Family-first Taekwondo in Burbank
If you want a studio that feels like family, you’ll like Beyond Martial Arts in Burbank. Master Nathan grew up on the mat and now teaches with a love-based, confidence-first approach.
In this interview, he shares what makes BMA different, how he helps shy kids open up, and why “do your best” is a life rule.
Beyond Martial Arts was named the 2025 myBurbank’s Best winner for Martial Arts Studio, which says a lot about the program and the people behind it.
Key Takeaways
- BMA uses love-based teaching that builds real, internal motivation.
- Parents are partners in the journey, not just spectators.
- Start the black belt mindset today by doing your best on and off the mat.
- Beginners can expect a warm welcome, clear culture, and a supportive challenge.
Background & Philosophy
What first inspired you to start training in Taekwondo?
My father brought me to a Taekwondo school when I was 3 years old, as the Kung Fu place down the street wouldn’t accept children that young. You could say martial arts movies inspired him to bring me there.
Who were your most influential instructors or mentors?
My most influential mentors were all my instructors growing up. Some have moved on to open their own schools, such as Master Jun of California School of Martial Arts in San Francisco or Master Robie of ProKicks Martial Arts in Reseda.
Interestingly enough, some are still training alongside me, such as Instructor Andy and Master James, whose son is currently enrolled at Beyond Martial Arts. I would say my uncles, Master Reymoore and Master Adrey, also played a huge role in mentoring me as we grew up training together.
How would you describe your teaching philosophy in a few words?
I would describe my teaching philosophy as love-based teaching with a focus on internal motivation. I would say it is the opposite of a fear-based teaching style.
I want the students to work hard and achieve their best, not because of fear of me or the desire for accolades, but because they love the journey of becoming the best person and student they can become. I want all their motivation to come from within.
What do you think makes Beyond Martial Arts different from other schools?
I would say that ours is a martial arts school based on love and family. I started doing martial arts at 3 years old with my uncles, who were 6 (Master Reymoore) and 10 (Master Adrey). It was a way for us to bond with each other and to support one another on our journey through personal growth.
Another thing that is different about us is the fact that we have students training with us who we’ve known for over 15 years.
Instructor Andy and Master James were my instructors when I was 3 years old, and they are now training alongside me at 29. I am even training their children, which is something really special.
What lessons from Taekwondo carry over most into everyday life?
We believe that how you do one thing is how you do everything. At our school, we teach the idea of “discipline” as always doing your best.
We teach students that although your best may change every day, as long as you ask yourself, “Am I doing my best?” and you answer honestly, that is what counts.
We also emphasize confidence. We teach our students to answer with confidence, stand with confidence, and walk with confidence.
We like to teach them that this is a great way to make friends and deter bullies. We teach them to keep their heads held high and shoulders back, both in and outside of the studio.
Kids & Families
What’s your favorite part about teaching children?
I strive to be a consistent positive addition to their lives. I love the idea that the children know, no matter what, that the studio is a consistent, safe place with a Master who is smiling, happy, and loves to see them.
How do you help shy or nervous kids feel comfortable on the mat?
I like to first get their name and give them a high five. If the child is shy at first, often parents will say, “They are shy.” I will respond with, “Their name isn’t shy, it’s ____!” That will sometimes get them to smile and make them more comfortable.
I will also sometimes invite the parent to join them on the mat if they feel more comfortable that way.
Lastly, I do not like to force them onto the mat, so I sometimes let them know it’s perfectly okay to just watch the class, and if at any time they feel like joining, they can!
What role do parents play in supporting their child’s martial arts journey?
I like to say that the parents are on the journey, earning the belts alongside them. Their dedication to getting kids to class and helping with skills really helps them progress.
So, when the children earn their belt, I often remind them that it’s also their parents’ achievement.
What values do you hope kids carry with them outside the dojang?
Mostly, the idea of doing your best in everything, even things such as brushing your teeth and walking the dog. How you do one thing is how you do everything.
Also, your best will change every day, such as when you’re sick or not feeling well, and it’s important to ask yourself, “Am I doing my best?” and to answer honestly.
How do you balance fun with discipline in kids’ classes?
I feel that Beyond Martial Arts does this really well. We show the children that performing with discipline (which we call “doing your best”) can be fun.
We demonstrate that training hard and maintaining focus alongside teammates brings its own enjoyment. We also reward exceptional focus with games throughout the class.
Training & Progress
What should a beginner expect during their very first class with you?
They should expect a warm welcome from me and everyone else at the studio. They can expect to learn about Taekwondo culture. They will also feel challenged, but in a supportive way. They should leave feeling accomplished and capable of more.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about Taekwondo?
The biggest misconception is that it has no real use in an actual self-defense or street-fight scenario.
The truth is, Taekwondo has some of the most effective and damaging strikes in martial arts, except that is not our main focus.
How do you keep students motivated when training gets tough?
I like to remind them that they are working hard because they want to. The door is not locked, and they could leave at any time. They should take power in the fact that all the motivation is coming from within and not from extrinsic factors such as fear of disappointing me or the desire for belts.
I also like to remind them of their ability to control their minds. I will tell them that their bodies are going to hurt and are going to ask their minds, “Is this a challenge or a threat?” It is then their minds’ job to respond with “Just a challenge.” That way, their bodies don’t see the workout as a threat and quit, and they ultimately succeed in what they were trying to do.
What advice would you give someone who wants to reach a black belt?
I would say work on developing a black belt mentality first. The black belt will take three and a half years to achieve, regardless, and at the same time, the black belt mentality can be worked on and achieved today.
I would tell them to start approaching everything like a black belt, doing the best they can in everything on and off the mat. This includes improving themselves as a person spiritually, mentally, and physically.
How do you adapt your teaching for different ages and skill levels?
I like to have the higher belts teach the lower belts because it also helps to reinforce in the higher belts the skills and qualities we are looking for.
They say the best way to learn is to teach, so we like to have them be leaders and teach the new students coming in.
Personal Insights
Do you have a favorite Taekwondo technique or form?
I like throwing axe kicks in sparring matches.
What’s been one of your proudest moments as an instructor?
One of our students went to the bathroom and found two children bullying another student. He told them to stop and then took the initiative to get help. This behavior demonstrates what he learned from our ABC Self Defense Program.
- A = Aware and Avoid
- B = Breath and Be Calm
- C = Communicate Clearly
This is what being a Beyond Martial Artist is about: being strong in order to help others and becoming leaders who can take initiative to do what is right.
How has teaching changed you personally over the years?
I started teaching when I was thirteen, and I believe it shaped everything about me throughout the years. I always felt more mature, and I believe this is because I was leading classes of adults by the time I was fifteen.
I was always praised for my confidence and public speaking skills, not knowing that I had been developing these skills through teaching classes.
If you could give every student one piece of life advice, what would it be?
Think about others the way you want to be thought about. If in this life it is as simple as you get what you give, then if you think about everyone lovingly and positively, that’s what you can expect to get back.
What plans do you have for the future of Beyond Martial Arts?
Our mission is to impact as many lives as we can through martial arts. We aim to teach the next generation about having a Beyond Martial Arts mentality so they may mentor the generation after them, just as I have done.
Our goals include reaching 500+ students at our Burbank location and eventually taking over the adjacent space to create a state-of-the-art martial arts training facility.
Conclusion
Master Nathan’s story shows how love-based coaching can shape stronger people. The lessons teach you to just focus on doing your best, standing tall, and helping others.
Even if your child is timid or tenacious, BMA embraces their starting point. As early as the first class, you’ll see their eyes light up as they realize everything they are capable of. Developing skills and discipline can be the start of them becoming exactly who they’re meant to be.
