Master Austin is a 6th Dan (Black Belt) with more than 30 years of training in Taekwondo and Hapkido under 9th Dan Grand Master D.K. Shin.  After working as a private investigator and in private security for many years, Austin joined the CYC in 2004.  He has been teaching martial arts to students of all levels and ages for several years.  The traditional manner of training places great emphasis on ethical conduct, honesty and respect for others.  These values are the foundation of which all other aspects of martial arts are built and are what Master Austin teaches on a daily basis at CYC.

“I think of the CYC like a garden, and myself like a gardener,” Master Austin said. “In a garden you have different plants, with different needs, so if a plant needs a lot of sun you have to plant it in a sunny area. Other plants wither with too much sun, so you have to plant it in the shade. Kids have different needs, and you have to talk to them and teach them according to their nature. Also, in a garden, different plants have value of different kinds. Some produce healthy vegetables, others give shade, others produce beautiful flowers and scents. Kids also have different natural talents, and I try to make the Taekwondo program broad enough so they can all find a way to develop themselves fully, as unique individuals.”