Grandmaster Hans Martial Arts of Central Arkansas

My name is Tommy Thompson, and I am a 54 year “young” Red Belt student of Ms. Holly Fox’s.

I have spent most of my life involved in sports and activities, but have in the last few years allowed myself to become an overweight, inactive, couch participant.  My journey to the world of martial arts began with testimonials from my best friend about her experiences and the benefits, both intrinsic and physically, she gained while earning a degree of Black Belt in another form of martial arts (ATA). 

In addition, my son Ajay, who was nearly 9 years old at the time, had friends already training in GMHMA (Ethan and Brice, thanks guys) and loving it.  We had the good fortune to watch a testing in the cafeteria at Nemo Vista where I currently serve the district as superintendent, and came away very impressed.  Timing is everything!  In September of 08, it was found that I had significant blockage in three arteries and decided it was time to get up and do something about it.

Ajay and I enrolled together, and began training immediately.  I am happy to report that after the first incredibly fun year, I have lost 44 pounds and feel better, stronger physically, stronger emotionally, and stronger spiritually, with a more clearly defined constitution than I ever dreamed possible. 

Also, I have just completed the single most enjoyable year of mine and my son’s relationship that I have ever experienced.  Training with AJay is a total joy, not just because he is my son, but if you have ever trained with him, you have seen how his energy is contagious.  This high energy level seems to be prevalent in almost all the students I train with. 

It is my great pleasure to be included in the “family” of Grand Master Han’s Martial Arts, and grow more and more each day from this experience.  I do sometimes lament the fact that I waited so long to get involved, but believe with all my heart that this experience is one of the most uplifting, and fulfilling that I have ever known, regardless of my age, and I’m no longer on the couch.  I have NEVER in my life seen such a compilation of individuals with this much positive approach to everything they do, as is everyone associated with this program. 

I wish to say “Thank You” to all the instructor’s and leaders under Grand Master Han’s leadership, and especially to Master Jeremy, Ms. Holly, Tom and Shana Mullaney, and certainly Grand Master Han for having the vision, courage, strength, and patience to teach us all. 

Be Polite!  Be Patient!  Be Alert!  Be Brave!  Do Your Best!  Respect Yourself and Others have become more than martial arts training principles for us.  They are the principles of life and it is commanded of each of us to carry them out daily with dispatch and efficiency.

Thank you for making a difference in my life.

Tommy

 

Tommy Thompson Nemo Vista Superintendent

"I cannot say enough about this organization. We train at Grandmaster Hans Martial Arts of Central Arkansas here in Conway with Tom and Shana Mullaney.  We have a lot of great instructors and an atmosphere that is positive, encouraging and truly like a family. I feel very blessed that we found this organization and have been welcomed into their family. I highly recommend this for anyone regardless of age or gender. However, if you have a daughter...get her in here!! They really do teach great life skills".

WE HAVE PRINCIPLES NOT RULES.
· Be Polite
· Be Patient
· Be Alert
· Be Brave
· Do Your Best
· Respect Yourself & Others

Lisa Felts Parent and Student

My name is Sarah Stobaugh. My son, Matthew trains in Conway. Tom Mullaney and his entire family are a God send for us. I want to share one experience we had that sums up the spirit of this organization. 

During the 2009 Missouri State Championships, Matthew competed in forms and sparring.  He does not like to spare, but he is very naturally talented. He did great in forms, 2^nd place. But when it came time to spar he started getting very nervous.

Tom and Shana were there to lift him up and encourage him every step of the way. By the way, their own kids were competing too and they ran back and forth from matches as if Matthew was one of their own.

There were many kids competing that day and he would have to fight at many different times to place in this competition. It was hard enough for him to get out there the first time, so I knew the more he won, the more he would have to fight. I was scared for him. The first fight began and he did fantastic…even though I thought I was going to throw up.

Matthew was the blue fighter and he gave it all he had.  He was crying through the whole thing because he hurt his foot, but he kept fighting. The judges stood…Judge 1: “Blue”, judge 2, “Blue”, judge 3 “Red”….WINNER.. Blue!  The sinking feeling set in, he would fight again. At this point he is really crying. Shana came to the rescue and talked to him and kept his spirits up. He sucked up his tears and prepared to fight again.

By this time many of the instructors from our community came over to give support for Matthew. Charles, Ray, Rachel…Matthew had more black belts standing at every corner of the ring to encourage him.  Second fight went much as the first. More tears and more encouragement. “Judges… “Blue, Red, Tie” …Tie! One more round for this fight to decide the winner. Tom talked to him through the resting period and helped him stay in the game.  That last round went to Matthew, so he had to fight again. 

Matthew is sweating and crying and everyone is steadily lifting him up, showing their support.  Third fight…more of the same, tears and encouragement. By this time I am so overwhelmed with pride and joy because despite his tears, he is kicking butt. He gives each fight every ounce of heart that he has.  He wins the third fight, but we still have one more fight to go.

I keep telling him he can do it, one more fight. Tom kneels down and says, “Buddy, it’s all about heart. If you want that trophy you just go out there and get it. Keep giving everything you have and it’s yours.” 

That last fight was tough for everyone. He kept getting knocked down, but he kept getting back up and going back and fighting as hard as he could.  JUDGES…”BLUE, RED,…..TIE”!  One more round to go to decide first place.

Matthew as fought 9 rounds total at this point. He has one minute left now. He has instructors standing all around the ring so that no matter where he looks he can see them cheering him on.  He is so tired at this point that he gets knocked down at least three times. But again, he gets back up and fights with all the heart he has in him….JUDGES..”BLUE, BLUE, RED” WINNER…BLUE! 

This was the greatest moment of my life. I felt like crying myself at this point. I watched my baby boy fight his heart out and take First Place!  He never gave up and he gave it all he had every step of the way.  With the help of the best instructors in the world he believed in himself enough to fight through the pain and exhaustion.

This organization is amazing. They truly embody the principles they teach.  It’s been a God send in our lives. Thanks so much GMHMA. They are all truly family to us.

Sarah Stobaugh, Parent

"We had a hard time getting our son Parker to want to do karate again after a bad experience with another local karate school. We started at the first of the year enrolling him in the after school program (just awesome) and he is loving it!!

These guys are like a family away from home. I am loving the way everyone supports/cheers for each other (whether you are a white belt or black belt) during testing, class, and/or tournaments. Every instructor has been a positive role model & tries to teach the kids to live by the 6 basic principles in everyday life"!

Steve & Malisia Padgett, Parents

"Grandmaster Hans Martial Arts has helped me in so many ways.  While my husband was in Iraq the GMH family and friends I acquired, really helped me get through this difficult time in my life.  I felt more able to take care of myself, had something to do with my time and made friends with some wonderful people.  Youn Wha has also really helped to improve my self confidence.

I had a car wreck two years ago which left me with a lot of hip problems.  The physical activity and stretching has increased my flexability and helped to relieve my discomfort.
   
I always wanted to take martial arts and I thought that I might be too old to do this type of activity after I first started, however I quickly learned that it doesn't matter what your age is with personal determination and the support of the wonderful people in this organization I can do anything."

Amanda Johnson, Student

 

Hi everyone! My name is Audrey, This was the best thing in the whole wide world for me. I learned fast and within my boundries. I am disabled but they taught me to make new boundries and although I cannot afford to train right now I will never forget the teachings. I accomplished what at one time I only dreamt was possible.  During the 2008 championship in Conway, I took 2 third place medals.  My instructor Shana encouraged me to go beyond my pain and keep going.  I did what she encouraged me to do and now have pride in my accomplishments to apply in my day to day activities. Someday I hope to continue but for now, I must just be satisfied with knowing i can do what it takes to do my best! I am 54 years old and know that there are others out there that think, boy, I could never do that!  You would be surprised however at what you can do if you really try.  You can succeed! Thank you Shana and Tom!  I miss you all so much but just need to keep focused and know that someday I will be back!

 

Audrey Farley, Former Student