Wambua's Martial Arts Academy

Wambua's Martial Arts Academy was opened in 1996 in Gardner, Kansas as
Wambua's Martial Arts Center. It relocated to Spring Hill, Kansas in 2003 where it now
operates as Wambua's Martial Arts Academy. It is located at 631 A-Line Drive, Spring Hill,
KS 66083.

The School's teachings are based on the principles of the Black Belt-Modesty, Courtesy,
Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit. It teaches both adults and
children not just how to defend themselves but also to live clean and healthy lives. While
the school teaches very high quality self-defense techniques, strong emphasis is put on
discipline and respect to all human beings. Students are taught to avoid putting themselves
in any situations in which they may need to fight. They are also taught to obey their
parents, teachers, and authority.

Wambua's Martial Arts Academy students are expected to be like good soldiers. A good
soldier, according to Mr. Wambua (Head instructor and former soldier), "Is one who is well trained, well armed, but reluctant to use his/her weapon unless he/she has to. A good
soldier has two sides-one very tough and ready to do whatever it takes to save his/her
life or that of somebody else." They are taught how to be mindful of others and every
year they participate in fundraisers to help needy families in the community.

Mr. Wambua was born and raised in Kenya-Africa. He started learning Martial Arts
in 1975 from friends-Sammy Makuyu, Wambua Kingati, David Irungu, and John
Kimani. He was later introduced to Undugu Tae-Kwon-Do club by John Kimani. This
was under the Undugu society of Kenya-an organization sponsored by the Catholic
Church from Germany and headed by a priest by the name of Father Arnold Growl. His
Tae-Kwon-Do instructor was Mr. Samson Lipuka.

Mr. Wambua later Joined the Kenya Air Force and attended the Kenya Armed Forces
Training College-Lanet. After graduation he was posted to the Kenya Air Force-Eastleigh
Base. He continued to practice Tae-Kwon-Do under Mr. Lipuka and later started
a club on the base.

In 1982 there was an attempted military coup organized by some Air Force servicemen
to overthrow the government. The coup failed and as a result many Airmen were
court-martialed and some sentenced to execution and others long prison terms.
Mr. Wambua was sentenced to 16 years in prison, but was released after serving about
5 years. He went back to Undugu Tae-Kwon-Do club and he won many tournaments. Later
Mr. Lipuka was transferred from Nairobi (where Undugu club is located) to Mombasa.
After a short while Mr. Wambua joined him there and started helping him teach at
Chaani and Changamwe. When Mr. Lupuka was transferred back Nairobi, Mr.
Wambua was left in charge of the two clubs.

In 1991 Mr. Wambua moved to the U.S. to attend Emporia State University. While
there, he started the Emporia State University Tae-Kwon-Do club, and he was the
instructor and president. He graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing
and moved to Olathe where he studied under Master Kim for a short time.

Later in 1995 he started teaching at Spring Hill Community Center. He also started
studying Tae-Kwon-Do from Master Gautreaux, Jujitsu from Master Ed Griffin,
Kobudo from Grandmaster Larry Williams, and Hapkido from Pat Wells. In 1996 he
opened his school in Gardner, Kansas. In the same year he also taught at Penn Valley
Community College and ran programs with the Gardner Parks and recreation. In
2003 the school relocated to Spring Hill, Kansas.