Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy

Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy offers Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, self-defense, and grappling. The Tae Kwon Do program focuses on developing strength, flexibility, and coordination, and highlights dynamic kicking and aerial tricks that showcase agility and creativity. The Jiu Jitsu program emphasizes technique and strategy, with a focus on self-defense and grappling, and students learn how to control opponents through leverage and technique.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy offers Tae Kwon Do classes for children, teens, women, men, and a Little Dragons Tae Kwon Do group, with Tae Kwon Do classes available for ages 4 and up. Jiu Jitsu classes are offered for teens, women, and men, with Jiu Jitsu available for ages 8 and up, and Jiu Jitsu classes foster a supportive environment that encourages students to challenge themselves while building confidence and camaraderie. The academy has a team of exceptional instructors who have devoted their lives to sharing their knowledge and love of martial arts, and it invites people to be part of its community and unlock their potential.

Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy was founded in 1988 and has been serving and teaching the community since 1988. The school started in a 1,700 square foot facility and maintains an environment that encourages self improvement, perseverance, and discipline, along with a supportive and generally welcoming environment that parents have described as a happy environment. Its mission is to use martial arts as a way to bring people together in order to enrich their lives physically, mentally, and spiritually, and to have students receive fun and challenging classes while making strides toward their individual goals.

The founder, Kwan Jang Nim Teri Lee, is described by Kyoshi F. DePalma as a leader in the martial arts for both women and men, a great instructor who has turned out some of the best black belts around, and a great leader of instructors. In 2014, her oldest son, Jian Lee, who graduated from college, decided to teach alongside her. A long-time adult student, Kathleen M, reports attending the academy for 7 years, achieving a 3rd degree black belt, and credits the excellent instructors, support of fellow students, and the welcoming environment of the school. Another parent, E.K., reports that a child has been practicing at the academy for about 10 years and describes the leading team and instructors as best in class and professional, and Huzan S describes an amazing team of teachers who are always encouraging and positive, with kids who love coming and do well in this happy environment.

Last updated March 23, 2026.