Laird’s Academy of Martial Arts

Laird’s Academy of Martial Arts offers a Martial Arts Summer Camp for Kids where participants practice Korean Martial Arts, including Ho Kuk Mu Sul. Camp activities include practicing martial arts, learning how to deal with bullies, learning to make good choices, and learning the importance of having a positive attitude. The program includes elements of Hapkido (joint locks), Judo (throwing/falling), Tae Kwon Do (kicking/punching), Kung Fu (flowing circular attacks), Tai Chi (Ki training), practical self defense while standing and on the ground, practical self defense against weapons and multiple attackers, pressure point attacks, and cardio classes.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Five day camp
• Price: $300.00

Laird’s Academy of Martial Arts states that its mission is to help students improve their lifestyles by developing their body, mind, and character to the maximum of their potential. All classes are all ages and all levels, and classes are ongoing with continuous enrollment that can be joined at any time. The program offers a free trial class as a second step for new participants and has both monthly agreements and yearly agreements, and asks students to come in clean workout clothes, with gym shoes optional for cardio classes.

The academy’s primary style, Ho Kuk Mu Sul, is described as a hard/soft style of martial arts that is as beautiful to watch as it is efficient to use, and it incorporates the principles of Flowing Water (Yu), Harmony (Hwa), and the Circle (Won). The program teaches pressure point attacks so that students can choose how much or how little damage will be caused in disabling an opponent. All classes are held at Laird’s Academy of Martial Arts studio.

The owner, Michael Laird, is a Master in HKMS and has continued to study under Master Jin since 1992. He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, has 6 years of experience in Jiu Jitsu, 7 years of wrestling, and has trained in Silat with Mike Roberto. He teaches self defence for Santa Cruz County Schools, SC Parks and Recreation, and is an approved contract PE instructor for many local schools.

In his own words, Mike Laird says, “Teaching martial arts is my passion. I truly love sharing the gifts of martial arts that my master, Master Jin, has shared with me. The best way to maintain a commitment to staying in shape is to it in a fun, challenging way. Everybody learns differently and I can tailor my teaching to help each student’s personal needs. If you have (or are working on) a positive attitude with a commitment to self improvement and self exploration then you are ready to begin your journey. You can do it!”

Last updated July 7, 2026.