The Center for Martial Arts

The Center for Martial Arts offers Preschool Martial Arts, Kids Martial Arts, Teen Martial Arts, and Adult Martial Arts, along with self defense, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Judo. The program includes a Preschool Martial Arts option described as a blend of building gross motor skills and having fun, and preparing children for school and life. It also includes Kids, Teen, and Adult Martial Arts programs that incorporate self defense and are described as alternatives to other activities or workouts.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

The Center for Martial Arts has been serving the Encinitas community since 1993 and provides martial arts classes to families from Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, La Costa, and Del Mar. The leadership and teaching team includes Mark Pattison (Owner / Senior Master Instructor, Tang Soo Do rank history including 7th Dan, Tactical Master Instructor – CDT Personal Protection Training – 2002) and David Lam (Owner / Senior Master Instructor, 4th Dan, Sa Bom or Master). Additional staff members include Danielle Page-Pattison (Master Instructor, 5th Dan, Sa Bom or Master), Dwayne Smith (Master Instructor, 4th Dan, Sa Bom or Master), Cheryl Smith (Master Instructor, 4th Dan, Sa Bom or Master), and Nathan Troeber (Instructor, 3rd Dan, Instructor). Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo are taught by Paulo Fernando Augusto, who is a 6th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlson Gracie Senior, IBJJF, FPJJ and a 6th Degree Judo black belt under IJF International Judo Federation, USA Judo, and USJA Judo, and who graduated in International Business at São Paulo State University in 1993 with a full scholarship in judo.

The Center for Martial Arts states that it has been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time through martial arts, education, and coaching, and that it strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for students and family members. The program description states that it takes pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals, and that it believes martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. The program description also states that throughout all programs, students learn skill sets to protect themselves and that the school stands behind a realistic and practical approach. One testimonial notes that children “enjoy it & have learned forms & self-defense, but their training has also expanded on the life lessons of tradition, respect, leadership & self control.” Another testimonial states that children have been training with Master Pattison since preschool and describes him as “the mentor and the friend that you wish you had growing up.” A separate testimonial describes The Center for Martial Arts as “Encinitas’ Best Martial Arts school” and another describes it as “a welcoming system for newer / younger martial artists” and “a great place to train for experienced adult martial artists.” One parent comment says it is “wonderful to see them getting their energy out, while learning respect and getting lots of encouragement from the staff.” Another testimonial highlights Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction, stating that “Sensei Paulo and Sensei Adam go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.” The program advises families to have participants wear comfortable clothes suitable for sports and to bring a water bottle to classes.

Last updated July 8, 2026.