Whiz Biz: Power to Change Lives One Kick at a Time

Name:  Aliso Hills Taekwon-do
Owner:  Paul D'Ambrosio (Master D)
Number of employees: Three instructors: Master Brad, instructor Jessica and instructor Shawn. D'Ambrosio is the main teacher.
Address: 26538 Moulton Pkwy, Suite E, Laguna Hills
Website: alisohillstkd.com
Phone: 949-389-0200
What’s nearby:

Aliso Hills Taekwon-do beginnings:
Paul D'Ambrosio, also known as Master D, opened Aliso Hills Taekwon-do in May 2009. The center teaches a mix of original traditional Taekwon-do and Olympic style. Classes which are divided by age begin as young as 3-years-old with the Little Dragons level. Family classes, mat Pilates and cardio kickboxing classes are also offered.

Life before Taekwon-do:
D'Ambrosio has been studying Taekwon-do for 32 years and teaching martial arts since 1984. He also spent time as an actor, appearing in more than 40 commercials and a variety of television shows like Mad About You, NYPD Blue, Law and Order and NewsRadio.

“I’ve played a cop many times,” D'Ambrosio said.

D'Ambrosio said he never used his martial arts training for an acting job and that he likes to keep the two things separate.

“Martial Arts in my escape. It’s pure for me. Hollywood is not always pure,” he said.

Why the switch from acting to full time teaching?
D'Ambrosio became a daddy. After the birth of his daughter, D'Ambrosio knew he needed to have a steady paycheck. With acting he sometimes had more than enough money and sometimes very little, he said.

“When you’re single, you don’t mind having ramen noodles everyday,” D'Ambrosio said.

What is the center’s mission?
“I hope I can give to my students even half of what I have gained from martial arts, as far as discipline, respect, concentration … the real benefits of martial arts.

The center focuses on five key elements:

• Courtesy
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Self-control
• Indomitable spirit

Favorite aspect of teaching Taekwon-do?
D'Ambrosio said his favorite thing about teaching Taekwon-do is watching the growth and progress of his students. He said he watches the adults who are working toward their black belt test and can see the pressure they are feeling about successfully breaking the concrete block. He likes to see the concentration and determination work its way into their daily lives.

“It is such a big moment. It changes people’s lives,” he said.

Hearing students come back saying they were able to quit smoking, lose weight or ask for that raise, makes it all worth it.

“People can take what they learn here and change their lives,” D'Ambrosio said.

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On March 31, students from the center competed in the Golden State Open Taekwondo Championships.  Seven students, ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old, competed against more than 1,000 participants in Poomsae and Sparring.

Competitors included:

• Linley Ryan, 7 (Poomsae -3rd place / Sparring - 3rd place)
• Zoe Johansson, 9 (Poomsae - 1st place / Sparring - 1st place)
• Maxwell van Camp, 9 (Poomsae - 2nd place / Sparring - 1st place)
• Giovanny Martinez, 10 (only Sparring - 3rd place)
• Baxter Bartlett, 11 (Poomsae - 2nd place / Sparring - 2nd place) 
• Jensen Petersen, 11 (Poomsae - 2nd place / SParring - 1st place)
• Jordan DiLuccia, 11 (Poomsae - 3rd place / Sparring - 2nd place)