Hoover Karate Academy, Allentown PA

I trained at HKA from middle school through high school. I have trained at a few other schools/styles, but I can confidently say that a foundation in martial arts from a place like HKA has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I learned discipline, fortitude, respect, humility, and integrity. It really is the complete martial arts experience. Hoover Karate Academy values its students honor over anything else.

Hoover Karate Academy remains the absolute best martial arts and self-defense environment I have ever had the pleasure of partaking in. It has been over 15 years since I trained at Hoover Karate Academy, as I'm now halfway around the world. But I often remember my time there, very fondly. Listening to the podcasts and recent photos, I can tell the spirit of HKA is alive and well.

The focus on realistic self defense is top notch. When something (a form or exercise) didn't work well, it was revised and improved upon by the teachers. Thoughtful repetition intermixed with core building and a positive team spirit, made HKA unmatched.

But they teach much more than self-defense. Hoover Karate helped prepare me for many situations in the future where self-confidence was important. The training helped me learn to love my own body. They taught me how to meditate and how to stretch, rituals I engage in daily to maintain.

Hoover Karate Academy is a hidden gem of Lehigh Valley and I only wish I had discovered it sooner. Don't hesitate to try it out!

My family was actively training at another Martial Arts school for several years and we've had a wonderful experience, but felt it was time to venture out to see what else we could learn and found HKA. OMG, what a difference! What we're practicing at HKA is far more relevant to things you might encounter in the real world and you learn how to deal with different types of situations. Our previous school gave us really good fundamentals, but how to apply them was a bit enigmatic. At HKA, it all started to make sense, because we could apply what we've learned in real world scenarios.

HKA also had a much greater focus on physical conditioning which is good for everyone, especially the kids. They need that in this world of tech. It's also great for the adults looking to get back in shape!

I 100% endorse this school for anyone looking to learn how to really defend themselves. PLUS, everyone that trains there is wonderful, helpful, supportive and the classes are really fun!

I'd also like to mention that Tim Hoover (the creator of the school) brings an amazing energy and perspective on not just the martial arts, but how we live our lives. Super grateful we decided to try out HKA and you would be too if you gave it a try.