James Hundon, a San Francisco native, has resided in the Bayview for 18 years, and in that time, he's racked up an impressive series of martial arts accomplishments: five black belts, including two seventh-degree black belts in small circle jujitsu and Kyohuejitsumae; instructor status in Jeet Kune Do and Serrada Escrima; and the Masters Hall of Fame award. He's also the creator of his own style, small circle ju trap boxing.

Hundon actually got his start in teaching martial arts at the Bayview's Whitney Young Child Empowerment Center (now FACES SF), where he first worked with a group of preschoolers back in 1994. Six years ago, he and his wife Deundra opened their own studio on Third Street: the Universal Martial Arts Academy.

“Living here and knowing a lot about the history of Bayview, I feel that it’s very important that people know how to take care of their bodies and protect themselves," he said. "In the Bayview, it’s no mystery that we are associated with violence and crime, most of which is executed with weapons. I’m a firm believer that we should be able to live free without that fear."

Hundon was bullied as a child, so his stepfather taught him to box. "After that, I just kind of stuck with it. I want people to understand how powerful their physical strength can be, and teach them that they can actually their bodies as weapons. It’s a healthier alternative.”

In addition to teaching students at his small studio at Third and Kirkwood, Hundon also offers training programs for the security, healthcare, entertainment, corporate and public service industries.

While Hundon does offer private lessons, most students attend group classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Hundon takes up to 10 students per class, though he's managed to fit as many as 16 into the space.

"I train students for muscle memory, because that’s the best way to get into a routine," he said. "Any student that attends class consistently for a month will have several techniques they could use on the street, if needed."

“One of the things that I would love to have is more participation in the Bayview," he told us, explaining that the majority of his students come from other neighborhoods or even cities—some from as far as Santa Cruz.

"When we first opened this place, I was certain we would be able to get more kids from the community. I think maybe they don’t understand the importance of self-defense. It’s more than teaching a person how to protect themselves; it grounds you and teaches discipline and confidence.”

Reducing bullying in schools is a personal passion for Hundon, who offers specialized self-defense classes for youth, which are focused on de-escalating dangerous situations. "I’m careful with how I explain martial arts to youth," he said. "I don’t use the term 'karate,' because the first thing people start thinking about is fighting."

A big part of his youth class also focuses on camaraderie, giving students the opportunity to bond with other like-minded individuals. He also offers an “On the Go” program, which brings students to practice techniques in public parks, helping them connect with nature.

"Martial arts has so many elements that are helpful for youth, because you also learn the importance of teamwork and respect," he said. "Often, youth talk about respect, but they don’t know how to give it. There’s no apologies or 'pardon me' coming out of their mouths, because they feel entitled. By the time they become teenagers, their parents can’t handle them, and then they become the police’s problem—and we all know how that ends up."