About Us
Step into a world of empowerment and self-discovery at UndergrounD Fitness and Self-Defense in Jacksonville, FL. Our Dojo Resources page is your ultimate guide, whether you want to learn off of training videos or master the art of tying your belt. Our dedicated team is here to ensure you have everything you need to thrive in our Montessori dojo. Discover the secrets of our Minja Program, get answers to your burning questions in our FAQ section, and explore the stripe systems. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please call your instructors at (904) 704-7888!
Master Christopher Williams
Age: 42
Martial arts practiced: Tkd, Jujitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Krav Maga.
Goals: To build a Martial arts family in person and online. Instilling confidence, discipline, and self-control to our students. Self-defence, awareness and fitness come from dedicated training.
Lets get started!
Master Benjamin LaMasters
FOUNDING RANK: 4TH DAN, est 1991
SPECIALTY: WEAPONS, FORMS
Started training in 1991 at 5 years old, Master LaMasters has always had a passion for sharing and teaching others. Raised in a dojo where teaching was a mandatory part of earning your black belt, he has been teaching since age 12, when he earned his first degree black belt in the traditional Korean art of Tang Soo Do. Continuing to train, he earned his 2nd and 3rd degree black belt in the same school.
During his career, he has been national champion several times in both forms and sparring, as well as breaking and choreography divisions. In 2009, he joined a Tae Kwon Do organization and helped to expand it from 1 to 4 locations. During that time he expanded his areas of martial study to include other arts including Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, boxing/kickboxing, Judo, Jiujitsu, Tai Chi and various forms of weaponry such as sword, nunchaku, sai, escrima and bo staff.
Story of The UndergrounD
Innovating a New Frontier of Martial Arts for the Modern World
UndergrounD Fitness and Self Defense is a testament to traditional martial arts training and perseverance. The founding members have been martial artists their entire lives but hadn’t dreamed of running a school ourselves.
Faced with the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, while the world turned inward, we chose to expand beyond our limits. Embracing the new era of virtual learning, we transformed a humble garage into a dojo, continuing our practice through quarantine and fostering a community bound by the spirit of martial arts.
There have been many challenges throughout our growth since then, but with the integrated support of the instructors, owners, families and students; we have been able to persevere and prosper. Throughout these events our character and grit have been tested, and we are proud to continue to preserve historical martial traditions while using innovative curriculum to provide a unique training opportunity for anyone, anywhere!
We look forward to training with you and your family and friends. Together, we can build a better world by strengthening our minds, bodies and characters. Best wishes on you own journey!
-The UndegrounD Team
Value of the UndergrounD
Always ready to learn and teach something new
Our Logo
Our logo is based on the philosophy of the Yin Yang, which represents a world of opposites. It explores the concept that we strive for balance, realizing there are elements of each section present in every situation. In order to be whole, we must train all 3 areas. The areas we focus on are the mind, body, and character, with the SELF as the union of all three influences combined. The UndergrounD Eyes represent your intensity and unlimited potential through training.
FAQs
Yes, but it is ok to change here if you need to when you arrive. Make sure you have your gear and training equipment needed for class. That is your responsibility.
Our flexible schedule allows you to train in extra classes to make up your absence, or we can extend your training program to include the time you were away. The best time to come back… is anytime!
You will not be allowed to participate in sparring without gear, and we may allow you to borrow weapons or equipment temporarily on a case-to-case basis. If you FORGET YOUR BELT, don't worry! You are not in trouble, but you should line up in the back as the lowest rank to show humility.
Sparring is the closest thing to an actual self-defense situation, and fatigue, soreness, and mild bruising may occur in higher levels of training. It is important to always follow directions and wear the proper gear to reduce this risk.
Yes! Different options are available. Speak to your instructor or contact us to get a recommendation for the best option for your families’ needs.
- Attention – Charyut (“Chari-yut”)
- Begin or Start – Sijak
- Bow – Kyungnet
- Continue – Kaesok
- Return – Baro (“Baa-row)
- Ready – Joon Bi
- Meditation—Mukkyum
- Block – Maggi or Makgi
- High Block – Nopunde Maggi
- Inside Block – An Maggi
- Low Block – Najunde Maggi
- Outside Block – Bakat Maggi
- Foot—Baal
- Hand—Suhn
- Kick – Chagi (“Cha-gee”)
- Punch/Strike – Chigi
- Yell – Kihap (“Kee-yahp”)
- Forms – Poomse
- Sparring – Keyrugi
- Weapons—Mukisool
- Self-Defense – Hosinsool
- Instructor – Sabomnim (“Sah-bum-nim”)
- Uniform – Dobok
- Thank you – Kamsa Hamnae Da (“Kamsa-ham-ni-da”)
- School/Studio – Dojang
- Stance – Sogi
- AT EASE– Feet apart, hands behind back, rest position
- ATTENTION– Feet together, hands at sides
- BOW– Feet together, hands at sides, look down
- KICKING STANCE– One foot back, hands up, loud yell
- READY STANCE– Stand straight, arms out, tight fists
- ONE KNEE– Right knee down, hands-on knee
- MEDITATION POSE– On knees, hands-on-hips
- RETURN– Stand up to attention position
- ABOUT FACE– Step behind, turn to the back, at attention
- ABOUT FACE– Turn to the back, at attention
How to Tie Your Belt
Your belt represents your journey in the martial arts. The belt you wear around your WAIST is only cloth. There is another belt that you wear around your HEART. This belt is your ATTITUDE.
Long ago, martial arts only had one level and one belt. It was white because the people who first created and studied martial arts were peasants and farmers. They did not have access to colored dyes, so skill was recognized by the blackening of the white belt over time. This was due to sweat, dirt and sometimes even blood! The BLACK BELT became the pinnacle achievement in martial arts because it took life long dedication to turn your white belt into a BLACK BELT. We honor the tradition of the BLACK BELT by…
NEVER WASHING OUR BELTS!
