Welcome
kick. breathe. smile.
Martial arts help develop every practitioner’s self-defense, self-esteem, discipline, and instills respect for others. The result of martial arts training is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of mind and body.
Martial arts is not only about physically training the body, but it is also about training the mind and spirit. There is a joy in training together, supporting each other, that bolsters the ability of each individual student.
IGNITE THE POWER INSIDE
A 1985 study found that children in martial arts have an increased sense of responsibili-
ty, and a higher sense of self-esteem.
You simply could not ask for better teachers!
WORLD CLASS INSTRUCTORS
Master Yu
Head Taekwondo Instructor
Master Yu brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our martial arts studio. With a background as a close combat specialist in the Republic of Korea Special Forces, he has honed his skills and discipline at the highest level. Having served as the Business Manager and Head Master at four Taekwondo schools, Master Yu has over 10 years of teaching experience. His mission is to inspire children to discover their passion for Taekwondo through encouragement, self-discipline, and personal growth. Under his guidance, our young members experience the thrill of breaking their first board, building self-confidence and joy with every accomplishment. Master Yu is dedicated to nurturing their progress, providing unwavering support and coaching as they advance to higher levels of mastery. We are proud to have Master Yu leading our team, where he continues to empower the next generation of martial artists.
Instructor Jose
Taekwondo Instructor
Instructor Jose has dedicated his life to Martial Arts! He loves nothing more than students hitting their goals and breaking the barriers to become the best version of themselves. Jose reached classes for all ages including private lessons and Kickboxing classes for adults. No matter the age of his students, Jose balances challenge with compassion as he pushes them to reach the next level.
Instructor Skye
Taekwondo Instructor
Skye Stauffer is a certified instructor and 4th degree black belt in taekwondo. She is inspired by teaching students to hone their martial arts skills while building character traits such as integrity, loyalty, and strength. She holds second place in the world for her Xtreme Martial Arts weapons routine along with numerous State and District titles. Graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Skye is also a working actress/singer/dancer. Skye earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by combining these areas of her life and developing a women’s self-defense and dating violence awareness curriculum designed to bring awareness and empowerment to the dating environment.
Miss Hannah
MAFS Manager
Hannah Taylor is a NYC based actor, singer, and musician with a passion for working with children and supporting early childhood development. With more than a decade of experience, she has led music classes, designed camp programming, and brought energy and creativity to countless family parties and events. As Studio Manager at MAFS, Hannah blends her love for community, organization, and creativity to help keep the studio running smoothly while supporting families and students. Outside the studio, she continues to perform across the country, from acting in national touring productions to playing her original music at vibrant NYC music venues. Hannah is proud to be part of the MAFS community and is passionate about helping create a warm, welcoming space where families feel supported and students are encouraged to grow in confidence, strength, and joy.
Miss Alex
Music & Pre-Ballet Teacher
Alex is a vibrant NYC-based performer with a deep passion for arts education. With a BFA in Musical Theatre, she has explored a variety of music, acting, and dance styles, enriching her teaching approach. At MAFS, Alex is dedicated to spreading joy through music and movement. She has years of experience inspiring and entertaining children as a nanny, dance teacher, and theatre performer. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she loves sharing her appreciation for the arts with babies, children, and even adults! Join Alex in our Pre-Ballet and Baby Music classes, where she creates a nurturing and joyful environment that encourages creativity and self-expression. She looks forward to inspiring the next generation of artists and helping them discover the magic of music and dance!
Sandra Herrera Sanchez
Our Founder
Our founder, Sandra Herrera Sanchez, is a mother of two young martial artists-in-training and also trains in kickboxing herself.
After three years of trying to organize martial arts classes for her children, her husband, and herself across multiple studios and programs, Sandra decided that there needed to be a centralized solution to offer martial arts and fitness to busy NYC families. After speaking with her son’s favorite instructors and other martial arts mothers, Martial Arts Family Studio was born.
Using her wide experience designing and leading community projects with children and teens with nonprofits both in Spain and USA, her background in Corporate Human Resources and years of kickboxing training, Sandra worked with other mothers to design a martial arts studio to address the needs of the family as a whole. Martial Arts Family Studio seeks to offer a wellness solution with an emphasis on martial arts training and fitness to improve not only the body, but the mind and the spirit as well.
Sandra was recognized in Marquis Who’s Who for her impeccable leadership at MAFS. Click here to read more!
