Please take a look at some student testimonials below. You can also check out more testimonials on our Facebook page!
Cameron started TaeKwonDo in December and loves it! He enjoys the class and continually mentions the friends he has made and how supportive everyone is in helping him move forward to reach his goals.
~Tara L.
~Tara L.
My kids and I have been students at USFMA since March of 2013 and the only regret I have is that we didn't start sooner. This is a top notch school that not only teaches martial arts but also teaches valuable life skills such as courtesy, respect, discipline and honor. The Fuhrmann family welcomes you into their family when you join their school. The instructors are wonderful and the other students are great too! If you are looking for a school that will not only teach you martial arts but help you become a better human being then this is the place for you!
~Stephen T.
~Stephen T.
I don't think I would have confidence in myself today if I didn't start taking Taekwondo. I used to be anti-social until I started it. Mr. Kurt (one of the instructors) does lessons within classes about health, manners, and many other thing to teach the students how to live healthy and have a strong mind. Taekwondo is not about kicking and punching, it's learning self-discipline. I have been a student Taekwondo for 5 years and I am a first degree recommended black belt. I love going there every single day, not just because of training, but because of the friendships I have made there. U.S. Family Martial Arts also offers jujitsu, hojutsu-ryu, cardio kickboxing, and parent/child self defense. The owners of U.S Family Martial Arts (Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrmann and Mr. Kurt) care a lot about the students and let us train in a safe environment. I would give this place an infinite star rating, but I will give them 5 because that's the most I can give. I thank them for helping other students and I to reach our goals.
~Tiffany M.
~Tiffany M.
Having been a student at 3 Jiu-Jitsu academies while living in Maryland, I can safely say that Kurt is among the best when it comes to instruction. He is extremely attentive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping his students (myself included) learn proper technique.
The academy is immaculate and there is consistent effort made to keep it that way. I can't say enough good things and I'm thrilled to have the privilege to learn from someone who genuinely cares about me and my results.
~Phil K.
The academy is immaculate and there is consistent effort made to keep it that way. I can't say enough good things and I'm thrilled to have the privilege to learn from someone who genuinely cares about me and my results.
~Phil K.
I have taken the Women's Self Defense course for the past 9 years or so, and each time I learn something new. I highly suggest that all the Tae Kwon Do Moms and/or female students participate.
~Renee W.
~Renee W.
I have been involved at US Family Martial Arts Center for eleven years. US Family Martial Arts is not just a Tae Kwon Do school, its a family. We are together as a whole, no one is left out. Everyone is treated equally. No one is ever given up on. I love training here and will take many lessons, from being involved in this family, with me when I am on my own in life. These instructors have put me in the best shape, physically, compared to any other sport I have been involved in. They have a great program and have helped me grow tremendously as an individual. I suggest this program to anyone and everyone.
Best place to train martial arts! Mr Kurt Furhman is an awesome instructor and detailed in his teachings. Students and staff are very friendly. Made me feel part of the family from day one. And the place is very very clean. That's an A+!!!
~Eli P.
~Eli P.
My essay on "What TaeKwonDo means to me... as a parent". I know this is not a requirement for my daughter's black belt, but I feel as though I have gone through nearly every step of this journey with her, and have learned just as much, if not more than her, because of it.
When I was growing up in this area, there were not as many opportunities to try different things and find your interests as there are today. I Have always told my daughter to try everything so she can find what she likes so she can excel at it, though that was not what I was thinking when we walked into your school in 2009. At four years old she was too young for school sports and too old for Mommy and Me classes and I was just looking for something structured for an energetic four year old girl. Gymnastics was my first thought, of course, and then a family friend suggested TaeKwonDo. They had just started attending classes at your school and spoke very highly of you. She told us to come observe one of your classes, so we did. My daughter stood to the side and watched all of the kids kicking, punching and yelling. I'll never forget this next moment as long as I live because her eyes lit up and she pointed to the kids on the mat and said "Mommy, I want to do that!" I was so taken aback by her reaction, I had never seen this spark in her before and that moment changed her life and ours, forever.
While the spark came and went over the years, the lessons and learning experiences always remained. As a parent you always try to set the best example and teach life lessons when the opportunities arise. While sometimes it is hard, and you are not always sure what you are preaching to them is sinking in, it seemed like your lessons and "casual talks" while stretching would coincide with something I was just lecturing her on, whether it was respect, responsibility or nutrition. It really helped make my point easier for her to understand.
Having never been exposed to any martial arts myself, it was certainly not my intention when we started TaeKwonDo for her to be a Black Belt someday, but simply to have fun and exercise in a structured environment. Then about halfway through this journey, we began to see the effects of TaeKwonDo on her. We saw the difference in her focus, behavior, respect and in her physical abilities. When I read "Someday your child will be a Black Belt" it dawned on me she could really be a Black Belt someday. This was amazing to me! So many nights you would rather stay home and relax after a long day, and instead you drag yourself out to give them that opportunity. When they are tired, have a ton of homework, or get frustrated, and you make them go anyway, then during that class they get a stripe or find out they are testing for their next belt, it would fuel that enthusiasm again.
Some people probably thought that I was being a hovering parent sitting through all her classes, but the truth is, I found everything you taught so interesting and valuable, and it made my job easier because I could always expand your lessons into real life and me being there for that helped make me a better parent.
I also liked the respect toward the flag and our country. In a time when it should be recognized more than ever, it is refreshing to see the kids bow in respect and it helped me feel more patriotic as it had probably been years since I had said the "Pledge of Allegiance". The since of community, family and charity are all qualities that we try to infuse into our busy lives and all of that comes through in your teachings. Being a family-owned business is so rare in a world where corporations have taken over "Mom and Pop" businesses. The personal attention you give to each of your students and getting to know their families and each child's personal situation is unheard of these days, but YOU do.
I don't even know where to start on your Leadership program. It has literally taken her skills to an amazing level, beyond what I thought my nine year old was capable of. Watching her teach and command the class as a Junior Leader was more pride than I was prepared for. The transformation was phenomenal and it again sparked her interest and enthusiasm in a different way. Now her dream is to teach TaeKwonDo and she works even harder, knowing it is within her reach. These are skills that go way beyond TaeKwonDo. She will carry these skills through her entire life and we feel she will have an edge over others because of that experience. People always say that sports make a difference in a kid's life but TaeKwonDo is so much more than a sport to all of us, because you haven't just made a big difference, you have made ALL the difference in your students' lives, and to all of the Fuhrmanns, we Thank You with all of our hearts for your dedication in helping our children "Spread their Wings!" If I had to choose one thing we have done for our daughter that we feel has helped mold her into the amazing young woman she has become, it is hands down, walking into your school that day.
Hopefully she discovers other things through her life that spark her enthusiasm like TaeKwonDo did, but even if it is the only thing she feels that passionate about, at least she has that in her life forever and that's amazing. And that's what TaeKwonDo means to me... as a parent.
~Michelle R.
When I was growing up in this area, there were not as many opportunities to try different things and find your interests as there are today. I Have always told my daughter to try everything so she can find what she likes so she can excel at it, though that was not what I was thinking when we walked into your school in 2009. At four years old she was too young for school sports and too old for Mommy and Me classes and I was just looking for something structured for an energetic four year old girl. Gymnastics was my first thought, of course, and then a family friend suggested TaeKwonDo. They had just started attending classes at your school and spoke very highly of you. She told us to come observe one of your classes, so we did. My daughter stood to the side and watched all of the kids kicking, punching and yelling. I'll never forget this next moment as long as I live because her eyes lit up and she pointed to the kids on the mat and said "Mommy, I want to do that!" I was so taken aback by her reaction, I had never seen this spark in her before and that moment changed her life and ours, forever.
While the spark came and went over the years, the lessons and learning experiences always remained. As a parent you always try to set the best example and teach life lessons when the opportunities arise. While sometimes it is hard, and you are not always sure what you are preaching to them is sinking in, it seemed like your lessons and "casual talks" while stretching would coincide with something I was just lecturing her on, whether it was respect, responsibility or nutrition. It really helped make my point easier for her to understand.
Having never been exposed to any martial arts myself, it was certainly not my intention when we started TaeKwonDo for her to be a Black Belt someday, but simply to have fun and exercise in a structured environment. Then about halfway through this journey, we began to see the effects of TaeKwonDo on her. We saw the difference in her focus, behavior, respect and in her physical abilities. When I read "Someday your child will be a Black Belt" it dawned on me she could really be a Black Belt someday. This was amazing to me! So many nights you would rather stay home and relax after a long day, and instead you drag yourself out to give them that opportunity. When they are tired, have a ton of homework, or get frustrated, and you make them go anyway, then during that class they get a stripe or find out they are testing for their next belt, it would fuel that enthusiasm again.
Some people probably thought that I was being a hovering parent sitting through all her classes, but the truth is, I found everything you taught so interesting and valuable, and it made my job easier because I could always expand your lessons into real life and me being there for that helped make me a better parent.
I also liked the respect toward the flag and our country. In a time when it should be recognized more than ever, it is refreshing to see the kids bow in respect and it helped me feel more patriotic as it had probably been years since I had said the "Pledge of Allegiance". The since of community, family and charity are all qualities that we try to infuse into our busy lives and all of that comes through in your teachings. Being a family-owned business is so rare in a world where corporations have taken over "Mom and Pop" businesses. The personal attention you give to each of your students and getting to know their families and each child's personal situation is unheard of these days, but YOU do.
I don't even know where to start on your Leadership program. It has literally taken her skills to an amazing level, beyond what I thought my nine year old was capable of. Watching her teach and command the class as a Junior Leader was more pride than I was prepared for. The transformation was phenomenal and it again sparked her interest and enthusiasm in a different way. Now her dream is to teach TaeKwonDo and she works even harder, knowing it is within her reach. These are skills that go way beyond TaeKwonDo. She will carry these skills through her entire life and we feel she will have an edge over others because of that experience. People always say that sports make a difference in a kid's life but TaeKwonDo is so much more than a sport to all of us, because you haven't just made a big difference, you have made ALL the difference in your students' lives, and to all of the Fuhrmanns, we Thank You with all of our hearts for your dedication in helping our children "Spread their Wings!" If I had to choose one thing we have done for our daughter that we feel has helped mold her into the amazing young woman she has become, it is hands down, walking into your school that day.
Hopefully she discovers other things through her life that spark her enthusiasm like TaeKwonDo did, but even if it is the only thing she feels that passionate about, at least she has that in her life forever and that's amazing. And that's what TaeKwonDo means to me... as a parent.
~Michelle R.
Thank you so much for the incredible training experience you provided us. We know how busy your lives are and are so grateful you were able to dedicate so much time to us. It was a fantastic experience. We all learned so much!
Kurt - your ability to clearly instruct and show patience and understanding is a tremendous talent. Your knowledge is vast and your ability to communicate effectively for beginners like us is world class. We are extremely grateful for having the opportunity to be trained by you and your staff, who are equally patient and knowledgeable. This was an incredible starting point for our son to build his confidence and skills for his future. In addition, I have crossed the threshold of being afraid of firearms to being somewhat comfortable around them with the knowledge and respect I was able to gain from your training.
Thank you again for everything your did.
~in reference to Introduction to Firearms Course with Mr. Kurt
Kurt - your ability to clearly instruct and show patience and understanding is a tremendous talent. Your knowledge is vast and your ability to communicate effectively for beginners like us is world class. We are extremely grateful for having the opportunity to be trained by you and your staff, who are equally patient and knowledgeable. This was an incredible starting point for our son to build his confidence and skills for his future. In addition, I have crossed the threshold of being afraid of firearms to being somewhat comfortable around them with the knowledge and respect I was able to gain from your training.
Thank you again for everything your did.
~in reference to Introduction to Firearms Course with Mr. Kurt
U.S. Family Martial Arts has given my son an education far beyond the teachings of martial arts. We moved to this area three years ago and prior to moving here my son attended another martial arts academy from the time he was 4 years old until he was 9 years old. It is amazing what the WRONG type of academy can do to a child's spirit and confidence. That academy literally broke my children's spirit, confidence and love of the martial arts. When we had moved here three years ago, my son had given up his dream to become a black belt because of his previous academy.
He then attended a birthday part at U.S. Family Martial Arts and from that day his interest in martial arts had returned. He had asked if he could take classes and me being the protective mom that I am, I started taking the cardio kickboxing classes they offered; I wanted to see what the academy offered and also wanted to make sure it was the RIGHT academy for my son since he had such a heart breaking experience already. My son has been a student now for over a year and the change in him and his love for the martial arts is amazing. My daughter is a student as well.
The Fuhrmann family and all of the amazing instructors have given my son his confidence back, but more importantly they truly teach the meaning of perseverance, integrity, honor, respect, trust and they do it because they truly love what they do and care about each and every student and student's family! They not only teach martial arts, they teach the valuable lessons of life through classes, seminars and by example. The seminars they offer are not only vital for students of all ages but they encourage the parents to attend as well and I have found them to be not only informative but that its extremely important to share them with your child. Both my children also attend the summer camp that they offer and as soon as the camp ends, they can't wait for next summer's camp to begin. U.S. Family Martial Arts has truly been a blessing to my entire family!
~Grace B.
He then attended a birthday part at U.S. Family Martial Arts and from that day his interest in martial arts had returned. He had asked if he could take classes and me being the protective mom that I am, I started taking the cardio kickboxing classes they offered; I wanted to see what the academy offered and also wanted to make sure it was the RIGHT academy for my son since he had such a heart breaking experience already. My son has been a student now for over a year and the change in him and his love for the martial arts is amazing. My daughter is a student as well.
The Fuhrmann family and all of the amazing instructors have given my son his confidence back, but more importantly they truly teach the meaning of perseverance, integrity, honor, respect, trust and they do it because they truly love what they do and care about each and every student and student's family! They not only teach martial arts, they teach the valuable lessons of life through classes, seminars and by example. The seminars they offer are not only vital for students of all ages but they encourage the parents to attend as well and I have found them to be not only informative but that its extremely important to share them with your child. Both my children also attend the summer camp that they offer and as soon as the camp ends, they can't wait for next summer's camp to begin. U.S. Family Martial Arts has truly been a blessing to my entire family!
~Grace B.
This was my daughter's 4th year of Summer Camp and as usual it did not disappoint. She had a blast with all of the fun activities they had planned this year and learned so much. The camp show at the end of the week was phenomenal! The kids worked so hard and it showed in their performance. The kids and instructors all bonded and the week flew by so fast they were sad it was over. Can't wait for next year!
~Michelle R., in reference to Summer Camp 2014
~Michelle R., in reference to Summer Camp 2014
The U.S. Family Martial Arts Center is not your standard training facility. Although they offer several different programs for families, they also offer specific training programs offered exclusively to law enforcement personnel.
I am currently assigned to a Narcotic Investigative Unit and I am constantly engaged in street activity. As a law enforcement officer, I do not have the luxury to fight in a controlled environment. Have the opportunity to train here has given me several options and tactics to utilize in situations that I face on the street every day. In these programs I have been taught effective strategies to help control a suspect, handle multiple attackers, as well as learning great defense skills when faced with a hand gun or knife situation.
The way in which the world works today is constantly changing. This is especially true in regards to the way criminals on the street fight. I have had professional training provided by my department, and have had years of experience on the job. This however is not much comfort when dealing with the variety of violence I face on the street. Being involved in the law enforcement programs offered at U.S. Family Martial Arts allows me to have the upper hand when I am often engaged in a fight situation. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program, along with the Gracie Combative courses, gives detailed instruction on how to combine specific techniques to successfully control and apprehend a suspect. Another benefit to these programs is that any person regardless of size or athletic ability can be trained. This of course is key to any law enforcement officer, since fighting on the street is truly a strategy.
The instructors are trained throughout the United States and they do not just demonstrate what they have learned. They work with us to help improve or modify certain techniques based on what we encounter in a real life situation on the street. These programs are so beneficial because they empower a police officer to rely on skills and strategy instead of possibly faulty equipment or a lack of personal ability.
I have been training at this facility for several years now and am grateful to have had the time and opportunity to attain such useful skills. I have practiced what I have learned multiple times in my work environment on the street and have been successful at most. To me, this training is not just an accessory to what I already know; it is a necessity in all that I do.
As with most law enforcement personnel, our schedules are constantly changing and rotating. The center is completely aware of this and offers day and evening classes as well as private instruction to accommodate our needs.
~Detective Ron
I am currently assigned to a Narcotic Investigative Unit and I am constantly engaged in street activity. As a law enforcement officer, I do not have the luxury to fight in a controlled environment. Have the opportunity to train here has given me several options and tactics to utilize in situations that I face on the street every day. In these programs I have been taught effective strategies to help control a suspect, handle multiple attackers, as well as learning great defense skills when faced with a hand gun or knife situation.
The way in which the world works today is constantly changing. This is especially true in regards to the way criminals on the street fight. I have had professional training provided by my department, and have had years of experience on the job. This however is not much comfort when dealing with the variety of violence I face on the street. Being involved in the law enforcement programs offered at U.S. Family Martial Arts allows me to have the upper hand when I am often engaged in a fight situation. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program, along with the Gracie Combative courses, gives detailed instruction on how to combine specific techniques to successfully control and apprehend a suspect. Another benefit to these programs is that any person regardless of size or athletic ability can be trained. This of course is key to any law enforcement officer, since fighting on the street is truly a strategy.
The instructors are trained throughout the United States and they do not just demonstrate what they have learned. They work with us to help improve or modify certain techniques based on what we encounter in a real life situation on the street. These programs are so beneficial because they empower a police officer to rely on skills and strategy instead of possibly faulty equipment or a lack of personal ability.
I have been training at this facility for several years now and am grateful to have had the time and opportunity to attain such useful skills. I have practiced what I have learned multiple times in my work environment on the street and have been successful at most. To me, this training is not just an accessory to what I already know; it is a necessity in all that I do.
As with most law enforcement personnel, our schedules are constantly changing and rotating. The center is completely aware of this and offers day and evening classes as well as private instruction to accommodate our needs.
~Detective Ron
My son and I have been going to U.S. Family Martial Arts Center for 10 years and we love it! Why, it's in the name- FAMILY!! As a parent, we want our kids to experience all they can. This is one way you can do so. It's not all about fighting and kicking. It's about life itself and the tools you need. You and your child will learn and grow together more and more every day and have fun at the same time. U.S. Family will keep you updated on your child's growth and improvements. The instructors work with each student so that no child gets left behind. Not only are they helpful in class, but also out of class if necessary. If you're ready to open your eyes to a new experience and learn more about life changes, than this is the place to be. And yes, you will learn all you need to know about Martial Arts and have fun doing so. It's about fun, learning, safety and growth. This will be a new beginning for the rest of your life. And you will have an extended family with U.S. Martial Arts, I know I do. There is nothing like seeing that big ear-to-ear grin on your child's face when they get to show off their talents.
Being a student at USFMA has been one of the best experiences of my life. I always feel good at the end of a class. I was never a very athletic person as a youngster or as an adult. Now, at the age of 55, I will soon be testing for my black belt. I feel a lot of pride about that. Studying the Martial Arts has given me a sense of confidence and has helped me be more in touch with my body.
There is a wonderful atmosphere at USFMA. If it weren't for the friendly and supportive atmosphere, I doubt I would've ever gotten this far. There is never any negative "energy" at USFMA. One feels that everyone's heart and spirit is in the right place. In learning the Martial Arts, one develops the ability to work with one's own and others' aggressive energies, but the interesting thing is there is never any unhealthy or unfriendly aggressive emotional energy at USFMA. It is a community and we're all there to help each other. I am very moved by the positive spirit at USFMA.
USFMA has a wonderful blend of spirit of excellence alongside a spirit of friendliness, fun and support. I am very grateful for what the Fuhrmann's and the community at USFMA have done for me.
~David H.
There is a wonderful atmosphere at USFMA. If it weren't for the friendly and supportive atmosphere, I doubt I would've ever gotten this far. There is never any negative "energy" at USFMA. One feels that everyone's heart and spirit is in the right place. In learning the Martial Arts, one develops the ability to work with one's own and others' aggressive energies, but the interesting thing is there is never any unhealthy or unfriendly aggressive emotional energy at USFMA. It is a community and we're all there to help each other. I am very moved by the positive spirit at USFMA.
USFMA has a wonderful blend of spirit of excellence alongside a spirit of friendliness, fun and support. I am very grateful for what the Fuhrmann's and the community at USFMA have done for me.
~David H.