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