Whether you're interested in getting into excellent physical shape, learn self-defense techniques or want to experience the amazing korean martial art forms. NOW IS THE TIME AND WE ARE THE PLACE! Homepage

WELCOME TO

In 2000, Master Kim was hired to train the local U.S. Army personnel and since then over 2,200 military forces, expats and foreign vistors have trained with him. Since opening our Itaewon studio, we remain the original and only traditional Korean martial arts studio (Dojang) in Seoul, specifically designed for adult expats and foreigners from around the world.

Over the years, TMAS has had students from over 32 different countries attending our programs.

All classes are taught in English by world reknown Master Kim, Nam Su and his certified staff. Traditional Korean Taekwondo and Hapkido, along with Judo and Yongmoodo are offered. We also offer a variety of Weapons training including nanchuka, baton, staff and swords.

Classes are held 6 days a week, several times a day/evening and private lessons are available by appointment.

For foreigners who wish to study the traditional Korean martial arts, TMAS (Total Martial Arts System) has been specifically developed to encompass the spirit, drive, dedication, rigor and technique of classical training within a westernized (slightly less strict) environment.

We at TMAS teach people not only how to punch and kick, but how to train and live together as a martial arts family.

*We offer discounted rates for :

*Military Personnel

*Students (must show University ID card)

Contact Master Kim _ 010 8944 2198 (mobile) Or email us at info_T-M-A-S.com for more information

02 796 7976 (studio)

****Free Introductory Classes****

YOUTH TRAINING OUR MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES:The following describes some ideals that every youth needs to possess to become a happy, productive adult, and how YMA (Youth Martial Arts) helps parents help their children attain them. Physical Fitness: Youth must be taught that a fit, healthy lifestyle is the accumulation of good habits.Three components make up a healthy lifestyle: exercise, nutrition, hygiene and grooming. YMA helps parents with the exercise component and may provide assistance with the other two components. YMA instructors teach the students how eating healthy will make them better warriors and instructors require that they have proper hygiene and grooming while in class. Self-Control: Youth must be taught to control their own actions. If parents do not establish boundaries, or if they establish boundaries and are not consistent in enforcing them, they make it difficult for their children to learn self-control. Youth get the idea that boundaries are flexible. YMA has rules of behavior that are strictly enforced. If Youth want to continue training and competing with their friends, they must learn to control their behavior or be reprimanded. FocusYMA teaches Youth to pay attention and block out distractions. Pattern practice demands that Youth block out distractions and concentrate on making perfect motions. Sparring requires a student's undivided attention at all times or they lose the match. Respect: A disrespectful Youth gets no respect, so he or she turns that attitude inward and starts to see him or herself as a person who does not deserve respect. YMA teaches Youth to be respectful at all times to everyone, and that they earn respect in the same measure that they give respect. Confidence : YMA helps Youth become experts at something, which then gives them more self-confidence. with confidence in their martial arts abilities, their confidence will spill over into other areas of a their life.Honesty: Honesty is more than simply avoiding lies. It includes a belief in, and a pursuit of, the truth. Honesty is a sign of healthy self-esteem, because an honest person takes responsibility for his or her actions. A Youth who feels good about him or herself has no need to resort to deception. YMA teaches Youth to be honest, even when it is not easy to do or is not the popular thing to do. Courage: If a Youth is constantly afraid, he or she feels less and less able to deal with his or her surroundings. Instead of experiencing growth, the Youth's comfort zone shrinks and he or she withdraws from life . Courage determines how much freedom a Youth experiences. Fear will hold your child back and prevent him or her from trying new things, pursuing meaningful opportunities, and from living the life he or she was meant to live. YMA helps Youth face their fears and conquer them. As they gain more courage, they are not afraid to try new things.Contribution: Youth need to be taught the joy of giving so they will become persons who contribute to society. Life rewards you in direct proportion to your willingness to contribute. YMA students learn to give assistance to new students or those with physical or mental challenges and they learn community service. They learn that helping others makes you feel good about yourself. Positive Outlook: Youth need to look at their lives positively, not negatively. YMA instructors do not tell students they are doing a technique wrong; they praise them and tell them how to improve the technique. As a result, students have a positive outlook about their futures and feel capable of doing anything. Responsibility: YMA teaches Youth to take responsibility for their own actions, for assigned tasks, for younger children, and for other students of lower rank. As they successfully fulfil their responsibilities, they are given more opportunities to strive for excellence.Persistence: Sometimes, things in life do not come easily. Some Youth take longer to earn rank in Martial arts. YMA teaches them to not give up and that they can succeed if they persist in their efforts and to always remember what they can do well.

ABOUT US Martial Arts IntroductionAt TMAS, students will be taught 'true martial arts'. Through the Masters' teachings, students will learn to harness their power and capabilities. The practitioner is taught to attack the weakest part of their opponent(s) and to manipulate the situation to their advantage through both the laws of physics, anatomy and Ki(energy). Hand to hand combat, locking, grappling, throwing, ground fighting, weaponry, absolute submission and acting without hesitation are key factors to the art of combat. There's no impracticality, rules, weight divisions or assumptions. Every time a person is attacked, the situation is unique. Having said that, restraint and respect are considered to be great virtues, which are also learned through martial arts training.Since Korea is the world leader in TaeKwonDo and HapKiDo, many foreigners from around the world come here to specifically train in these martial arts. Because it takes many, many years to master the arts to perfection, most martial arts Masters are older and speak very little, if any English, making it difficult for foreign students to learn the techniques properly. This kind of environment more often encourages a copying motion as opposed to learning the theory and practice that generates true power. Many foreigners are also surprised and disappointed when they visit martial arts gyms, learning that about 99% of the students they will be training with are children.All TMAS classes are taught in English and for adults only (evenings) so you can learn the martial arts and spend time together like a family, the way true martial arts have been practiced throughout history.Philosophy and TheoryOne of the longest lasting traditions in Asia is the practice of the body, mind and spirit together through martial arts. While you are living in Korea, you have the opportunity to experience martial arts first-hand in the traditional sense.The martial techniques found within the arts of Hapkido and TaeKwonDo are sourced from thousands of variations of core techniques. Both have traditionally been handed down verbally and practically, being continuously refined over generations. However, like a tree, the effective roots remain unchanged.The reasons behind why certain techniques are more useful than others will be one aspect that will be explored through training. Understanding the advantages and consequences of techniques will ensure a higher level of confidence and competence in students. When a student understands the theory behind what is learned in class, they will feel confident enough to continue to train by themselves, when they finish their training. While certain martial arts focus on key certain skills, Hapkido is all-encompassing and TaeKwonDo allows for one to learn how far they can push themselves. By harnessing energy (Ki) found in the center of ones' body, (the Dan Jun) every desired outcome to the situation of attack is attainable.
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MASTER KIM BIO

Master Kim, Nam-Su

Master Kim Namsu: Martial Arts Certifications

Taekwondo 5th degree Black belt

Hapkido 5th degree Black belt

Judo 4th degree Black belt

Yongmoodo 4th degree Black belt [Yong-In University's Own Martial Art Style]

Teukgongmoosul 4th degree Black belt [Special Forces Techniques]

For over 30 years, Master Kim has been teaching, training and practicing Martial Arts. He is world reknown for his martial arts abilities and perfection of the arts. His dedication has earned him many accolades, as well as high profile clients.

He has taught Martial Arts to the United States Army and Air Force, specifically in hand to hand combat, but other forms of the martial arts as well.

Currently, he conducts and teaches his Taekwondo program to international students at the Yongsan International School of Seoul and Seoul Foreign School, both located in Seoul.

He is retained by major Korean security corporations to train their professional bodyguards, many of whom deal with celebrities and foreign dignitaries that visit Korea.

In 2010, Master Kim was hired by the famous Cirque Du Soleil group to instruct their performers in traditional korean martial arts, while touring in Korea.

Master Kim has also trained many non-military expatriate students, who have gone on to successful martial arts careers, upon returning to their native countries. He now offers an instructor's certification program for those wanting to open studios (dojang) in their own countries. Please review more information on this unique program in the "class description" section.

Click here for complete Master Kim biography

ADDRESS :

119-19 3Floor, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Tel 02-796-7976 , 010-8944-2198

Email address: info_t-m-a-s.com

DIRECTIONS :

Come out from exit #1 of Itaewon Station and go straight 40m towards Noksapyeong. We are directly across the street from Outback Steakhouse on the 3rd floor.

Look for the building with the tree on top! YOU CAN SEE THE TMAS ' BIG SIGN.

Our entrance is on the side of the building.

TESTIMONIALS

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TESTIMONIALS

"Going to T-M-A-S is my favorite part of the day. Master Kim is an excellent teacher. He makes everything look so natural, like the martial arts movies you've watched and wanted to be in. The other students at various belt levels are another great resource. I never feel afraid to ask for help." ~ Shella B.

"Master Kim is an amazing instructor! His insight into Taewkondo is the best! " ~ Simon W.

"TMAS is a good combination of martial spirit and family like supportive atmosphere. Thanks to master Kim's sport skills and bright personality the trainings are fun, exciting and easy going. Don't miss a chance to try it out! ~ Irina Z.

Moldova

T-M-A-S has been a great place to get in shape, meet great people, and learn discipline that I can use in my everyday life. -Dikku

Great Britain

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACK KNIGHTS

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U.S.A.

3RD PAGE TESTIMONIALS

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" TMAS is a great and comfortable place to learn TKD or Hapkido or even pick it up again. Master Kim is a great teacher, he is very supportive, motivating and always has a smile on his face. It is a positive environment where I always receive assistance with techniques and encouragement from Master Kim, The Black Knights (black belt students) and the current members of TMAS." ~ Roxie P.

"Joining TMAS has been one of the best things I've done this year. I have learned so much about Tae Kwon Do and I have made many new friends. It is such a diverse group of people at TMAS and I have learned a lot from all of the other students. Master Kim has a great way of challenging and motivating us. He keeps the workouts fun, interesting and informative."

-Robyn L

"Master Kim is very nice & kind, and words cannot express how much I respect his teaching, as I travel over 2 hours to attend his classes."

"The most comprehensive instructor of any disipline that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting". ~ Jamie J.

Great Britain

Ethiopia

Canada

U.S.A.

5th testimonials

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"Before coming to T-M-A-S, I had never played any type of sport....I always felt very weak and insecure about my athletic abilites. When I came to Korea I saw an ad for T-M-A-S...I got really curious about trying Taekwondo. I wanted to beat my fears and insecurites, and I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived in the studio. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and Master Kim took time to work with me one on one for all the new moves and techniques. After one and a half years of training, I received my black belt. I feel in better shape now than I ever have and my confidence has grown immensely. Thank you T-M-A-S and Master Kim for everything!" ~ Judith

"I am in the U.S. Army base at Seoul, S.K. and Master Kim has a great understanding of my busy schedule at the same time he always makes sure that I get a good training every time. I have trained four years with the U.S. Army, but Master Kim has been able to teach me skills I didn't knew; he has helped me focus on the details that most people forget and kept my physical and mental condition in top shape. I truly enjoy every class and have the outmost respect for Master Kim and the other students of Total Martial Arts System"

~ Chris L.

Master Kim is a respected and knowledgeable teacher who has trained me, and my wife in Taekwondo and Hapkido. I committed a year to Master Kim and he has taught me much about physical fitness, the martial arts, and life. For a master instructor he is approachable and amiable at all times. We have recently decided to have our (4 year old) daughter take classes with him to learn discipline, physical fitness and be anything Master Kim decides she needs to know. ~ Aaron F.

"I have a great respect for Master Kim and his abilities as a TKD athlete. I was able to learn different techniques, enhance my knowledge in Martial Arts, and had a wonderful time training at TMAS with all the colleagues there." ~ Renato

Brazil

U.S.A.

PUERTO RICO

Black Knights

TMAS- BLACK KNIGHTS

The TMAS Black Knights, are an elite group that have attained Black Belt status (DAN) through Master Kim's certification program. Some have attained rank of 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree Black Belt.

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PHOTO GALLERIES

We have several photo galleries, representing over 10 years of being in business. Please enjoy!

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VIDEOS

These videos are of TMAS students giving interviews, demonstrations and taking their black belt tests at the World Taewkondo Federation (WTF) in Seoul, South Korea.

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3RD PHOTO GALLERY

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FEES

2ND PHOTO GALLERY PAGE

CURRICULUM CLASSES/DESCRIPTIONSThe lessons are designed to cater for the needs of foreigners, with all classes conducted in English. Lessons are offered 6 days a week. The aim of these lessons is to provide instruction in the most practical Martial arts techniques. STRETCHING- Stretching is very important in martial arts as many muscles are not usually used by people who are unaccustomed to training in martial arts.BASICS- Before any student commences learning martial arts techniques, they should master the following- etiquette; breathing; meditation; break fall techniques; techniques for building body strength; basic punching techniques; basic kicking techniques and blocking. GYMNASTICS - Basic gymnastics are an essential part of Martial arts. It increases overall athletic ability by training students balance, coordination, flexibility, reflexes and where their centre of gravity is. Each martial art has its own unique techniques, which combined make a martial artist more effective than one who is devoted to one specific Martial art. TAEKWONDO - TaeKwonDo techniques will be taught for the benefit of increasing agility. Techniques consist of blocking and reading an opponents body position and movements then counter attacking through kicking and punching accordingly. HAPKIDO - HapKiDo techniques which focus on the use of pressure points and locking techniques are extremely effective in controlling an opponent. JUDO - Knowledge of JuDo techniques is important as an opponents strength can be manipulated. Using an opponents' weight and momentum, incorporated with finding weaknesses in their balance, can be used to over throw them. YONGMOODO- YongMooDo is a highly practical martial art as it combines other various techniques from other martial arts. YongMooDo is a collaboration of techniques learnt from all areas of different martial arts. Through YongMooDo, a martial artist will learn to master how to select the appropriate technique to use according to the situation. WEAPONS - After mastering various techniques from different martial arts, students will then be taught how to use weapons effectively. The use of weapons consists of learning how to extend your power through your body and into the weapon itself. Learning how to defend yourself against an opponent with a weapon is as equally important. Such weapons include the nunchaku, staff, sword, and baton. YOGA - Yoga brings the body and mind together into a harmonious experience. Yoga is built on three main structures: excercise, breathing and meditation. Regular daily practice of yoga produces a clear, bright mind and a strong body.

DESCRIPTIONS TAEKWONDOTaeKwonDo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than just physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics. Lets take a closer look at the meaning of the word "Tae" "Kwon" "Do." It is composed of three parts as shown in the English spelling, though it is one word in Korean. Tae means "feet"; Kwon means "fist"; and do means "path" or "way". Hence, TaeKwonDo is loosely translated as "the way of the foot and fist". TaeKwonDo has been developing with the 5000-year long history of Korea. TaeKwonDo today is similar to the martial arts in other Oriental countries and shares some features with them, because in the course of its evolution it has gained many different styles that existed in the martial arts of the countries surrounding Korea, like Japan and China. But TaeKwonDo is very different from many such oriental martial arts. First, physically it is very dynamic with active movements that include a mirage of foot skills. Second, the principle physical movements are in simpatico with that of the mind and life as a whole. Third, it possesses dynamic poses from another perspective. The art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. In sparring, turning, front, reverse turning, and side kicks are often used, as well as the back fist and reverse punch; advanced kicks include jumping, spinning, sliding, and skipping kicks, often in combination. TaeKwonDo training generally includes a system of blocks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. TaeKwonDo can be characterized by unity: the unity of body, mind, and life, and the unity of the pose ["poomsae"] and confrontation, and cracking down. When you do TaeKwonDo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society.TaeKwonDo pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities. This is why one could say TaeKwonDo is a way of life.HAPKIDOThe Korean Art of Self Defense , HapKiDo is considered a "soft" style of Martial Art, as opposed to "hard" styles that practice the use of force against force, making the outcome a simple matter of size and strength. The HapKiDo practitioner diverts or suppresses an attacker's flow of energy peacefully, this diversion allows him to use the attackers power against himself leading to the attackers defeat. Through the use of pressure on certain skeletal joints and pressure points, very little strength is needed to overcome an opponent. HapKiDo not only redirects the attack, but turns it back against the attacker and follows through with offensive techniques which may control his violence or render him incapable of further antagonistic actions. The HapKiDo practitioner is in complete control of the confrontation defusing the aggression without the need for uncontrolled damage as seen in many "hard" styles. HapKiDo provides complete physical conditioning which improves balance, posture, flexibility, timing, quickness, muscle tone, joint strength and most importantly, confidence through physical and mental discipline. The immediate aim of HapKiDo is of course the welfare of the one practicing it. Not only will skills in self-defense be attained, but more importantly will be the focus on an individuals character development. A well rounded personality can be realized only if the spirit is right. Courtesy, Respect, Modesty, Loyalty, Generosity, and Dedication are not only the source, but also the rewards of HapKiDo.

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master kim complete bio Master Kim's career in martial arts started at the age of 9 with training in the popular style of Taekwondo. From the age of 9 until he turned 13, Master Kim devoted his practice to representing his school and his Taekwondo by excelling in training even as a young boy. Though he displayed a natural talent for martial arts, Master Kim's awareness of the greater philosophy behind martial arts was restricted by his youthful inexperience. This would change as he left childhood and Taekwondo, to pursue a more in depth career in martial arts. At the age of 14, Master Kim first crossed paths with a Hapkido master named Kim Song Tae. Master Kim recognized the superiority of Kim Song Tae's martial arts teaching and shortly after they met, Master Kim chose to become a student of Hapkido and began studying the art under his new master.Kim Sung Tae quickly realized Kim Nam Su's potential and took extra efforts to cultivate his new pupil's natural talents . Master Kim Namsu continued to excel under the close tutelage of Master Kim Song Tae, and thus began the shaping of the marital artist that he has become.Although he has an impressive list of qualifications and career achievements, Master Kim Nam Su states "I still have far to travel along the martial arts' path".This show of humility and perspective is evidence of Master Kim having embraced the core values of martial arts philosophy. In addition, this sentiment further underscores his beliefs that he will surely see the rewards of his commitment to Hapkido training continue to materialize as his career progresses. Kim Sung Tae's guidance and instruction allowed his young student to learn how to harness the power in his potential and to use it for personal betterment. In high school, Kim Namsu sought to broaden his knowledge and ability by starting to study other martial arts (Judo, Taekwondo, Karate etc). During this time, he entered in the Korean National High School Martial Arts Competition. After placing first in this competition, Master Kim was awarded the gold medal and the title of High School Champion of Martial Arts in Korea for that year. Based on this and his many other achievements in the martial arts, Master Kim was offered a full scholarship to the prestigious Yong-In University. Yong-In University is renowned throughout Korea as the leading university for martial arts. Master Kim excelled in this training at Yong-In. Even among the elite martial artists from around Korea, his natural talent and commitment to training allowed him to stand out. After completing his studies and winning several intercollegiate tournaments, Master Kim graduated as one of the top students in his class.

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2ND TESTIMONIALS

4th photo galleries

4TH PAGE TESTIMONIALS

2ND VIDEOS

3RD VIDEOS

6 testimonials