Oom Yung Doe

I have trained since 3rd grade. I tried this form for 5 years in order to give it a chance. While the workouts were intense, the instructors were militant, abusive and intimidating. The ""open palm"" strike they teach alleges to be able to travel through several people who are lined up (chest to back in a line). Nobody, not even the national instructor, was able to prove this to me; other people would fall out of the line as if they had been punched directly. When they put me in this line, I felt nothing other than what you would expect to feel when the front person in line was hit: I felt a slight bump. Nothing that would ever knock me out of the line. The national instructor became furious and asked if I'd like to be in the front of the line. Of course, I declined because even if their martial arts are weak compared to any real world system, getting hit by these guys directly does not feel good. Avoid this form. It is nonsense. Try anything different. more

This school has great dedicated instructors. Very attentive and a lot of one-on-one development included in the programs. The kids classes are great for my son, then my class is right after, so scheduling is great. A lot of happy parents and the students rave about the level of zen-style training this school teaches. I have been a student here almost two years and very happy with the quality of instruction at this school. more

I started training 5 years ago. During the first year I put a good deal of time looking into the commentary, the trial, and all of the issues that this school is said to have. In the process of doing so I asked a lot of questions. It seems as though there were some people whose hearts have been broken, and they are angry. I got strong answers, but I still questioned beyond those answers. More importantly that regardless of my questioning I still trained. During those first two years up to my first degree I transformed, mentally and physically, no different than what you read in the positive comments. In this time of transformation I learned to trust myself, I learned to be strong for myself, I learned that I had the ability to change the things in my life that I did not like, and more over I learned that when I finally decided to make changes that I could look at the process as a challenge and follow through. Now, I am independent in my thinking, I have strong and healthy relationships, and I continually find ways to challenge myself both at Oom Yung Doe and through out my life. The best thing that I did and still do is train. I believe that true freedom exists in the person that knows themselves, and that can be achieved through training at this school. I would urge anyone to at least try. more

I have travelled in the Orient extensively, and I have not come across another martial arts school that compares to the level of martial arts being taught in Asia. Taken out of context, it may seem odd to many in our country that students of the martial arts in Asia dedicate their entire life to their art. However, if you have spent time in Asia, you may have seen the unwavering focus, dedication, and determination (much more than just physical martial arts that are common in North America) that results from these true martial arts. If you have not experienced traditional martial arts, you will find the closest thing to it is the School of Oom Yung Doe. It is not a sport as much as it is about spending time developing and defining your own character--something that others will do for you if you do not do it for yourself. As a student of life and health, I highly recommend this school (if you are looking for a TRADITIONAL martial art). more

Wonder how attendance is in the Cali school now? The reporters should interview those folks still showing up for classes. Those are the folks who make no sense at all to me. \r \r I don't care how good your back feels, go look at what your lesson money did to Vivien and over a thousand others. Is it really worth it? Can't you folks \r find a decent GYM instead? \r \r \r Look up the newest case of alledged fraud, fresh off the press on Google April 19TH Type Oom Yung Doe cult Vivien. Pros: Grown men acting like concubines- it's pretty funny Cons: The destruction of others more

I am an ex student from about 15 yrs ago from Chung Moo Doe. The benefits from the physical and mental training still follow me. I only left due to a move across country and keep hoping a school will open in my city. I am concerned about the tax evasion charges and follow the negative posts. I can say I regularly said no to training time I could not spend, said no to 90 % of their healing suggestions and diet, in general attended no extra seminars or events, and was overinvolved at church so not affected by the spiritual aspect, just integrated it. But I believe the experiences of those who had a negative experience. I cautiously would re engage and monitor to be sure they cleaned up their act. \r \r As to the claims- I have searched many martial arts schools for similar training and sparred with the students- the techniques I learned are hands down effective. I have been personally fended off a few attacks on the street and my training was effective as a woman. I now work out in a boxing gym as that has been the closest intensity I can find, but I at 47 out last many 20 yr olds and am faster, stronger, and have more endurance because of the mental training. I am a former last pick in gym class person growing up. I used to have asthma, chronic pains, but my health was great during training. Because they push, many people found their health getting better. But they also coordinated with their doctors and were encouraged to do so. My instructor yelled like a drill sargent and did monthly push for money and recruitment, but no was accepted and I advanced in rank.\r \r They also really did adjust the training for those with injuries or older bodies.\r \r SO- I know the advanced training especially was cult like back then. But Eastern martial arts can be that way in the home countries. Just here, we need a life outside martial arts. Cannot speak to present. I heard some schools are cleaned up, some not. All I know is I miss the training and suggest you learn when to say no.\r \r Watch for the red flags mentioned, but it trully was my best martial arts experience. Pros: best martial arts experience Cons: the expense and controversy more

My experience with this school is that this McDojo teaches a frighteningly un-useful form of martial arts. Plus, the founder of the school, and many of the directing ""National Instructors,"" are real ex-convicts. That isn't my opinion; go to wikipedia where you can read Kim's arrest warrant and the criminal docket for USA vs. Kim et al. They conspired to defraud the US out of almost $2 million dollars. Don't imagine they won't try to do the same to you! The focus of the ""training"" is to separate you from your money while giving you plenty of ""busy work"" martial arts to keep you occupied. Rank is essentially based on how much you pay and on your perceived loyalty. I will not be going back. Buyer beware! Pros: You may like the spiffy uniform. Cons: Its an expensive programs taught by convicted fraudsters. more

My son attends this school and loves it. I guess for kids it may be a great place to learn basic martial art movements, plus their physical exercise routine is challenging and makes my son stronger. I would suggest more stretching though.\r more

I started training after having two kids. I felt old and worn out. I can't say I would have started had it not been for recommendations, but I am so glad I did. I feel 10 years younger and I am still improving. It is very challenging, but also a lot of fun. I never thought I would like practicing with weapons, but they are the most fun. The instructors care so much for all the students, it is very specific for everyone's individual needs. I see there are some negative reviews, but I think everybody should try it out themselves. more

Yes, they claim to teach 8 martial art styles, but this is false advertising. The truth is, they have bits and pieces of some of those styles, that were copied from other masters. The leader, ""Grandmaster"" Kim, does not have the knowledge in those styles that he claims. I know this because I was an instructor in their organization for many years, and I have trained and learned from many people outside of OYD in most of those styles that OYD advertises. Someone who posted a review here said that they did not understand the true depth of the martial arts until he/she trained in OYD, after 7 years of Karate. Well, even though OYD has very little knowledge, there are many out there who have even less, and that is most likely where the person trained.\r \r Another person's post - about ""reversing and curing"" ailments such as Parkinson's, diabetes and fibromyalgia...that is TOTALLY FALSE! Yes...many kinds of exercise will help your body deal with ailments better, but there is ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE that OYD has ever ""reversed or cured"" those specific diseases. Injuries? Yes...\r \r The other thing - they charge way too much money for what they claim to teach. But they often tell you anything to get more money out of you, by attending more seminars and learning more ""higher-level"" movements. Many of us that left are learning from people with much higher skill, that charge only a fraction of what OYD charges, and can verify their knowledge through a credible lineage. OYD cannot do this - they cannot admit or prove where they ""learned"" their knowledge, and their training on the whole is actually very deficient of correct martial principles.\r \r \r - IMAlover\r \r more

I have been practicing in Oom Yung Doe for a couple of years and during that time I have seen it benefit the lives of many different indivduals with all types of needs and conditions. I studied karate for 7 years before, but had never seen the true depth of martial arts until I experienced Oom Yung Doe. \r \r Before I became a student I had several surgeries to remove a painful and chronic cyst from a sensitive area of my body. After amassing $20,000-$30,000 of medical bills, the doctors had told me that it was something that I was probably going to have to deal with for most of my life. How do you think that made me feel? When I walked into the school, the instructor told me that through practice I could heal this issue and would not have to live with it. I have not needed to see a doctor since. \r \r Others can tell you the way things are, but I have found the only way to truly know is to experience for yourself. Make your own decision. Pros: No limit to benefits that can be gained. Cons: Must overcome laziness and doubt. more

I trained at this martial arts studio and would not recommend it to others. Very costly and deceptive. Movements are fun. But please check out their history first so you don't feel burned. Do not sign up for any extras. There is no benefit to paying $600 for a 2 hour seminar in addition or signing up for their $4800 Master Internship Training. Set a pattern of ""no"". Don't let them feel you will be an easy source of additional monies. Keep your family, your minister, your lawyer, your doctor in the loop of what is going on and especially how much you are paying this organization. You may need a very solid anchor or someone you trust to wake you up if you get in too deep. Learn from the experiences of others and check out the web not only for Oom Yung Doe but their previous name Chung Moo Doe - the same people are involved. At first it will be a very good time - maybe that is the trick - drop out early and practice the basic forms. Check out the Spectator, Seattle University's student newspaper they had some complaints about this business and yes, do put cult after their name on the internet and you will find the good stuff not just the business's own testimonials. Also be prepared to help with janitorial work. Pros: martial arts training is fun Cons: you will have to check the internet for yourselves. more

I have been training in Oom Yung Doe now for almost two years and everyone around me can see a major change in me, physicaly and mentaly. I wouldnt train in no other style because I personaly perfer a style that has no end to how much you can learn and grow. I got my mom started as a xmas gift because she could barely move and was always in pain. She really acted like my grandma who is 20 years older.. She has been training for 7 months now and she can already do stuff she couldnt do 30 years ago. I recommend this school to anyone that truely wants to improve there life. Pros: you learn the your personal limits Cons: time consumption. but I really dont see a problem with it more

Two years ago, I suffered from chronic neck and shoulder pain which was caused by whiplash due to a car accident and which was further exacerbated by working at a computer for my job. Two years ago, I was going for chiropractic treatments and massage therapy weekly, acupuncture every two (2) to three (3) weeks, and was taking Yoga. All of that helped a bit, but I was still in pain. Then my wife, who had started Oom Yung Doe about 9 months earlier, convinced me to go to the school and try Oom Yung Doe. Two (2) weeks into my Oom Yung Doe training, my Yoga instructor noticed how much I was changing. Within six (6) months, my neck and shoulders had recovered and I was pain free for the first time in many years. I have now been doing Oom Yung Doe for over two (2) years and have better flexibility and strength not only in my neck and shoulders, but throughout my body. The Instructors in Oom Yung Doe were very patient and provided me with specific movements to help me with my neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. Oh, and Oom Yung Doe is an exercise regimen that I actually want to do daily which is a great benefit for my overall health and well being. I would highly recommend Oom Yung Doe for people with chronic conditions like mine. Pros: Personalized Training and Movement, Well Trained Instructors, Convenient Hours, Lots of Parking!! Cons: Could use more schools throughout the Greater Seattle Metro area!! more

I've been in OYD for 10 years now, and I am very glad that it has been a part of my life. I have gained tremendous benefits for my mind, body, and spirit - my depression is gone, my allergies are almost gone, my carpal tunnel syndrome is gone, my dandruff is gone, my confidence and self-respect are through the roof, etc. etc. I have also seen or know other people who have reversed and cured things that western doctors said were impossible, such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, Parkinson's, spine injuries, knee injuries, and more. And the best part is that the older the practitioners get, the more healthy they get. My instructors are mostly in their 40s and 50s, but they can do things with their bodies and minds that I can't even come close to yet. I'm very excited to keep training and develop those things too. Yes, this school is more expensive than Kim's Tae Kwon Doe, but you get what you pay for. Actually, that's not even true, because it's less expensive than personal training at Bally's. So if you go to OYD you will get way more than you pay for. Pros: Extremely deep knowledge and training methods, definitely worth the money Cons: Needs more locations - the schools in Bellevue, Bothell, First Hill, Greenwood, and Queen Anne just don't cover enough areas more

I've been involved in prior martial arts and none of them taught so much as a tenth of what I've learned from Oom Yung Doe. The quality of instruction is the best I've ever seen, and the amount of knowledge and wisdom taught is incredible. It is well worth the money. The fellow below who thinks it costs too much obviously thinks he should be able to buy a Rolls Royce for the same price as a Big Mac. Pros: Highest quality training from the highest quality instructors Cons: I can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount being taught more

I can not believe how misleading, bitter and utterly dishonest some people can be. I have studied Oom Yung Doe for several years. It is not cheap nor expensive, but the quality is everything I expected. I read the post about Oom Yung Doe being a cult. It really ticked me off. My mother and I both attend classes. Do you honestly believe that I would allow my mother to be in a cult? I am glad she is not internet savvy..This would break her heart. The internet can be a great tool. Many times I see this tool being misused for someone to spread gossip and negativity. I guess you will believe what you want to believe. From my experience and the many students I train with our experiences have been nothing but excellent. Take the time come into the School and see it with your own eyes and try it. Then make a decision. Pros: Well trainined instructors with big hearts Cons: need more locations more

I love my training. I have lost weight, gained energy and I have a very positive outlook on life. I was in pretty good shape when I started, but I felt like I was losing my edge ( that comes with age). I found my fountain of youth. The one thing I don't understand is the other reviews saying -it is costly. I guess people have never hired a personal trainer or looked at the quality they are getting for the price. This is an excellent value for the dollar amount spent. From what I can calculate, it cost me about $20 per lesson. I get personalized instruction, top of the line training, movement and technique that works ( and fast). I have paid upwards of $85/per hour or more for less instruction in other places. The price is a misnomer. Quality is the is true value here. Pros: Very diverse. Well managed. Very personalized instruction Cons: Need more locations more

I have gained an incredible amount from oom yung doe mentally and physically. This training has surpassed all my expectations of what excercise or martial arts can do. I have changed more in a shorter time and without injury more than any other activity I have tried. I have found it more challenging mentally and physically than running, biking or any other sports. I feel capable of defending myself should the need arise and am in the best condition of my life. Mentally I feel much calmer and clearer in a way that everyone around me has noticed. The training is a little more expensive than I initially thought, but I now realize that going for what's cheap when it comes to your own health is not worth it, especially since most schools seem to focus on just kids. The instructors are very knowledgable and can work with any age or person. I recommend that anyone come in and try the training to see for themselves. Pros: More complete than anything I have seen Cons: A little more expensive than others, requires consistancy more

This is the best martial arts school I have known in my 5+ years of experience in 3 martial arts!\r \r Summary:\r -> Traditional martial art mainly based on Chinese styles. \r -> Excellent facilities (location, training equipment, parking). \r -> Very good instructor, and frequent trainings with higher and highest belt instructors. \r -> Variety of styles with hard, soft, internal, and weapons forms and movements. \r -> I have seen people from several ages, body types, and body conditions be benefited. \r -> Prices might seem a little high, but I think you get your money's worth. \r \r I have been practicing martial arts for over 5 years now in 3 different styles (TaeKwonDo, Capoeira, Shaolin Kung Fu) and Oom Yung Doe is the best system I know. In terms of the school I like this location a lot even within the system (there are a couple other schools in the Seattle area). It has the largest training ground, and a very good instructor.\r \r The thing that suprised me the most about this martial art is the level of understanding of the movements and forms. The level of understanding is such, especially from high level instructors, that they are able to 'prescribe' a set of movements or forms to help you with your week points and even light injuries people sometimes have. \r \r I am very happy with this martial art because it combines internal and external techniques, and there is a lineage of knowledge being passed on. Pros: Instructors, Facilities (location,equipment,parking), Variety of Forms and Movements (hard,soft,internal,weapons) Cons: Slightly costly more