Legendary Academy of Martial Arts Chief Master Mateo Lopez 3315 State Line Avenue Texarkana, Texas 75501 (903) 794-5262 www.lamahanmudo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

In 1976 Chief Master Lopez was introduced to Dr. He-Young Kimm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and eagerly made the move to the United States in order to pursue his dream to become a professional Martial Artist. After several years of training under the tutelage of Dr. Kimm, Chief Master Lopez decided it was time to further his development as a Martial Artist by striking out on his own.

In 1982 Chief Master Lopez returned home to Mexico to help with his family’s business and to open his own school teaching martial arts under the guidance of Dr. Kimm. He opened his school in Mexico City with 20 students and it soon grew to over 100 students. Chief Master Lopez put together a Demonstration Team called CONIDARMA, an acronym standing for Consejo National para Desarollar Investigacion de las Artes Marciales. Translated this means National Advisory Board for the Investigation and Development of the Martial Arts.

While building his school and working toward unity in the Martial Arts community, Chief Master Lopez spent his time competing in tournaments in the United States and Korea, writing a book entitled Self Defense for Special Forces, and running a magazine in Mexico City entitled Martial Arts, A Place for the Warrior. Between 1984 and 1988 he worked with the Federal Police in Mexico City developing a tactical program in self defense for the Special Forces.

In 1998 Chief Master Lopez returned to the United States to further his training as a Master Instructor with Grand Master Dr. He-Young Kimm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Chief Master Lopez currently holds the rank of 6th degree black belt in this style and is a member of the World Han Mu Do Association.  He currently teaches adult and children’s classes in Han Mu Do at the Legendary Academy of Martial Arts, Texarkana, Texas.  His focus over the last few years has been the development of his children’s program.  His classes consist of many high energy activities designed to teach the kids focus, concentration, coordination, and the importance of a great attitude, having a leadership mentality, and achieving goals while learning Martial Arts techniques and self defense skills.