Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Training Center in Minneapolis
World Martial Arts Center has been a leader in traditional martial arts instruction since 1965, serving the Minneapolis area with over 40,000 students trained and hundreds of black belts awarded. Founded by Grandmaster Jay Hyon and now led by Masters Pat Carey and Steve Wankewycz, our center combines modern standards with deep respect for tradition. We offer Taekwondo, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Hapkido programs for all ages, emphasizing character development, physical fitness, and self-defense.Our instructors hold advanced black belt certifications and have studied directly under martial arts masters in Korea and China. With a state-of-the-art 6,400-square-foot facility featuring dedicated training areas and a legacy of producing instructors across the Midwest, we maintain the vision of our founder Byung Jick Ro. We prioritize accessible training with no contracts, including a $20 introductory offer for new students to experience our programs before committing.
Services
Taekwondo
Junior's Taekwondo
Adult Taekwondo
Shaolin Kung Fu
Hapkido
Black Belt Classes
Martial Arts Fitness
Self-Defense Training
Weapon Training
Youth Programs
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of experience in traditional martial arts instruction
- Our certified black belt instructors have studied directly under Korean and Chinese masters
- We provide a $20 introductory offer with no long-term contracts required
- Our 6,400-square-foot facility features modern training spaces with traditional elements
- We emphasize character development alongside physical techniques and self-defense
Services
Taekwondo
Our Taekwondo program teaches traditional Song Moo Kwan techniques developed since 1944. Students learn dynamic kicking techniques, self-defense strategies, and philosophical principles emphasizing courtesy and perseverance. This Olympic-recognized martial art improves physical fitness while cultivating mental discipline through structured belt progression.
Shaolin Kung Fu
This external Chinese martial art focuses on long-range techniques and circular movements. Our program includes traditional weapon training and joint-locking techniques, taught by instructors who studied directly under Shaolin monks. Classes emphasize mobility development and practical self-defense applications.
Hapkido
Hapkido training develops inner strength through circular motion techniques that redirect attackers' energy. Our curriculum combines kicks, punches, joint locks, and traditional weapons training. The art emphasizes effective self-defense for practitioners of all physical abilities.
Junior's Taekwondo
Designed for ages 8-11, this program builds character and physical skills through structured Taekwondo training. Classes improve focus, confidence, and fitness while teaching age-appropriate self-defense techniques. The curriculum follows traditional belt progression standards.
Black Belt Classes
Our Black Belt program maintains rigorous technical standards while emphasizing martial arts philosophy. Advanced students refine techniques, teach lower ranks, and deepen their understanding of traditional principles. Saturday morning classes focus on mastery-level skills and leadership development.
People
Patrick Carey
Head Instructor
Senior Master Carey holds 6th Dan in Taekwondo and has trained under Grandmasters for over 30 years. Certified by Kukkiwon and World Song Moo Kwan Association, he combines tournament experience with traditional teaching methods.
Steven Wankewycz
Co-Head Instructor
Master Wankewycz brings extensive Shaolin Kung Fu expertise from training in China. Certified by Kukkiwon, he specializes in developing modern curriculum while maintaining traditional martial arts principles.
Leo Ramroop
Taekwondo Grandmaster
With 9th Dan certification, Grandmaster Ramroop teaches advanced Taekwondo classes. His expertise spans decades of competitive martial arts and instructional leadership at the main school location.
Michael Stein
Taekwondo Instructor
Master Stein holds 8th Dan in Taekwondo and focuses on black belt curriculum development. His teaching emphasizes technical precision and traditional Song Moo Kwan principles during advanced training sessions.
Lolly Saunders
Assistant Instructor
As an assistant instructor, Mrs. Saunders supports classes with her 2nd Dan Kung Fu expertise. She helps students develop fundamental techniques while progressing through the belt ranking system.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Taekwondo, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Hapkido programs for all skill levels, including specialized Junior's classes and advanced Black Belt training.
How do I start training?
Begin with our $20 Introductory Offer: attend two lessons and receive a T-shirt. Wear comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes before your chosen class.
Are there contracts required?
No contracts or long-term commitments are required. We encourage students to experience our programs before making any commitment.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors hold 4th-9th Dan black belts and have trained under Korean and Chinese masters, with certifications from Kukkiwon and World Song Moo Kwan Association.
What is your facility like?
Our 6,400-square-foot facility features rubber-matted training areas, traditional equipment, and dedicated spaces for weapons training and advanced techniques.
How does belt progression work?
We follow the traditional Song Moo Kwan belt system with structured testing. Beginners achieve black belt in 2-4 years, with advanced ranks requiring additional mastery.
