Master Curtis is a husband, father of 3 and the Head Instructor at Santa Barbara Dojo. He was named Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year in 2022 and is the California President of Global Hapkido Association. He’s a 7th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido, and is also ranked in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Read MoreMaster Garret Curtis is a Husband and Father of 2. He’s the owner of Santa Barbara Dojo in Northridge and has been teaching Hapkido since 1997. Master Garret is a 7th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido and a 1st Dan in Taekwondo.
Read MoreSensei Litzy Diaz is a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Hapkido and has trained at Santa Barbara Dojo since she was eight years old! She is currently our Program Director and is in charge of helping new martial artists. Sensei Diaz loves spending time with her family and when she isn’t training or teaching at the Dojo, Sensei Diaz studying hard as a nursing major.
Read MoreMaster Melodee Meyer has a 6th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido and a 1st Dan in Taekwondo. The United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame awarded Master Mel "Entrepreneur Woman of the Year" for 2020 and she was inducted into the Karate Union Hall of Fame for “Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts." Master Mel is the bestselling author of "Black Belt Power" and "Clean Food Diet". She loves to coach women online to be Fierce After Fifty.
Read MoreMaster Keiran is a 6th Dan Master of Hapkido. He helps teach our Black Belt class and is a pillar in our academy. He is a Black Belt in Taekwondo as well and has been training martial arts for over 2 decades.
Read MoreMaster Alex Rodriguez is a 5th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido, as well as a Certified Full Instructor in Jeet Kune Do. Master Rodriguez teaches the Black Belt Class and has been at Santa Barbara Dojo for over a decade. He is a California native and resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and son.
Read MoreThe question that I’m always asking myself is: “How can I inspire my kids to participate in Martial Arts?” This is not only because I teach kids, but also because I have 3 young daughters and I want them to be able to protect themselves when they grow up. Perhaps you want the same for your kids? If so, this short article may be helpful for you.
Read MoreThere was once a famous Japanese Martial Artist named Master Takeda Sokaku, who had grown up as the privileged son of a Samurai Warrior in the late 1800’s.
Read MoreMaster Ray Janik is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido and is an instructor in both the Youth and the Adult Hapkido class. He works at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara and when he’s not working, he is at the dojo training! If it’s not Kickboxing or Black Belt class, Master Janik is out scuba diving, and/or traveling on some epic world adventure with his wife.
Read More“The KUT program uses a combination of classes for maximum results, and works with your diet educating everyone on healthy choices. My favorite class is a strength training class that they do with bands. My upper body is much more toned since taking the class. I also enjoy their kickboxing class, where I get to work on my form and technique.”
- Margarret M.
“If you like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this is the place in Santa Barbara to train! There is such a good vibe (there’s not a meat head in the house!). They are alllll about respect. Professor Justin is a badass black belt who is tough as nails and has an incredible BJJ game and he actually cares about his students, which is hard to find these days. The mats are clean, the prices are fair, and we drive all the way from UCSB - and it’s so worth it.”
- Jolie C.
“MAFF is a fun and empowering place to workout, learn new techniques, and improve your overall fitness level. Each class is slightly different but they all give you an intense, total-body workout, and can be adapted for any age or fitness capability. The staff here are super friendly and encouraging, a make you feel very much a part of the MAFF family from Day 1. I highly recommend them and will be coming here for as long as I'm able to pack a punch :)”
- Naomi H.
“I've been practicing martial arts at various schools for nearly 20 years. Of all the schools I've trained with, this is definitely among the top. The school is very well structured, allowing for participation at all levels. Advancement is never guaranteed, but it is scaled for kids and adults alike. The atmosphere is full of respect, tho it doesn't follow the heavy handed discipline of some more extreme schools.”
- Adam L.
“MAFF is my favorite place to workout! I just completed my first 6 week challenge and feel great! I went from not working out at all to going to 5 workouts a week and actually looking forward to them! The challenge was a great kickstart to a new lifestyle and I couldn't be happier! The staff and coaches are amazing and always willing to help”
- Melanie G.
“Working with Martial Arts Family Fitness has been an incredible experience!! All of the staff and instructors are very knowledgeable and want to see you succeed. They are very welcoming to new people and are diligent in giving tips, advice, modifications, and gentle correction when needed (to avoided injury). MAFF truly does feel like a supportive family, both among attendees and between attendees and staff. Staff is very open to feedback and wants to know how to ensure a great experience for everyone. I cannot recommend Martial Arts Family Fitness enough!!”
- Cassie R.
Sensei Isabelle Curtis is a Black Belt in Hapkido who started her training on Zoom during the pandemic. She is proof that anyone, anywhere, can accomplish their life goals. She is the Martial Arts Instructor responsible for making sure that our students have a great experience on and off the mat. When she’s not at the dojo, Isabelle loves thrifting with her nieces or taking her dog on adventures.
Read More“The moment I walked into the Dojo, I knew that this time, it actually WAS going to be different. I had found an extraordinary place to support me in my journey. I decided to sign up for the KUT (kickboxers ultimate training) program. I can honestly say that EVERY SINGLE person at the Dojo is so supportive and so passionate about what they do.”
- Jesse S.
“The kickboxing classes in alignment with the bands classes really help to work all those muscles we tend to forget about while also building flexibility and a lot of strength and power! And it is SO MUCH FUN! MAFF is unlike any "gym" or workout routine I've ever witnessed. It has truly changed my life. In my first 3 week evaluation I lost 4% body fat, and 7 lbs! I am looking SO great and see the changes every single day.”
- Jesse S.
“I started with the KUT program in July 2010 and in 6 months I've lost 65 lbs and feel great. Maff is truly my new "family" and I am now committed to getting my Black Belt!! It's as much fun as it is hard work.”
- Mark S.
“My journey at MAFF first began with the KUT fitness program that helps you set and reach your goals. After that, I tried a free month of Martial Arts and ever since then I've been hooked! I love coming to the dojo, it's a place where you can train your body and your mind with friends and family.”
- Karla H.
