When I first started 20 years ago, I expected to learn how to defend myself, but I have gained so much more. I enjoy the feelings of empowerment, strength, and physical and mental discipline that comes from training. Training has made me a more resilient individual. As a woman, I feel more capable and confident in situations where I could be physically threatened. For my children, training has improved their physical coordination, strength, balance, and self-confidence. They are also learning self-discipline, respect for others, and leadership and assertiveness skills, all of which will help them as they grow up. I’ve been involved with the school for 20 years and it’s a big part of my life and I’m grateful to share it with my kids and be part of a really great community.

I truly appreciate the privilege of learning the art of Soo Bahk Do. It has allowed me to discover a new energy within myself, and has greatly improved my holistic wellness overall. As well as meeting many interesting people, and making some amazing friends, I’ve also acquired and developed many skills; particularly fortitude, mindfulness and self-discipline. Throughout the past eight years, I’ve developed a passion for the art and it’s certainly a journey that I will always cherish. I can’t imagine how different I would be if I hadn’t discovered Soo Bahk Do and experienced it’s positive impact on my life and the influence it’s had on my character!

Our 6 year old son started training a year ago and although it took a little while to get into the swing of things, he thoroughly enjoys the classes. The small group setting and the patience and positivity of the instructors ensures the kids really learn the core values of respect and discipline all the while having a great time. Over the past year we’ve seen Daniel gain in confidence to speak up, his ability to focus and concentrate improve; and we’ve really loved seeing his sense of pride and achievement when he has passed grading. And thanks to Frank's example we have changed how we explain our concepts of what behaviour is expected of him and this has resulted in more respectful communication by the whole family!

As I entered high school, I was thrown off with the sudden work overload. With lots of homework, and tests, it was all very stressful. I started Soo Bahk Do in year 8, as my friend had recommended it to me. At first everything was unfamiliar, and strange. But the more I came, the more fun I had, and the more I found myself benefiting from it. Soo Bahk Do has given me a place to relax, and train, whilst somewhat escaping the stresses of school. I have made many new friends, and now in year 10, with even more school work and tests piling up, I have made it a part of my weekly lifestyle to come and train. Not only has Soo Bahk Do helped me mentally, but also physically. I feel fitter than before, and I feel safer having learnt self defence.

My husband and I were both interested in getting our 3 children into some form of Martial Arts program to help them learn an art, learn about discipline, and also learn how to control their bodies in a self-defence situation if it arose. Our kids love doing the classes, they have fun in a non-stressful environment. My kids do several activities but this is the one that really helps them to think about respect to their elders and helps them to focus on thinking about what is good for their bodies. We can absolutely recommend Perth Soo Soo Bahk Do.

Soo Bahk Do is more than just a Martial Art, it’s a strong and close community where you can rely and trust one another. You build individual strength which sets you to a positive mindset and attitude, which motivates you to train and be optimistic. At Soo Bahk Do, you learn more than just techniques, kicks and forms, you learn how to show etiquette, discipline and respect in and outside the Do Jang. Everything that you learn here at Soo Bahk Do helps you to build resilience, become mentally stronger and physically fitter; which will set you up in your daily life.

Our initial expectation was that a martial art like Soo Bahk Do would be a great skill for our son to have, which he started when he was 5 years old. Over the past 8 years of training, we recognised the deeper values and benefits that can be reached through Soo Bahk Do training, which are way beyond just knowing karate moves. Through the teaching of movement, breathing and discipline, our son has been able to strengthen his body and mind. His ability to focus his concentration has been the most significant gain from training at Perth Soo Bahk Do.

It is difficult to express what martial arts has done for me since it has had such a profound influence on my day to day life. So here are a few areas in which martial arts has had a positive influence on. Firstly, Soo Bahk Do has had a positive impact on my physical condition and overall coordination. Secondly, martial arts is a great tool that I use to elevate mood and decrease anxiety and stress.. Third and most possibly most importantly, martial arts has had an improvement on my self-esteem and confidence, helping to build my sense of self-worth to levels where I felt comfortable coming out to family and friends.

Ethan initially thought he was on his to becoming a great ninja. After all the years he has not only developed a great commitment to Soo Bahk Do but also his leadership skills. He’s keen to give back what he’s learned to the younger kids. Soo Bahk Do is unlike typical martial arts in that its focus isn’t on fighting in competitions but rather individual development and wellbeing, which we’ve noticed in our son. The culture of the school is welcoming and inspiring, and the instructors are talented and giving in sharing their time and skills, which has most certainly contributed to Ethan’s development.

I began Soo Bahk Do when I was four years old. For the past ten years it has been a huge part of my life that has affected my values as well as my physical fitness. Soo Bahk Do has an obvious focus on discipline and respect, as shown through the eight key concepts. This has taught me to respect my elders, seniors, friends and family through my training. The attributes enforced are necessary through life, so learning them at such a young age has been a benefit. Physically Soo Bahk Do has kept my fitness levels high, enabling me to succeed in many other sports and activities.

My son started 2 years ago and we’ve been very impressed with the instructors of the school. As a sports coach myself, I appreciate their experience and they’re very approachable. Beau has not only learned self-defence, but also skills in self-discipline and respect. He loves nothing more than being able to talk to the instructors and obtain more knowledge about the art. I can highly recommend Perth Soo Bahk Do; besides the skills that you all have, you have some of the most amazing teachers for young people I have seen.