Oom Yung Doe - 8 Martial Arts - Somerville Boston

Once by chance, I encountered this fascinating martial arts. I never imagined I would grow to love it so deeply. There are times when life gets too busy to attend class, and I genuinely miss it—I feel that itch to get back on the mat. I truly cherish every minute of training and the focused, shared effort with my fellow students and instructors. I’ll admit—I pick up movements slowly, and my coordination isn’t always there. But my instructor, Vangjel, has been incredibly patient, professional, and encouraging. He’s always saying things like, “Almost there! You can do it! You got this! Good job! Well done!” It feels like here, as long as you put in sincere effort, anything becomes possible. Yesterday, when my instructor, Vangjel handed me my white belt with one of its seven stripes dyed black, I was overjoyed. Seeing everyone congratulating and cheering me on was so motivating. I know I’m still at a beginner level and there’s so much more to refine, but what I’ve gained in just one month has far exceeded my expectations. Before, I used to sleep ten hours a night and still needed coffee to function. Now, I feel energetic every day—stronger and calmer, both physically and mentally. Whenever I face a challenge, I hear that same voice in my head: “I got this! I can do it!” It’s given me a renewed sense of hope for the future and the confidence that I can achieve even difficult things if I set my mind to them. I really appreciate the well-rounded curriculum here—Tai Chi, Qigong, Judo, Kung Fu, and more. I especially enjoy practicing Sam Pyo Chung (Single Sai); it makes me feel a bit like Arya from "Game of Thrones" taking down the Night King—cool, unpredictable, and powerful (a joke here! Lol!😆). I also deeply value the community here. My classmates and instructors are genuinely kind, strong, disciplined, united, and professional. They’ve created an environment where growth feels natural and supported. I LOVE them! I highly recommend giving this school a try. Sometimes all it takes is one idea, one step—and it might just change everything in ways you never expected.

My 10 year old son is a student at Oom Yung Doe. He truly enjoys attending class and learning from his instructors. He has gained skills in not only martial arts, but his confidence, focus and motivation to continue to learn and improve has sky rocketed since he started. The instructors are very kind, patient, calm and extremely welcoming. Watching their skills is breathtaking and very motivational. In classes, skills are gained in not only martial arts/ self defense, but in life skills, leadership skills, respectful behavior, being mindful and so much more that can be applied to success within the community. Watching my son through his journey l, myself in my mid 40's for the first time ever have become a martial arts student at Oom Yung Doe. I can not express enough how much I enjoy every class that not only works your body, but will help keep your mind sharp! I went from attending 1 class a week to 4 and wanting more! I have to add that attending Oom Yung Doe with my son has brought so much motivation and lifelong gains for the both of us! He gets so excited teaching his mom all his skills which I hope lasts forever! I recommend everyone to try out a class, you won't regret it!

I’ve really enjoyed my time training here. The classes are challenging but very rewarding. They have made me stronger, more energetic, and more at peace both physically and mentally. Since I started, my stamina has improved, my energy lasts longer during the day, and even my appetite feels more balanced. I used to crave food late at night, but not anymore. I think it’s because my body and mind feel more settled. It has become something I truly look forward to. Even when I’m tired, I still want to go, and if I miss a class, I actually feel something is missing. I really hope I can keep practicing martial arts.

We spent the summer touring different Martial Arts places this summer for my 6 year old to attend: Oom Yung Doe was our first spot, and wow. They set the bar high. The instructor, Tyler is one of a kind. My son instantly felt seen by Tyler, and Tyler has some special magic with kiddos. What we really love about Oom Yung Doe is that they have a well rounded curriculum- it’s not just about body strengthening, or just about playing games. Tyler teaches them about body control, respect, listening, teamwork. They truly have figured out an amazing balance between all the things that are needed to make a great martial arts school. I can’t say enough great things about this school. My son has been taking classes for 2 months, and his improvement is impressive.

My family journey started 5 years back when my son started taking classes at Somerville location. We were looking for school where he can learn self control and focus. We saw results within few months. His Focus improved and he started to work hard at Oom Yung Doe and at school. He has been going there for 5 years now and he is now calm and well behaved and feels like nothing else in life bothers him. This a great feeling for any parent. My daughter enrolled in Oom Yung Doe last year. She had issues with strength and flexibility. Instructor Tyler is amazing teacher and has been working with her. Both her strengths and flexibility has improved a lot and she has trying things out of Martial art that were not possible before. I also joined Oom Yung Doe 7 months ago. During covid I developed few health issues. I was working from home and not exercising at all. I had issues with my hips, sciatica and not being able to sleep due to constant body pain and work stress. Most of my issues were gone within first 2 months. My flexibility has improved a lot and hips has opened up. I have been working on kicks that I never thought I can do. My whole body moves in sync and I feel like I am connected to body and mind. What I achieved in last 7 months would not been possible without great instructions at school. All higher belt students come around and help you correcting the moves. When we are in school it feels like one big family where everyone helping each other to achieve their goal. Another benefit of Oom Yung Doe is you have a lot of energy. It helps you to focus on work and hence improved efficiency. Practicing meditation within class makes my mind and body calm.