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 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 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 MoreSensei 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“I was sold after our very first trial class with our 4-yr old at Martial Arts Family Fitness. That day, the "Little Ninjas" class emphasized memory techniques, people skills, running techniques, martial arts stances, and self-defense moves-ALL in 30 minutes AND made it fun”
- Binh P.
Read More“Our 5 year old son has learned so much from his Sensei at Martial Arts Family Fitness. This is an outstanding school, committed to boosting a child's self confidence and discipline, both on and off the mat!”
- Nicole B.
Read More“LOVE this place. Family owned and operated makes it even better. Our son takes Hapkido here, and they treat every child with respect and compassion. I think they are great. I especially love "Parents Night Out" once a month. Thank you for maintaining such an amazing place for kids and adults alike.”
- Tori F.
Read More“I met another mom in the locker room at MAFF and she summed it up perfectly: the Little Ninjas program teaches so much more than martial arts. MAFF is in the business of people building, mind, body and spirit! The heart and soul of the program is really found in the outstanding teachers who care for each student as a whole person!”
- Aliza N.
Read More“To my friends, I say “do it!” It’s super fun for the kiddos and rewarding for them (and the parents) to see them improve over time. It also develops respect for one another and the teachers and the skills themselves. I appreciate the kids having to earn their skill bars. There have been a few times that my son had to redo a skill test before being given his skill bar... which I like because it helps reinforce the idea that effort is required to learn skills. I also like the yes sir/ no ma’am thing.”
- Teresa W.
Read More“I love the positivity. There is such encouragement from everyone involved and my son always feels good about himself when he goes to class.”
- Elizabeth W.
Read More“The teachers are great, attentive to students, mindful and accommodating. They have an overall awareness of their classes as a whole and the needs of the individual students while in the class. This is all very comforting as a mother. You should join, it’s great. Great teachers, super organized, clean, studio smells good, fresh air with open doors, easy check in and Master Austin does a great job managing his staff and the studio.”
- Isis W.
Read More“This place is very special. My children have been going for two years and the impact on our lives is positive and real. Master Austin lives and breathes what he teaches - the instructors are there because they want to be, it's a family. I wouldn't go anywhere else.”
- Monica B.
Read More“I have 2 girls (ages 3 & 6) and they absolutely love their martial arts classes! My kids are getting more coordinated, they're listening better at home, and the oldest is always being praised at school for her great attitude. I give all the credit to the programs at the Dojo.”
- Dara C.
Read More“We did a trial class at MAFF, and were incredibly impressed with Master Austin and the other Senseis. They speak to the children on a level they can understand, while always treating them with respect and patience. My boys love to punch and kick as much as the next kid, but what keeps us coming back is the emphasis on speaking to other people, treating peers with respect, being respectful at home and at school.”
- Justina P.
Read More“My 7 year old daughter has been a student here for about a year. She is learning a lot of discipline and self defense. I also notice that they do a lot of meditation and stretching in the kid's training, as well as life lessons about their 5 values : courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. And my kid has lots of fun. I recommend it!”
- Manny R.
Read More“I am so thankful to the wonderful instructors at MAFF for all that they teach my 7 year old son in the Dragons program. He’s not just learning great physical skills, but important character skills as well! It’s awesome how the things that we talk about at home get reinforced in the dojo.”
- Adrienne R.
Read More“Your program has been amazing for him and his Dad and I are so grateful to you and the rest of the MAFF family for helping him to feel safe, comfortable & confident in Martial Arts and with your program.”
- Beth B.
Read More“This place is amazing! We started taking our son there for karate (he is 7) and he LOVES it! They teach in a supportive but disciplined way about integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit - all things I want my child to embrace!”
- Kimberly Y.
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