Master Austin Curtis

 

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 was recently appointed President of Calfornia’s chapter of the Global Hapkido Association. He’s a 7th Dan Black Belt in Hapkido, and is also ranked in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

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.

On this page, you’ll find some more information about me and my background, but please remember this: Santa Barbara Dojo is not about me; it’s about our mission to strengthen families of our community through the Martial Arts. That is what is most important!

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


My 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


My 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

  • Earned 2nd - 6th Dan in Hapkido, 2003-2018

  • Took First BJJ Class, 2018

  • Earned Blue Belt in BJJ, 2019

  • 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

  • Moved to Santa Barbara, 2001

  • Co-Founded SB Dojo, 2002

  • Graduated SBCC, 2005

  • Married, 2006

  • Graduated UCSB, 2008

  • Became a Dad x3, 2008-2013

  • Returned to the Dojo fulltime, 2012

  • Became 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

Introducing my daughter to the mat

My Sister and I, 2021

Always excited to train with my girls!

My Mom and I, 2013

Training with Daughter

My wife can still take me


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