Fifth-degree black belt brings new style to Gilroy with American
Self Defense Academy.
GILROY – When Mark Daniels became the only American to achieve fifth-degree black belt status in Kuk Sul in August of 1999, the 44-year old San Martin resident’s 24-year quest was complete.
For several years after, Daniels continued to train others in the Korean martial art until it was time for a break. The Kuk Sul master decided to take a sabbatical seven months ago away from the art that had encompassed his life for more than two decades.
“It’s a path to follow through your entire life,” Daniels said. “It’s a big commitment to get to that point… I was deciding what to do with it.”
Married with four children, Daniels escaped his three- to four-day per week training schedule and focused on his family life. Daniels – who retired from the Kuk Sul organization – soon found the answer. Three of his students approached him with the idea of starting their own martial arts studio.
“It was an exciting thing for all of us,” said Daniels, who in November opened the American Self Defense Academy (ASDA) on Monterey Road in Gilroy along with three of his pupils. “I love it. Martial Arts has been such a stabilizing influence in my life for all these years. It’s a path that keeps you focused and determined. It helps in all aspects of life.”
Along with fellow instructors Rich Baker, of Gilroy, Mike Okamura, of South San Jose, and John Villarruel, of Salinas, the Kuk Sul master designed a new hybrid martial art based on all the different influences in his life.
Daniels started boxing at a young age with his father – who was an officer and Gold Gloves champ in the United States Marine Corps. The father and son then ventured into Judo. In high school, Daniels focused on wrestling and then enrolled with his father in a college Kung Fu class.
“That was my first real taste of martial arts,” Daniels said. “From that point forward, I was just hooked.”
Daniels also trained in brief stints with Tae Kwon Do and Kempo before finding Kuk Sul. So when he decided to open the Gilroy studio, Daniels tried to incorporate all he had learned from Judo, Jujitsu, American boxing, hand-to-hand combat, Brazilian style and Korean style. Thus, the American Self Defense Academy was born.
“Our style is focused towards fighting any and all styles, sizes, and abilities,” said Baker, a first degree black belt. “A well-rounded student will be able to fight a big guy, an armed person, a person with a wrestling background, a person with a boxing background, Tae Kwon Do, or Judo.”
According to Baker, the ASDA is a modern day self defense style relying on aggressive countermoves. The emphasis is on joint locks, wrist locks, pressure points and throwing, along with kicking and punching. Only opened for more than a month, ASDA has 14 students – who can come in for sessions as much or as little as they desire.
“You can come everyday or one or two times, whatever works for you. It’s an open schedule,” said Baker, whose ASDA studio is open Mondays through Thursdays and Saturday mornings with open enrollment for all ages. To sign up for ASDA, call 847-7780 or just stop in at 7822 Monterey Street (at Second Street) in Gilroy.
“It gets in your blood. After training for a period, you can’t stop,” Baker said. “It’s one of the best things as you get older. You’re still getting the cardio workout but there are other benefits that come along with it like self defense, balance, focus, speed and strength.”
ASDA wants to expand its services next year with a cardio kickboxing specialist and afterschool programs with local schools. In the spring, the class will perform outdoor exhibitions in front of the studio.
“It instills confidence, focus and coordination to students of any ages from kids to senior citizens,” Daniels said. “We’re giving them the tools to use at their disposal to better themselves. That is a very rewarding feeling.”
