Reviews of Hidden Sword Martial Arts

My son and I have been taking classes under Mark Lynn in the Modern Arnis classes for several years. We started in the family class, which is awesome cause it gives you an opportunity to take classes with your kids. Neither my son or I were natural to martial arts, but we are fortunate in that Mark is extremely patient and good with both adults and kids. The fact that its at the Roanoke Rec Center is also very convenient since we can get some exercise before classes. I've also noticed that many of the other parents take advantage of the facilities while their kids take classes. Mark also teaches American Karate classes in addition to Modern Arnis.

We have been with Hidden Sword Martial Arts for a lot of years. Mr. Lynn is a great teacher, very patient with Kids and makes sure each and every kid gets the attention they need to make progress. He is always willing to spend extra time as needed and would offer classes on Saturday in the Roanoke Park for anyone who needs extra practice. My son has really enjoyed Karate under Mr. Lynn's supervision and is always excited to go to the classes.

Hidden Sword Martial Arts tae kwon do program has been an excellent experience for my family. My boys joined to continue their martial arts training that begun with a karate program in another state. I also participate in the adult program. Sensei Mark Lynn has a broad depth of knowledge about many martial arts, which he uses to deepen the experience of all his students. He has been teaching for many years and it shows in the exercises, forms and games he’s developed to train his students at all levels. It’s a welcoming program that has a family feel to it. I would encourage any one who has been looking to introduce their kids to the martial arts or to experience it for themselves to give Hidden Sword a try.

My son started learning Karate from kinder garden (2016) to learn Karate A great place to learn and highly recommended.

Mr. Lyn is very professional and approachable. He is an amazing instructor and teaches martial arts to children in a fun and inspiring way. My son respects him and smiles with him. Mr. Lyn understands how to teach the basics and ensure everybody in the class is on the same page before moving on any further. He does not leave any child behind or feel as though they are not acknowledged.

I knew I wanted to enter my son into martial arts and I was having a very difficult time deciding on which one. When I took my son to his first class, Mr. Lyn, not knowing made me and my son very happy and comfortable with the choice we made.

I have had the pleasure of training with (mostly learning from) Mark on numerous occasions. Despite not actually being a student of Mark’s, he has always gone to great lengths to help me in every way possible. Mark’s passion for teaching, his personable nature and his vast knowledge of Filipino (and other) martial arts would serve any aspiring martial arts student in their learning and training pursuits.

Master Lynn is a caring and flexible instructor whose expertise in working with kids comes out every time my eight-year-old is in class. He adapts lessons each class based on student needs, and the kids have fun. He inspires them to work hard. I've seen my own son's confidence and attitude strengthen since we started with Master Lynn. We will continue to attend his classes for what I hope is a very long time. In addition, this class is very reasonable in price, and the location is convenient.

As soon as I walked through the door I felt cared for and welcomed. The instructors are interactive, professional but at the same time enthusiastic. They are patient and make sure that you understand and are comfortable with the material. They challenged my skills and helped me go beyond what I thought I could accomplish. I don't only recommend this school for teenagers, as myself, but for people of all ages. They will work with you and explain what we learn, why we learn it and when we would use it. I had a blast and would not think twice about retaking it. It was way beyond worthy!! :)

My 11 year old son decided he really wanted to learn martial arts. Because he was older than a lot of the other students, I thought he may struggle. But this never happened. Mark recognized what my son's strengths and weaknesses could be and suggested we enroll him in the Modern Arnis class. In just a few classes, my son went from being the kid who played his DS all night to the kid excited about learning and being active about something new. I watched the class many times to see his progress and the interaction between the leaders and other students. Everyone was respectful, encouraging, and genuinely enjoyed learning together. Choosing to learn at Hidden Sword Martial Arts is a decision I will always be thankful we made!

Head Instructor Mr. Mark Lynn is an enthusiastic and highly motivated teacher. His approach incorporates 30 years of martial arts experience and I highly recommend him.

It is a pleasure to have our children attend his class. Our family loves his school.

We have enrolled our kids in different Martial Arts classes, and not every experience we've had has been a positive one. Thankfully, our experience at Hidden Sword has been a great one. It has been perfect for our child; with just the right mix of discipline and flexibility for a wiggly, active seven year old. Mr. Lynn provides a welcoming atmosphere. Questions from parents and students are welcomed and answered intelligently. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Students are challenged as they learn new skills and encouraged to do their best. The focus at Hidden Sword is not just on sparring but on the art and discipline of karate as well. Students are taught skills safely and the importance of performing each skill properly.

We absolutely love this program. Mark Lynn is a great instructor. He has incredible patience with his students. He not only teaches karate but also is great with teaching the kids everyday self defense. My son loves this program. He has matured in such a short period of time and has progressed extremely quickly. We totally recommend this program wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a great karate dojo.

To my knowledge this is the only generally available place to learn Modern Arnis / Kombatan in the area. Mark Lynn has studied the art for decades and incorporates influences from other FMA's, including Dan Inosanto.

You will learn the art from a self-defense point of view (versus duelling or stickfighting). Use the rattan sticks to learn concepts that apply to defending yourself, no matter what weapon you have handy (or none at all).

This is a fun and practical art that's appropriate for the most seasoned martial artist as well as the new student of any age!