The Center for Martial Arts

The Center for Martial Arts offers Preschool Martial Arts, Kids Martial Arts, Teen Martial Arts, Adult Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, self defense, and other martial arts classes. The program also includes an After School Enrichment Program where students take part in martial arts training. Families are advised that students should wear comfortable clothes suitable for sports and bring a water bottle to classes.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

The Center for Martial Arts has been serving the Encinitas and Carmel Valley communities since 1993 and provides martial arts classes to families from Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, La Costa, and Del Mar. The leadership team includes Mark Pattison and David Lam as Owners and Senior Master Instructors, along with Master Instructors Danielle Page-Pattison, Dwayne Smith, and Cheryl Smith, Instructor Nathan Troeber, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo instructor Paulo Fernando Augusto. Instructors at the school hold advanced Tang Soo Do ranks through the Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan Association, and Paulo Fernando Augusto holds a 6th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlson Gracie Senior and a 6th Degree judo black belt under multiple judo organizations. The mission of The Center for Martial Arts states a dedication to changing lives through martial arts, education, and coaching, with a focus on a welcoming atmosphere for students and family members and a belief that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level.

The Preschool Martial Arts program is described as a blend of building gross motor skills and having fun, preparing children for school and life. The Kids Martial Arts program teaches self defense and life skills like focus, discipline, and respect, and it is described as aiming to improve school performance. The Teen Martial Arts program is described as a tech alternative that gets teens active and engaged and helps them feel confident, and the Adult Martial Arts program emphasizes fitness, fun, and self defense skills as an alternative to other workouts. Parents are encouraged to watch their children in lessons and also have the option to join adult classes.

According to the program, Encinitas and Carmel Valley members have seen improvements in as little as 7 days, and the school describes itself as Encinitas and Carmel Valley’s best martial arts school and offers an exclusive online-only offer. Testimonials describe the instructors and community as engaging for kids, supportive over many years of training, welcoming for newer and younger martial artists, and a place where families and friends share knowledge about martial arts, life, and personal growth. One testimonial specifically recommends Master Pattison’s program and closes with “Tang Soo!”

Last updated April 9, 2026.