When a buddy and I decided to start training martial arts, I didn't know exactly what I wanted, but I did know I wanted a challenge. I wanted a school that would push me both physically and mentally. I had been out of the U.S. Marine Corps for a few years and I found that I missed the discipline and hard core training. After spending a very short time at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts, A Martial Arts Academy in Bellevue, I knew I had found my school. The work outs were physically demanding, mentally challenging and lots of fun. Every class and private lesson offered something new. Six years later, I'm training more than ever. I feel incredibly confident in my skill and carry that confidence out of the studio and into every aspect of my life. The best thing about Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts The Academy Of Martial Arts in Bellevue isn't the training, it's the people. I've become friends with many of my fellow students and love the camaraderie we've built punching and kicking at each other over the years. I can't wait to see where the next six years take me!

Mr. Brandon R. Clausing
Black Belt 1st Degree
Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts Charter Member
Bellevue, WA

I clearly remember the positive feeling when I first entered the Great Hall of Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts in October 1996. After the first meeting with the chief instructor, I was not sure if I wanted to join due to the time commitment it requires being on a full schedule, already working 60 hours a week. The instructor told me to sleep on it and tell him the next day.

However, when I went home that night I completely forgot about it since I received an unexpected phone call announcing the death of my 20 years old nephew in a car accident. His name was Simon. The next morning I woke up with this vivid image of the sign above the Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts Studio: Grand Master Simon Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts. I immediately made the link with my nephew's name Simon and knew I had to join; I did it in his honor. Since then, when I enter the Great Hall, he is always in my hart.

I never regretted my decision. Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts taught me more than what I was expecting. I wanted to practice a martial art for the physical benefits of course but also to learn about the history and spiritual side of the art. I found all of these things over the years but also found a lot more unexpected benefits. My health improved, my level of confidence, my awareness, my reflexes, my level of concentration, my patience. Above all I met genuinely good people, students and instructors sharing the same values of hard work, loyalty and perseverance to name just a few. Those people are my friends here in Edmonds but also in all the other studios as I had the chance to meet people from all across North America during my visits to the Temple Land.

I was privileged to meet Grand Master Simon and Misses Simon in several occasions, that I consider extremely valuable moments. I also have the great honor to train with Master Jones. I couldn't ask for a better place to be.

Jeanne Guerin
Lynnwood, WA
Black Belt

I started at south Vancouver Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts studio in 1997.I do software engineering work for T-Mobile as a network management engineer; writing and implementing software to manage our networks and devices.

Ever since I've joined Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts Academy of Martial Arts: I have a lot more confidence and have more energy to keep up with the demands at home and at work. I am also a better person because I discovered how to let go of anger within me by building my skills and strengths inside out. I learned how to relax in times of high stress. I now realize the importance of humbleness this art teaches us, and I also learned three important things in my life: to be kind, to be kind, and to be kind, because someone else is also trying!

Payman Vazinkhoo
Bellevue, WA

1. I've been training since June of 00, so about four and a half years.

2. Hamilton is home.

3. I started training because i felt that i needed to develop some discipline in my life: mental, physical, emotional.
I also wanted to develop an intense understand of my body, how it worked, and to become more aware of movement that I took for granted. Physical health was of great importance to me as well, as I did not lead a very physically healthy life before my training. Of course, i wanted to be a part of the mystique and mystery of the Art as well.

4. there are so many reasons that training at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts has become an integral and necessary part of my life. Having to choose just one, I'd say it´s the people, the atmosphere that appeals to me the most. It´'a place where all the layers and masks can come off, and I can just be me. I found another family at the studio, one that supports me when i need it, criticizes me when i need it (always in a constructive way), leaves me to my own training when i need it. The positive energy that is always present in the studios is one that heals, comforts, and encourages challenging who and what i am to become better. Always pushing me to do better, to be better, whether it be with a technique, emotional control, the ability to disregard stress, or anything else that I am working on. To make this long winded answer come to an end, it´sthe absolute support of the family i have found at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts that keeps me there, and will keep me there forever.

Mr. Banaszak (Stef)

Started the Art because I was always interested in Martial Arts and Trained in Karate and Tae Kwon Do when I was a kid.
Started Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts at 18 yrs of age.

The art has increased my awareness of the world and taught me patience with others and the world. I am more confident and have benefited greatly from the health aspect of the art. There is so much more to add.

The positives of Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts is the brotherhood atmosphere. The willingness of other students to help each other and the overall philosophy of our style. It simplifies life at a time when things were simple and pure. The respect the art teaches is wonderful!

In the last few years I've been up and down with my training.

I keep coming back because I just love the Art and Grand Master Simon's style and way of doing things.

He's very inspirational and I look up to him. I agree with a lot of his view on life, man and nature.

I have to say that Mr. Bazinet and Mr. Swanstrom have impressed me and their dedication and attitude has inspired me to be the same way.

Respectfully Yours,

Telly Demetrius

In 1988, about a year after moving to the Pacific NW, I decided that I wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream and train some form of martial arts. Because I'm very methodical, I visited about 6 different martial arts schools, and even took some group classes. After evaluating my alternatives, I decided that I wanted to train at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts. I liked the combination of private lessons and group classes, and the style was very intriguing. This decision was one of the best of my entire life.

I've now been training at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts for over 18 years. It's one of the best things that I've done for myself physically and mentally. Always challenging, I've never stopped learning new things, either about the art of Kung Fu, or about myself. Even though I'm now over 50, I'm in the best physical shape that I've ever been in. I've gained in confidence as well as in my ability to focus on demanding tasks and relieving the stresses and demands of a difficult job.

Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts gives you wonderful opportunities to face up to your self, and break through your physical and mental barriers to achieving your goals. It's a safe environment, and the instructors allow you to learn at a pace appropriate for you. The other students are tremendously supportive. Training at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts is one of the best things you can do for yourself; I know that it has been for me.

Regards,
Michael Rosenfeld
Bellevue, Wa.
3rd Degree Balck Belt

I was a university student when, one day, out of the blue, I decided to start training Kung fu. In my search for a school, I intuitively recognized that Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts would be the best place for me. From the first day I walked through the door and into the halls, I was proven right. That was six years ago and every day since then that I've been training at the Mississauga and Toronto Studios, I've been continuously reminded that this is the most authentic and advanced system I could possibly be training. The depth of knowledge that is available for all to learn openly and freely within these halls is a testament to the fact that our teacher and founder of the art, Grand Master Simon, is one of few men in the world with true, authentic knowledge.

Mr. Mark Vasil

I grew up in a very small town ( population 2500 ) in Northern Canada. I moved to Edmonton to attend College and received a rather rude welcome from a guy at a coin car wash. This guy apparently thought that I was spending too much time washing my car and berated me for what seemed like forever. Out of fear I ended up getting in my half washed car and drove away. I realized that if I am to stay in the city I needed to learn how to defend myself.
If this were to happen now, as I have been trained properly I would still get in my car and drive away but not out of fear, but out of fear of what I may do to this individual.

Positive traits and Benefits about Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts:

The art has done many things for me. The most obvious being the mental and physical benefits gained through my training. My training has enabled me to be a more disciplined, patience, determined individual. Another possibly less obvious benefit from my training is that six years ago I was introduced to a wonderful lady (now my wife) through a friend that trained at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts. We were soon married and just over 10 months ago we were blessed with the birth of our first child, a son. I truly believe that Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts is more than training martial arts it is quite literally a family. You are treated with respect from the minute you begin your training, you are expected to work hard and be equally as respectful, but above all have fun.

Why I still train at Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts:

I still train because it is a part of me, a part of my life and it is something that I will continue to do for as long as I am able. It is something I miss when I am unable to train. I miss the art, the people and the feeling of unity amongst the brotherhood. I hope to continue improving my skill level while continuing to be part of the family.

Best regards,


Stephen Rourke.
Edmonton.

Having always belonged to a gym, when I moved from California in 1990, I went to the closest one to sign up. I had several friends who did martial arts and I had always been interested, but never thought it was something I could do it. While listening to the salesperson, I thought I need more than just another aerobic class. I left and went straight to a phonebook where I found Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts. I will never forget my first impression. I made an appointment for a Friday evening. I met Master Jones who was the Chief Instructor at the time. It was obvious the instructors I met loved what they did. I signed up and the next Monday had my first lesson with Mr. Goodner. I remember so well when he told me how to bow in, cross my arms and jump up with my heart away from my opponent. I thought he was kidding. I could not just jump from my knees to standing and of course, I feel over. Well, over the years, I have fallen over a lot, mentally and physically. I left for several years after having children, but always missed Kung Fu. After coming back I realize how much Kung Fu has changed my life. Just walking in the studios, seeing friendly faces, and knowing you are apart of something bigger than yourself is the most rewarding experience and I am so happy to be a part of it.

By: Kimberly Hoover
Bellevue Studio