Reviews of Family Self Defense School

The Family Self Defense School located in Winslow Arizona is owned and operated by its head instructor Mr. Mark Hawley. Mr. Hawley first became my karate student over two and one half decades ago. What's more, he has been teaching the marital arts to others most of his adult life. He is an exceptional teacher. Mark is not only a well rounded martial artist, but more importantly a very well rounded individual. He is one of the finest people I have ever known. He treats his students the way people should be treated, with honor and respect. I saw the exceptional potential that Mr. Hawley had when at twenty three years old he first decided to become my student. Family Self defense School is a place where a person can become technically proficient in the martial arts, but unlike many schools where that is all you can become, this school will train you to become a better person. I know this to be the case, because Mr. Hawley is good as any technically, but better than most as a human being. Another advantage of training at this school is found in the quality of instruction coming from its assistant instructors most of whom hold a black belt or advance black belt ranking. The good attitude shown by Mr. Hawley is also present among his assistant instructors. I have had many opportunities to see them lead and teach group classes and provide excellent individual instruction. The school offers instruction in many different martial arts styles and focuses upon those originating from the Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. These include Kenpo, Lua, Lima Lama, Kajukenbo, Goju, and Hawaiian Jujitsu. This insures a wide exposure to a good cross section of material that has proven effective in providing the skills and strategies to effectively defend oneself. I wholeheartedly recommend this school.

I am an instructor at this School. I hold a first degree black belt in Atavism, a 3rd degree black belt in go-ju kai karate, and a 1st dan in hapkido. I have been teaching kid's class for about 3 years. The children learn self-defense skills as well as kata, like at any other martial arts school, but we also stress discipline, respect, and being a productive member of society. At the end of every class the kid's recite this code; effort, etiquette, character, self-control, sincerity, commitment, responsibly, integrity, faith, honor. At least once a month we have a fun day in which kids play games that develop hand-eye coordination such as dodge ball or foam sword sparring. Ours kids make lasting friendships with positive people and are surrounded by good role models. Kids learn to come out of their shells and gain confidence. If you are from the Winslow area you know just how important a place like this is.