"The decision for me to even attempt doing any form of martial arts was an impulsive one, as I am not a sporty person although relatively fit. I decided it would be good for me to try something more challenging than running and gyming. I have found Taekwon-Do has been a physical and mental challenge for me, but so rewarding as you feel yourself become more physically capable and reach different levels of milestones. Taekwon-Do is a sport that anyone can do, and I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking at bettering themselves and gaining physical confidence for skills such as self-defense.
I don’t believe I would have achieved what I have so far if it was not for Master Vladimir, who has enough patience and passion for any student who wants to learn."
Belinda Maidman
"I was introduced to a class by my daughter Mix and couldn't believe how unfit I was. I joined the woman's Taekwon-Do fitness class to work at my fitness . . . and the magic began. I lost an amazing 12 kg's in my first 10 weeks and went from a size 16 to a 10! I have gone on to lose 28kg's to date.
My fitness levels, flexibility and strength are improving daily. I'm loving the class and it's made a remarkable difference in my competition results.
My fitness levels, flexibility and strength are improving daily. I'm loving the class and it's made a remarkable difference in my competition results.
Master Grachev is a superb teacher. Being in the teaching, training and coaching business myself, I can easily say that he is one of the best teachers I’ve met to date. Although he is a world champion and has trained 75+ other world champions, he is modest, and has a huge amount of knowledge, understanding and patience with someone who is unfit and learning for the first time. It's made all the difference to my results.
My martial arts training now has a permanent place in my life and I look forward to the belt grading journey. Thank you Master Grachev for this wonderful gift!"
Miki Oshua
Parents – Kids & Teenagers
"My son had not been interested in any physical sport due to low muscle tone, and after 6 months of Physio Therapy last year he joined Vladimir’s children’s class, and he now has the physical confidence to participate in other sports.
I don’t believe I would have achieved what I have so far if it was not for Master Vladimir, who has enough patience and passion for any student who wants to learn."
Belinda Maidman
"My two little girls have recently started Taekwon-Do classes. They love it so much; we have moved them to two classes a week. The classes are kiddy friendly and great for gross motor skills development. The best part is that they don't even realize the great benefits... I don't wish for my girls to be fighters or bullies, but I am a firm believer in an early encouragement of exercise and the need for self-defense. I am most grateful for Master Vladimir’s wonderful patience and skills in teaching my girls."
Mom and Taekwon-Do student, Sascha Carreira
Hapki-Do Student
"Master Vladimir is without a doubt one of the best teacher’s I have ever trained under. He has an incredible sense of humour and demands discipline, growth and your maximum output. I have grown not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well, learning to control my thoughts, patience with self and managing my emotions.
I started off with private training for about 8 months – this gave me good solid basic techniques and moved my fitness up hugely. From there I have joined group training and have loved the challenge of sparing against students whose level, experience and understanding is far above my own.
I love everything about the training: the constant challenge, being around students who love this style as much as I do and it’s an amazing way to release energy and hone in fighting skills. My speed, agility and strength have improved as well as my confidence in dealing with situations where I need to defend myself.
There is always more to learn and watching Master Vladimir do these techniques is both inspiring and terrifying, knowing that that’s where each and everyone of us are heading if we have the desire and discipline to do so."
I started off with private training for about 8 months – this gave me good solid basic techniques and moved my fitness up hugely. From there I have joined group training and have loved the challenge of sparing against students whose level, experience and understanding is far above my own.
I love everything about the training: the constant challenge, being around students who love this style as much as I do and it’s an amazing way to release energy and hone in fighting skills. My speed, agility and strength have improved as well as my confidence in dealing with situations where I need to defend myself.
There is always more to learn and watching Master Vladimir do these techniques is both inspiring and terrifying, knowing that that’s where each and everyone of us are heading if we have the desire and discipline to do so."
Mix Swart
Taekwon-Do Student
"I met Master Vladimir in October 2008, at the Lockeroom Gym in Ballito. I was inquisitive as to what Taekwon-Do was all about. My knowledge of martial arts being limited at best, having spent my working life behind a desk building a career that left little time for sport.
After a brief explanation of Taekwon-Do I asked him his thoughts on whether or not I would be able to do such a sport... He invited me to follow him to the aerobics studio and I had my first 1 hour lesson, which was just amazing. I signed up for training three times a week and have not looked back since. Master Vladimir invited me to take part in the South Africa championships to be held in Johannesburg in February this year. With his encouragement, and not without some trepidation having only been leaning the sport for a few months, I agreed and came home winning a medal and a place in the South African squad to compete in the World Championships to be held in Malaysia in July of this year. Considering that I fought against opponents who were more senior than my grading by some margin but somewhat younger in age, is a testament to Master Vladimir’s training technique.
I am 63 years of age and suffer from Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition with widespread pain, stiffness of muscles and soft tissues around the joints. Since training with Vladimir I no longer take any medication that I had been on for a number of years under a pain management program prescribed by a specialist Physician. My quality of life has hugely improved thanks to the exercise routine of Taekwon-Do under Master Vladimir’s close supervision. A remarkable feat under any circumstance.
Having severely damaged the balancing mechanisms in my left ear as a child I was unable to do certain things for example, spin around, as I would loose my balance. Rehabilitation was recommended after exhaustive tests by medical specialists. I no longer have this problem thanks again to Master Vladimir’s training routine.
Being a student of Taekwon-Do not only improves your heath, coordination and strength, but also your self-esteem through discipline and confidence building.
I rate my teacher Master Vladimir Grachev most highly proved by what I have achieved under his tutelage."
Ray Sanders
"It has been six months since I started Taekwon-Do casually at first and then much more seriously for the last four months. Not only have reaped huge benefits with regards to fitness and flexibility, I have become part of a group of dedicated friends who are ready to support and encourage every step of the way. I have recently graded for my yellow belt and am keenly working towards my next one.
I have been sporty and active my whole life, but have been happy to discover a fitness regime which covers both toning and cardio, not to mention fun and the ability to laugh at my own lack of coordination at times. Taekwon-Do is both challenging and enjoyable - you choose your level of "serious".
I have been sporty and active my whole life, but have been happy to discover a fitness regime which covers both toning and cardio, not to mention fun and the ability to laugh at my own lack of coordination at times. Taekwon-Do is both challenging and enjoyable - you choose your level of "serious".
Sascha Carreira
“I used to do kick-boxing until I met Master Vladimir. I started training in Taekwon-Do about 2 years ago and have taken some breaks in between (not a good idea)! I mostly enjoy the work-out and especially exercise such as stretching etc.., that you would not normally do on own. I enjoy the interaction with others and the motivation that classes like these bring about. Thank you!”
Yusuf Moolla
