What Our Students Are Saying…

Understanding that not every person or body is the same and helping to work through that. The love and passion you and your students have. The geekiness we can all be. You allow your students to be their own person.

I continue to train with this WTMA because I find this to be a very positive place to be during the week. I appreciate that I am learning as I go along. I enjoy working and being around the other students. The atmosphere I think brings out the best in most of us. I also appreciate the pace of our development. I have not felt pressured to advance any faster than I feel I am ready. You have made it very easy to ask questions and receive the help needed to succeed.

Well, I've thought about it, and I keep coming back to the people. I haven't been to other gumdo schools, because I happen to like the first one I tried. I guess I would have just hopped around until I found one I liked, otherwise. Obviously, it starts off with you as the leader. You set the tone for the whole school. You're passionate about martial arts, obviously an expert in the material, but you're not an egomaniac. You're great at herding cats; extremely tolerant of our shenanigans. And the other students are a bunch of nerds, or at least nerd-tolerant, so every class is like a mini MarsCon to me. I mean, these are people who hung a disco ball in a dojang. And you let it stay there, LOL! I love all the different age ranges. And that fact that we're the black sheep dojang. I'm among my people and I like it. But, for all the fun we have ,and we have a lot (up to and including our gumdo nail chat group, of all things), we all work very hard, too. We have loads of fun, but we're not a crew of slackers. I love that we can be a bunch of goofballs without being goof-offs, ya know? Work hard, play hard; that's us! I could have ended up at any of the other schools and enjoyed it. But, I don't know if it would have become the all-consuming passion that it is for me now. I just feel like there's a little touch of magic at WTMA. I came for the sword and stayed for the people!

I am approaching both my 70th birthday and my 3rd Dan test. I’ve been practicing Haidong Gumdo for 7 years. Why am I doing this? Well for several reasons. First if I wasn’t I suspect I would be an invalid, having melted into my desk chair. I credit Gumdo for making my life something to enjoy rather than endured. Secondly I am a goal oriented person, having challenges and things to achieve enliven me.

But that could be obtained in any Martial Art, why am I in love with White Tiger Martial Arts? It would be very easy to credit Master Frankovich, and I will! His understanding of body mechanics, decades of experience and dedication to excellence would be a great selling point for his school. But more important, I feel, is the culture he has fostered. While encouraging us to excellence he rarely is judgemental and even then his critical eye is to improve rather than belittle his students. Also while I am certain he has an ego, it rarely shows in exalting himself. He is more concerned with finding his satisfaction in the success of his students. This love of the art and his students permeates and is reflected in the “gumbros”(I term he doesn’t like) Rather than force his students into a mold he allows creativity to express itself. The disco ball and glow in the dark Deathstar is a wonderfully goofy exhibit of that. His dojang is full of people who take the art seriously, but not themselves. Everyone is willing to help each other and all remember their clumsy, stupid beginnings. From Austin to Alice, they love each other and want to excel in life. Why am I doing this? Because I would be immeasurably poorer without White Tiger Martial Arts.

When I first stepped into White Tiger Martial Arts 5 ½ years ago, I was looking for something more than just working out. Having been a competitive athlete, it got very boring just working out to work out. I needed a purpose for the workout to have meaning and the purpose had to be bigger than ‘staying in shape’. I had thought about martial arts before but wasn’t 20 any more and the idea of hitting or being hit wasn’t all that attractive any more. I was picking my teenage daughter up from a local dance and saw a friend of hers waiting at the curb. I asked if he was waiting for his parents? He said yes, I have to get to my sword class. Of course, I asked ‘what is that all about?’ He said it is the study of how to use a sword in combat. I asked if it didn’t hurt getting hit with one? He said while we can spar, he likes the motion and physical activity of the drills and forms best. I asked what it was called? He said ‘Haidong Gumdo’ or the Study of the Korean Sword.

I was intrigued.

I spoke to him about it off and on for a few months whenever I saw him. He said:

‘You should just call Master Frankovich, my Master. He is a nice guy and will let you
use his equipment to try it out for a month to see if you like it. After that, you can
decide for yourself if you want to continue. That way you don’t have to be out a bunch
of money if it isn’t for you.’

Finally I decide to show up at a class session. I found out it had a lot more to offer than just physical activity in an activity I might like. It incorporates purposeful activity, cardiovascular, flexibility, mental stimulation, camaraderie, history, and more all at the same time I was doing an activity I liked doing.

Today I am working toward testing for my 3rd Dan (or 3rd degree black belt). Seems like yesterday I walked if for the first time. many have asked if having had hip replacement surgery creates a problem? Surprisingly, it has actually been of great benefit. My surgeon is amazed at how fast I recovered from the surgery and how my range of motion is actually better and more stable than it was way before my hip started bothering me.

While the Haidong Gumdo as an art has helped me physically and mentally, I am also very happy to have been referred to Master Frankovich. In my 5-6 years of working with different Instructors and Masters, I feel he has the greatest depth of knowledge in understanding not only the movements, but WHY you are moving that way.

Not limited to the Study of the Korean Sword, Master Frankovich also actively teaches Taekwondo, Aikido, personal Defense and others.

If you are interested in looking into any of the martial arts, or just looking for a fun activity to stay fit, I strongly recommend contacting WTMA – White Tiger Martial Arts of MN.

We signed our 8 year old up through (Spring Lake Park) Community Education. He enjoyed the program and felt comfortable right from the beginning. He received individual lessons until he was comfortable with basic moves, and then he joined the group. Participants ranged in age and experience and all took time to work with and encourage him in his learning. At the end of the first session he asked if I could see if any of his friends were interested in participating. Unfortunately, it didn't work out and when I told him, he said "that's okay all these people are my friends. It kind of feels like a big family". We have appreciated watching him advance in his skills and confidence. We are thankful for the positive mentoring he receives from his classmates and instructors.

I met Master Robert Frankovich over 10 years ago, he taught me Aikido and I received a blue belt, at which time he recommended that I should start training in Haidong Gumdo as a gentler martial art since I was 63 at the time. I just earned my 3rd Degree Black belt in this discipline and I am 74 now. and plan to continue training at this organization. as Master F. is a scholar at Martial Arts and has a fantastic teaching method.

A great community of people who are dedicated and welcoming to all skill levels. You'll feel like a part of a family that want you to succeed and will help you to achieve your goals. A fantastic Master who is completely approachable and will challenge you to push yourself and always try to got just that little bit further every time. I cannot recommend this wonderful organization highly enough!

I've been doing martial arts for about 17 years now the last 4 at White Tiger M.A. in both Haidong Gumdo and Taekwando. It's helped me keep control of balance control and weight issues. Master F is a first rate instructor, not just describing mechanics but encouraging us to explore the reason and function of every aspect of all the martial arts.
I'll enjoy my journey here for years to come!

Master Robert Frankovich is a man I randomly connected to on Facebook because he happened to grow up in the same small town that I did. A conversation with this random contact led to meeting in person and eventually to the formation of the haidong gumdo program at our school. Along the way, Master Frankovich has provided excellent instruction and leadership, but more importantly, he is a true teacher. He fills in the gaps that physical training doesn't cover. He not only brings philosophy and application to techniques, but he also reminds us that we aren't just here to learn how to sword fight. He helps his students see the deeper meanings of martial arts in his lessons and lectures. His ambition to learn is only matched by his desire to pass on the knowledge he has gained during his martial arts training. Stumbling upon him through Facebook has changed me not only in haidong gumdo, but his lectures help me fill in gaps in my tangsoodo training as well! I am grateful for being able to train under Master Frankovich, and hope that anyone with the opportunity can train with him as well.

As Parent starting their child in [Pine Tree] Taekwondo –
We originally placed our daughter in Taekwondo through our Community Ed & Rec because when our daughter was 7 years old she was being bullied by a boy her age that said “girls were stupid”. So, we thought that Taekwondo would be a good way to give her confidence, boost her self-esteem, and give her a way to deal with peer bullies. There was only 2 other girls in the WTMA classes in when she started. She has grown tremendously and has done wonders for her self-confidence and self-esteem. She does a great job and helping others with their forms and their skill sets, and as her parents we feel she receives a great sense of accomplishment and knowledge in return from her instructors and other students. We know that WTMA instructors are the reason she is successful!
Darlene & Tim Isom

As a student entering into her eighth year of [Pine Tree Taekwondo] -
Sondra said she has learned so much from [Pine Tree Taekwondo] and her instructors. It is a place I have learned a way of life and respect for others, which I use in everything from competing in different sports (Swimming and Golf) to the classroom and with my own friends. As a result of my Taekwondo training in [Pine Tree Taekwondo], I have a different network of friends and a way and place for me to relax and blow-off steam. Over my years at [Pine Tree Taekwondo], I have had friends who have been in other Taekwondo schools (Park Institute, ATA or Karate school), they don’t seem to value their training as much as I have; many of them don’t remember their forms. They were only involved in their school for a short period of time and have quit and have not returned or even talk about returning. It has made me glad that I have stayed with [Pine Tree Taekwondo] and thankful that they recognize that I am involved in other things in my life; and encourage me to continue my training as a way of life, and not some passing whim.
Sondra Isom
(Future Black Belt)

Martial Arts has been an awesome bonding experience for my entire family! It is something we can all participate in together despite our ages ranging from 9 years old to, well, much older than 9! It keeps all of us active and healthy and gives us something to keep our family interacting with each other rather than various electronics. Training at White Tiger Martial Arts can change your life and your family's for the better!

Two years attending and learning Haidong Gumdo. Working towards Second Dan belt. Making new friends and comrades along the way. First time since retiring from the US Navy Divers that I feel apart of something special and unique! We each have our own reason for learning the Art of the Sword. In fact I really enjoy listening to my comrades explaining why they do it. I joined to experience something I have always wondered, what would it be like to handle a real sword. Now I am living that. The extras such as learning from/with younger and older students, developing friendships, attending intense seminars and going to challenging yet fun tournaments has been the real connection I have made! You ask what I think of Haidong Gumdo? I wish there was one word to describe it but there is not. (Challenging to mind and body, growing in respect for others and yourself, honor within helping others, pride in the others accomplishments and for me bottom line FUN!!!)

I have trained with Master Frankovich as a student since 2004 in Haidong Gumdo . I was a late bloomer when I started in his school having done TKF, Kung Fu and other MMA prior to this. But the sword art offers a well rounded program for children to grandparents and really no prior martial arts is needed to feel that you doing something that makes you feel great and really is awesome to behold. I had three knee replacements and never stopped training because the training made recovery go smoother. In 2011 I decided to join the Masters program under Master Frankovich so I could offer Gumdo in another part of town and share all the fun with others. Students are the happiest when they have a sword in their hand.You can tell with my long attendance record that Master F. had to be a pretty good instructor with a pretty darn good school.

Doing Gumdo with Master Frankovich is a real pleasure and a challenging school. I have been in martial arts since June 9, 1974 (5th degree Tae Kwon Do) but my body can not do tae kwon do but it can do Gumdo. It helps keep me young feeling.

It's difficult to explain in words what sets this school apart from so many out there. If I had to pinpoint it, it might be because the goal has never been to "stand out," in the traditional way. The focus of this school has always been on the training, not looking flashy. You will not find us practicing in a new building with shiny wood floors and mirrors, nor will you find anyone trying to advance as quickly as possible to the next rank, nor will you see us competing for trophies solely using stylistic tricks in forms. By joining our Gumdo school, you will join a group of people who have a desire and need to train, and be instructed by a Master who is so passionate for this philosophy, that he will do whatever it takes to make sure you have this opportunity. You will learn this art by practicing the same basic moves over and over again, each day seeing the same cut or stance in a new light. You will be asked to instruct newer students, and in teaching, learn how little you actually know. Additionally, you will find that practicing the sword opens you up to opportunities of personal reflection, in which you will realize that the skills you develop in Gumdo translate to all areas of life. I strongly recommend this school and instructor over any other!

My daughter and I have been studying Haidong Gumdo at WTMA for a year and a half. This is the place to learn great technique and challenge yourself as a person and as a student of martial arts. Class is a good workout and fun with a focus on continuous improvement and always doing your best. Proper technique is stressed but personal growth is also an important part of training. WTMA provides a world class martial arts education in MN. I highly recommend this school to anyone serious about the martial arts.