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Schafer's ATA Martial Arts proudly serving Petaluma since 2004
Schafer’s ATA Martial Arts has Classes in Petaluma, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Team
Senior Master Nicholas Schafer
7th degree Black Belt
I was 12 years old when my martial arts journey began. Little did they know at the time how much it would change my life and guide me to the person I am today. I walked into the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) as a white belt and found my passion. I never turned my back and have been training now for 30 years.
Schafer’s ATA Martial Arts began in 2001 in Rohnert Park. We started as a small club in a local community center. We quickly grew to 45 students and it became clear we needed to find a permanent home for our school. In July 2004, we opened our first full-time school. Seeing the need to reach even more families in our community, we opened a small club in Petaluma in 2016. Just like my previous experience in Rohnert Park, I was quickly busting at the seams and needed more room. I was running two schools and it was a challenge to make myself available to all of my students every day so we made the decision to merge the two schools at a location that was convenient for everyone. It excites me beyond words to design and build my dream school- this is what I was destined to do and I cannot wait to impact more students and help create strong and positive leaders. As an instructor, I am very proud of our students and families. Without their support and dedication, we would not be the school we are today.
Ms. Kaylee Baum
5th degree Black Belt
I remember the very day I walked into Schafer’s ATA martial arts. I was begging my dad to take me to a class after watching every single Bruce Lee movie. “I want to be just like him, dad!” Little did I know 2 years later I would be a black belt, and at age 16 I would be teaching classes. 17 years later I am now a 5th degree black belt and a certified instructor.
Getting my black belt at 10 years old just wasn’t enough, and I made the best decision of my life to keep training. Not only did martial arts keep my life on track, it helped me achieve goals that seemed unattainable, build confidence, and shape me into someone I can truly be proud of. Sr. Master Schafer is an amazing role model and I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without his guidance, teachings, and his determined, yet kind, attitude. If you or your child are thinking about trying martial arts for any reason, whether it be for fun, self defense, or confidence building, you will not regret training at our school. It was, and will forever be the best decision of my life!
Mrs. Anne Cuellar
4th degree Black Belt
I started my taekwondo journey in my 50s when two of my coworkers encouraged me to give it a try. It was out of my comfort zone and challenged me in ways I never expected. As challenging as the training was for me when I began, the environment at Schafer’s ATA was a place where I felt supported and encouraged. Senior Master Schafer created a place where I believed I could succeed if I simply persevered. So, I pressed on and earned my 1st degree Black Belt in May 2010. It was a huge turning point and it lit a fire in me.
I competed at tournaments and, with ongoing private lessons with Senior Master Schafer, I earned World Champ in Forms and Sparring in 2015. It was the highlight of my taekwondo journey thus far.
When I started I never imagined I would become a 4th degree Black Belt and I am confident my journey is not yet over. There is still so much more to learn. I am incredibly grateful for Senior Master Schafer and his belief in me and for giving me the opportunity to help others believe in themselves too. I am honored to be a part of this great team of instructors and students.
Ms. Michelle Stewart
4th degree Black Belt
I began my taekwondo journey through my son when I signed him up at age 9 to help with some bullies at school. It was such a great experience for him that when he received his first degree black belt, I joined as well. I never thought that I would enjoy it as much as I have. I knew right away I wanted to be an instructor so that I could help others along their path to black belt.
The people that I have met along the way have become a part of my ATA family and I would not trade this experience for anything. I love what I do and coming into the school each day is a pleasure. I look forward to spending many more years helping others and continuing on my own journey toward the next level of training. Come join our Schafer’s ATA family, you won’t regret it!
Mr. Travis Bell
4th degree Black Belt
was in kindergarten when we took a field trip to a martial arts school. I remember having so much fun and it made me intrigued, wanting to try a class! Time went on and I became a soccer player but martial arts always stuck in the back of my mind. When I was 9 years old, I told my mom that I wanted to get into martial arts. We went looking for schools and that’s when we found Schafer’s ATA…. I’ve been here ever since!
Growing up in ATA and with the Schafer family, I am thrilled to be working here and teaching the curriculum that has helped shape me! My absolute favorite part of training is working out, practicing my form, and tricking. I love going to tournaments and anything involving Hyper Martial Arts- the more flips the better! Come and check out our Hyper and Hyper Tricking classes! They are seriously awesome! I also love that I get to teach our students how to perfect their forms, come up with cool Hyper and XMA routines for competition, and making our students shine!
I would highly recommend people check out Schafer’s ATA Martial Arts. Master Schafer helped me overcome a great deal of my shyness as a kid. He is “one of a kind” when it comes to being an instructor and has been a huge role model for me growing up…. he still is! He pushes me to be my absolute best and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Mrs. Kathy Lesky
1st degree Black Belt
I started my journey in TKD as a parent watching my son taking classes in the Rohnert Park school. This developed in to me volunteering for events and then as a counselor at Overnight Camp. From there, through some convincing from then Mr. Schafer, I started taking classes with a group of parents. Next I started working at the school behind the counter and cleaning. I continue on to earn the rank of Black Belt and Level One Instructor. Being a parent my passion has always been self defence and leadership. I Love being a part of the Schafer’s ATA Family and believe strongly in all it has to offer.
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