BEMA Academy strives to instill physical and mental training habits through the Five Tenets of TKD. I live, breathe, and take it everywhere I go.
BEMA Academy will continue to make its mark in the community as the premier martial arts facility in the Des Moines metro area. I will guarantee that the service is top notch and will continue to grow and sharpen my skills as a leader in the community. Taekwondo, for me, is not just an activity, but a way of life. No matter where I go, my goal is to leave the people, places, and things better than
06/09/2026
Slow is the best way to start the day. Hurry up and join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 9am to 10:30am. Anyone new to the Tai Chi program can try out a free class on us!
https://bishopselitemartialarts.com/
-Sifu Matthew Moline
One of the many things we practice each week is the vertical punch. This is where the fist strikes in a vertical orientation, rather than horizontal. The fist travels in a straight line, so it's very quick and hard to see coming. Keeping the elbows tight against the ribs provides protection.
Developing power with this punch is a total body process. When punching, we root with the legs and deliver the power through the hands. In time and practice, maximum power can be transmitted in a very short distance.
We literally have a BLAST every Sunday! Come join us!
Hello everyone! This month we had three events for BEMA, all of them being fun, and exciting. This past week we all had a very big regional event in Philadelphia. We look forward to Nationals this summer as well as many other exciting events. I hope this month is great for you all and everyone enjoys their month off!
Stay humble
-Master Bishop
This weekend 3 of us competed at regionals in Philadelphia. It was a very big success for us all and this video shows the main highlights of the tournament as well as the trip. I hope everyone is having a great summer, and we can’t wait to see you all in class!
Stay humble
-Master Bishop
05/31/2026
2026 East American Open
WC Under 40 Individual Poomsae
GOLD MEDALIST
Thanks everyone for your support. Will have a video of our highlights sometime tomorrow.
Congrats to my teammates, Amanda and Kenda, on their Gold Medal in their medal also in the Traditional Poomsae Category!👊👊
Stay Humble,
Master Bishop
Always a good time when kids are practicing their Flying Side Kick!!
Thanks for taking care of the school this weekend, Master Sarah Puhl!!🥋❤️👊💥
Stay Humble,
Master Bishop
05/29/2026
Day #1 of USAT American East Open is concluded with:
Bishop and Kenda Headley:
Under 50 Pairs Poomsae (3rd Place)
Amanda Sutton:
Under 50 Red Belt Individual Poomsae
(2nd Place)
Our biggest highlight was Amanda passed the 7.00 score mark in BOTH her individual Poomsae, a huge accomplishment for her!! She has been working very hard to earn this score. Congrats to you, ma'am!
We all go again tomorrow with Kenda and Amanda's traditional forms and I will be going in on my individual Sport Poomsae. Felt pretty good today so I hope to bring the same energy today.
Thanks everyone for your support. Stay Humble,
Master Bishop
05/28/2026
Hello everyone! This weekend three of us are heading to regionals for USAT. Everyone please wish Bishop, Kenda, and Amanda all the best of luck. We all hope you guys have fun, things go well, and you all make many accomplishments! I will see you all next time and have a great day!
-From Elise, and the Bishop family!
05/27/2026
An intermural tournament is now LIVE. This will be a friendly tournament between BEMA Academy and Farrell's Martial Arts with competing events in forms, team forms, and sparring. Whether you are a first timer or have done multiple events, this will be a great time for everyone.
Anyone interested in refereeing or volunteering for the event, please reach out to me or Josh Curry, co-owner of Farrell's Martial Arts, and we will get you all squared away.
HURRY!! ONLY 75 ATHLETES CAN REGISTER FOR THE EVENT. USE THE PROMO CODE ON THE FLYER TO SAVE $20 UNTIL 6/30.
Stay Humble,
Master Bishop
| 1:30pm - 7pm |