Out of the more than 350 students at United Academy of Martial
Arts, almost 200 have earned their Black Belts
Morgan Hill – The United Academy of Martial Arts (UAMA) is dedicated to developing each of their students as a whole person, not just their physical skills. It is also a place where many Morgan Hill families go to train their mind, bodies and souls.
Mike Clampitt, owner and operator of UAMA, opened the family-run studio on Depot Street in Morgan Hill in 1992. He holds a Black Belt in Kwan Bup and Kang Duk Won, as well as a 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Clampitt, who is clearly involved with the well-being of each of his students obviously enjoys his work through the academy and also holds an instructor certification in reactive knife and pressure sensitive nerve areas.
“We’re a black belt school. My whole focus is to develop people physically, emotionally and mentally to get to that point (earning a black belt),” explained Clampitt.
Clampitt, who taught college prep English at Live Oak for 24 years, has been training in martial arts since he was 5 years old and his family was stationed in Taiwan. A self-professed military brat, Clampitt said it was the discipline that drew him to studying martial arts and he discovered Tae Kwon Do when he was attending UC Berkeley.
” I like Tae Kwon Do because it’s a holistic art. It uses both the hands and the feet,” said Clampitt. “It is probably my favorite art form.”
According to Clampitt, his training in martial arts helped him earn four degrees, including a master’s degree in Education from the University of San Francisco.
“I’m a good student, not a great student, but what got me through is the discipline and knowing I would complete my task,” said Clampitt.
Along with his wife, Nancy and two daughters, who are all Black Belts as well, Clampitt has offered various classes to help fit the individual needs of each students at the academy. The school teaches students of all ages, the youngest being the super juniors for ages 4-6.
“A lot of my instructors started as super juniors,” said Clampitt. “All of them (instructors) trained here. It helps keep the flow and I know them. It really helps to know the people you are putting in front of young people.”
Each instructor at the UAMA participates in the school’s Leadership College, in which they become certified and get a degree. According to Clampitt the instructors are personally selected for their skill and achievements in martial arts, as well as their ability to pass along their knowledge and understanding to students of all levels, ages and backgrounds. Especially because many classes have a mix of ages, levels and backgrounds.
“We have a reading program and academic excellence program,” said Clampitt. “Things like that really make a difference for the community. We want these kids to have respect for the community.”
Each student is required to maintain honor student status and must have their teachers sign a code of conduct agreement. If a student doesn’t get the agreement signed, the may not participate in classes at the academy for six months.
“I really do think it helps society to teach these kids to cross age lines. This is a unique environment, almost like a family center. We have a ton of families training here.”
For more information on the academy and class schedules visit www.uama.com.
