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World Martial Arts Center Happy Kicks
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World Martial Arts Center Happy Kicks

star4.9/5
(115 reviews)Excellent

About

World Martial Arts Center Happy Kicks in Brooklyn offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, judo, and karate, with a particular emphasis on Hapkido and Jujitsu. The gym is led by a large team of highly credentialed instructors, headed by Grandmaster Herbert, an 8th Dan in multiple arts, and includes masters with decades of experience and numerous black belt hall of fame inductees. This depth of expertise ensures students receive quality instruction across all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, in a structured environment that values both physical technique and personal development.

reviewsWhat Members Say

Members describe the World Martial Arts Center as a transformative experience that goes far beyond physical training, emphasizing personal growth, healing, and life skills development. They consistently praise the exceptionally welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where beginners feel immediately accepted and higher belts actively mentor others. Reviewers highlight the patient, knowledgeable instructors and specifically mention Grandmaster Herbert's wise leadership and the community's supportive energy. Many call it one of the best decisions they've ever made, noting improvements in confidence, discipline, and spiritual outlook alongside martial arts skills.

rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)

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MIND GLOW MEDIA

2 weeks ago

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I started attending the World Martial Arts Center in 2024 without realizing that it would be one of the best life decisions I would ever make. This school has greatly enhanced my quality of life and spiritual outlook. The instructors are knowledgeable, highly skilled, and extremely patient with new students like myself. While enrollees will come to learn martial arts, they will also acquire transferable life skills. I always feel welcomed by the instructors, and the other students have been great people as well. The school's Grandmaster is a strong, dedicated, wise man who challenges students to see beyond our perceived limitations in the best ways. I would highly recommend the World Martial Arts Center to anyone in the tri-state area who is looking for a wholistic martial arts learning experience.

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Anna Grindrod-Feeny

2 weeks ago

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I cannot express how excellent my experience at the World Martial Arts Center in Brooklyn has been. I started my martial arts journey 2 years ago in an attempt to find some balance in an increasingly distressing world. I had no prior experience, unless a semester of trying to get out of Tae Kwon Do class at the YMCA in middle school counts, and was a bit nervous about trying something so far out of my comfort zone. While doing research on different martial arts offerings in Brooklyn, I was particularly taken with how WMAC’s messaging focused on both the rich history of Hapkido and on making beginners feel welcomed rather than pushing ferocity or fitness as the goal. It gave me the confidence that I would receive a well-rounded education in not just physical training but also meditation and that I wouldn’t be looked down on for having so much to learn. I found that same energy of inclusion and support in person when I began my training, both from Grandmaster Herbert and all of the incredible instructors that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. This is not the kind of martial arts center where you need to prove yourself before you are given quality instruction. WMAC fosters an environment where every higher belt is encouraged to mentor others and where every member can find support and training that meets their needs, regardless of age, ability, or experience. I frequently benefit from the advice and guidance of black belts who have been training for decades and want to help me better understand a particular technique, which in turn has helped me progress at a steady pace. In the 2 years I’ve been training there, I have been challenged and encouraged and as a result have surpassed my expectations of what I’m capable of. The training I receive there has enriched my life both on and off the mat and given me valuable life skills in both self-defense and mental and spiritual discipline, not to mention the friendships I have formed. It is truly a valuable community space in addition to being an excellent training center. If you’ve been considering trying martial arts, I cannot recommend the World Martial Arts Center highly enough. Hope to see you on the mat!

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Gregorios Rosario

2 weeks ago

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Training at the World Martial Arts Center has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. This school is not just about learning martial arts techniques — it’s about healing, discipline, and personal growth. From the moment you step inside, you can feel that it’s a real community where people support each other and push one another to become better. The instructors and leadership teach far more than physical movement. They teach respect, self-control, perseverance, and how to face challenges in life with strength and clarity. Over time you begin to see changes not only in your body, but also in your mindset and how you approach the world. The environment here is welcoming and genuine. Whether you are a complete beginner, someone looking to grow mentally and physically, or a person searching for a positive community, this school offers something rare — a place where people can heal, grow, and rediscover their inner strength. If you’re looking for authentic martial arts and a community that truly cares about its students, the World Martial Arts Center is a special place.

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mercenary X!

2 weeks ago

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The best place to become great! World Martial Arts Center has so much to offer. From physical, mental, even spiritual. We have a large amount of highly skilled instructors and teachers for all ages. No matter the race, beliefs, or sex, all are welcome. Come train and be great with us, see you on the mat,🥋

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Lisa Sumption

2 months ago

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My son began attending Happy Kicks this year and we have seen such an improvement in his motor skills, confidence, discipline and focus. We previously tried some local martial arts places and this one is in another league. My son shares with me the lessons he learns and I can tell he is really absorbing real life lessons. We also appreciate the flexible schedule. Everyone I have spoken to here is professional, warm and gracious. They are running a phenomenal business and you can feel they practice what they preach.

Contact

location_on

1120 Washington Ave 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA

scheduleHours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

groupCoaches & Instructors

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Grandmaster Herbert

Sabumnim Grandmaster

8th Dan HapKiDo, 8th Dan VSK Jujitsu, 8th Dan Tae Kwon Do, Martial Arts Life Guidance Master

Teaching for over 45 years. Certified Zen meditation instructor. President of World Pro HapKiDo Federation tri-state area. Trained with nine renowned Grandmasters.

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Master Dominick Brioche

Master Chungsanim

6th-degree black belt, three-time Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee, first and only female Shihan in Kumite Ryu Jujitsu

Mastery in Jujitsu, Hapkido, and TaeKwonDo. International teaching experience with doctoral-level dedication to martial arts philosophy.

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Master Betty

Master Chungsanim

4th-degree Hapkido, 3rd-degree Jujitsu black belt

Training under Grandmaster Herbert since 1997. Integrates yoga, personal training, and meditation. Recipient of Brooklyn Borough citation.

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Master Brad

Master Chungsanim

4th-degree Hapkido, 2nd-degree Jujitsu black belt

Teaching in Brooklyn since 2003. Martial arts since age 10. Specializes in technical fundamentals and conditioning.

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Master Jonathan Waks

Master Chungsanim

4th-degree Hapkido, 1st-degree Jujitsu black belt

Training with Grandmaster Herbert since 1996. Serves as WMAC's CFO. Over 2,000 hours teaching weapons, sparring, meditation.

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Master Shira Beery

Master Chungsanim

3rd Dan HuBae in Hapkido

Began at WMAC in 1998 at age 10. MBA from Yale, BA from Stanford. Over 29 years experience, assistant instructor at age 12.

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Master Carol Glasgow

Master Chungsanim

3rd-degree black belt Hapkido, 1st-degree black belt Kumite Ryu Jujitsu

Over 22 years training. Certified personal trainer, founder of Kick Fever Fitness. Specializes in self-defense and fitness conditioning.

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Master Kelly Rutkowski

Master Chungsanim

4th-degree Hapkido black belt

Training with Grandmaster Herbert since 1998. Specialist in joint-locking and weapons defense. NYS licensed Acupuncturist.

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Master Jill Zoll-Burdick

Master Chungsanim

4th-degree Hapkido black belt

Training with Grandmaster Herbert since 1998. Specialist in joint locking and weapons tactics. Teaches ages 3 to seniors.

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Senior Instructor Douglas Graham

Senior Instructor Kyosanim

3rd-degree black belt

Training at WMAC since 2007. Retired NYC high school administrator. Specializes in weapon techniques and forms.

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Senior Instructor Michelle

Senior Instructor Kyosanim

3rd-degree Hapkido black belt

Training at WMAC under Grandmaster Herbert since 2001. Over 25 years teaching. Background in Judo, Capoeira, and Yoga.

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Senior Instructor Sung E Bai

Senior Instructor Kyosanim

3rd-degree Hapkido black belt

Training at WMAC since 2006. Social justice leader with master's from Columbia. Certified mindfulness instructor.

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Senior Instructor John

Senior Instructor Kyosanim

3rd-degree black belt

Trained under Grandmaster Herbert for over 25 years. Taught over 1,000 classes. Expertise in Jujitsu, Aikido, and Tai Chi.

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Certified Senior Instructor Isabel

Certified Senior Instructor

2nd-degree Hapkido black belt

Training at WMAC since 1999, teaching since 2003. Digital Marketing Program Manager and somatic therapy coach-in-training.

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Certified Senior Instructor Danielle Uchitelle

Certified Senior Instructor

2nd-degree Hapkido black belt

Began training at age 60. Proves martial arts is accessible at any age.