Who is this for? Adult Child Both
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What are the main benefits that you are seeking? (Select all that apply) Physical Fitness Stress Management Empowerment Self Discipline Improve Grades Meet New Friends Recreation and Fun Concentration Self Defense Strength to Say “No” Healthy Habit Greater Energy
Comments
Pyon Moo Do Kids The Pyon Moo Do Kids curriculum was designed by Traditional Martial Arts Academy’s head instructor, James Espy. He recognized that the program needed to be challenging to children, but appropriate for their growing bodies and minds. The result—a curriculum from white to Junior Black Belt that prepares students with life lessons, outstanding physical fitness, and a strong technical foundation in the martial arts. Once a child has achieved Junior Black Belt, something that typically takes 4-5 years, they receive permission to begin learning the adult curriculum. At this time, they also begin to take on a leadership role in the school, offering mentorship to younger and less experienced students.
Our Staff
Sa Bum Nim James Espy Traditional Martial Arts Academy was founded by its head instructor, James Espy. Mr. Espy opened the school with a mission to transform the lives of its students, their families and the surrounding community. Since 1991, Mr. Espy has studied martial arts from Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines and Brazil. In 1998, he was awarded the title of Sa Bum Nim, or Head Instructor.
Mr. Espy has supplemented his martial arts study with research in other areas. In developing the Wee Warriors and Pyon Moo Do Kids programs, he researched child development, educational psychology and kinesiology.
Additionally, he is certified in Medical Qigong and Tuina, a form of Chinese medical massage. He has done graduate level study of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a Reiki master. Mr. Espy is an avid student who constantly seeks to improve himself as a teacher through the study of healing and wellness, general psychology, social dynamics, religion and spirituality. Mr. Espy can be reached at sabumnim@traditionalmartialartsacademy.com
Nate Tingley With four years of martial arts experience, and just a few months away from earning a black belt at another school, Nate Tingley discovered Traditional Martial Arts Academy. Nate saw an opportunity not just to improve his skills as a martial artist through the study of Pyon Moo Do, but also to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher. Sabumnim Espy and his apprenticeship program offered Nate the chance to learn teaching technique and classroom management, helping to fulfill his potential as a skilled and talented teacher of adults and children of all ages.
He has had an extremely immersive experience at TMAA, teaching in almost twenty classes a week. He has run our movement class for kindergarten through second grade at Zilker Elementary, as well as for all grade levels during a summer program at Popham Elementary. Nate is the primary instructor for our Wee Warriors program and for beginner-level children in our Pyon Moo Do Kids program.
Nate continues his education with weekly one-on-one training with Sabumnim Espy as he works towards his Pyon Moo Do black belt and full teacher certification.
Nate can be reached at ntingley@traditionalmartialartsacademy.com
Katie Villarreal As part of her completing a degree in Women’s Studies and Exercise Science at the University of Texas at Austin, Katie took an eight week internship at TMAA. During this time she learned the basic teaching methods for the children’s programs. Now she is an instructor in both the Wee Warriors and Pyon Moo Do Kids programs who is dedicated to her students and improving her skills and knowledge both as a martial artist and as a teacher.
Katie can be reached at kvillarreal@traditionalmartialartsacademy.com
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