Graf's ATA Martial Arts Academy l Austin, Texas

Graf's Martial Arts Academy of Austin - About Us

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In brief, the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) is the premier North American organization dedicated to the martial arts discipline of taekwondo, and is the founding organization of other international affiliates that include the World Traditional Taekwondo Union (WTTU) and the Songahm. Worldwide, our organizations have over 1,500 independently owned and operated licensed schools and clubs, and close to 300,000 members.

Our specialty is in the area known as Songahm Taekwondo, a style specifically developed over 20 years' time by Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee to make it accessible to anyone willing to learn, and to truly reflect Taekwondo and the strength and beauty of its kicking techniques.

The American Taekwondo Association nationally certifies all instructors. All Certified Instructors must completed a minimum of 300 hours of supervised assistant instruction and pass a national certification, demonstrating mastery in their curriculum and teaching skills. The ATA is the only martial arts school in Austin that performs background checks on all of it's Certified Instructors.What this means to you is that all Black Collar instructors are highly trained and approved by a panel of regional Masters who are trained by the Grand Master resulting in the highest quality instruction.

Our Instructors

Ms. Graf on the Great Wall of China Ms.Graf, Owner, Chief Instructor Julie Graf is a sixth-degree black belt with over 20 years of martial arts experience and over 17 years of experience teaching Taekwondo. She is an internationally-certified Songahm Taekwondo and Protech Weapons Instructor. Ms. Graf has won the esteemed title of ATA World Champion 9 times and is also a National Weapons Champion.
In 2008 Ms. Graf was accepted into the ATA Master Candidate program which involves several different challenges. While there always is a mental aspect to learning and practicing Taekwondo, the candidates also participate in intense activities geared toward their development before earning the title of ATA Master.

Ms. Graf has run Taekwondo schools and clubs in Austin, Texas since 1997. She received her Masters Degree in English Lterature from the University of Texas in 1994.

No Photo Mr. Clauson, School Manager, Certified Instructor. Kim Clauson is a third-degree black belt with over 20 years of martial arts experience. He is an internationally-certified Songahm Teakwondo and Protech weapons instructor. Mr. Clauson is also a 2002 Texas State Champion. he earned his bachelors degree in social work in 1991.