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My Son Connor and I joined Pil Sung Do in October 2009. I really wanted my son to learn martial arts as I thought it would give him great confidence throughout his life, also Connor was really interested in learning and kept asking me if there was any groups anywhere.
I myself wanted to learn as well as had put on some weight from just giving birth to recent baby of 6 months at the time of joining..
Since joining Pil Sung Do I have enjoyed it every week and training has given Connor and I great confidence within ourselves plus I have also lost nearly 3 stone which is great!
The instructors are brilliant and the school has a great atmosphere. Pil Sung Do is a great workout, great self defence and a great confidence builder!
Zoe Pitcher
Mum & Beauty Therapist
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I took up Pil Sung Do 8 months ago. Since then my confidence has increased greatly and I feel I AM getting fitter and stronger as each lesson goes by, As I used to spend a lot of my waking hours on the computer, I have noticed that I am now becoming a lot faster in my mind as well, and a lot more alert and focused at College.
My grades have gone up from C’s and D’s to B’s. This is all since I started Pil Sung Do. The art itself is very practical and easy to apply as it is based upon natural instinct, and is engineered to deliver maximum power constantly with each movement, with minimum effort. Pil Sung Do syllabus is very progressive and logical as well as comprehensive.
My dad also took up Pil Sung Do after 3 months of taking me to class, we have become a lot closer, which I feel, and I am sure he does as well, is a good thing. It has also changed my outlook on life and the way I treat other people (for the better). It’s also an incredible fun.
James Roberts
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My teenage son took up ‘Pil Sung Do’ about eight months ago. Having taken him to his lessons for the first three months I decided that I would give it a go because what I saw in every class made great sense. With the encouragement of the Grand master. This turned out to be a wise decision. Not only did I learn to defend myself within a short time, but I have also increased my fitness and agility levels
This has changed my outlook on life in general, more importantly I get to spend more time with my son doing something we both love without intruding on his space. I feel this has bought us closer, which can only be a good thing, and I must add that the classes are FUN, FUN, FUN!! The great thing about this form of martial art is that everything is so easy to learn as it is based the body’s own natural reflexes.
This makes it so much easier to perform all movements and over a short period of time the body and muscles program themselves to achieve total ability for responding easily in a self defence situation.
Mike Roberts
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I remember the day well….when I first heard of Pil Sung Do. I was entering my local gym with my family when I literally bumped into the Grandmaster. After exchanging apologies a conversation ensued where I got offered 2 free classes in Pil Sung Do. Initially I thought it was just one of those gym classes that are nice to go to but not essential so I did not bother to turn up.
A few weeks later I walked into the sports hall to warm down after a weight training session only to realise Grandmaster was having a class. Too late now to turn back! With his characteristic smile and firm hand shake he welcomed me to the class. That first class was a true revelation to me.
Pil Sung Do is not just some martial but is a way of life; I have been transformed Mind, Body and Soul since that day.
Mind: I have developed an enhanced sense of wellbeing and confidence. I have discovered ways to defend myself that I did not think I was physically capable of achieving. I have learnt breathing techniques that equips me to increase my stamina by about 50%. My increased level of confidence is infectious to all I encounter.
Body: I lost half a stone in 3 weeks. I have been going to the gym for 18 years now and I have never sweated as much as I sweat in a Pil Sung Do class.
Soul: This I can’t put into words. The Pil Sung Spirit is very real and you must discover it for yourself!!!
Benjamin Mensah
Occupation: Close Protection Consultant
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How fantastic PSD is:
I think that Pil Sung Do is a fantastic martial art. Having done martial arts before I found it refreshing to find a school where there is a really good friendly atmosphere, as it means that my partner doesn’t feel awkward about coming along, in fact she is as excited about classes as I am.
I also like the way that Pil Sung Do focuses on all aspects of self-defence. For example it includes long range, short range and grappling/ground work along with how to apply the techniques in a real world situation if you ever need to use it.
James Hayward
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I remember the free trial class very well. That lesson was a completely new experience for me in Martial Arts. As I have been practicing Tae-Kwon-Do for a year and a half, which is up to this point I believed it to be the best Martial Art. Then I found out that my friend James had started practicing a Martial Art called Pil Sung Do. I was intrigued; to be honest I had not heard of it before.
This of course started disagreements between us to establish which Martial art was better. James insisted that Pil Sung Do was a Martial art of fluency, continuous weight-shifting and ultimate agility. To cut the story short, James took me to a free trial class. That was when I first met Grandmaster Hammouda. After few minutes from the Grandmaster showing me some of the basic bio-mechanics and movements in the art, I couldn't believe my eyes!!
From my knowledge all Tae-Kwon-Do fundamental basics, combinations, Pre arranged sparring drills and Patterns require you to stop your punch or kick just short of the target during practice at the focus point, very much the same as Karate and Kung Fu.
Grandmaster Hammouda explained it as (negative transfer training), while Pil Sung do techniques follow through the target with all punches, strikes and kicks during all drills and Patterns to maximize the full effect , but you do this through the bio-mechanical movement rather than brute force, and without even hyper extension, I also found that Pil Sung Do teaches you all techniques thoroughly (frame by frame), and every thing you learn, and I mean every thing, without any waste is applicable in real-life situations.
All the practical side that I have learned in Tae Kwon-Do for a year and a half just became redundant in those few minutes, and from that moment I decided to join the Pil Sung Do transfer plan for other stylists, this plan is great as I do not lose recognition of my Tae Kwon-Do rank. The art of Pil Sung Do is easy to learn, and is amazingly effective (very fast and very very powerful). It didn't take me long to learn the basics and catch up to my previous Rank!!
I now realise that practicing Pil Sung Do has made me feel so much better about my self, physically, mentally, and spiritually. My fitness level has gone through the roof, and my body is much more toned.
I am now able to do activities for a lot longer than when I started, which is very beneficial for me. I know that Pil Sung Do has incredibly affected my mental ability, especially with my confidence and out look on life. Before I started I was not able to talk to anyone without feeling shy, now my confidence has grown (and is still growing). I no longer feel inhibited and I can talk with anyone without hesitation or feeling shy.
It has also improved my spiritual balance, I can not even begin to explain to you how much deep breathing and mediation can do for you unless you experience that for your self, I am much more together as body mind and soul. I am now focused, more assertive with others and more content and happy in life. I have changed mentally; from I cannot do this or that, to yes I can, yes I will, something every one learns in Pil Sung Do, basically it has transformed all my negativities to positive thoughts in my every day living.
Learning never seems to have any boundaries, I look forward to every class with the same excitement knowing that once again I shall surprise my self with further progress.
Lee Goulden
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After starting to train in Pil Sung Do I have noticed a number of benefits in several different areas. Firstly there are fitness benefits as you will push yourself far harder than you would by going to a traditional gym. When you would normally ease off, you find you have more energy and strength in reserve to keep pushing on.
I have also benefited from the stretching and warm up routines.
Secondly the improvement in strength and reactions is notable quite quickly after you begin PSD and this helps with confidence to defend yourself should the need ever present itself.
On top of this I personally benefit from the stress reducing qualities of this type of training as I have a fairly stressful job this is a great way of 'letting of steam' (my wife would also concur this point as I am far more relaxed after training than when I come home straight from the office!!)
There is always mutual respect shown regardless of the level of ability and it is also very good fun!
Nicholas McCoy
Director
G2 Recruitment
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Since starting PSD in October last year I have benefited in numerous ways from the syllabus and fantastic coaching from the Instructors. PSD has not only considerably improved by fitness levels it has helped me to focus in all aspects of life outside of training.
After attending a gym for some years I was growing tired of the routine and cost, especially when I lacked the motivation to attend on any regular basis.
With PSD I find I look forward to every session as I am constantly learning new techniques which not only keep me stimulated and interested but also extremely useful if I ever needed to use self defence.
I have met plenty of new friends within the PSD family
and as my confidence grows so does my ability and desire
to continue. I can thoroughly recommend anyone who is
looking for a new fitness regime - both physical and
mental, a way to improve confidence or to learn a world
leading martial art.
Paul Budd
Director
G2 Recruitment
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I took up Tae Kwon Do as a teenager, in the late 80s, partly because I was hooked on Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan films and wanted to see what martial arts were about. I've been training ever since! Grandmaster Hammouda opened my eyes to what was achievable in the world of Martial Arts, and aside for a period in the early 2000's where I played more Rugby than practiced Martial Arts,
I've always kept in touch and involved with Martial Arts and trained in Kendo, Ninjitsu and Choi Kwang Do before returning to my spiritual home under Grandmaster Hammouda.
In the last 12 months I've started to focus on being instructor and opened up 2 Pil Sung Do Academies in the Middlesex Area. I believe 101% in Pil Sung Do's vision for creating a family orientated Martial Art that develops people to become more rounded, confident, fitter individuals.
I hope to welcome new students and pass on the wonder and excitement I have felt over the years of training in Pil Sung Do under Grandmaster Hammouda.
I am proud to be proof of the fitness and weight loss possible at Pil Sung Do, since stepping up my training to become an Instructor I have lost around 10kgs (1 1/2 Stone) .
Jon Cole, 2nd Degree Chief Instructor
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Back in my teenage years I did some martial arts training, I think that it was Wado Ryu Karate and then again in my twenties with Kyo Ku Shin Kai Karate That was a long time ago and I did, not get very far., my work always got in the way.
As the achievements of my career are now more behind me rather than in front, I had for a long while wanted to return to some form of martial arts training to first keep fit and to second, to see at my age(I’m 53) ,just how far I could go with it as regards moving up through the grades.
My two youngest children had for nine months been attending a martial arts class called Pil Sung Do in the local area and as it was not a name that I knew I had taken little note of it all, until in early August my wife asked me to take them to one of the training sessions.
At last, I had my chance. In my wife’s absence I took my two children Peter 10 and Emily 9 to their Monday night training session.
I was greeted at the door by Stephen Hammouda the Grand Master. I sat watching as the training session began and within minutes the Grand Master sensing my interest invited me to join the class with my children. The look of horror on their faces as they realize that their Dad had joined the session was priceless.
I joined the club soon after and try now to remain also for the adult class that follows the family class. After 6 weeks of training through 10 sessions, it has already made a difference, I feel fitter and have lost some weight (more still to go) but for me personally it gives me another goal in life.
In the family class my two children are part of the ‘little dragons’ concept and have achieved three grades to 10th Kup Orange belt.
All the instructors have their own style but the one thing that is the same is that the Grand Master and his senior masters Nigel and Mark have great patience and take the utmost care of the health and well being of all their students.
This is why Pil Sung Do is for everyone, for all ages, for all levels of fitness.
It teaches respect and courtesy towards others and above all it teaches perseverance to achieve whatever the body is capable of and then beyond that, it teaches that you can go as far as whatever the mind is capable of…..The Grand Master tells us that he will teach us the most effective martial art ever devised, and I believe him.
Royden Kemp
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I have only been practising Pil Sung Do for 2 months and I can already see big changes in my fitness, physique and general well-being.
The masters are very friendly and are always at hand to continually assist and support my progress through training.
It is useful that I am able to attend any of the classes that are scattered around Frimley, Guildford and Haslemere thus making it easier for me to go straight to class from work.
Andrew Jamieson
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Pil Sung Do is fantastic, a great martial art, it has made me a more confident person, it is brilliant for self defence, and has amazingly powerful fighting techniques, it also has made me feel more energised.
Mrs. J. Toms
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My journey through the world of Martial Arts has been varied. I began with Judo when I was about 14 years old, then progressed to Shotokan and then Wado-Ryu Karate. After joining the Army, I studied various arts and styles, kickboxing and Aikido to name a couple .
When my son who was then just five, showed interest in training in a Martial Art, I looked around at what was available and found Choi Kwang Do, a good art for children to begin with, we both began to study and develop. But due to slow progress became disillusioned, and bored.
We were then introduced to Pil Sung Do, and gave it a trial. The rest as they say is history, we both find it exciting and it makes sense, so much so that he is now a Black belt and an Assistant Instructor. As for myself I am also an Instructor and one day would like to open my own school.
It is an art that is gentle on your joints and body but is also the most effective of all the arts I have studied, even those learned in the Army.
It takes all that is good from the arts it is based on, shakes them up and produces a style that is focused and extremely powerful. Good for building confidence and fitness in children and adults alike. It is also great for mental focus, and teaching respect of others.
Gary Cloves
I have recently started at Pil Sung Do. From the very first lesson, I felt a renewed energy. My body felt alive and energized. The technical instructions are thorough and well explained, so those of us who take a few times to get it, do GET IT! I have only been for few lessons and I can already feel that my cardiovascular fitness has massively improved.
Grandmaster Stephen Hammouda is an outstanding instructor and brings passion and experience to this amazing art. I also very much enjoy the supportive group dynamic of the class".
I always like to start my morning run at 6.45 AM on certain days, I now find it so much less noticeable being out of breath afterward!
Jayne Redpath - Kundalini Yoga Teacher.
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My wife and I and our two children Sophie, aged 12 and Robin aged 9 have been doing Pil Sung Do for three months. None of us have had any experience with any Martial Art before, so it was with some uncertainty that we began.
The excellent teaching skills of the instructor soon set our minds at rest, though, as he developed specifically tailored activities for each of us. And we each receive encouragement and coaching appropriate to our abilities and have fun at the same time.
It is really good having an activity that we as a family can attend and practise together. There is no fitness pre-requisite, as each session develops skills and techniques in a very progressive manner.
On the surface, the training is for self-defence. However, as one explores the art, one becomes aware of the depth of the benefits arising from it. There would seem to be an entire culture based upon the principles of Pil Sung, which have benefits to general health, mental attitude and well-being. In addition, I am sure that my children benefit from increased confidence, discipline and self-esteem.
Paul Truswell
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My son Connor first attended a free trial back in mid February as he reached the age of 5 years, and was made to feel welcome and encouraged to join in from the start.
Connor has always been a little overweight and a bit of a handful (to put it mildly) as he has a very active brain and we were worried how he would take to Pil Sung Do.
We had looked for something that would challenge him mentally as well as physically and in PSD we feel we have more than found that.
Connor has lost weight, toned up and his stamina amazes us daily.
In July Connor took part in a 20min run/walk for charity and he ran for the full 20mins!
Last year he wouldn't have been able to walk it!
Also his attitude to life has changed, we've gone from him after 20mins moaning "I'm tired, I can't do this anymore" to "I've used a lot of energy tonight Sir"
Don't get me wrong he can still be difficult and sometimes even loud but 2 nights a week with Grandmaster Stephen Hammouda has definitely changed him for the better.
We are very proud of his progress to Orange belt and he is working hard towards his next one.
I have watched nearly every class since Connor started and it always amazes me how hard they all work and enjoy it. The progress the students have been incredible from Connor now doing the splits to another student who had no confidence to talk to people and can now instruct a class.
We are very grateful to have found the PSD team and hope to carry on for many years to come.
Mel Ponting
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