Auburn Martial Arts Center

Moving to New, Bigger School!

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:16:10 GMT

Auburn Martial Arts Center (AMAC) will be moving to a new, larger, more convenient location in Auburn in July, 2010. Our new address will be 536 Grass alley Highway, Auburn, California. Our phone number will remain the same (530) 887-0215. The new school is just past Palm Avenue. We are renovating the old Auburn Nissan building (and for long-time Auburn residents, you'll remember this building as the old movie theater!).

The new building gives us significantly more training space, with room for two, larger rooms that are separated and sound proofed. We'll be able to offer two different classes at the same time.

In addition to the new building, we will be offering an expanded schedule of existing and new classes. We'll be introducing Zumba!, Yoga, and Pilates classes. Our Competition Kickboxing and Brazilian Jujitsu classes will have all new classes too. We plan on offering Cross Fit classes in the future.

Of course, our current line up will continue to offer Mixed Martial Arts, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Escrima, Silat, and Kickboxing classes. We look forward to expanding these programs with more class times and special classes for after school programs.

Check out our ad that is appearing in local papers and check us out as we make progress building out the new facility. Of course, you can come train with us at our current location before the move too!

Closed for Memorial Day Weekend 2010

Mon, 24 May 2010 05:52:55 GMT

AMAC will be closed Saturday, May 29th - Monday, May 31st, 2010, for the Memorial Day Weekend.

Regular classes will be conducted on Friday, May 28th, and Tuesday June 1st.

Have a fun, safe, and healthy long weekend!

Summer Taekwondo Student Camp 2010

Sat, 15 May 2010 05:31:20 GMT

The UWTA Student Summer Camp will be July 9-11th, 2010 will once again be at Camp Winthers in Soda Springs.This camp is great fun for both kids and adults.

The program will include the study of Taekwondo history, philosophy, advanced sparring and self defense techniques. Flexibility and strength training to include plyometric and paddle kicking drills. Escrima, Hapkido and much more. Additional activities will include boating, swimming, archery, fishing, nature hikes, rock climbing, back-packing and campfire programs. There will be plenty of time between training for down-time and fun for all

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Check out the official brochure on the UWTA web site.

Congratulations Students On New 2010 Spring Black Belt Ranks!

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:52:28 GMT

A number of our students achieved their first or next rank in Black Belt at the Spring 2010 UWTA Black Belt testing.

A big congratulations to all.

First Dan Black Belts

Sydney Haupt
Lynda Haupt
Jens Bobbitt
Tristan Baum
Sebastian Baum
Paul Hoch

Second Dan Black Belts

Kristen Bartow
Kris Bartow
Mike Brewton
Christopher Haupt

Black Belt Reflections: Christopher Haupt (part 3)

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:47:05 GMT

[This is Part 3 of Christopher Haupt's essay on the topic of "What Taekwondo Means To Me" which was written as part of the promotion requirements for his second degree in Taekwondo.]

How in the world could I make this better?

Well, the opportunity presented itself soon there-after. With careful consideration and discussion with my wife, I decided it was time to make a career change and accomplish my second, longer term plan. I arranged to resign from my long-distance job, on amicable terms, and switch to owning my own local consulting business where I could set my own hours, and be home most of the time. All of a sudden, I was able to change from only being that "weekend dad", to being around all of the time.

This was both fantastic for me, and, well, a little startling for my family. "Who IS this guy?" OK, admittedly there was a transition period where we all needed time to get used to the new and old routines and make some adjustments. I frankly didn't know what went on during a given week ("ok, what gets packed in your school lunch again?") and my wife, perhaps diplomatically thinking that my "help" was perhaps best offered elsewhere at times, needed some adjustment too.

That all worked out, and in the process of the dust settling on the new schedule, I was able to ramp up my Taekwondo attendence to a new level. I was also able to start enjoying seeing my young daughter start down the initial path of training at that point too.

I was now a mid to higher color belt, and feeling pretty good. The weight was coming off, the stress had dropped to a manageable and normal level, and we were all happy.

My interest in Taekwondo continued to grow, and as I aimed for achieving my goal of learning more about the physical, mental, and philosophical aspects of the art, I found that all of the other parts of my life were reinforcing that progress, and being themselves enhanced by my participation with martial arts.

Within another year, I really didn't know how to separate my non-martial arts life and my dedication and steadfast appreciation for what Taekwondo was helping me to accomplish. Namely, a balanced, happy, and healthy life that paid all kinds of dividends to me personally, to my family, and to what I could share back to the community.

And sharing is what I wanted to do.

My son and I had continued to train together as we could over the years, and the first level of sharing I could accomplish was sharing more of my time and enthusiasm with him. Over time, my daughter graduated from the Little Ninjas and as she was about to embark on her colored belt journey, we were all able to convince my wife to start too. There-after, we became a "Taekwondo" family. It brought us together even closer.

As I achieved my first degree black belt and proceeded with training for second, I reflected back on the previous years of training and development. I looked at those goals I kept in front of me, and the paths I had taken.

Of my own physical fitness, I had managed to lose nearly fifty pounds. I was back down to the weight I had been when I had started that long distance career so many years before. My mental frustration and daily stress of my travels and dealing with unpleasant large company issues were gone. They had literally melted away along with my weight. I was able to enjoy much harder work-outs, have a level of stamina, and accomplish new challenges much much more easily than perhaps I could have ever done in the proceeding ten or more years.

Against my goals of being there for my family, I couldn't have been more successful. My initial consulting work turned into a new company I co-founded with a former colleague, and that has gone on to be a successful web design software company. I have the freedom to work from a home office, and the flexibility to be there for my kids and wife. I'm able to go to school functions, chaperone school trips, and be there in times of need.

I have even learned to stay out of my wife's hair and not mess with daily schedules.

Ok, I'm still working on that goal.

I've also achieved some goals I didn't realize I had. I've made life-long friends with the students and instructors I train with. I've stretched to increase my ability to share by learning how to be a Taekwondo instructor. Doing so, not only do I hone my own knowledge and skills, but I get to replicate it to many new practitioners. The simple joy of sharing the fun, the health benefits, personal safety, and the sport of our martial art is hugely rewarding.

I can say without a shred of hyperbole that Taekwondo has been a personal life-saver for me.

I'm not really sure what more Taekwondo could mean beyond that, but I look forward to trying to find out in the coming years.

Black Belt Reflections: Christopher Haupt (part 2)

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:58:14 GMT

[This is Part 2 of Christopher Haupt's essay on the topic of "What Taekwondo Means To Me" which was written as part of the promotion requirements for his second degree in Taekwondo.]

Wow, was I out of shape. I was internally embarrassed that I was out of breath in minutes, and having trouble keeping up with the energy of my six year old!

But, you know what? He loved it! He was thrilled to be doing this with his father, and he was my first, best cheerleader. "Come-on dad!" How can you possibly give up with that support? Of course, the rest of my family, as well as my wonderful classmates of the time and instructors, were just as supportive.

I could literally feel the tension in my forehead, neck, back, and generally across my body just melt away when I went into class. After a few weeks, I noticed I wasn't huffing and puffing quite so much. I was loving learning new ways to stretch and ease my body into those initial techniques and form. After a couple of months, I was finding that it was coming to me easier and easier, and it was at that point I was ready for my first testing.

OK, I admit, the stress, or rather, a kind of stress, emerged at that point. But this stress was different. It was the nervous energy of doing something new, performing in front of others, and worrying a bit about letting myself down. My admittedly analytical, and self-critical personality has always been prone to not caring so much what others think of my public activities, but caring a LOT about how I did against my own internal (and sometimes unrealistic) expectations.

And who would have believed it? That testing went great. It was fun! It made me proud to watch my son perform. It was a happy occasion for what was becoming my larger Auburn Taekwondo family.

If I wasn't hooked before then, I certainly was at that point. I hadn't spent as much quality time on a single activity as I had with my Taekwondo with my son. As a bonus, I had started to "move the dial" on how I felt, at least mentally. Here was something that I could use all of my physical and mental energies on that was so consuming, I was able to forget the outside world's worries for an hour. It was fantastic.

After that, weeks became months, and new techniques were learned, new forms were memorized, and new friends were made. More tests came and went, and I found myself progressing through my colored belts.

Even more critically, I noticed I was shrinking. A trickle of weight loss turned into a steady and regular progression of pounds leaving my body. I wasn't out of breath during class, and I wasn't hurting after long car trips (or, at least not as much...there IS only so much one can take of sitting in a boring multihour car drive with marginal-at-best seats, after all).

[To be concluded in part 3]

Black Belt Reflections: Christopher Haupt (part 1)

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:57:04 GMT

[This is Part 1 of Christopher Haupt's essay on the topic of "What Taekwondo Means To Me" which was written as part of the promotion requirements for his second degree in Taekwondo.]

I was stressed. I found myself on the road yet again. It was just before dawn, and I was on near auto-pilot driving from Auburn to San Jose to get to a 9am meeting at work. I wasn't looking forward to three more days away from home, and really not thrilled to be away and missing the kids' upcoming school activities.

When I rolled to a stop after the 150+ mile trip, I was aching, and finding that both my mental and physical self was in pain. I knew that years of this being my weekly routine were adding up, and not in a good way. Something had to give, and I didn't want it to be me failing my family and myself.

I had stopped working out years earlier, been on very irregular diet due to never being around for normal meals while on the road, and the stress of it all just led to more improper nutrition. Food was the stress reliever, fortunately not the worst of vices, but still, the pounds added up over the years.

Worse, in my mind, was that for the first five to six years of my kids' lives, they really didn't have "dad" around except for what seemed like extended weekends. While to them it was "normal", it wasn't making my wife or I very happy.

So, one day, while visiting my son's Little Ninja's Taekwondo class on a rare week I was around, I came to a conclusion: I need to make a change, and I need to make it NOW.

I decided to give myself an unusual birthday present around my 40th birthday. I arranged a visit to my family doctor for a physical to get a baseline assessment of at least my physical self. It wasn't pretty. Over the years of my travels, I put on nearly 50 pounds, felt I was prematurely aging, and was on the path to more serious physical problems due to being overweight, under-rested, and constantly stressed.

I knew this was coming, but it was still a shock to hear.

"Chris", my doctor said, "it is still possible to avoid all of the issues and complications that could come to you if continue down this path."

I really didn't need another push. I, the guy who was captain of my high school track team, who ran and played competitive racquetball in college, skied, biked, and did long distance backwoods hiking, did not like what I had become.

I wanted to fix this for me, for my wife, and for my kids. I was in it for the long haul.

The doctor's visit really was the proverbial last straw, or perhaps it was the gust of wind that filled my sails, I don't know, but it was around then that I got started.

It helped to set two general plans into motion. First, I was going to get physically active again, in a way that I could also participate in activity that might help me spend more time with my family, and second, I was going to start changing my career path to steer towards more healthy living and less stress, all while supporting and expanding on the first part of the plan (spending more time with the family).

Conveniently, my son was just outgrowing his Little Ninja's class and looking at the next series of classes he could enroll in. I had also been having informal chats with Master Dan Lovas that reinforced my own interests in martial arts. Wouldn't it be cool if my son and I could spend quality time and learn all about Taekwondo together?

I enrolled shortly there-after.

[To be continued in Part 2]

April 2010 Color Belt Testing Scheduled

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:43:31 GMT

It is testing time again and it promises to be an exciting testing with students demonstrating what they have learned in the last cycle.

Testing will be on Friday, April 23rd, 2010. Because of the growth of our Taekwondo program, we will be splitting testing into two sessions.

White through Yellow belts will begin testing at 5:30pm. Camo - Advanced belt levels will start at 7:00pm. There will be a short intermission between sessions to allow testers and spectators to pack-up up their gear and make room for the second session's participants.

You should plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before testing. Seating is very limited.

Testers must wear his or her full white uniform and current belt.

If you have any questions, please see an instructor for further details.

Good luck!

Reflection on Taekwondo and Black Belt Training

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:08:24 GMT

Auburn Martial Arts Center recently conducted its Spring Black Belt Pre-Test to evaluate candidates for Black Belt rank progression and the formal UWTA Black Belt Test on April 17th, 2010.

The Pre-Test is a thorough physical fitness and martial arts training test. Students complete timed one or two mile runs (depending on age), complete speed tests for maximum sit-ups and push-ups in a minute, demonstrate their current rank forms, self-defense techniques, mock sparring, and board breaking skills. It is a tiring, long, and private testing, but ultimately very satisfying. Our students train very hard to prepare for this test, and all came through with excellent results.

Besides the physical part of testing, there is also a reflective, philosophical aspect to testing too. As part of the process, all students are required to write an essay on a variety of topics such as "What does a black belt mean to me" or "What does Taekwondo mean to me". The essay provides a wonderful opportunity to look back at your training, and think about your motivations and goals as you began your martial art training, and to consider where you are going into the future.

Over the coming weeks, we are going to share some of these essays with you to get a peek inside of these motivations, goals, and aspirations of our students. Often, we find sharing these stories to be inspirational to other students, family members, and new potential students who are wondering "what is it all about".

Stay tuned!

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.