about us

History of Baker's Martial Arts:

After receiving his Black Belt, Mr. Baker began teaching in 1973 at the Young Adult Project ("the YAP") in Berkeley CA, a Model Cities program for inner city youth. Classes were held 3 days each week, lasting from 4 to 8 PM and few excuses were accepted for missing a single class! The class members were mostly very healthy and athletically talented youth with an occasional younger child and older adult (who struggled along to keep up!). Mr. Baker taught at the YAP for seven years and by June 1980, had promoted 13 students to Black Belt. He opened his studio, Baker's Martial Arts Cultural Center, in 1980 in a storefront in Berkeley. He quickly came to realize that classes should not be 4 hours long, that there are important reasons that students may miss classes, and that individuals have very different learning styles and different needs.

Baker's Martial Arts was a fixture in the Berkeley community for 18 years until it moved to this Oakland location in 1998.

History of Tae Kwon Do:

The origins of Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, are controversial. Some authorities believe that this martial art style dates back hundreds or even thousands of years, and others believe that Tae Kwon Do became distinct from its Japanese roots relatively recently.

Regardless, the techniques and tenets of Tae Kwon Do have evolved over time, and Tae Kwon Do has emerged as one of the most popular and practiced martial arts in the world. Tae Kwon Do was first introduced in the United States in the middle of the last century. It enjoyed its premiere as an Olympic sport at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

Tae Kwon Do is often translated as the art of punching and kicking. Literally, Tae can be translated as foot, Kwon as hand or fist and Do as art or way of life.

Philosophy:

Not just for masters anymore...

The goal of Baker's Martial Arts is to teach you the graceful, powerful and practical art of Tae Kwon Do in a friendly, down-to-earth and family-oriented environment. We don't believe that the militaristic master-is-all, student-is-grasshopper model is the best way to get this teaching (or learning) done. There are no master-sized egos in residence, just master teachers who want to help you learn as effectively and comfortably as possible. We believe that whether you're in shape, out of shape, woman, man or child, it's our job to make you feel welcomed and valued. Tae Kwon Do at Baker's isn't about hierarchy, it's about inclusiveness. It teaches that the true way to achieve and grow is when the mind, body and spirit are working together.

This intricate art form is interpreted differently by everyone who practices. On the most basic level, it is a mode of self-defense and physical fitness. But for those who dedicate themselves to the art, it is artistic expression through movement, an exciting life activity and an avenue to gain physical, mental and spiritual focus and fitness in their lives. Practicing Tae Kwon Do is a means to developing self-discipline and self-respect that can be applied to all aspects of your life. Your Tae Kwon Do training and its ability to enrich your life are only limited by your commitment and imagination.

Kids love learning Tae Kwon Do. They get to jump, roll, kick, shout and spar. Parents love bringing their children to Baker's because they can observe our experienced teachers offering their children so much more - character and confidence building; physical fitness; safety awareness; interaction with kids from diverse backgrounds; leadership; self discipline. Children learn how to focus and keep on task.

Student Creed:

• As a Member of Baker's Martial Arts
• I will strive to build true Confidence through
• Knowledge in the mind
• Honesty in the heart &
• Strength in the body.

To keep Friendship with one another and to build a Strong and Happy Community.

Never fight to achieve selfish ends But to develop Might for Right.

Students are expected to learn the Baker's Martial Arts Student Creed (credit to Jhoon Rhee, the "father of American Tae Kwon Do", who developed this creed). Students may be asked to recite the student creed at promotions and discuss its relationship to their martial arts training.

Located in Oakland, California, Bakers Martial Arts offers Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, Self Defense, Fitness Training and Escrima in a safe and fun environment.