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Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

Activities for Adults & Teens

Yongmudo? What is Yongmudo?

Preparing To Join

Ready To Join

One more thing...

 

    About Us

 
What is the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program?
The Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation offering a unique, established training program (since 2001) that enriches lives by providing a dynamic and modern curriculum for taekwondo and yongmudo in a safe, fun learning environment to the residents of Mount Shasta and surrounding communities in Siskiyou County, California.

Participants learn really cool, valuable skills in a state-of-the-art training center. Children excel within our supportive environment: positive attitude and respectful behavior are priorities. Adults and teens enjoy great workouts developing powerful and effective techniques and self-defense strategies.

MSMAP works with local schools and community organizations helping to develop skills for success including Mount Shasta Elementary, Castle Rock Elementary, Sisson Middle, Golden Eagle Charter (MSMAP is an official vendor for GECS), Shady Creek Pre-School, Dunsmuir Community Center, Mount Shasta Recreation & Parks District, and Upward Bound (a national high-school program).
Go to: Our Vision for a Better Community
Go to: What is Taekwondo?
Go to: What is Yongmudo?
Go to: Children and Martial Arts
Go to: Choices for Adults
Go to: What makes MSMAP a “non-profit”?

 
Who are the instructors?
Master Chuck Buhs is the head instructor and Dr. Peter Halt is the founding instructor. Both Chuck and Peter graduated from U.C. Berkeley and received their black belts in taekwondo from the University of California Martial Arts Program (1987) under the direction of Dr. Ken Min. Chuck and Peter have many years teaching children, teens, and adults. Each is committed to providing a safe, educational, and fun training environment for all members.
Go to: MSMAP Instructors

 
Who are the officers?
Mr. Mark Coulter (6th gup taekwondo; 7th gup yongmudo) is the treasurer and teaching assistant.

 
Who are the participants?
MSMAP participants include children, teenagers, and adults from Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, McCloud, and Weed. Some parents attend with their children and either participate in training or enjoying watching the training. We encourage more parents to join the training and experience the fun and rewards firsthand.
Go to: Choices for Adults
Go to: Children and Martial Arts

 
Can I promote to black belt?
Yes, provided that you train consistently and well and pass all the requirements at each level. Our last member promoted to black belt in December 2010. The promotion authority for the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program for both taekwondo and yongmudo is the University of California at Berkeley Martial Arts Program (UCMAP).
Go to: 2011 WHS Sophomore’s Growth Seen in Successful Black Belt Test (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2006 McCloud Became Training Ground For Martial Arts Students (MS Area Newspapers)
See video: UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program

 
Why haven’t I heard about this before?
Good question. It’s certainly not for lack of trying on our part. In recent years, we expanded our advertising channels to reach more members of our community through this web site, flyers, paid print advertisements, articles in the local paper, demonstrations, and special activity programs at our local schools.
Go to: Timeline of MSMAP Milestones
Go to: 2011 Celebrating the Holidays with Food Drive & Mini-Camps (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2011 Celebrate the Holidays with Martial Arts & Food Drive (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2011 Martial Artists Win in Berkeley (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2011 Taekwondo Demo Adds to Korean Thanksgiving (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2011 Seniors & Martial Artists at City Park (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2011 Martial Arts Mini-Camp (MS Area Newspapers)
  More Articles  

 
Where is MSMAP located?
MSMAP is located at 612-A South Mount Shasta Blvd. (next to Mount Shasta Pastry) in Mount Shasta, CA in Siskiyou County. MSMAP is close to other shops and residential neighborhoods. This modern facility offers an outstanding state-of-the-art training area for participants and comfortable viewing area for spectators.
View map: Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program

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    Activities for Adults & Teens

 
Is the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program only for kids?
No. Although our children’s program is very popular and growing rapidly, our members also include teens and adults. We offer excellent training for teens and adults four evenings each week at 6:15-7:30pm (Monday thru Thursday). We especially encourage adults to join our yongmudo program as we provide an ideal means to develop a variety of skills and overall fitness geared to an aging body. Teenage girls and their mothers may be interested in our specialized “Self-Defense for Teens” series offered periodically.
Go to: Choices for Adults
Go to: Yongmudo Section
Go to: MSMAP Self-Defense Workshops

 
OK, not just for kids. I’m an adult, and I want something really challenging. What can I do?
We offer several options for adults to really test themselves. Taekwondo offers light- to full-contact sparring with other adults in addition to forms (prearranged movements). Yongmudo offers a variety of sparring options from groundwork to standing throws to kicking/striking to “anything goes” (See below: “Yongmudo? What is Yongmudo?”).
Go to: Yongmudo Section
Go to: MSMAP Self-Defense Workshops

 
I’m old. And, my knees hurt. What can I do?
Martial arts training is not just about aerobic, high-impact, really athletic movements—martial arts is about being safe, healthy, and being truly invigorated. We have options for adults to train, learn martial arts, and remain healthy without being broken-down from training.

Yongmudo (Tu/Th, 6:15-7:30pm)—learn how to disable an opponent with minimal damage to yourself through joint-locks, throws, and strikes. Develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Taekwondo (Mo-Th, 5:15-6:15pm)—this option is available to parents who are joining their children in this same session. Parents learn the fundamentals of taekwondo at their bodies’ pace rather than at the pace of their children’s bodies.

 
What are the self-defense workshops?
Our periodic self-defense workshops complete the third component offered by MSMAP. These workshops differ from self-defense training in our taekwondo and yongmudo program in that we address specific topics for specific groups. For example, our first workshop, held in Summer 2008 for young women 13-years and older, was geared towards “Safe Dating 101”.
Go to: MSMAP Self-Defense Workshops

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    Yongmudo? What is Yongmudo?

 
I’ve heard of taekwondo, but what is yongmudo?
Yongmudo is a Korean martial art that combines elements of judo, taekwondo, wrestling, boxing, and more. It’s essence is using the attacker’s strength against themselves. The focus of yongmudo is on self-defense although it does include a new, competitive aspect as well. And, this competitive component of training allows for a great test of skills against each other. In other words, combat sparring.
Go to: Yongmudo Section
Go to: Yongmudo Training Photo Gallery
See Pictures!

 
Yongmudo is a funny name. What’s up with that?
The roots of yongmudo are from hapkido, a comprehensive martial art. The name yongmudo was decided upon in 1998 by the Martial Arts Research Insitute of Yong In University in Korea to develop an important self-defense discipline for the 21st Century.
Go to: Yongmudo Section

 
Yongmudo? I still don’t get it.
Don’t be fixated on the name. Pay attention to the techniques and the type of training. If you want to learn how to stop others from hurting you, yongmudo offers a lot of ways to defend yourself.
Go to: Yongmudo Training Photo Gallery
See Pictures!
Go to: Yongmudo Section

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    Preparing To Join

 
I’ve never done martial arts. Can I still join?
Yes. People with all levels of experience are welcome to join. Adults, teens, and children with no experience are especially encouraged to stop by and try the program and decide if martial arts is something that interests them.

 
There are so many options; what’s right for me?
MSMAP is pleased to offer something for all ages — pre-schoolers, youngsters, youth, teens, adults. Use the following outline to better determine which activities best fits your interests and schedule:

Pre-school
“Run & Laugh”
Saturdays   •   9-10am
Big fun for tiny bodies.
Fun and fast activity to generate big smiles as children joyfully explore their physical abilities through running, jumping, laughing, and more in the best rumpus room in Siskiyou County.
 
Young Children
Tiny Tigers: Martial Arts for Young Children
Mon-Thu   •   4:30-5:15pm
Ideal activity for children ages 4-plus to have big fun developing coordination, strength, positive social skills, and good manners in a structured environment.
 
“Serious” Children
“Serious” Taekwondo
Mon & Wed   •   5:15-6:45pm
Tue & Thu   •   5:15-6:15pm
For older and/or more serious children (ages 7 to 10+) very interested in accepting big challenges and developing advanced skills, “can do” attitude, and self-respect through more rigorous training.
 
Teens & Adults
Taekwondo & Yongmudo
Mon-Thu   •   6:15-7:30pm
Big training for big bodies.
For teens and adults interested in learning very effective skills and developing strong, healthy bodies through very active training.

 
For more information about our activities, see the following pages:
Go to: MSMAP Schedule
Go to: Children and Martial Arts
Go to: Choices for Adults
Go to: Yongmudo

 
What are the Tiny Tigers?
The Tiny Tigers program is for young chilren to begin learning martial arts in a fun environment mixed in with a healthy dash of discipline. Since May 2009, these 45-minute workouts benefit children ages 4-years-old and up at a pace ideally geared to their attention spans and social skills. Children learn how to follow directions, display good manners, and participate within a very active and supportive group setting developing coordination and having fun.
Go to: Tiny Tigers
Go to: The 5 S’s
Go to: Children and Taekwondo
Go to: Tiny Tigers Photo Gallery (Action Photos!)
See Pictures!

 
What is the “Run & Laugh” program?
This is our gift to the community. Our “Run & Laugh” program is an incredibly positive activity session for pre-schoolers. This activity allows young children to joyfully explore their physical abilities through running, jumping, laughing, and more in the best rumpus room in Siskiyou County.
Go to: The 5 S’s
Go to: Children and Taekwondo
Go to: Tiny Tigers Photo Gallery (Action Photos!)
See Pictures!

 
What are the Mini-Camps?
Since June 2009, MSMAP offers summer camps for children and teens. These training sessions offer a variety of activities to introduce participants to a variety of martial arts including judo and Japanese swordsmanship as well as taekwondo and yongmudo. These camps are a healthy activity in a safe environment. For 2011, MSMAP partnered with the Mount Shasta Recreation & Parks District to offer a truly unique summer and winter activity program.
Go to: 2011 Winter Break Mini-Camp

 
Can I try the workouts before paying?
Yes. Prospective members are welcome to watch and are encouraged to come train during our no-risk FREE trial to help decide if they like it. Uniforms are not required during the FREE trial period; just wear clean t-shirts and sweatpants. The only cost during the trial period is time. NOTE: Everyone must complete a liability waiver prior to participating. Minors must have a parent or guardian sign. No fee is involved.
Go to: Ready to Join
Go to: MSMAP Schedule

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    Ready To Join

 
How much does it cost?
Our purpose is to build a stronger community by offering intelligent, comprehensive martial arts training. We ask that participants and/or their parents support our program using the following donation scale as a guide.

            • $50/month (individual)
            • $80/month (two family members)
            • $100/month (families)

Larger Donations: We reward commitment and perseverence and help families have fun in these hard financial times.

            • $130/3 months (individual)
            • $200/3 months (2 family members)
            • $250/3 months (entire families)

Uniform: All taekwondo and/or yongmudo participants are required to have a uniform, or dobok. Participants are welcome to obtain their equipment anywhere, but donations to MSMAP help support the program. The V-neck pullover dobok is available with a $25 donation; the cross-over green heavyweight dobok is available with a $60 donation (dependent upon size). Both are available from MSMAP.
Go to: Ready to Join
Go to: Ready to Donate

 
Why is it so inexpensive? What’s the ‘catch’?
There is no “catch”. As a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program stresses quality instruction for the entire community. We personally enjoy training and the enriching experience martial arts offers; we encourage others to try the program and learn first-hand if martial arts is something worthwhile for you.
Go to: Our Vision for a Better Community
Go to: What makes MSMAP a “non-profit”?
Go to: The 5 S’s

 
Are my donations really tax-deductible?
Yes. Donations to MSMAP can be deducted from the donor’ income taxes for that year because MSMAP is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Why are donations to MSMAP “tax-deductible”?
MSMAP is an organization making a charitable contribution to the community — ultimately helping our community become a better place.

This isn’t us just giving out empty talk. MSMAP is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code. This IRS recognition allows individuals and other organizations to make tax-deductible donations to MSMAP. This is correct: donations to MSMAP can be deducted from your tax returns for that tax year.

Bottom line: MSMAP isn’t a for-profit business, and it certainly isn’t collecting money to put into someone’s pocket so they get rich. MSMAP puts its money to use fulfilling it’s exempt purpose: helping improve our community.

 
I have rank in another martial art; Can I wear that rank here?
Only taekwonodo and yongmudo uniforms are appropriate for those respective training sessions. The Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program does not offer “open” workouts where people show up and randomly practice whatever they feel like. Each workout follows a lesson plan. With diligent training, dedicated participants have the opportunity to take a rank promotion exam for taekwondo and yongmudo.

 
Do I need to wear the white uniform for taekwondo or green uniform for yongmudo?
Yes, all members are required to have the proper uniform, or dobok for training in yongmudo and/or taekwondo. For taekwondo, the uniform is a white V-neck pullover top, pants, and belt. For yongmudo, the uniform is a green heavyweight crossover top, pants, and belt. With proper care, the uniforms will last a year or longer.

Members are welcome to obtain the proper uniforms anywhere they like, but MSMAP can provide the uniforms. MSMAP asks for donations of $25 (taekwondo) and $60 (yongmudo, depending on size). These kind donations help the program expand its .

NOTE: For people trying out the workouts during the no-risk FREE trial, a uniform is not required. Prospective members should wear clean workout attire (i.e., t-shirt and sweat pants).
Go to: Children and Martial Arts
Go to: Options For Adults

 
My old school let me wear t-shirts and sweats; why do I need a uniform here?
The Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program provides instructional workouts. This means that the training follows a specific curriculum and the respective protocol for both taekwondo and yongmudo which includes the proper uniform. A uniform, or dobok, is required both for its durability as well as for good hygiene (provided it is washed on a regular basis and it is only used for martial arts workouts).

 
What other equipment do I need?
In addition to the dobok (uniform; white V-neck for taekwondo and green heavyweight cross-over for yongmudo), members should have their own protective athletic cup. Members of green belt rank and above should have their own sparring gear (headgear, mouthpiece, body protector, shin/forearm pads).

 
Where can I get the uniform and other equipment?
Uniforms and other equipment can be obtained through MSMAP. Participants are welcome to obtain uniforms and equipment wherever they like, however obtaining equipment via donations to MSMAP is much less expensive and supports the mission of MSMAP.

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    One more thing...

 
Aren’t the martial arts about violence and fighting? I don’t like fighting.
We abhor violence and fighting as well. For us, training in martial arts is not about learning to fight. It is about learning essential physical, mental, and emotional skills in order to AVOID violence and effectively manage challenges, adversity, and conflict in an intelligent manner. Training in martial arts is much more than the physical skills; it is about choices (choose to fight or not fight). With choice comes self-confidence. Through the development of self-confidence and self-respect, we encourage participants to become positive members of the community who strive to achieve exciting, worthwhile goals.
Go to: Our Vision for a Better Community
Go to: Children and Martial Arts
Go to: The 5 S’s

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PO BOX 1367 • MT SHASTA, CA 96067
530.859.2024 •
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4th Open House & Holiday Food Drive

Highlights of our 4th annual event — lots of people, lots of food, lots of gifts. And, we get ready for our Winter Break Mini-Camps, a great way to burn off excess holiday energy. “With the large show of people and enthusiasm of the children, this is a great opportunity for service to the community.”
December 21, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Preparing for the Yongmudo Demonstration

“We’re glad to help with our own special way of celebrating the holidays: Exciting martial arts action, giving away cool gifts, and, most importantly, helping to brighten the spirits of those less fortunate during this season of giving.”
December 07, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

3rd Open House & Food Drive Action

Highlights of the evening’s action including how much fun children, teens, and adults can have helping others in need during the holiday season.
December 29, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

3rd Open House & Food Drive Action

Our activity center expands to include local treasure, Nuria’s Dance Academy. We share demonstrations of dance and martial arts and hold our first, and very successful, food drive — 15 bags of various food items!
December 9, 2009; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

3rd Open House & Food Drive Action

We open our doors and welcome the community to our new, dedicated training facility — five demonstrations (three taekwondo, two yongmudo), food, prizes, and lots of energy.
November 9, 2008; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

UC Open Action (April 2011)

Eight competitors from six families, ages 7 to 38, earn 11 medals with outstanding performances in both forms and sparring.
May 4, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Medal Display from the 2010 UC Open

The recap of an exciting weekend of taekwondo and yongmudo competitions at U.C. Berkeley—four gold, three silver, and four bronze medals. Who had more fun: the competitors or their families?
April 14, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Siskiyou County winners in martial arts tournament

Orion and Griffin win gold medals at their first tournament—a huge accomplishment at the west coast’s largest tournament at UC Berkeley.
June 10, 2009; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Groundwork action!

Two competitors return to Mt. Shasta with four medals and the award for “Best Male Competitor” for the second consecutive year.
October 26, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Introductory Remarks -- chompin' at the bit for action!

Celebrating Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) at City Park with the seniors starts the fall and winter holiday season off with authentic Korean food and cool taekwondo action.
September 28, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Martial Arts Mini-Camp

A partnership with the Mount Shasta Recreation & Parks District offers the community a great program to learn cool skills. And, area principals vouch for the benefits of activity, particularly MSMAP’s activity program, for children.
June 29, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

New MSMAP Black Belt

A comprehensive article on the positive results from preparing well for a black belt exam — MSMAP’s first black belt since 2006!
February 2, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Ribbon Cutting at our New/Current Location:

MSMAP holds a ribbon cutting ceremony in its new location and further explains its mission. The smiles on the faces of the kids say more than any words except maybe, “South County’s first stop for anti-bully strategies.”
October 27, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Try-It-At-Lunch at MSE

MSMAP participates in a new program to help Mount Shasta Elementary educate children through taekwondo, fitness, and good manners at lunch time.
September 22, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Axe-Kick/Board Break @ Kick-A-Rama Saturday

An exciting event of demonstrations and raffle prizes donated by local businesses held in the Mount Shasta Shopping Center in conjunction with the release of “The Karate Kid” movie.
June 23, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

MSMAP Promotion Exam

The impressions of several families about the largest promotion exam in MSMAP history—from white belt to pre-black belt, from children to teens.
March 10, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Master Kang demonstrates wrist throw

MSMAP hosted over 100 participants at McCloud High School for an incredible international martial arts summer camp in August 2006. Master instructors and Olympic medalists led training in taekwondo, yongmudo, judo, kumdo, and ssirum (Korean traditional wrestling).
August 16, 2006; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Taekwondo is an exciting martial art that combines effective footwork and powerful kicking techniques into a dynamic system of sport and self-defense.

Yongmudo outside wrist throw

Yongmudo incorporates a variety of techniques including kicks, strikes, throws, jointlocks, submission wrestling into a comprehensive system of personal health & self-protection.

Yongmudo outside wrist throw

Grrrrrr....
Discover how our Tiny Tigers martial arts activity program helps plant the seeds of success with fun & energy.

Adults have plenty of training opportunities with MSMAP

Big Fun for Big Bodies
MSMAP offers a variety of age- and intensity-specific training opportunities for adults looking for grown up action for self-defense, losing weight, strength, and/or creative, effective sparring skills.

Children practice good manners & citizenship

Big Fun begins with Good Manners
Learn more about the specific benefits of MSMAP’s unique taekwondo training for children: safety, fun, discipline, confidence, & good manners.

What are “The 5 S’s”? These are five steps identified by Dr. Ken Min as key elements towards becoming successful martial artists and, more importantly, successful individuals.

Future

Join the action — it’s easy.
We offer the most comprehensive and effective martial arts training — and value — around. Find out for yourself!

Map

Where is MSMAP?
We’re easy to find with Google maps. And, we’re in a convenient downtown location in beautiful Mt. Shasta at 612-A S. Mt. Shasta Blvd.

Kicking figure

Learn more about MSMAP’s non-profit status
MSMAP contributes to the community and is funded primarily through donations. And, your donations may be tax-deductible.

MSMAP Schedule

5 Days Each Week!
Join us for lots of training & activities for self-defense, competition, fitness. Separate training for children, teens, and adults. Pick your flavor.

Timeline of MSMAP Events & Activities

What have we done lately?
See an extensive list of events, activities, and milestones we’ve given the community...since 2001.

Future

The future is filled with opportunity
We help our participants create their own good luck; to lead enriching lives; to be healthy, happy, safe... and ACHIEVE REALLY BIG THINGS. Learn more...

Winter Break Mini-Camps

Join us for exciting martial arts action!
Dec 27 – 29   &   Jan 3 – 5
Burn off excess holiday energy with a full program of taekwondo, yongmudo, and self-defense activities during Winter Break in this partnership with the Mt. Shasta Recreation & Parks District.

MSMAP’s Martial Arts Summer Camps are a great way for children to keep active in the summer learning a variety of new skills and having fun!

UCMAP

Watch a promotional video that explains what the University of Calfornia-Berkeley Martial Arts Program is all about.