The
mental aspects of human conflict permeate all components of class and
lay the foundation for the lessons learned during each session. Thong
has a fun and genuine group of people spanning a wide spectrum from
professionals at the forefront of local and national security to
dedicated martial artists to those with no experience in combative
forms. Thong’s teaching exceeds everyone’s needs. His classes are
invigorating, challenging, insightful, and always humbling. Regardless
of your line of work, the lessons learned transcend individual combat
and can be applied to daily life and tactical situations alike. - Capt. Mathew Van Echo USMC I began training with Mr. Thong Nguyen three years ago
and in that time it’s been an excellent journey of discovery, not only
of martial arts, but of concepts that are applicable to daily life.
Thong's teaching style is such that it cuts straight to the core
without the hype and mysticism that many people try to preach. From the
first day in class you’ll know you’re in good hands as Thong sets the
tone, with safety and honesty in training being paramount. Classes are
designed to place you in situations that mimic everyday real life
scenarios that will stress you in a controlled environment and allow
you to experiment with ideas to meet the confrontations, not a set
pattern of moves. One of the greatest benefits of the training is
learning to recognize and control the tension and stresses that work
against us not only in combat, but also in our daily lives. Learning to
control that tension was key in my recovery from a nearly fatal, stress
related, health incident. Since that time the training has taken on a
greater depth and meaning. My fellow students are some of the most
talented, humble and generous martial artists I have ever met, and with
no ranking system, there is no false pride that comes with empty
titles. I’m fortunate to have found such a great class to train with
and will miss it greatly when my time comes to leave. I would encourage
anyone looking for a new and honest approach to martial arts to visit
us. - Scott Kelly CW4 U.S. Army I have had the pleasure of training with Thong Nguyen both as part of a
group and on an individual basis. Mr. Nguyen's extensive martial arts
background combined with his other athletic pursuits (dance, cycling,
rock climbing) creates a unique learning environment that is safe,
informative and fun. Classes are a mixture of drills, conditioning,
demonstrations and discussions that cover the gamut of combative ranges
and situations: ground work, stand-up, weapons, personal safety,
mobility, fluidity, breathing and release of tension and fear. As Mr.
Nguyen is not tied to one particular art, he is able to provide
numerous options and responses for various situations. His
instructional style and expertise allow him to work with students of
varying skills and experience levels. Mr. Nguyen has established a
training group that is non-competitive, helpful and enthusiastic. He is
selective about those whom he trains and puts a premium on safety and
proficiency. He displays a superlative level of generosity with his
students and demands that his students work to be respectful of
themselves and those around them. Quite simply he is a class act. I
highly recommend his classes to athletes, martial artists, LEOs and
anyone else who is interested in learning new things, working hard and
enjoying life. - Sgt. D.G. Police Supervisor / Defensive Tactics Instructor
The
martial arts training I’ve received under Mr. Thong Nguyen
is the best combatives training program I've ever seen. I've never
found any martial art this complete. As a Marine we need to be both
physically fit and ready for combat at any moment and KaizenTao
helps to
accomplish these goals. Combatives aside, I’ve been able to heal my
mind and body and through specialized drills and exercises. A severe
shoulder injury I have is progressively healing through this
training. This martial art is for everyone whether you need to get in
shape, heal your body, relax, learn self-defense or just have a good
time. It has improved the quality of my life in every aspect. Semper FI
- LCPL. Jon Skeens USMC, Muay Thai, Aikido I wish I had discovered Thong's school years ago. I
live a long way from the school - it's about a 61-mile round trip for
me - but I come regularly because his training is far and away the best
I have ever received. His understanding of human body structure,
timing, and real-world fight dynamics are incredible, and he does a
phenomenal job of transferring his knowledge to his students. His
teaching style emphasizes flexibility, both of the body and the mind.
You won't memorize a rigid set of movements, and you'll never train
exactly the same way twice. Instead, you'll have to move and adapt to a
constantly shifting environment. Will it be 3 people attacking you
simultaneously? Maybe tonight your legs will be tied together. Or
possibly you'll be wearing a blindfold. Whatever Thong has in store for
class won't be easy, but it will be fun (which is often missing from
other schools!), informative, and practical. It will keep you refilling
your gas tank for another 61-mile ride. There's no bullshido here; just
check your ego at the door, train hard for a few hours, and leave
feeling better and more energized than when you entered. - CPL. L. Earle USMC,Senior Engineer - BTI
I am
most fortunate to have studied several martial arts under the direction
of tremendous instructors. However, until happening upon Mr. Thong Nguyen, I never felt any single art addressed all aspects
of self-awareness or self-defense. The highest compliment I could
offer, would be to say that Thong is not a martial arts instructor, he
is a Teacher. I'm sure you can recall fondly a teacher in your
life that made a profound impression. It is this rare gift that Thong
imparts on all his students. - Brian Schmidt Instructor Criminal Justice Academy
I've trained in various martial arts since I was eight
years old; however, I almost always felt as if tradition, secrecy, and
closed minds obscured the fundamental value and true application of the
techniques. When I was fortunate enough to find Mr. Thong Nguyen's
KaizenTao classes, I was astonished and humbled at the value of his
teachings, and the honorable humanity that he and his group of students
display. The training approaches combat in a realistic, natural manner.
Moreover, Thong is a teacher in the truest sense; he genuinely cares
about the well-being and progress of his students. Training at
KaizenTao has not only vastly expanded my understanding of combative
arts, but has also greatly improved my character, discipline, and
mindset. I cannot begin to adequately describe the tremendous benefits
Thong has imparted upon myself and all of his students through his
exemplary teachings. - Thomas Brennan Phd Candidate in Neuropsychology, American University Kung Fu, TKD, Shackle Hands, Kupigana Ngumi, Tai Chi Chuan Being a teacher of mathematics I'm well-aware of the challenges faced
in teaching a powerful tool grounded in fundamentals which must be
practiced until they are mastered. The teacher must be knowledgeable
and capable at all levels and must be able to communicate the ideas,
methods and results, all clearly and effectively. Thong has this ability more than any other martial-arts teacher I have
known. He is clear about the goal of training both physically and
mentally and he intuitively understands which methods will effectively
pass that training information on to his students so that we too can
easily see where we are going and how we will get there. Moreover he does this sincerely and honestly and with an open heart,
holding back nothing. His interest is in mutual respect, understanding
and sharing of the methods and goals. This is precisely how teaching
should be. - Dr. Justin Wyss-Gallifent
Senior Lecturer, Mathematics UMCP, Shodan Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
While my association with KaizenTao began only
recently, I can attest that its principles are immediately transferable
to all other areas of study, sport, work, and life, generally. For me,
it is as much an awakening of the mind and body and their collective
ability as it is effective self-defense training. Thong Nguyen is a
masterful and generous instructor who is both willing and eminently
able to share a lifetime of training and experiences in art (martial
and otherwise) and sport to ensure that his very effective method of
training can be learned and applied in a safe, honest, and
non-competitive environment. The very intentionally-developed culture
of KaizenTao is perceptible – literally - within seconds. In short, the
art of KaizenTao reflects the teaching methodology of Thong Nguyen and
vice versa – both are pure, honest, effective and contain nothing
superfluous. - Michael Haley EVP – Finance, MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network)
I've had the privilege and blessing to study
under Mr. Nguyen. He is by definition a consummate professional and a
teacher's teacher. To actually witness an instructor that is so
conscientious of his student's safety operate a class is nothing short
of watching a dedicated and masterful sheepdog protecting his herd.
Thong is always aware of what is happening in his classes and fosters a
very safe and courteous learning environment. His teaching style is
very succinct and effective, taking the awareness and abilities of each
individual in mind throughout his instructions. Students can expect
the training time to be very challenging in an environment where
cooperative learning is expected and competition is not tolerated.
Perhaps the
most impressive quality however, is his interest in the perpetual
development of each student as a decent human being. Attending a two
day camp with his students, I was overwhelmed by the amount of humility
and respect that I witnessed and received from his group. - Dr. Milad Bozorgnia
D.M.D., BJJ/TKD/Systema
The longer I train with Mr. Thong Nguyen the broader and deeper the ramifications of his teaching. The training has had a major impact in all areas of my life, affecting not only my other martial training and teaching, but also my work, sense of self and, especially, ability to deal with stress. Many teachers say all the right things regarding martial arts training, but I’ve never met a teacher as deeply committed as Mr. Nguyen to his student’s actual growth. The magic of Mr. Nguyen’s classes is not so much his martial arts and movement skills, though they are prodigious, but his commitment and ability to transmit his knowledge to every student in class. In my 27 years in martial arts training, I have never seen this unique quality in any other martial arts master. - Nick Kiritz, Chief Instructor 5th Dan Aikido Schools of Ueshiba Georgetown Aikikai/DC Impact/Model Mugging Self-Defense Trainer
It
is difficult to describe the experience of training under Thong Nguyen
with just mere words. It is a full sensory challenge that pushes all
aspects of one’s physical, mental, and spiritual limitations. Just as
he constantly works on his own refinement, Thong inspires his students
to go beyond one’s boundaries to reach the full potential that we deny
ourselves. The training confronts fear and strengthens the individual
without compromising the student’s integrity and judgment. The benefits
of his lessons will affect all aspects of one’s personal growth. Thong
Nguyen is an erudite explorer with vast knowledge of the martial arts,
dance, and anything else one can bring up in a conversation. I am
always impressed with his exceptional skill, professional conduct,
articulate explanations, and most of all, his compassion. Thong’s
generous and honest lessons are the rare gems one seeks after
discarding the glass shards. I can personally testify that his
teachings and friendship improved my life. - Jonathan Han, Senior Designer, Ashton Design, 3rd Dan Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, Sayoc Kali
My journey in KaizenTao began in 2006 when I started
training with Mr. Nguyen as a dance student. Although I had trained
several forms of dance ranging from Ballet to Ballroom Dancing for
nearly 20 years, I had never realized how
disconnected I was from my mind and body and how much excessive tension
was hindering my performance. KaizenTao allowed me to release these
tension and provided
me with the tools to locate my "brakes." The more I
trained with Mr. Nguyen, the more I'd realized how superficial my
knowledge really was. My rapid transformation naturally sparked an
interest for the martial arts, perfection of motion and self-awareness
training. This training has helped me to see that most of my weaknesses
stemmed
from an overall attitude I had towards life. KaizenTao has really
changed my life! - Krystel G. Armand C.P.A. KPMG, Dancer
Mr. Thong Nguyen has a unique ability to teach a very diverse group of
students - from beginners to accomplished martial artists and security
professionals - in such a way that each student is appropriately
challenged and none is overwhelmed or left behind. The students are a
remarkably warm and considerate group, and Mr. Nguyen's absolute
emphasis on safety allows them to move beyond their comfort zone and
explore their limits without fear of injury. Rather than achieving
rank through the memorization of techniques, classes teach the
practical fundamentals that underlie all effective martial arts. - Julia Blue Portfolio Analyst US African Development Foundation, Silat
It is an honor to have begun the path of "Continual Progress" with Thong as my teacher. His generosity in sharing precise and expert knowledge, and his ability to crystallize a group of conscientious people around him is extraordinary. I immediately felt as part of the group, learning an amalgamation of many arts and seeing them applied first hand in a practical and devastating way. I find Thong's explanations and personal attention very helpful. His awareness of what is happening around the room and his expectation of excellence generates the best from everyone and brings out hard and honest training. I am truly thankful to him for sharing his wonderful art. - Matt Hiller Visuo-Cognitive Therapist, Aikido
I have learned from Thong that the manner in which we train is as
important as the manner in which we approach training. Everyone in his
class shows up each week with a spirit of both self and group
improvement. Our success is measured by the growth of the group as a
whole as much as it is by the destruction of personal barriers, such as
tension or weakness. Such a supportive, non-competitive training
environment is a rare gift, and one which continues to impress,
improve, and deliver results to the whole group, and not simply
individuals within it. I have learned so much from Thong, and from
everyone he welcomes in his class, and have learned it in such a way
that it is a small step to apply it to the non-martial areas of
everyday life, whether this means stress management, awareness in the
workplace, or even physical health. The applications of KaizenTao are
as diverse as its origins, and I am honored by the privilege to train
it. - Kevin Boyd Graduate Student Georgetown University, Aikido
As Thong is fond of saying, what he teaches is movement. When I joined
this class several months ago, I was stiff and brittle--almost as if my
joints had ossified. If you had told me then that I would be dodging
knife attacks, rolling backwards over a floor without pads, and taking
ungloved strikes to the face--all without suffering injury--I would
have said you were crazy. Yet here I am. I have no prior extended
experience with martial arts and was never particularly athletic, but,
in what feels like no time at all, Thong now has me moving in ways I
never thought possible. He is truly a gifted teacher. Coupling his
profound understanding of the body with his uncanny ability to
instantly read an individual's strengths and weaknesses, Thong has
created an environment where progress is especially quick and injury
especially rare. His classes are challenging, energizing, relaxing and
fun. I have never experienced anything like this. KaizenTao is a once
in a lifetime opportunity. -Danny Kampf BA Political Science, George Washington University
I have been with Thong for about a year and a half now and am very proud to be under his guidance. It has been the best of pleasures to learn under his translucent belt. As a young eager martial artist, I have been in a lot of different schools (dojo, dojang, studio), but being in KaizenTao is a whole different experience. The attitude and sincerity in class is a whole new aura that is difficult to grasp. When in class not only do we learn the martial arts, but also about life in a primal way. Everyone works to not only improve themselves but to help one another in a non-egotistical way which makes the class so very genuine. Thong is truly the master teacher. - Theerasak Punngam Photographer, Bicycle Messenger, Aikido/TKD
I discovered Mr. Thong Nguyen's teachings only 8 months
ago, and in
that time I have grown very much as a martial artist and a person.
Coming from a boxing background, I expected simply a different flavor
of what I already knew, and a few cool tricks. What I found, however,
has been a system of studying the body and its movements which has
changed the way I interact with the world around me in a very positive
direction. Instead of tricks, Thong has shared unique principles
which have helped me to handle physical challenges and has strengthened
my body better than anything I have ever trained in commercial gyms.
Additionally, all of this is taught in a safe, helpful, and learning
environment. There are no ranks or belts. The sincerity and
dedication from Thong and all my classmates has allowed for realistic
training without hesitation, because we know that
everyone will leave uninjured. - Langston Clarke Amateur Boxer, USMA Cadet West Point KaizenTao,
as taught by Mr. Thong Nguyen, is magical, joyous and astonishing
indeed. Thong assures your safety first, then opens up your abilities in
multiplicitous ways you would have never even conceived. Gentle, precise and
self-effacing, Thong's personal touch transforms your perceptions and
leads you into a realm of infinite possibilities. Meanwhile, like true
masters (who are rare), he denies his own mastery. - Dr. Percy Walcott Master Taijiquan
Learning from Thong has been an amazing experience. He has created an
environment of fun and safety, along with a time for work and play. All
of the members who attend class each offer a willingness to learn and a
willingness to help others. I personally have become aware of many of
my own strengths and weaknesses through training with Thong. His
honesty and personal integrity have empowered me to go beyond what I
thought I could do, and helped me to constantly remain humble and ready
to learn. To make a long story short, training with Thong and his
students has helped me to become a better person. Thong has started that
wheel of self discovery for me, and I am eternally grateful. - Chris Benvenga Head of Security, The Kent Lounge, Baltimore MD
