American School of Martial Arts is a long-standing business in Burbank, having its origins with Mr. Young-ik Suh, who opened it in the middle 1960s. It was called the Young Suh School of Self-Defense. 1976-2021, Don Baird was the school's owner and guiding light. Today, Rob McIntyre ("Mackie") is the current owner/resident Master. In 2021, Master Mackie took over the school while GMBaird moved to North Carolina. The school's history is rooted in the Northern and Southern Chinese martial arts, which became known in Korea as Chang Moo Kwan and Kang Duk Won. Today, the style is known as Suh Do Kwan in honor of Grandmaster Suh, Young-ik. Long Forms, Grappling (Chin-na), and animal techniques are its hallmark core training.
Rhythmic poses anchored by conscious breath control.
Therapeutic techniques to restore balance and inner clarity.
Guided meditation and intentional awareness training.
Elena's classes are the highlight of my week. Her voice is incredibly soothing, and she has a way of really making the most challenging poses feel accessible and purposeful.
I started as a complete beginner. Elena's patience and precise adjustments helped me build a practice from the ground up — the studio vibe is unmatched.
American School of Martial Arts is a long-standing business in Burbank, having its origins with Mr. Young-ik Suh, who opened it in the middle 1960s. It was called the Young Suh School of Self-Defense. 1976-2021, Don Baird was the school’s owner and guiding light. Today, Rob McIntyre (“Mackie”) is the current owner/resident Master. In 2021, Master Mackie took over the school while GMBaird moved to North Carolina. The school’s history is rooted in the Northern and Southern Chinese martial arts, which became known in Korea as Chang Moo Kwan and Kang Duk Won. Today, the style is known as Suh Do Kwan in honor of Grandmaster Suh, Young-ik. Long Forms, Grappling (Chin-na), and animal techniques are its hallmark core training.
