Laird's Academy of Martial Arts
About
Laird's Academy of Martial Arts in Santa Cruz, California is a comprehensive martial arts school that blends various disciplines including Hapkido, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi with elements of Jiu Jitsu. The academy focuses on practical self-defense skills while fostering an atmosphere of respect, discipline, and friendship. Under the leadership of Master Michael Laird, students of all ages develop self-confidence and discipline through training, testing, and competitions.
Jiu Jitsu VerifiedOur weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.
We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.
Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.
InstructorsClass StructureSafety and HygieneFacility QualityValue for MoneyLocation & AccessibilityPublic Review Sentiment
Instructors
Master Michael Laird is highly regarded for his extensive knowledge across multiple martial arts disciplines and his ability to teach practical self-defense skills. Students consistently praise his teaching approach and how he creates an atmosphere of respect and discipline while maintaining a friendly training environment.
Facility
The academy is located in Santa Cruz at 175 Walnut Ave Suite C, providing adequate space for training in various martial arts disciplines. While specific details about amenities are limited, the facility appears to meet the needs of its diverse student population.
Pricing
The academy offers monthly and yearly membership agreements, though specific pricing details are not publicly available on the website. Students appear to find value in the training received, particularly considering the diverse martial arts curriculum and quality instruction.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
The academy offers one free class for prospective students to experience the training environment before committing to membership.
Location
Opening Hours
| Monday | 3:15AM - 7PM |
| Tuesday | 3:15AM - 7PM |
| Wednesday | 3:15 - 7PM |
| Thursday (Today) | 3:15AM - 7PM |
| Friday | 3:15 - 7PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 - 11:30AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Location
Laird's Academy is conveniently located in Santa Cruz, making it accessible to local residents seeking martial arts training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups can train at Laird's Academy?
Laird's Academy welcomes students of all ages, from as young as 3 years old to seniors in their 60s and beyond. Classes are mixed-age and mixed-level, allowing family members to train together.
What martial arts styles are taught at the academy?
The academy teaches Ho Kuk Mu Sul (HKMS), which incorporates elements of Hapkido, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. Training also includes practical self-defense, ground techniques, weapon defense, and multiple attacker scenarios.
What qualifications does the head instructor have?
Michael Laird is a Master in Ho Kuk Mu Sul (HKMS), holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, has 6 years of experience in Jiu Jitsu, 7 years of wrestling experience, and has trained in Silat. He also teaches self-defense for Santa Cruz County Schools and Parks and Recreation.
Is there a competition team at Laird's Academy?
Yes, the academy supports competition training. According to reviews, students have competed in world-class competitions through this school, and the training prepares students for testing and competitions while building self-confidence.