IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers THINKING BIG—Derrick Kwak stands inside the 26,000-square-foot future home of his American Martial Arts Academy, which in 10 years has grown from 30 students to more than 300. Founded 10 years ago by Simi resident Derrick Kwak, the American Martial Arts Academy had humble beginnings.

First housed in a small studio on Kuehner Drive, the school had a roster of just 30 students. Four years later, the studio moved to its current location—a 9,000-square-foot facility at 59 Tierra Rejada Road, next to the old Kmart.

Now, with more than 300 martial arts students and another 100 kids in the academy's after-school program, AMAA has grown to become one of the largest martial arts schools in Ventura County, and perhaps the state. But the success has turned the studio into a "madhouse," Kwak said. "It was getting really crowded."

Due to its burgeoning membership, the academy is gearing up for another move, to a space that at 26,000 square feet is nearly triple the size of the current facility.

Kwak is optimistic that the academy will have no problem filling the large facility at 1313 E. Los Angeles Ave., formerly occupied by Bally Total Fitness.

"We want to become a resource for our community," Kwak said, "to develop high-level taekwondo athletes in this region."

The academy is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, April 25, to introduce residents to AMAA's new home. There will be facility tours, martial arts demonstrations, food, live music and activities for kids.

The grandopening ribboncutting is scheduled for Sat., May 2.

At the heart of the new facility is a 5,000-square-foot main training floor with bleacher seating for parents and spectators to watch classes and competitions. Next door is a smaller grappling and private training room.

The center will also feature a pro shop and a "hotel-like" lobby, with couches, Wi-Fi, TVs and a cafe/juice bar.

The academy specializes in taekwondo, a Korean martial art and Olympic sport that Kwak described as being "highly scientific, systematic and very dynamic." The 38yearold sixthdegree black belt has been studying taekwondo all his life and has been teaching martial arts for 16 years.

AMAA's team of instructors also teach jiu-jitsu, judo and hapkido, and kendo, or swordfighting, will be added to the class schedule at the new facility.

For his female students, Kwak hopes to hire a dance instructor to teach dance and tumbling classes.

While the academy began as a typical martial arts school, it has evolved into a comprehensive academic training and cultural center, Kwak said. As such, the facility also features a learning center, primarily for its afterschool program. The academy picks up students at schools throughout Simi and Moorpark and also offers summer day care.

The learning center includes 15 classrooms for all different grade levels. Each room will be staffed with a counselor—a local college student—who will provide supervision, homework help and private instruction. The student-to-staff ratio will not exceed 12 to 1, Kwak said.

There will also be a music room for piano, drum and guitar lessons.

After completing their classes and homework, students can play handball on the outdoor playground or use the recreation room that will include foosball and ping-pong tables, a computer room and video games.

Kwak said he plans to hire more credentialed teachers to provide SAT prep to junior high and high school students as well as language classes.

As an after-school program, Kwak said, the martial arts traditions and the focus on oldfashioned values sets the center apart.

"One thing that will separate us from other centers is our culture of discipline and respect," he said. "We enforce those traditional values."

All members practice martial arts, which Kwak believes helps students focus and perform better in school. He said students are encouraged to work hard and be courteous both on and off the mat, and the academy's goal is to develop good athletes and good citizens.

"(Parents) like that their children are growing up in an environment of discipline, order and respect," Kwak said. "That's a part of our martial arts heritage."

For more information, visit www.amaa-simivalley.com or call (805) 527-5508.