When Elite Special Forces Operators Endorse Your Martial Arts Training: Why Military-Grade Instruction Matters for Self-Defense
Discover why a retired US Army Special Forces Sergeant Major calls Executive Martial Arts Nashville's Hapkido program "instrumental to success" and how military-tested techniques can transform your personal safety and confidence.
When it comes to self-defense and martial arts training, there's no higher praise than an endorsement from America's most elite warriors. Executive Martial Arts Nashville received a powerful letter of recommendation from Thomas Buchino, a retired US Army Special Forces Sergeant Major, highlighting the exceptional quality and life-changing impact of our Hapkido program.
What makes this endorsement so significant? Special Forces operators represent the pinnacle of military training, requiring skills that quite literally mean the difference between life and death. When a decorated veteran with nearly 40 years of martial arts experience personally vouches for an instructor's capabilities, it speaks volumes about the caliber of training you can expect.
Military-Tested Techniques Meet Real-World Application
The Special Forces Connection
In his endorsement, Sergeant Major Buchino reveals that he trained alongside Chris Garland (founder of Executive Martial Arts Nashville) for many years while supporting the 5th Special Forces Group with combatives programs. This comes from someone who has seen these techniques tested in the most demanding environments imaginable.
"His instruction and mentorship was, and remains instrumental to the success of the Special Forces Regiment. I have trained in Martial Arts for nearly 40 years and hold Mr. Garland in the highest regard." - SGM Thomas Buchino (Ret.), US Army Special Forces
Why Military-Grade Training Matters for Civilians
Proven Under Pressure: Military combatives are battle-tested techniques that work when stakes are highest.
Efficient and Effective: Special Forces training focuses on maximum impact with minimal movement, perfect for real-world self-defense scenarios.
Discipline and Character Building: Beyond physical techniques, military-influenced training instills mental toughness, situational awareness, and unwavering confidence.
Adaptable for All Levels: Despite their elite origins, these techniques can be safely adapted for beginners, women, children, and seniors.
The Transformational Power of Hapkido: More Than Self-Defense
Building Character Through Combat Arts
The endorsement highlights something crucial about quality martial arts training. It's about far more than learning to fight. As Sergeant Major Buchino notes, participants will learn "discipline, self-worth and a sense of teamwork through Mr. Garland's leadership; all skills required to survive and prosper in today's world."
For Adults: Hapkido training develops:
Confidence in handling confrontational situations
Physical fitness through dynamic movement and conditioning
Mental clarity through focused practice and meditation
Stress relief by channeling daily pressures into productive training
Community among like-minded individuals committed to growth
For Children: The benefits are even more profound:
Respect and discipline that translates to better behavior at home and school
Anti-bullying skills both in avoiding conflicts and handling them when necessary
Physical coordination and athletic development
Character building through traditional martial arts values
Life skills that serve them long after they leave the dojo
Why Executive Martial Arts Nashville Stands Apart
Lineage and Legitimacy
With recognition from both military leadership and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Executive Martial Arts Nashville offers something rare in today's martial arts landscape: authentic, traditional Hapkido taught by a globally recognized expert with real-world application experience.
The "Operators Humanity Project" Philosophy
The military endorsement specifically mentions the "Operators Humanity Project", a structured program designed to provide both veterans and underprivileged children with life-changing martial arts training. This commitment to service reflects the deeper philosophy behind our training: using martial arts as a tool for positive transformation and community building.
Military and Law Enforcement Specialized Training
Our specialized programs for military and law enforcement personnel demonstrate our commitment to serving those who serve others. These programs offer:
Advanced tactical techniques for high-threat environments
Stress inoculation training to perform under pressure
Weapon retention and disarmament techniques
Close-quarters combat skills
Situational awareness and threat assessment training
Real-World Self-Defense That Works
Why Hapkido is Perfect for Modern Self-Defense
Hapkido's emphasis on using an attacker's energy against them makes it ideal for:
Women defending against larger attackers
Older adults who can't rely purely on strength alone
Anyone who wants effective techniques without years of conditioning
Beyond Physical Techniques
True self-defense begins with:
Awareness of your surroundings and potential threats
Avoidance of dangerous situations when possible
De-escalation skills to defuse conflicts verbally
Confidence that projects strength and deters predators
Taking the First Step: Your Journey Begins Here
What to Expect in Your First Class
New students at Executive Martial Arts Nashville can expect:
Welcoming environment where beginners feel comfortable
Individual attention regardless of class size
Progressive curriculum that builds skills systematically
Safety-focused instruction that minimizes injury risk
Immediate practical techniques you can use right away
Programs for Every Age and Interest
Kids Classes (Tuesday & Thursday, 5 and 6 PM): Perfect for building confidence, respect, and character while learning practical self-defense skills.
Adult Classes (Tuesday & Thursday, 7 PM): Traditional Hapkido taught by a globally recognized grandmaster.
Weapons Training (private): Study sword, staff, and knife techniques in a safe, controlled environment.
Custom Private Training: Customized instruction for specific goals, whether personal protection, military/LEO needs, or traditional swordsmanship.
The Bottom Line: Your Safety and Confidence Matter
When a decorated Special Forces veteran with four decades of martial arts experience gives his highest endorsement to an instructor, you know you're in exceptional hands. At Executive Martial Arts Nashville, we don't just teach techniques, we build character, confidence, and community.
Ready to discover what martial arts training can do for you?
Whether you're a complete beginner looking to build confidence, a parent wanting to give your child life skills, or someone serious about personal protection, Executive Martial Arts Nashville offers the authentic, effective training you need.
Take Action Today
Contact Executive Martial Arts Nashville to schedule your free trial lesson and discover why elite military professionals trust our training methods.
Location: West Nashville
Kids Classes: Tuesday & Thursday, 5-6 PM
Adult Classes: Tuesday & Thursday, 7 PM
Weapons and Private Training: By appointment
Don't wait for a dangerous situation to wish you had better training. Start building your confidence, skills, and character today with Nashville's premier martial arts program—the one trusted by Special Forces professionals.
Your journey to becoming your own protector starts with a single step.