A martial arts school focused on teaching people to safely and correctly use a sword, and at the same time improve physical health and spiritual wellbeing.
Northern Minnesota Sword Academy is a martial arts program focused on teaching students how to correctly and safely use a sword, how to spar using a two handed bamboo sword, and to focus mind body and spirit in a martial tradition.
Mr Wally Wales is a Certified 1st Dan Kumdo Instructor and has practiced the sword martial arts since 2003. He has trained with master instructors regionally and nationally, in both Kumdo, Kumbup and recently Kendo. Trained in the art of Kumbup which involves fast draw style sword techniques, traditional sword patterns, competitive cutting and arranged sparring techniques. Mr Wally has competed regionally in Kumdo and has 4 championships. Our program is in the process of obtaining national certification, which will provide additional opportunities for our students to compete on a national level.
In 2017 Master Nick Bretz owner of Park Rapids TaeKwonDo invited Mr Wally to open up a program for sword martial arts at his Gym and we began taking students in February of 2017. According to Mr Wally and his peers, the facility in park rapids is a dream come true "Normally most sword martial arts facilities have significant space issues, hard surface floors and low ceilings. In Park Rapids Master Nick has build a gym that has plenty of room, padded flooring, high ceilings, basically a dream facility for training in a sword martial art."
Students pay monthly dues of $50 per month which is paid to Bretz TKD. This covers the cost of our facility and expenses related to the program. The 1st month is free, and all that is required to get started is some loose fitting clothes and a desire to learn about swords. Classes are held at 6:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesdays
To Join simply contact Mr Wally at [email protected]
or call the Park Rapids TaekwonDO Gym @ 218-732-4853
