Oriental Martial Arts College, World Headquarters

Oct 2023

I studied here for several years during middle and high school and stayed long enough to reach 1st degree black belt. At that time, the school's late founder and best asset, Joon Pyo Choi was still young enough and enthusiastic enough to train anyone willing to come often and put in the effort. Master Choi was the US Olympic Coach for the 1988 games, the first time Korean Karate/Taekwondo was part of the event. Needless to say, Master Choi of North Korea was the real deal. He stood barely over five feet but had the kicking power and speed to rival the world's most competitive athletes, and he was an excellent instructor. I have not been to "OMAC" in almost two decades, so I cannot offer a valuable update on what the school is like nowadays. I can, however, confidently say that joining a school like this will likely improve certain aspects of your life, including your mental health and general fitness, but it will not teach you how to defend yourself in the event you are attacked on the street. In fact, it may even give you a false sense of confidence that could result in an even less desirable outcome. Taekwondo is an enjoyable sport, and you will learn to throw great kicks, but when you consider that nearly all real-life altercations occur in closer quarters, resulting in at least a clinch, if not wrestling, with punches and elbows aimed at your face from various angles, all the while, taekwondo's drills are insufficient. If you are looking for a place to send your kids to practice discipline, determination, and respect, OMAC is an excellent choice. You can also make lifelong friends here. However, if you're hoping to learn practical self-defense, you should look into jiu jitsu schools to supplement some kind of boxing or kickboxing training, where you regularly spar with someone who stands closer to you and throws punches at your face with intent. All this being said, OMAC was a real blessing in my life, and I was lucky to know Master Choi for those few precious years. I had a lot of fun, and focusing on climbing the ranks and learning the techniques kept me in good spirits all through high school.

Dec 2021

I joined OMAC 14+ years ago, when my son was in elementary school and wanted to try martial arts. As a kid, he eventually lost interest, but I found a lifelong home. I'm now a 4th degree black belt and enjoy it so much, I also became a national level referee and instructor. Great atmosphere and wonderful friendly community.

Dec 2021

I've been going to OMAC for the past almost 7 years. I was 49 when I started. It's been a break down and rebuild experience as I've worked through a bit of neglect. I've tried at least a little bit of everything they have to offer, which is Taekwondo, Gumdo (Korean sword), Hapkido (hands on fighting/holds/joint locks), and Kimoodo (kinda like Taekwondo on Tai Chi). Their form of Taekwondo is traditional Korean martial arts blended with Shotokan karate. The school, founded by SGM Choi, has been active since 1972 so they have a lot more depth to their curriculum than a lot of other schools. I'm currently a black belt in Taekwondo and a red belt in Gumdo. They also have...read full review