"Our son is really enjoying your class. The second day he asked if he could come every day!"
- Connie
Mother of IAM Kids' Program Participant
- Blythe Hart
Mother of IAM Kids' Program Participant
Michael has a wealth of information to give. Any wise man would see fit to pick his brain and absorb any and all knowledge he has to offer regarding anything. His willingness to see fit that you understand something is also one of his powerful tools, you just have to have the willingness to learn.
Myself coming from a troubled childhood was on track to be less of a person than I feel I am now. This man changed my life in so many ways I can’t even begin to vocalize how much his knowledge, and willingness to share has had an impact on my life.
If you’re thinking about learning anything that Michael is involved with than definitely check him out. You won’t regret any time spent learning from him as you will always pick up onto something you might not have known before (even if its towards an application that you yourself are somewhat knowledgeable in)."
- Mike Miller
Former Student
(now living in New York)
"I have been teaching martial arts for over 45 years and I can say without reservation that Sifu Michael Banaag is an outstanding student and instructor. He is exceptionally articulate and perceptive in the concepts and principles of Wing Chun Do. He has written me his thoughts on different applications of applied trapping and they show a unique insight in the science of trapping. His constant efforts to improve his teaching skills, not only in communicating with the student, but also in refining his own abilities shows his total commitment to becoming the best teacher possible. His sincere concern for each student's progress and his determination to make sure they each develop a practical skill makes me very proud to be his instructor and beyond his excellent martial arts skills he is a person I am pleased to call a friend."
- Sijo James DeMile
an Original Student of Bruce Lee
Founder of DeMile Defensive Tactics
"I had the opportunity to watch Sifu Banaag teach for the first time at the Wing Chun Do International Convention 2001 in Hawaii as a rookie instructor. Since that time, he has put in diligent training and effort in his growth as a martial artist and teacher which allowed him to blossom as a fine, mature human being. Watching him get better in skill level in his Gung-fu has me excited to see the evolution of his growth. I know without a doubt that those who train and learn from Sifu Michael Banaag will be under the guidance of an excellent martial arts instructor."
- Sigung/Coach Ron Ogi
an Original Student of Sijo DeMile
direct student of Professor Wally Jay of Small Circle Jujitsu
Founder of Omniscient Gung-Fu Infighting (a blend of his training with
Sijo DeMile & Prof. Jay)
"I highly recommend checking out training with Michael. He is a gifted teacher and life long student. In choosing a school I learned early that we tend to take on some of the characteristics of our teachers, he is the kind of person I would want to train with or have my own family learn from."
- Master Steve Smith
Inheritor of Fook Yeung Chuan
Chief Instructor at The Little Dojo
Chief Instructor at The Little Dojo
"Sifu Michael Banaag is an excellent teacher who truly cares about his students. His stuff gears towards real world conflicts. Above all, he is really open-minded and is always ready to learn and evolve farther. We need more teachers like him in the martial arts community!"
- Adam Chan
Self-defense Student Testimonials
"I have been a student of Michael Banaag since 2001. As you would expect from 10+ years of training, Michael has taught me the skills and attitude necessary to defend myself and my family. More importantly, though, he has redefined my self-confidence, providing tools to help maintain balance, and manage conflict in everyday life.
Michael acts as a role model for humility and objectivity, traits which keep him continuously learning and teaching at the very top of his field. I consider it a true honor to remain a student and friend of his."
"Really good teachers can be hard to come by. Too often we encounter the 'subject matter expert' cast in the role of teacher and the students squirming inside is matched only by the instructor's own unease. I've been very lucky and encountered a few really good teachers - among coaches, college instructors, graduate school profs, musicians and corporate trainers - and one of the very best I have been honored to call my teacher is Sifu Michael.
Michael acts as a role model for humility and objectivity, traits which keep him continuously learning and teaching at the very top of his field. I consider it a true honor to remain a student and friend of his."
- Devin Meucci
Student
"Really good teachers can be hard to come by. Too often we encounter the 'subject matter expert' cast in the role of teacher and the students squirming inside is matched only by the instructor's own unease. I've been very lucky and encountered a few really good teachers - among coaches, college instructors, graduate school profs, musicians and corporate trainers - and one of the very best I have been honored to call my teacher is Sifu Michael.
In all the martial arts I have dabbled in, Sifu Michael is hands down, the best teacher I have ever experienced. He has a gift for teaching the skills he has cultivated, and he is a gift for those of us seeking to learn the arts of self-defense.
The qualities that I most appreciate and feel make him most effective are his patience, articulation, and encouragement of dialogue. Questions are not tolerated, they are WELCOMED! Sifu doesn't have the patience for you to learn his communication style, he has the patience to discover the communication style that works for YOU.
The hallmark of a natural and exceptional teacher is the ability provide numerous analogies and metaphors to explain a given concept. Sifu explains everything. And he always finds a way to say it in terms that work for you, individually.
Sifu is dedicated to sharing his knowledge, passing on his craft, and developing his students. His command is carried with an easy, personable bearing. His exacting nature is encouraging rather than demanding. His high standards are a testament to his goal of helping each student achieve his or her unique potential."
- Mark Snow
Student
Past experiences in Boxing, Judo, Aikido, Hung-Gar,
