To help each and every student achieve their maximum potential, both physically and mentally.

Our Philosophy:

Master Markman,

      I just wanted to send you this flag to thank you for your patriotism and dedication to teaching children the values your program represents.  Our society has gotten to the point where fewer and fewer children have respect for their elders, their parents, their government, and their bodies.  I thank you for the values you are teaching these young people.  This flag was flown over FOB (Forward Operations Base) Sharana on the day of the Black Belt testing (5 February 2011).​

    I have enjoyed watching my son, Mason, in his pursuit of his Black Belt.  His confidence, endurance, coordination, discipline, and work ethic have increased substantially.  Your staff was incredible to work with.  They were always patient and supportive while instructing Mason.  He has very much enjoyed his experience with Tae Kwon Do and has never been prouder of an achievement.  Neither have I, I cannot express how proud he has made me that he has achieved his goal of reaching a black belt.  These last few months he knew he was a bit behind some of the others that were planning on testing.  I was unfortunately not able to observe during this time, but his Mother and he told me of his work to reach his goal.

    During the black  belt testing, I was able to watch the first part of it.  Unfortunately a severe snow storm knocked out the internet for the 2nd part of the testing (and the next 2 days).  My family was able to record it and I watched it for the first time today.  As I said before, I've never been more proud.  Thank you so much for you Professionalism, courtesy, and respect.

​Sincerely,

CPT Brett L. Hayes

934th  FST (Forward Surgical Team)

​FOB Sharana, Afghanistan

(this link will direct you to an article published in The Garden Island Newspaper about Verbal Judo)

What is Verbal Judo?  Click here to find out!

Don't take our word for it, here's some things others have said about us!

    My daughter Aliyah was introduced to Taekwondo at Grace Lutheran School in Sandy, Utah.  In the summer of 2011 Kim's Academy came to GLS Summer Kids program.  While there was simple assignments given to the kids, such as help out at home and listen to parents the first time etc.., the kids were rewarded for this and my daughter loved the instant gratification and feeling of accomplishment that she was excited to do this homework and get my signature at the end of the week.  At the end of summer my daughter was sad as she loved the skills she was learning from the Verbal Judo.  There was a graduation at the end where the kids got to show what they had learned and those who completed all assignments got trophies.  I was a very proud mommy that day, not to mention my daughter was so excited she got to use the skills she learned to break a board.  The look in all kids eyes when they broke the boar brought a tear of excitement to my eyes.

     My daughter felt so proud and felt a sense of accomplishment that she wanted to continue.  I have never seen her so excited and proud of her self, Aliyah walks taller now as she has the confidence to stand up for herself and the strength to walk away from a bully.  Aliyah has learned tools to spot a bully and ways to prevent a situation from escalating and ways to speak up to authority figures when there is a situation.  Aliyah uses what she learned to avoid being a bully herself, while I hear stories from friends of kids being bullied and coming home crying I know my daughter has the skills to walk tall and not be afraid of a bully.

     I have seen many kids start out quiet and shy and within a month speak up, hold their heads up, and smile in excitement.  I cannot thank Kim's Academy enough for the internal strength they have taught my daughter as well as self respect and respect for others.

Sincerely,

Amanda Kaluza 

     Our daughter participated in your Verbal Judo program while attending Park Lane Elementary School in Sandy, Utah.  During the school year, she had encountered problems with a  group of former friends that escalated into bullying.  While her teacher and the principal were aware and involved and they discussed the school's zero tolerance of bullying in class we could see her joy and self-esteem being eroded and did not know what more we could do to help.  Thankfully, Verbal Judo changed things for our daughter.  For the first day of the program she was excited to be learning tools and verbal skills to help her when hurtful things happened.  We could see that the lessons being taught empowered her and gave her confidence that she could deal with her problems in a constructive manner.  After each class she would come home and talk about the different strategies they had learned that day and we could see her self-esteem and confidence returning.  We are extremely grateful to Master Markman and the Kim's Academy instructors for the Verbal Judo program; it changed our daughter's life in a very positive and constructive way.

Sincerely,

​John and Kim Burns

     I am a 5th grade teacher at 'Ele'ele Elementary School in Ele'ele, HI.  Master Jack Markman came to the school to teach all of the classes and grades "Verbal Judo."  This anti-bullying program consisted of a few basic Taekwondo skills incorporated with verbal skills that are needed when confronted by a bully.  Master Jack successfully taught my students what to say, how to say it, and the proper body language needed to successfully stand up to a bully.  In a martial setting, he was able to completely keep the students attention.  The culmination of the program was the breaking of a board by each student.

     The combination of Taekwondo and verbal skills was a huge success.  Not only did my students love the classes, it increased their self-confidence and gave them important tools to use in a bullying situation.  It was also helpful to me as a teacher because I could take some of the key words that Master Jack used, such as "How do you get better at something?":  "Repetition, sir!"  and apply them to my classroom setting when teaching math and reading.  His program and his ability to relate to the kids were a huge success.  I would definitely recommend him to continue to bring his program into schools and other places that are centered around child activities so that kids can feel more empowered in today's world.

Sincerely,

​Karen L. Teng

     I am the principal of 'Ele'ele Elementary School on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.  I have 440 students in Pre-School through Grade 5.  One of the issues that confronts schools across the nation is that of bullying.  We have used various programs over the years to address this issue, including a national program, Second Step, and a locally developed program, Aloha Peace Project.  These are quality programs and were effective up to a point.  There was always a group of students that failed to respond to the level we desired to these interventions.  Our annual School Quality Survey provided evidence that too many of our students still do not feel safe from bullying.

     Late last school year one of my colleagues at Kalaheo Elementary School mentioned that he had a family that recently transferred to his school from Utah.  He was a Tae Kwon Do instructor who had experience in a program that combated the bullying problem, Verbal Judo.  He said Master Jack Markman provided instruction to some of the his classes with promising outcomes.

     After meeting with Master Jack, I decided to give the program a try at 'Ele'ele to see if it would impact the problem.  Master Jack has provided and just finished teaching the program to our entire school.  He established a good working relationship with the students and faculty in his time with us.  Initial responses from faculty, students, and parents have been overwhelmingly positive.  In fact, there have been no negative comments expressed.  However, I await the more long term opinions that will be recorded in the spring with the School Quality Survey.  Anecdotally it is also significant to note that students who were relatively passive during our previous anti-bullying attempts were attentive and eagerly awaiting his next instruction in this kinesthetic approach to anti-bullying.  He was reaching the group that failed to respond to our previous efforts.

​     Students are taught to redirect negative behavior and reduce conflict through verbal communication.  Students are introduced to "mushin".  Having lived in Japan for 5 years some 35 years ago, and as a cultural anthropology student, I recalled the concept.  Mushin is a Zen concept.  Mushin is achieved when a person's mind is free from thoughts of anger, fear, or ego during combat or everyday life.  This is a difficult concept to achieve for even adults, but Master Jack gave our students a foundation and taught them how this could help them cope with potential bullies.  Teachers even remarked that Master Jack's instruction on the importance of respect had resulted in unexpected and unsolicited student responses to requests and directives with an affirmative, "Yes, sir", or "Yes, ma'am".

​     As you might observe, I hold a positive view of the initial efforts of the Verbal Judo Program and Master Jack Markman.  I recommend that you give your full consideration to providing funding for his program.  In this era of diminished budgets, schools would benefit from having this program available for implementation.

Sincerely,

Mr.  Fred Rose

Principal, 'Ele'ele Elementary School

      As a photographer, reporter, and a journalist for the Garden Island Newspaper for more than  20 years, I feel that one of the major contributions that I make to my community is by allowing readers to relate to current events both at the national and local levels, by providing a better understanding of what is happening in the world around them.

     One of the most serious issues that is affecting our youth here on Kauai'i, as it is in other parts of the country, is bullying.  Bullying is a major threat to our youth and as such places our entire community at risk.  I had the privilege of observing and covering one of Master Markman's Verbal Judo/TaeKwonDo classes at the Boys and Girls Club, Kapaa Clubhouse during the summer of 2012.  The resulting front page article entitled "Verbal Judo helps defend against bullying behavior" (July 19, 2012) demonstrated the effectiveness of Master Markman's program.  I was most impressed with the spirit and willingness of these students to push and challenge themselves in front of their peers, parents, and grandparents after just six lessons!

​     A few days later, the students performed on Ohana Day, which culminated in their breaking a board, symbolizing their breaking a bad habit.  The inner strength, discipline, and pride demonstrated by the students and student instructors is a testament to the martial arts spirit Master Markman instills in every student.  One of the greatest strengths of this program is enabling the community to work together to combat not only bullying, but substance abuse, and obesity in children.  Master Markman brings together so many positive forces:  The Boys and Girls Club, Neighborhood Centers, Kauai Elementary Schools, and those raising the children he teaches toward a common goal of good character development.

Mahalo,

Mr.  Dennis Fujimoto

​Photographer, The Garden Island newspaper

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TaeKwonDo Classes For Ages 4 and Up!

Don't take our word for it, here's some things others have said about us!

TaeKwonDo Classes For Ages 4 and Up!