Master Austin Curtis
Master Curtis is a husband, father of three, and the Head Instructor at Santa Barbara Dojo. In 2022, he was honored as the Hall of Fame Instructor of the Year and appointed President of the California chapter of the Global Hapkido Association.
A 7th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido, Master Curtis also holds ranks in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, bringing decades of experience and a deep passion for martial arts to every class he teaches.
Hello!
Thank you for your interest in our martial arts academy and for taking the time to read a bit about the leadership team behind it. As the Head Instructor, it is my job to ensure that every class provides the highest level of service for our students. I am lucky to have the support of my family and this amazing team around me. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Our mission is to strengthen the families of our community through the Martial Arts. This occupation is not only a passion but my calling. Thank you again, and please contact us if we can do anything for you.
Respectfully yours,
Master W. Austin Curtis
Family of Martial Artists: My Brother, Mom, Sister, and I
The Whole Curtis Family!
Surrounded by some incredible Black Belts and Masters
Teaching Style
Important Concepts
De-Escalation
Self-Awareness
Character Development
Self-Defense Skills
Flexibility and Strength
The Art of Not Getting Hit
Family Values
Important in Every Class
Everyone is Safe
Everyone is Smiling
Everyone is Sweating
Everyone is Shown Respect
Everyone is Improving
Background
Martial Arts Experience
Took First Kenpo Class in Toronto with Dad, 1989
Took First Hapkido Class in Honolulu, HI, 1996
Earned Black Belt in Hapkido, 1999
Earned Black Belt in Taekwondo, 1999
Took First BJJ Class, 2018
Earned Purple Belt in BJJ, 2022
Awarded “Instructor of the Year” USMAHOF, 2022
Appointed President of California’s Chapter of Global Hapkido Association, 2023
Earned 7th Dan in Hapkido, 2024
Personal History
Graduated High School, 2000
Graduated Covenant Bible College, 2001
Co-Founded SB Dojo, 2002
Graduated SBCC, 2005
Married, 2006
Graduated UCSB, 2008
Became a Dad x3, 2008-2013
Managed SB Dojo, 2012-2020
Became SB Dojo owner, 2020
TRAINING with my family
My Brother and I, 1989
My Brother and I, 1997
My Brother and I, 2002
My Brother and I, 2016
My Sister and I, 2021
Introducing my daughter to the mat, 2008
My Mom and I, 2013
Daughter #1 and I, 2019
My Step-Dad and I
Daughter #2 and I, 2018
My wife can still take me
Daughter #3 and I, 2019
a few proud moments
Becoming Owner at Santa Barbara Dojo, 2020
Receiving “Instructor of the Year”, 2022
Receiving a Purple Belt in BJJ from Professor Leopoldo 2022
Being Accepted into the Global Hapkido Association, 2023