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Student Selection
The Midwest Academy of Martial Arts looks for nearly the
same qualities in a new student as a new students look for in a martial arts school. You might just say we are as selective
in choosing you as you are in choosing us. At the Academy we pride ourselves in our student's success. We have been teaching
since 1968 and to keep our track record as high as it is, we only accept students who bring with them a positive attitude.
And because we also know that the quality of a class depends on quality of interaction amongst students and teachers, we require
our teachers to bring a positive attitude as well. This single requirement allows us to provide a safe, exciting and rewarding
training experience; it is both traditional and progressive; devoid of "compete-to-kill" mindsets; lacking "cultish"
peers, and, well, you get the idea.
Due to the practical content of our system, we prefer that students in our
Adult classes generally be at least 17 years old. Youth students may be accepted as young as 13 years old based
the approval of the Director after an interview with both the potential student and parents/guardian. Youth students in their
teens receive training in the Adult program on an individual basis as dictated by their physical, mental and emotional
maturity. A youth student's curriculum will be individualized to that particular student's needs.
During
an initial visit or trial class at the Academy, those familiar with martial arts schools may be surprised that we ask questions
of you, the potential student! Questions like, "What are you hoping to gain from training?", or "What is it
about martial arts that makes you want to study it?” may be more than some expect during a visit. In all fairness, our
student enrollment structure is more than one would expect, because our students tend to be the people who "expect more"
from themselves and also expect to have fun in the process. If that is who you are, then we know you will fit right in here
at the Academy.
Contact the Midwest Academy by telephone or e-mail to set up an appointment for class observation
and/or a free trial class. We return calls frequently throughout the day and evening and look forward to speaking with you
personally. In addition we offer you the ability to review a public version of our student manual that provides information
designed to enhance our students' experience at the Midwest Academy. The public version of our manual is downloadable
through the link below. Thank you for your interest in our school.
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Our Classes
Have
you ever been in a class, perhaps an academic or professional one, where you began to wonder if the teacher even knew you
existed? We, like you, have suffered through these "lost-in-the-crowd" type classes; that’s why we have made it a priority
to keep our classes personal by individually tailoring each lesson plan around the needs of each student. That means our
students never worry about getting the attention they deserve to excel. Our teachers understand that class time is your time.
Although the structure of the Academy is that of a traditional dojo ("martial arts school"), our atmosphere is relaxed rather
than rigid and most students find that it is acceptable, if not unavoidable, to have a great time training. Our classes are
well structured and planned for making them conducive to learning, developing and mastering new skills. Our students become
good with time spent in training; those who put forth a little extra effort become great...not a bad perk!
A typical
class begins with a warm up designed to get your mind free of "mental clutter" and your body ready to work out. We go on
to "review basics" and check assignments for students who were given them (yes, there is occasional "homework" and no, it
is usually not the type you can have someone else do for you). The bulk of class time is spent working on material based
on our curriculum which is organized by one's level of experience. This usually consists of working with a partner or in
a small group. Students may practice a given technique, participate in various training drills and are encouraged to ask
questions in order to facilitate a better understanding of the concepts that are being applied. Class is concluded with a
"cool down" designed to allow a metal transition from the training environment, stimulate physical recovery for muscles and
promote good health for joints. And, yes, sometimes a teacher will assign "homework" at the end of class.
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David Hakim, Director of the Midwest Academy, has two academic Masters Degrees
related to leadership and organizational development as well as over 20 years teaching experience. He is both a
student and teacher of the Seizan Ryu Kempo-Jujutsu system and began studying Seizan Ryu as a youth under Roland S. Roemer,
Jr. and Daniel C. Pauley, the premiere teachers of the system. He holds the rank of Godan (“5th degree black belt”)
and is also sanctioned as a Shihan (“Master Teacher”) of Seizan Ryu under its founder. He is the youngest student
of this art qualified to study the Kaiden (“inner system” level of teaching). In addition to Seizan Ryu, he is
an exponent of Modern Arnis de Mano, a Filipino based weapons system, in which he is ranked as a 2nd degree black belt and
has teaching license.
Decorated US Army combat veteran and law enforcement Special Operations / SWAT veteran, David
Hakim’s martial strategies are continually honed through real world experience. He is certified as both a Federal and
State law enforcement instructor conducting numerous specialized tactical and technical classes through which he continues
to refine his teaching skills. The lessons from those accumulated experiences are communicated to students here at the Midwest
Academy as well as the Seizan Ryu community in general.
David Hakim is a member of the Seizan Ryu Advisory Board,
an organization headquartered at the Colorado Academy of Martial Arts that ensures the current and future integrity of Seizan
Ryu schools. He is known, both in the martial arts and law enforcement special operations communities, as being a versatile,
well rounded instructor who blends traditional martial training with a practical and progressive approach.
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