested with other children and adults. In watching the testing process, I was so impressed by the mastery of the skills that had been taught to the students that I joined myself as a student. I also joined because I saw what a great work out the students were obtaining from the training and instead of jogging six miles outside, where it is no longer safe anymore, why not try this. I would be obtaining a great workout plus learning some great self-defense techniques. My first day was great! I learned the first four techniques taught for white belt and some self-defense techniques. The workouts are great and I have an increased amount of energy throughout the day. It has helped me deal with stressful situations better while I am at the office and it has really healed me mentally and physically. The instructors have the greatest patience with me; they take that extra time with the students to teach us something new every time. Everyone has been very nice at the Academy and they welcomed us with open arms as part of their family. My son and I have made a lot of new friends. Compared to the other academies, the price cannot be beat. It was the lowest priced facility I had found.

I would recommend the Hwa Rang Do Academy to anyone who wants to be challenged physically and mentally and who wants to benefit from an excellent Martial and Healing Art. The Hwa Rang Do Academy has been a great experience for my son and me. It is the perfect art.

— Eliza VanArsdale

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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 Tae Soo Do® 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 Tae Soo Do®. I’ve seen him change and developed more self-confidence since he started Tae Soo 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® and Tae Soo 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, TSD Black belt, HRD Brown Sash