"I've studied martial arts for over 8 years at many different schools and I can confidently say that Sifu Mike is hands down one of the best teachers I have ever found. He brings great positive energy to his classes and genuinely wants to see his students succeed at their personal goals. The atmosphere of the school is warm, respectful, and encouraging especially towards women - which being a woman martial artist myself means a great deal.

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But beyond his teaching, Sifu Mike is a great friend and coach. He has spent the last year keeping me accountable and motivated in my goals to get back in shape after having my little girl. He has given me excellent advice and tips on how to structure my workouts tailored to my post-natal rehabilitation.

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And nothing beats results! In this year alone, I have dramatically improved my strength and form to a level close to where I was before my baby. And I’ve gone down 2 dress sizes as well. I would recommend Sifu Mike to any woman (or man for that matter) who is looking for an engaging workout, a way to achieve a higher degree of discipline and confidence, or to learn how to properly defend yourself."

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Tina Brakefield, Shaolin-Do Black Belt

"I've been doing Kung Fu for about 12 years and needed help learning a particular form and reviewing some old forms I hadn't done for a while. Since I know Mike is an incredible teacher and that he had recently opened a new school, I decided to tap into his knowledge and experience and signed up for some private lessons with him. The school is so inviting, you feel like you are in the perfect place to learn Kung Fu! I don't pick up forms particularly fast but Mike is a patient teacher...we worked extremely hard for an hour and I  walked out having learned 1/2 of the new form and had a video so I could perfect the part of the form I'd learned until my next lesson. Mike embodies the spirit and has the skills and dedication of a successful martial arts teacher and I'm so glad he's pouring his passion into his own school! I know students will love learning Kung Fu and Tai Chi from Sifu Mike and that his school will continue to grow!"

Janice Pierce, Shaolin-Do 3rd Degree Black Belt

"If I had an option to give six stars, I would do it. My son, Reuben A Paul and I started training in Shaolin Do Kung Fu program about 5 years ago, starting in the Pflugerville School under Sifu Sean Gooden and then moving to the main school in North Austin to train under Sifu Gary Hart and Senior Master Joe Schaefer whom we greatly respect and love. This is where we met Sifu Michael Sandham (founder of Lakeway Shaolin-Do), of whom anything I say, would fall short of how fantastic he is as a Sifu and as a person. Michael would help me and Reuben in forms that we struggled with and his patience and teaching style/method is truly awesome. I have had the pleasure of sparring once with Sifu Michael and let us just say that the odds were never in my favor :-) He demonstrates each step meticulously and to be trained by him is certainly a honor."

Mano Paul, Shaolin-Do Black Belt and parent

"Although it sounds cliche, Shaolin- Do has literally changed my life. Over the six years I've studied the system, I've gained a much greater sense of discipline and self confidence. I was able to apply the invaluable lessons learned through Shaolin Do to other aspects of my life, earning leadership positions throughout high school and having the confidence to join the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. A large portion of this I can attribute to Sifu Mike's excellent teaching. He is an embodiment of the Shaolin way, and just an overall great guy."

Marshal Covin, Shaolin-Do Black Belt

Janice at the Forbidden City in China , 2014.

Marshal judges at a tournament

"Michael is such a fantastic martial arts teacher! He is one of the best martial artists ever, yet is very patient and understanding with inexperienced students."

Patricia Krivoshein, Shaolin-Do Black Belt.

"I began studying Shaolin-Do kung fu with Michael Sandham in 2002. I came to the school thinking it would be a fun way to stay active. At the time, I didn't realize what a profound impact martial arts would have on my life, both in and outside of class. I've gained strength, balance, flexibility and self-defense skills. I've also gained confidence, camaraderie, and the ability to manage stress more effectively. Heart disease has affected many generations of my family, and it seems I have broken that pattern. I attribute my clean bill of health to the physical and mental well-being that I've achieved through kung fu."

Michelle Hurtado, Shaolin-Do 2nd Degree Black Belt

Michelle rocks a White Crane form

"I moved from Houston to the Hill Country in 2006 looking for a new direction in life. I was overweight with health problems stacking up and dealt with life as I saw it through alcohol. The first few months was a struggle until I decided to give something a try I have always wanted to try. My gut was drawn to a Kwoon called Shaolin Do Kung Fu and Tai Chi in San Marcos, Tx. Little did I know that this experience would change the course of my life forever. This is where I first met Sifu Sandham and immediately was drawn to his passion for his art. Getting to know Sifu over the years he has aways kept in touch with me through my journeys and my 3 year hiatus due to surgeries.  Over this time Sifu has been a great friend, mentor and instructor not only in my love for Shaolin Do but in life and struggles we all deal with. I still speak to my family in San Marcos and all of the instructors treated me like family and that bond has lasted throughout the years and that is what the difference is in other schools, we are a family. Sifu Sandham is as good a person I have ever met and his passion and skills in the Shaolin Do arts has provided us with a wonderful teacher and I for one am ready to go. My respect for Sifu and what he has meant to me will have me driving over an hour to train with my good friend and Sifu. You will find no better of a teacher for children or adults of all ages to help transform your life into a path to enlightenment"

Brian Vickers, Shaolin-Do Brown Belt

Grandmaster Sin The' and Brian

Brent poses in San Marcos