Center For Martial Arts

Great People and great results from this CMA studio. Thanks Master Goodsell.

You will be incredibly hard-​pressed to find any instructor, in any field, as dedicated to their students as Master Goodsell is, at the Center for Martial Arts. Everything you want in an instructor, he goes above and beyond and dedicates his life in an ego-​less way to the betterment of each person at the studio. The Center for Martial Arts provides an incredible environment for children, in which they are taught physical and emotional discipline in the most compassionate and caring way possible, and are given the opportunity to make true friendships in the most supportive environment. I have personally seen this studio change people’s lives for the better. I have seen children with special needs, ADD and other challenges grow and find confidence in the supportive and disciplined environment of this studio. I have seen troubled teens turn their lives around, and I have seen adult students going through the most difficult events in life find joy and strength. In today’s educational environment in which people are generally rotated through an endless roster of teachers, it is rare and special to have one instructor who is entirely dedicated to his students here, and who spends years watching their progress closely and helping them grow. You can come to this studio get in the best shape of your life, to make friends, to learn self-​defense… the list goes on and on. You are also guaranteed the best instruction in Tang Soo Do, as the instructor and his Master and organization are incredibly qualified. Check your instructor’s credentials! You won’t be disappointed here. Whether you want to become the best and most well-​trained black belt, or if you just want some fun and physical fitness, this studio truly offers it all. This place is truly a gem, and you are lucky if you are fortunate enough to find it!

It is an understatement to say that Master Matt Goodsell changed my life and shaped me into the person I am. But, it’s the least that I can say to describe the immense positiveness that emanates from the Center for Martial Arts (CMA) and from Master Goodsell.
I came into CMA 7 years ago knowing little about the world around me and even less about myself. I joined with the intent to learn self-​defense and, if I became skilled enough, to show off to some of my friends. But, the first thing you learn when you step into such a positive environment such as CMA is that it’s not about showing off or seniority; it’s about passion and about being driven. And that quickly becomes a part of who you are, physically and mentally.
But, that drive isn’t one that lives only in the bounds of CMA and martial arts. It’s one that permeates to all aspects of life, be it work, school, art, etc. In fact, saying that martial arts has bounds to begin with is insufficient because martial arts is a journey that is more about building character than building muscle, more about the mentality than the physicality, more about the journey than the destination.
Okay, that may sound too abstract for some of you, and since this is a review, I probably don’t have the space needed to say everything as thoroughly as I want to, so I’ll leave those of you reading this with this: Master Goodsell and CMA will change your life. And that isn’t hyperbolic by any means. Master Goodsell has constructed an environment that is nurturing of self-​improvement and self-​betterment and in the world that we live in today, that’s a rare sight to see. While on the surface, he may seem like just a teacher, you come to learn that he is much much more. You come to learn that he is your friend who constantly encourages you in whatever you do; that he is a role-​model who shows you how to conduct not only your physical self, but also your mental self; that he is a leader, leading by example and standing alongside you in your hardships; and that he is the epitome of an instructor, for you not only learn techniques, but also who you are.
There is an inexplicable greatness that is CMA. Words cannot bear to describe its entirety. When you become part of it, you’ll understand what I mean.

The Carmel Valley location is the poor step-​child of CMA. I often wonder if it is an independent franchise rather than part of CMA becasue the only time you see anyone other than Master Goodsell is when you test, or attend a camp. While the Encinitas Studio is new, has padded floors and your child will have different instructors, the Carmel Valley studio has outdoor carpet over a cement floor where your child will get rug-​burns and injured if they fall wrong. You are at the mercy of one instructor — and the classes are large, so your child will not get the corrections and feedback necessary to progress and as a result, it often takes 6+ months to advance to the next belt — even if your child attends class 3+ times a week because the material is not covered to advance to the next belt and your child learns the forms incorrectly because timely correction and feedback is not given. CMA Carmel Valley really needs to have other instructors rotated in — perhaps for two days a week so that the students receive instruction, corrections and feedback from another master.

I attended this studio for over 4 years, along with my children, and it was a fantastic and empowering experience. The instructor, Master Goodsell, teaches all of the classes personally, and knows how to achieve just the right balance between encouragement and discipline. Not only is this a great studio for children, but adults as well. While working towards a black belt, I made many friends and learned valuable life lessons along the way. I highly recommend this studio to anyone who is serious about looking for a quality martial arts studio, a dedicated instructor and a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

CMA Carmel Valley is a fantastic find, right in the middle of a very family-​oriented community. The martial arts classes taught by Master Goodsell are engaging, challenging, and most of all, FUN! Kids of all ages and adults can enjoy their time training with varied class sizes based on belt rank and age.
— Flexible schedule
— Multiple payment options with no contracts
— Amazing, genuine Instructors & Staff
— A fun and safe environment for all ages
Get yourself in here for classes today!

Classes are getting a bit too large and crowded. Kids are not getting enough attention to advance in a timely manner