American Academy

of  Martial Arts

Kami Elrod - Senior Instructor

​5th degree Taikido Jitsu black belt
4th degree Budo Taijutsu black belt
Kickboxing Fitness Instructor
8 years of martial arts teaching experience

Julie Elrod - Owner / Master Instructor

​10th degree Taikido Jitsu black belt
9th degree Budo Taijutsu black belt
2nd degree Hapkido black belt
2nd degree Tae Kwon Do black belt
32 years of martial arts teaching experience

Wyatt Elrod - General Manager / Senior Instructor   

​6th degree Taikido Jitsu black belt
5th degree Budo Taijutsu black belt
Kickboxing Fitness Instructor
12 years of martial arts teaching experience

The Elrods

Julie Elrod has been teaching self-defense in Maryland since 1985. She owns and operates one of the largest martial art schools in the country, and holds black belts in several different styles including a 9th Degree Black Belt in the Japanese arts of Taijutsu, as well as a 2nd Degree Black Belt in both Hapkido and Taekwondo. Shidoshi Elrod is a Certified Expert in Self-Defense in the State of Maryland, is a certified Travel Marshall for American Airlines, and is a member of the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame. She is a bestselling children’s book author on children’s safety and was featured on the national television show “To Tell the Truth” as the Ninja Mom.

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