Ahn Martial Arts CA Traditional Taekwondo Program

Ahn Martial Arts CA Traditional Taekwondo Program offers training in traditional Taekwondo along with Hapkido, Self Defense, Philippine martial arts, weapons training through the UTA Classic Weapons Program, and Tai Chi. The Traditional Taekwondo Program is described as a comprehensive martial arts journey crafted for individuals aged 3 and above, with a goal of guiding students from white to black belt. The curriculum covers fundamental techniques, forms, sparring, and self-defense in a fun and secure environment, with interactive learning through immersive drills and hands-on practice, and an emphasis on safety where each movement is simplified and slowed down to prevent risk of injury.

• Ages: 3–18 years old

The program focuses on nurturing values such as respect, honor, integrity, self-esteem, self-discipline, confidence, and focus. Its mission is to empower every student with elite self-defense skills while nurturing core values such as respect, honor, integrity, self-esteem, and self-discipline, with a stated commitment to making a positive impact on the world, one Black Belt at a time.

Grandmaster August K. O'neal is President of the Ahn Martial Arts Association CA and received the 9th Dan from Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn in November 2020; he was elected into the United States Grandmaster Society in April 2011. Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn immigrated to the United States in the summer of 1967, awarded the first gup certificates at Ahn’s Taekwondo College in September 1969, and founded the Untied Taekwondo Association Ahn (UTA) in 1971. Grandmaster Randolph Smith, Sr. is the chief instructor for the UTA Classic Weapons Program, holds the rank of 8th Dan in Taekwondo, developed the UTA Weapons program, and has taught weapons for over 30 years. Mr. Benjaminari A. Ampon is Head Instructor for the Taekwondo program, started training at the age of 3 in 1996, received his first Dan Black Belt in 2007, his second Dan in 2015, and is currently a 5th Dan black belt. Mr. Titus Taylor currently holds the rank of 5th Dan in Taekwondo, started training in 1979, received his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1996, 2nd Dan in November 2000, 3rd Dan in April 2012, and 5th Dan in 2023, and is P.O.S.T and STC certified as a Weaponless Defense Instructor, Crime Prevention Specialist, and C.P.T.E.D Practitioner. Mr. Lawrence Chang holds the rank of 3rd Dan in Taekwondo and received his 3rd Dan Black Belt from Grandmaster O’Neal in 2022, after starting training in 1990 and earning his 1st Dan Black Belt in April 2012 and 2nd Dan in April 2016.

The UTA acts as the rank repository for Black Belts and color belts who have tested directly with Grandmaster Ahn or one of his affiliated schools, and its Board of Masters is responsible for promotion testing and curriculum review and development. Mr. Taylor has taught Self Defense Classes for the City of Oakland in association with the Department of Parks and Recreation and has conducted self defense training seminars for corporations, colleges, churches, non-profit organizations and private individuals, including Clorox Corp, Red Cross, Pepsico, Alameda County Adult Protective Service, UCR, University of California Office of the President, EBMUD, Mills College, Holy Names University, and presentations at the annual Progressive Baptist Church State Convention.

Last updated April 23, 2026.