Auburn Martial Arts Center

Congrats To Our December 2009 TKD Testers

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:44:48 GMT

On December 18th, we had our end of year Taekwondo Testing, and a large number of our colored belt students did a great job demonstrating their skills! Check out our video section for two special demos by Black Belts Debbie Lovas and Kris Bartow showing some special breaks.

Congrats to our students and their new ranks:

Orange Belts

Annika Braum
Peyton Kovach
Zach Chase

Yellow Belts

Amna Hawatky
Xavier Mendoza
Chris Le Bleu
Liviu Magurean

Low Green Belts

Morganna Hock
Tim Riggs
Hunter Riggs
Sara Clavien
Paul Kovach
Isabella Delatorre
Ben Schafer

Green Belts

Jennifer Riggs
Makayla Riggs
Tyler Jeffreys
Tim Dyer
Claire Dyer
Jesse Mactagone

Purple Belts

Harley Long

Blue Belts

Tanner Wood
Molly Bradshaw
Sandra Ross

Brown Belts

Robert Horvath
Shannon Horvath
Thomas Horvath
Conner Thomson

Red Belts

Bob Athearn

Red/Black Belts

Jack Stanley

Debbie Lovas Demonstrates Six Brick Break

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:57:14 GMT

Debbie Lovas, 4th Dan in TKD, demonstrates a 6 brick break during the Auburn Martial Arts Center December 2009 colored belt testing.

Kris Bartow Demonstrates Blindfolded Jump Reverse Sidekick

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:55:53 GMT

Kris Bartow, 1st Dan in TKD, demonstrates a jump reverse side kick while blindfolded during the Auburn Martial Arts Center December 2009 colored belt testing.

April Baker

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:13:58 GMT

Hey guys!! I'm back in town and I wanna come back to class lol.It's been awhile and I'm sure prices have increased...so how much is it? :) Hope you all are well! Thanks April Baker(Cox)

Brandy Ahearn

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:49:18 GMT

I am interested in the program for my 12 yr old son. Please contact me with pricing information. Unfortunately, we are a single income family so I need to find an affordable program. I am also interested in the fitness kickboxing for myself. Thank you! Brandy

kayla rosebush

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:02:21 GMT

Joel

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:12:54 GMT

I'm looking into get back in shape. with some fitness background of martial arts. i have a family that i would like to get involved also. plese let me know what you have to offer.

Seth Childs

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:16:03 GMT

Chris Haupt

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:43:32 GMT

This is a test with the corrected phone number. Please check.

Eddie Berto

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:11:30 GMT

Elizabeth Schudel

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:50:53 GMT

Jeremiah Hardesty

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:18:31 GMT

Christopher Haupt

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:04:28 GMT

Linda Bartow

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:03:54 GMT

Kris Bartow

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:03:05 GMT

When our daughter Kristen was born my wife Linda and I decided Kristen would learn a martial art. After consulting many of my clients we felt Tae Kwon Do would be the best martial art for her. The summer before Kristen started kindergarten, I began to evaluate Tae Kwon Do schools. After sitting in and observing 6 separate schools I decided Master Lovas’ school was hands down the best.

I started my Tae Kwon Do training in the fall of 2005 after three weeks of watching Kristen take classes. Three months later Linda also started training. At first my only expectation from Tae Kwon Do was self defense. As the weeks and months went by the benefits from Tae Kwon Do training became clearer in many other ways. I have worked my entire adult life with horses. First as a journeyman farrier I worked my way through undergrad and veterinary school, and now as a large animal veterinarian. The flexibility and quickened reflexes from training have saved me from serious injuries on many occasions. Tae Kwon Do is more than physical training it instills confidence.

In the spring of 2008 Kristen and I tested for and received our first degree black belt.

In the fall of 2008 I entered the Instructor Training Program and began helping instruct the color belts. I was assigned the Friday classes. I find teaching so rewarding that I now schedule my veterinary practice full on Saturday and Sundays to have time to teach on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Frank Huggard

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:56:52 GMT

1993 I began training in Tae Kwon Do under the instruction of Richard and Sophia Gordon in Raleigh, North Carolina at the age of 30. Richard and Sophia owned their own school and were 2nd dan black belts at the time. Their instructor was Grandmaster Jun Lee. As an adult beginner in this art, I was very impressed by the focus on, not only physical skills, but citizenship and teamwork as well. I was hooked!

1994 I moved to Greenville, North Carolina and continued my training under Master Byung Seok Lee. Under Master Lee, my training and growth continued. To be exposed to Tae Kwon Do (a Korean art) from a Korean Master instructor, made the experience that much more interesting and meaningful.

1996 In August of this year, I tested and achieved Bo Cho Dan black belt under Master Byung Lee. In September, I moved to Lodi, California and continued my training under Mr. Tom Gallagher (3rd dan black belt). His instructor was Master Wade Vierra. While training with Mr. Gallagher, I was exposed, for the first time, to other martial art styles. He sponsored me into the “Bahala Na” (Filipino Arnis, Escrima) Which was overseen by the founder and Grandmaster, Master Leo M. Giron He also exposed me to Indonesian Silat for which he would mix into his regular Tae Kwon Do curriculum. For the next several months, I would practice Tae Kwon Do (and silat) during the week and train in Arnis Escrima on the weekends.

1997 In May of this year, I moved from Lodi to Auburn California. Upon recommendation from Mr. Gallagher, I enrolled in the Auburn Family Tae Kwon Do School where I started training under Professor Dan Lovas. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I had found a permanent home for my martial arts training.

2000 In August of this year, I tested and achieved the rank of 1st Dan under the “International Tea Kwon Do Council” with Grand Master Chang Jin Kang residing as president.

2003 In March of this year, I tested and achieved the rank of 2nd Dan under the “National Association of Professional Martial Arts” with
Grand Master Bob Maschmeier, Master Chi-Ching Houng, Professor Willie Cahill, Professor Vinton Koklich, Professor Joe Souza, and Professor Dominic Cerensioni residing on the testing panel.

2007 In March of this year, I tested and achieved the rank of 3rd Dan under the panel of Professor Dan Lovas, Mrs. Kristi Reeves (4th dan), and Ms. Ashley Rich (3rd dan)

2008 In June of this year, I tested and achieved the rank of 3rd Degree black belt in Kajukenbo. The testing panel included Professor Dominic Cirinsione, Master Ka Teena Cirinsione, Professor Joe Souza, Professor Vinton Koklich, Professor Wade Williams, Professor Tommy Morris, Grand Master Henry Look, and Professor Dan Lovas.

In the years of my training, I would have to say that balance strikes me as the most important aspect of martial arts training. Balance is not just a way of staying on your feet, but a way to conduct your life. We all have people in our lives who have made a positive difference. Training and teaching martial arts gives me a way to pay back for those who have played a positive role in my life.

This is how I hope to achieve balance.

Amanda Fonseca

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:52:33 GMT

No one could have been more intimidated than I was to start a group fitness class. Being the busy mother of two with little time for myself, I had gone from being a nationally competitive synchronized swimmer to an overweight housewife in a few short years. I convinced myself that no one had noticed that I had been steadily putting on weight since the birth of my 6 year old son Tyler and my 18 month old daughter Bella. I didn’t even know how to start to get my weight under control, and my self-respect and excitement for life back.

Last year about this time, with some encouragement from a friend, I agreed to attend my first kickboxing class ever. I was immediately impressed by the friendly and supportive environment at Auburn Martial Arts Center. The owners, Dan and Debbie Lovas, were quick to introduce themselves and make me feel comfortable at their gym. I made it through my first class and found myself eager to return. Over the next eight months I found it easy to continue classes.

The instructors are constantly changing up the classes to ensure the workouts stay fresh and deliver maximum results. While keeping me excited to learn new techniques—I was achieving a new level of fitness. Debbie and Dan are attentive owners, listening to input from members and making sure the needs of all their students are met. I combined my new found passion for kickboxing with a sensible diet (I found Weight Watchers worked best for me). I am proud to have lost a total of 94 pounds since March of 2008, which I have maintained for three months. I remain confident in my ability to keep the weight off with the help of kickboxing and the encouragement of the many friends I’ve made at AMAC.

I’m excited that Debbie and Dan have asked me to share my enthusiasm for kickboxing in a new class. You can train with me Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:00-7:00 am and Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:00 am. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share love of kickboxing with the friends I’ll make in my new class.

Debbie Lovas

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:50:37 GMT

When I was a girl I thought that TaeKwonDo was for boys. One day I watched my brothers test for a color belt and was surprised to see girls training and having fun.

I started training in 1985 under Senior Master Clint Robinson. I earned my 3rd degree black belt in 2003. In 2006 I won a regional championship in forms and fighting. In 2008 I earned my 3rd degree black belt in Kajukenbo. In 2009, I earned my 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo within the UWTA organization.

Over the years I have enjoyed training in TaeKwonDo, Escrima, Lameco, Jiu-Jitsu, Kajukenbo, American Kickboxing, and Silat.

Dan Lovas

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:49:11 GMT

1974 Began training in Kung Fu under Dale Ciskin - achieved Brown Belt
1977-1984 Trained with wrestling coach Buddy Wilkerson in Judo & Jiu Jitsu
1985 Repeatedly kicked in the head at a competition and was introduced to Master Jack Corrie who was teaching Tae Kwon Do on the grass in Folsom
1989 Earned 1st Degree Black Belt in ATA
- Won 12 double first tournaments in a row
- ATA Student of the Year
- ATA Instructor Certification
- PPCT Certification with ATA
- Kubaton Certification with ATA
- CCM Certification with ATA
- Became Chief Instructor and manager of the Folsom Parks and Recreation club.
1990 Opened Lincoln Family Tae Kwon Do and grew to over 100 students.
- Earned 2nd Degree Black Belt in ATA
- Received 1st Degree Black Belt in Bak Su Lung Kung Fu under Sifu Li Hung
1992 Earned 3rd Degree Black Belt with ATA
1992-1993 Assistant Chief of Awards for ATA
1993 Opened Auburn Family Tae Kwon Do
1993 Severely broke hand and chose to do Bahalina Escrima with Phil Matetney of instead of do physical therapy.
- Earned a high intermediate rank.
1994 Met Herman Suwanda at Inisanto Academy in Los Angeles. Spent $13,000 traveling to every seminar in the country for a year. Earned instructor certification.
- Trained 20 hours of seminars in Lameco with Edgar Suite
1994-1995 Assistant Chief of Junior Leaders for ITC
1995 Earned 4th Degree Black Belt with ITC
- Competed and won two Mui Tai fights at Inisanto Academy
- ITC Instructor of the Year
- Produced First & Only Kung Fu Black Belt
1996 Won Savat competition at the Inisanto Academy exhibition fights.
1996-1997 Assistant Chief of Testings for ITC
1996-1997 Regional Chief of Instruction for ITC
1997-1998 Northern California Chief of Trainee Instruction for ITC
1999 Earned 5th Degree Black Belt with ITC
1999-2000 Regional Director for ITC
2000-2002 National Director of Weapon Programs for ITC
2001 Trained with Grand Master Henry Look in Guang Ping Tai Chi Chaun. Earned long and short form certification.
2002 Adopted into Kajukenbo at rank of 5th Degree Black Belt tested to 6th in both
- PMAA Instructor of the Year
2003 Earned 6th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
- Earned to 6th Degree Black Belt with the Grand Master Bob Maschmeier Kajukenbo clan. Morrison Side in 2008
2008 Earned 3rd Degree Black Belt in JiuJitsu America with Grand Master Willy Cahill and Grand Master Joe Souza
- Tested to 6th Degree Black Belt with the Grand Master Tommy Morris Kajukenbo clan.
- Opened Auburn Martial Arts Center
2009 Earned 7th Degree Black Belt after UWTA.org Testing in Reno, NV, in October, 2009.

School Closed For Thanksgiving

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:59:02 GMT

Auburn Martial Arts Center will be closed on Thursday, September 26 - Sunday, September 29th. We will resume normal hours on Monday, September 30th. We'll work off those extra calories when we return.

Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Christopher Haupt

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:19:17 GMT

This is a test email

Congratulations Students On New 2009 Black Belt Ranks!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:01:56 GMT

Auburn Martial Arts Center Taekwondo had an excellent turn-out for the October 2nd, 2009 black belt testing held in Reno, NV this year.

Eleven students earned their first Dan black belt and had their first taste of the fun, excitement, (and little bit of stress!)
of a formal testing.

Attendees also had the special treat of seeing our very own Master Dan Lovas test for
his 7th Dan rank. The combination of complex breaks, amazing self-defense techniques,
and advanced forms and test sparring were a crowd pleaser.

Rounding out our testers, Mrs. Debbie Lovas added a fourth strip to her rank and Mrs. Linda Bartow added a second.

We're proud of all of our students, congrats!

Dan Lovas 7th degree
Deborah Lovas 4th degree
Linda Bartow 2nd degree
Preston Tuttle 1st degree
Amy Bradshaw 1st degree
Ethan Veerkamp 1st degree
Melissa Walker 1st degree
Annabelle Eicher 1st degree
Justin Eicher 1st degree
Taylor Eicher 1st degree
Jessy Rich 1st degree
Zachary Haupt 1st degree
Darin Krauss 1st degree
Elon Elisio 1st degree

Debbie Lovas Four Brick Break

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:28:38 GMT

Debbie Lovas demonstrates a four brick break as part of her 4th dan (degree) pre-test at Auburn Martial Arts Center.

TKD Black Belt Testing, Nationals, and School Closure

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:42:28 GMT

Auburn Martial Arts Center will be closed on October 2nd, 2009, as instructors and students of the Taekwondo program attend the annual UWTA Black Belt Testing and Grand Nationals Tournament in Reno Nevada. Come see instructors Master Dan Lovas test for his 7th Dan (Degree) ranking in TKD, Mrs. Debbie Lovas testing for 4th Dan, Mrs. Linda Bartow for 2nd, as well as all of our 1st Dan candidate students.

In addition to the testing, there will be other events. All are welcome at the Taekwondo Forms Seminar on Friday, and welcome to watch the Grand Nationals top-10 Sparring and Forms competition.

On Saturday, October 3rd, the new TKD tournament season starts with the Grand National Tournament. All TKD students are encouraged to participate in this great competition. All participants can earn double points!

We look forward to seeing you there!

TKD classes resume their normal schedule on the following Monday.

School Holidays and Closures In September

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:52:25 GMT

The Auburn Martial Arts Center will be closed to observe Labor Day on Monday, September 7th, 2009, and Taekwondo Classes on Friday, September 11th will be canceled as special demonstrations are held at the Auburn Gold Country Fair.

Please contact us at the school for more information and schedule updates.