About us · Est. 1998

Simi Valley's family Taekwondo school since 1998

American Martial Arts Academy has served Simi Valley since 1998. We're led by Master Derrick Kwak, Founder and Director: Kukkiwon 6th Dan, WT International Referee and AAU Regional Director for California and Nevada.

A message from our director

Welcome to AMAA

Master Derrick Kwak
Founder & Director · Kukkiwon 6th Dan
AAU Regional Director (California/Nevada)
AAU Elite Coach (2020, 2024)
California State Team Coach (2010, 2016, 2026)
WT International Referee
Master Derrick Kwak, founder and director of American Martial Arts Academy

Established in 1998, the mission of American Martial Arts Academy is to develop exceptional individuals and promote a culture of excellence in a safe and enjoyable environment.

We believe martial arts can help us become more focused, disciplined, confident, and better prepared to handle the challenges of modern life. Everyone who walks through our doors will be treated with respect and courtesy, and my staff and I will do our very best to guide each student toward reaching their full potential.

Our core style is Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art and Olympic sport. Its emphasis on kicking helps develop flexibility, agility, coordination, core stability, and overall fitness. We also incorporate Judo takedowns and Jiu-Jitsu ground-fighting techniques to develop more well-rounded martial artists.

While maintaining a strong foundation in traditional martial arts, we also embrace modern sports science and competitive training. Our nationally recognized competition team, Modern Day Knights, has consistently produced AAU and USA Taekwondo National Team members since 2008.

Our goal is to develop strong, confident, and capable black belts with a solid moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation.

Our mission

Three commitments to every AMAA family

Everything we do at American Martial Arts Academy in Simi Valley, from a white belt's first class to our national team, comes back to these three promises.

Biblical principles

We practice biblical principles in how we train, how we teach, how we care for our students and families, and how we run our school.

Quality instruction

We teach traditional Taekwondo in a systematic, proven way. Our instructors are dedicated professionals who work hard to bring out the best in every student. Quality training comes first, always.

A positive lifestyle

We teach students to discipline mind, body and spirit, and to grow into courageous, honorable, successful and responsible citizens. The greatest power in life is discipline.

Our logo & philosophy

Two kicks, one flame

Our logo is two people kicking high, one in red and one in blue, that also reads as a flame: the flame of passion. Passion drives every great idea, cause and organization, and we're passionate about martial arts and what it gives every student. That passion is guided by our mission. We invite you to be part of this journey.

Pursuit

High kicking stands for the pursuit of excellence in body, mind and spirit, which takes diligent, disciplined preparation.

Power

Repeated success builds real power. Harnessed with compassion, it's used to help others rather than look down on them.

Purpose

The courage to compete and thrive, with success that comes from collaboration, not ego. Discipline is the foundation.

Our mission

What we're committed to

Christian principles
Practicing biblical principles in our training, teaching and relationships with students.
Quality instruction
Traditional martial arts taught in a systematic, scientific way by professional instructors and coaches.
Positive lifestyle
Disciplining mind, body and spirit to produce courageous, honorable and responsible citizens.
Affiliations

Recognized & certified

Kukkiwon
World Taekwondo
USA Taekwondo (USAT)
AAU
Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce
Academy tenets
Loyalty
Respect
Self-Control
Responsibility
Humility

Try a class on us

Pick a time that works. No uniform needed for the first class.

Book a Free Class