Mu Sool Won of South Austin

An outstanding martial arts school that continues to attract students of all ages and backgrounds. The fact that it has been around over four years now and continues to grow, speaks for itself. The instructors led by example and it shows in the caliber of students that continue to advance, year after year.
Truly a family oriented martial arts school.

My review is based on my 7 year old son’s experience at MSW South Austin. I first heard about the school from a friend. She already sold me, and after our 2 ½ years there, I owe it to anyone considering a martial arts school for their child to share the amazing experience this school has brought to our lives.
Aside from feeling like part of the MSW family, my FAVORITE feature of the membership is that I pay an incredibly reasonable monthly fee, and there are 11+ Mon-​Sat classes offered to my son. What’s more is he could attend ALL of them if we wanted — just drop in! This offers SO MUCH flexibility to our schedule and is an absolute steal for the membership cost. New students get to try 5 classes for free before signing up for a monthly or quarterly membership.
Now the actual instruction — AMAZING! The instructors/​owners Ricky and Meghan, are always kind and professional. They take time to talk with me about how my son is doing in class (both emotionally and physically). They are super patient and enthusiastic with the students. Ricky is like a big kid himself, so he is able to easily relate to them. While kind and encouraging, they are able to instill discipline and etiquette values, but in a very a positive way — respect is shown to the students and is expected in return. The students know they are valued for their different strengths, and leave feeling successful and proud. I can’t imagine there could be better instruction at another school.
The classes are mixed ages for beginners, intermediate and advanced students (once students are advanced, more classes are offered). Classes vary in activities, and they usually include a couple of fun physical games which kids of all ages go crazy over. Sometimes they’re loaded up in sparing gear, practicing with partners, doing falling/​gymnastic skills on mats, or working individually on routines. Different levels work in groups on their techniques. The instruction is individualized as the teachers rotate around the room, taking time to give one-​to-​one coaching to all of the kids. Mu Sool Won is a Korean based martial arts, so the kids are taught parts of the language and tradition, which I find valuable as well.
And then there’s more! Ricky and Meghan show that they consider us all as family by offering more than just classes. They:
— throw parties for friends and families of the school! There’s this HUGE annual Halloween party with games and a haunted house that takes up all of the school space. Also Easter parties, Thanksgiving pot lucks, and demonstrations gatherings year round.
— offer after school pick-​up, which my son has participated in for two years. Never ONCE has Ricky been late, which is a huge feat with Austin traffic and multiple school pick-​ups.
— have weekly summer camps which most of their students beg their parents to participate in
— hold a Kid’s Night Out where kids get dropped off (Sat. 5 – 9), and play games like dodgeball and Nerf guns, are served a pizza dinner, and can also bring a non-​member friend. The kids LOVE it, and get lots of physical activity, so when the parents pick them up after some needed R&R, the kids are happy, sweaty, and worn out!
If you are considering a martial arts school for your child. Mu Sool Won South Austin is where you will want to be!

Wonderful martial arts school! Ricky and Meagan are wonderful teachers and fabulous with kids!
My children enrolled last summer in the summer camps and have been regular students ever since. I have enjoyed so many aspects about this community martial arts school that I am not sure which points to emphasize here. For myself, I was hooked on the diversity of ages teaching and learning side by side. There are many adolescent black belts very active in teaching roles which appeals to me because my children are at the age where they are very interested in what they see their peers doing. So that these young black belts who, although they are young, carry themselves with great dignity and are very capable teachers and role models patiently offering the lessons of Mu Sool Won Martial Arts. It’s really amazing to see young people carry themselves with such maturity. You have to see it to really appreciate it.
Finally, Ricky and Meagan have really done well in fostering a welcoming environment. The classes are structured and RESPECT IS THE MAIN THEME, but fun is also part of their formula. You only need to visit a few times to realize that everyone involved is genuinely committed.

After previously having terrible experience with another local school, we did research online and found favorable reviews Mu Sool Won of South Austin, so we stopped by for a visit.
The school is run by experienced staff, who are great with children. Students are taught discipline, responsibility as well as top notch instruction in the art of Mu Sool Won.
As the ratio of student to instructors is very low, students receive individual instruction and evaluation on a constant basis, which helps with development and shows in the quality and skill level of upper ranked students.
Head Instructors Pu Sa Bum Nim Ricky Garcia and Pu Sa Bum Nim Meghan Garcia both have a way with kids that is absolutely amazing and the family atmosphere they have created makes it a joy for our child which enhances the learning experience.
The school offers fun filled summer camps when schools out and frequently hosts «Parents Night Out» evenings so mom and dad can have date night.
Students are free to attend as many classes as they can, as long as they are training within their skill level as classes are grouped by level of experience. Definitely a benefit which is hard to find at other schools. And all of this at a very reasonable rate for enrollment.
Our child has been going to the school for just over two years now and loves the training. The only thing we regret is that we didn’t find the school sooner.
Stop by and visit if you are looking for quality instruction for you and/​or your family.

After trying a few other schools we found Mu sool Won of South Austin. My 8 year old son has been going now for over two years and loves it. The classes are so flexible that they will fit just about any working parents schedule. The instructors are great and the kids learn how to be great leaders. The kids/​parents nights out are always a blast and looked forward to by the whole family. The classes are very affordable compared to other schools when you consider your child can take as many classes as they like for no additional cost.

After signing my then 13 year old son up for a Mu Sool Won summer camp, we got way more than we expected. He had a total blast, so when the owner Ricky offered all summer campers a free month trial for their entire family, I signed up with my son. We are hooked and are so happy to have found this place!
Classes are never boring — some wear you out while others focus more on the detailed techniques. Advancement happens at a good speed so you feel accomplished, but not overloaded with too much to remember at a time. Many classes are comprised of all belt types, so lower belts get a lot of experience working with advanced students. There’s also a great mix of adults and kids with many opportunities to work together or in adult or child specific classes.
It’s clear how much the owners care and are deeply invested in everyone’s success. They pay close attention to every student and their needs, helping each of us succeed. They push for excellence, get you outside your comfort zone, while also creating a super fun atmosphere. We love it!

I trained under the owners of this school when they were instructing at a different school. While I was out recovering from some injuries (not related to their instruction), they opened this school. I loved them so much as instructors that I followed them to their new school rather than picking up where I left off at the old school.
They are very attentive and personally know each student’s strengths, weaknesses, struggles, injuries, and progress. I love the consistency in instruction. They don’t have a different instructor for every class that never talk to each other like so many other schools.
They have great programs for both children and adults, and I’m especially impressed by the number of classes for adults.

I’ve been training at Mu Sool since 2011 and I couldn’t have asked for a better program. The teachers are fantastic and work hard to be personally involved in helping each student get the most from themselves and the program. If you are looking for a traditional Martial Art that will push you and get the best out of you, this is it.

If you’re looking for an excellent, kid-​friendly martial arts school, look no further than Mu Sool Won of South Austin. Ricky Garcia brings the perfect mix of fun and discipline in his approach to teaching Mu Sool Won (a Korean martial art). My boys have been going since they were 5 years old, and we have been more than pleased with their development.
Meghan and Ricky Garcia offer «parents night out» every month that our kids beg to attend, and there are many other extracurricular meetups, which makes the school feel more like a community center than just a gym.

This school is fantastic. Both my son and daughter have been training with the Garcias for almost two years. They are wonderful.