Gigi Gil, one of Modern Day Knight's top athletes, has her own profile page on the USA Taekwondo website. USA Taekwondo is a component to the United States Olympic Committee and is the organization that manages tournaments, T.K.D. schools, and the USA Taekwondo Olympic Team.  Gigi is on the fast track to becoming one of USA's top Taekwondo athletes. Click Here for More...

Gil makes taekwondo junior team

Oxnard’s Giuliana Gil, winner of five straight Junior National championships, has been named to the United States Junior National Taekwondo Team.

“She will be the youngest (13 years old) Junior National team member to represent the U.S. when she goes to the Pan Am Games in El Salvadaor Nov. 22,” said Derrick Kwak, owner and head master of American Martials Arts Academy in Simi Valley. Click Here for More...

Kick-Starting her career

Giuliana Gil is polite and respectful.

When the 13-year-old steps on a mat to compete in taekwondo, she takes down her opponent with the ferocity of a charging rhinoceros and the agility of a mongoose.

“She completely stands out,” said Derrick Kwak, director of the American Martial Arts Academy in Simi Valley where Gil trains. Click Here for More...

 Simi martial arts school becomes largest in state

When Derrick and Konnie Kwak opened their first martial arts studio in Simi Valley 10 years ago in a little-known shopping center off Kuehner Drive, they didn’t have much of a game plan, maxed out their five credit cards and put their dream on the line.

Five years later, the couple moved the American Martial Arts Academy into a 9,000-square-foot facility on Los Angeles Avenue near Madera Road in Simi. They expanded their program to include after-school care and academic enrichment in addition to remaining true to the traditional values of tae kwon do that Derrick learned while growing up in Korea. Click Here for More...

 From 2000 To 25,000 Square Feet

On May 2nd, 2009, American Martial Arts Academy (AMAA, CEO Master Derrick Kwak) held a grand opening ceremony for their newly acquired facility in Simi Valley.

AMAA's new school is 25,000 square feet which used to be Bally's Total Fitness Gym. The size of the school puts AMAA in top 5 biggest schools in the United States. The new facility has more than 8 classrooms for their after school program, computer labs, piano room, play room, and recreation area for birthday parties and special events. Click Here for More...

 Martial arts studio gets major legroom

Founded 10 years ago by Simi resident Derrick Kwak, the American Martial Arts Academy had humble beginnings.

First housed in a small studio on Kuehner Drive, the school had a roster of just 30 students. Four years later, the studio moved to its current location—a 9,000-square-foot facility at 59 Tierra Rejada Road, next to the old Kmart.
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