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Austin Karate Academy proudly serving Austin since 2006
Austin Karate Academy has classes in Austin, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Master Dave Mukherjee
BIOGRAPHY
5th DAN International Master Instructor
Master Dave Mukherjee is the Owner and Head Instructor of the Austin Karate Academy. Master Mukherjee has a life-long fascination with Martial Arts and began his Karate training when he was 12 years old. Currently, he holds a 5th Degree Black Belt Master as well as Instructor’s Certification from the World Tang Soo Do Association. Master Mukherjee is a strong proponent of using Martial Arts training to develop a Better Person. He believes that training in Karate can play an important role in Mental and Physical development – it provides a boost to Self-Confidence, Mental Discipline, and refinement of Motor Skills. His main philosophy is to provide an environment where students are surrounded by a family environment where they can develop Mind, Body, and Spirit through training in Karate. He believes in empowering individuals, couple and families to reach their fullest potential and become better citizens in their communities.
Over the years Master Mukherjee studied different Martial Arts like Kyokushin-Kai Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, and Tang Soo Do. He is also an Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified Kickboxing Instructor. Master Mukherjee competed and won awards in numerous Regional and World Championships.
Interesting facts about Master Mukherjee
– Over 30 years practicing and instructing Martial Arts
– Specialize in Open Hand, Kicking Techniques, Sparring Drills, Self-Defense skills, and Weapons
– 2007 and 2014 Regional Instructor of the Year
– 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Regional Black Belt Grand Champion
– Holds a Master Degree in Computer Science, and works as an IT professional in one of the World’s largest retail company. He thrives in his high demanding work and at the same time maintains a high quality Martial Arts training environment at the academy.
Mr. Alejandro Cardenas
BIOGRAPHY
3rd DAN Certified Instructor
Mr. Alejandro Cardenas has been training for over 10 years, and teaching over 5 years. He is a 3rd Degree Black Belt with World Tang Soo Do Association, and also a certified Instructor. He specializes in open hand techniques both kicks and punches, weapons like long/short sticks, Nunchuks, Swords, Breaking as well as Self-Defense techniques.
Mr. Cardenas pays close attention to what each student does and is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. He is a great motivator, he helps students maintain their interest while at the same time helping them overcome their individual weaknesses. He always corrects the students techniques not only by getting them in the correct position/form, but by also explaining how and why it should be done that way. He knows what their understanding level is as well as their functional level. Mr. Cardenas always leads by example, and our students simply adore him!
Ms. Tracey Ruhlman
BIOGRAPHY
3rd DAN Certified Instructor
A native of Nova Scotia, Canada and long time resident of New Orleans, LA, Dr. Ruhlman settled in Austin in 2009 after completing her doctorate in Biomedical Sciences. Although a life long athlete, Dr. Ruhlman came to Austin Karate Academy with no Martial Arts experience. Joining AKA in 2012 at the age of 43, she discovered a passion that has become a central focus of her life: Training in Tang Soo Do and sharing her experience with our students. Outside of teaching and training, she is a Research Scientist at the University of Texas at Austin, and enjoys travel, cooking, live music, hiking and spending time with her husband and teenage son.
Mr. Robert Harrington
BIOGRAPHY
2nd DAN Certified Instructor
Mr. Robert Harrington began his Tang Soo Do career with World Tang Soo Do Association in South Carolina at the age of 13 influenced by another father/son Blue Belt family who moved across from his street. Mr. Harrington was his instructor’s first student and earned his Black Belt at the age of 15, and his 2nd Degree Black Belt at the age of 17. During his High School days, he was an Assistant Instructor in his Karate school and also teaching after school programs in local elementary schools as well as teaching evening classes at the local college. He continued his training and instructing throughout college, but after graduating a career in Biology took precedence. What was supposed to be a short hiatus became a 25 years break. Upon moving to Austin in 2021, he decided to search out a World Tang Soo Do Association school and found his new home at the Austin Karate Academy.
Mr. Ed Bailey
BIOGRAPHY
2nd DAN Certified Instructor
Mr. Ed Bailey is a dedicated Instructor at the Austin Karate Academy. He always pays attention to details, and works with students constantly to perfect their Martial Arts techniques. Mr. Bailey is also a highly successful leader in American Corporate world.
Mr. Vijay Joglekar
BIOGRAPHY
2nd DAN Certified Instructor
Mr. Vijay Joglekar was born in India but moved to the US for his graduate studies. He then joined IBM in Austin 32 years ago and has been here since then. He left IBM in 2008 to run a startup in Austin. Following that, he joined Hewlett Packard Enterprise in 2011 as a Business Development Executive. He is also a lecturer in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas here in Austin.
Vijay started karate with his son back in 2010. He enjoys teaching karate. His other hobbies include working on his 737-800/900 flight simulator and robotics.
Instructor Trainee
BIOGRAPHY
Certified Instructor Trainees
We have a group of Certified Instructor Trainees and Junior Black Belts who do an awesome job in assisting classes.