About Us

Acton Karate and Krav Maga

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING ACTON CA


Built on simple principles, instinctive movements, and practical techniques

Acton Karate opened in the summer of 1994 under the leadership of Master Frankie McConnell. Master McConnell has been training in martial arts for over 33 years. He holds a 6th dan Master black belt in the art of American Tang Soo Do under the guidance of Grandmaster Dennis Ichikawa who was a student of Chuck Norris and Pat Johnson. Master McConnell is also a Blue Belt in MMA IFMMA and has trained in other arts and styles as well Krav Maga, MMA, Jiujitsu, Arnis, Sambo, Muay Thai, and Kung fu san soo.


Acton Karate & Krav Maga is an affiliate school with the International Federation of Mixed Martial Arts. Affiliate school of the American Krav Maga Association level one and level two Krav Maga Alliance as well as  level one & level two Krav Maga Worldwide. Master McConnell and his team are in partnership with Assemblyman Tom Lackey in his fight against domestic violence. Hundreds of women and teens have attended the workshop in the Antelope Valley in 2017 and 2018 2019


Krav Maga for self-defense is the most effective real-world system taught today. Originally developed for protection and embraced by Israel Defense Forces. Today, it is the preferred system for American law enforcement agencies and U.S. military units. Krav Maga focuses on the most effective defensive techniques needed to survive real world scenarios.


At Acton Karate and Krav Maga, under the leadership of Master Frankie McConnell, 6th Degree Black Belt, beginning students will learn a foundation of skills focused on self-defense, discipline, confidence, and fitness. Master McConnell pulls from multiple forms of martial arts as he introduces his students to different technical movements and defensive skills. As a student, you will focus on both ground and stand-up defensive moves. The skills you will learn are designed to be the most efficient proven forms of defense. 

 

For our younger martial art students, we work on combining physical training with discipline and mental training that is needed to be a positive influence in society. In order for our younger students to progress between belt levels, they must not just show proficiency in the physical and technical skills they have learned at Acton Karate and Krav Maga, but they must also show mental proficiency in the grades they get at school, as well as how they conduct themselves outside of the dojo.


Our older and advanced students will combine their technical training while learning the skills it takes to be a positive leader. Older and advanced students will focus more on traditional Krav Maga by focusing on the most effective defensive techniques needed to survive real world scenarios.


At Acton Karate and Krav Maga, students will not just learn the most efficient ways of how to defend themselves, they will also learn how to stay calm under pressure, and how to set goals. They will learn about both physical and mental health as well as nutrition.


As students advance through the different belt levels they will gain respect for themselves and others as they learn how to be a positive influence in their community.

Whether you want to take back your peace of mind, try a new workout, or get your child interested in a hobby that is fun and beneficial to their development, Acton Karate and Krav Maga training is the answer.

Meet Our Instructors

Master Frankie McConnell

6th degree black belt 

Head instructor of Acton Karate & Krav Maga

Master McConnell began studying martial arts in his hometown of Marshall Texas in 1989 learning the traditional Korean art of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan (currently known as Soo Bahk Do) under Masters Poole Duncan and Smith - who were themselves students of Grand master Hwang Kee's son H.C. Hwang. 


In 1993 Master McConnell converted to the American Tang Soo Do (Original Chuck Norris) earning his First Dan (degree) black belt in the spring of 1994. Master McConnell currently holds the 6th Dan Master black belt and is working towards his 7th Degree. 

 

Through his training as a martial artist, Master McConnell has learned that mind, body, and spirit all work together to create a strong personal unity. His teaching gives his students not only the technical knowledge of martial arts but focuses as well on the proper mindset to achieve each student's personal goals - both in and out of the studio. With a positive supportive philosophy extensive background in the martial arts and a large network of affiliated martial arts studios and styles, Acton Karate & Krav Maga provides the student with the knowledge and the confidence to reach for their dreams!

Meet our team of Instructors

History of American Tang Soo Do Origin


Built on simple principles, instinctive movements, and practical techniques

American Tang Soo Do evolved from Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan and it combines elements from several different fighting styles Between 1958 and 1962 Chuck Norris was stationed in Korea at the Osan Air Base South Korea as a member of the Air Policeman in the United States Air Force During this time he trained in various martial arts styles under some of the most respected instructors in the world. These instructors included Tang Soo Do founder Hwang Kee and his chief instructor Shin Jae Chul and Judo instructor Ahn.


Upon his return to the United States as a Tang Soo Do black belt Norris continued his martial arts training with Shotokan Karate masters Tsutomu Ohshima and Hidetaka Nishiyama Shito-ryu Karate instructor Fumio Demura American Kenpo Karate founder Ed Parker. and Judo expert Gene LeBell. Norris later began training in Rio with the Gracie family in 

Gracie Jiu-jitsu under Helio, Gracie, and his sons Royce Gracie and Rickson Gracie. and he was instrumental in bringing the Gracie family to America. He later trained in Brazilian jiu-Jitsu with the Machado famil,'; namely Carlos Machado who promoted Norris to black belt. 


After his military service ended in 1962 Norris began to open karate schools across Southern California where he taught traditional Korean Tang Soo Do to American students. During this time he was also becoming a well known World Ch ampion karate fighter. Being proficient in Judo as well as in Boxing Norris incorporated the techniques of these fighting arts into his Tang Soo Do instruction which became at one point known as the Ch uck Norris System. In doing so he created a new American martial art of his own design American Tang Soo Do which helped to fuel the American Karate craze of the 1970s and 80' 

American Tang Soo Do Alliance


Built on simple principles, instinctive movements, and practical techniques

After being discharged from the Air Force Mr. Norris began to compete in tournaments. He learned that although he had very good kicking techniques he was being beaten by quick-hand technicians. No matter how hard he tried to out-kick the punchers ... he would always lose. Being the practical person he is orris began training with those who were beating him. In a short time, Chuck Norris became one of the most decorated tournament fighters in history. He passed these championship techniques down to his students who also won at an unprecedented rate. 


In November of 1973, Chuck Norris decided he no longer 

needed or desired to maintain affiliation with his Korean superiors and formally broke ties with Grand Master Hwang Kee. On this day a young red belt named Dennis Ichikawa earned his Black Belt under orris and his new organization: National Tang Soo Do Congress. In a matter of months, the Chuck Norris Corporation ceased operations as studio operator. This allowed Ichikawa and partner Harold Gross to open the Tarzana Karate Studio in January of 1974. Mr. Ichikawa operated the Tarzana Studio alone after the breakup of the partnership from 1976 through 1995. He began operations at the Thousand Oaks Karate Studio in 1987 and moved his location to the T.O./Westlake Karate Studio in 1990 then established his latest location in September 2002.

 

In 1987 Mr. Ichikawa created the 'AMERICAN TANG SOO DO ALLIANCE' to join together the studios of his Black Belt students as a formal organization. 


The ATSDA's main activities include quarterly Black Belt promotions annual conventions tournaments picnics seminars and clinics. With the creation of the ALLIANCE, the 'family' has remained together in a cooperative association of ideas and philosophies. 


Mr. Ichikawa is now a 9th dan Grandmaster and has resided in Thousand Oaks with his wife and three children since 1981. 

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