Ed Tierney

Mr. Tierney pursued a military career serving in several units, such as 2nd Ranger Battalion and in various Special Forces groups.  He also served as a Military Combatives Instructor to U.S. Army Infantry, Ranger, and Special Forces and became an Internationally Certified Instructor in Military CQC.  While serving in the military, Mr. Tierney received his Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University.  Mr. Tierney retired from the U.S. Army 19th Special Forces Group and became a Certified Police Office K-9 Handler.

Mr. Tierney is a third degree black belt in TaeKwonDo, HapKiDo, and AiKiDo.  He has participated in the Auburn Academy program for several years and has recently begun serving in an official capacity as an Instructor here.  He also enjoys teaching Kettlebell fitness classes.

His experience with children comes, in part, from being a father of five.  He and his wife, Lori, have three sons serving combat duty in the U.S. Military; their daughter, Rachael, recently earned her first degree black belt at Auburn Academy; their youngest daughter, Kimberly, is a special needs child who enjoys music and listening to Barney.  When not at the dojang, Mr. Tierney enjoys working with his antique toy train collection - he says it keeps him young at heart!

If you need a private lesson, would like additional practice in a specific area of training, or are interested in military/police training, please email Mr. Tierney directly.  He would be happy to set up a time to work on your skills!

Blake Mahan

A third degree black belt in TaeKwonDo, Mr. Blake has been studying with Mr. Patrick for about four years.  In addition to TaeKwonDo, Mr. Blake is also studying HapKiDo.  His favorite aspect of martial arts is the competitiveness of sparring, but he also loves instructing students and helping them achieve their goals.  

Mr. Blake is a member of the graduating class of 2010 and plans to attend Auburn University to study Chemical Engineering. While he's not at school or the dojang, Mr. Blake enjoys reading, playing guitar, riding his motorcycle, and watching movies.  He's hard-pressed to name a favorite martial arts movie but if asked, he'll probably tell you "Enter the Dragon," with Bruce Lee.

If you need help preparing for your black belt exam or would like to schedule a private lesson to work on any techniques you are struggling with, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mr. Blake directly.  He has helped many students pass their first degree black belt exam on their first attempt!

JoAnne Love

Training with Mr. Patrick for over six years, Mrs. JoAnne has reached 2nd Degree Black Belt level.  Her favorite part of training is doing forms, especially Toe Gye.  She truly enjoys working with children in the dojang and appreciates how they interact with one another.  She would like to become a Master Instructor one day, and is glad to be able to work toward that goal as she helps children work toward their martial arts goals.

Ms. JoAnne works as a machine operator assembling medical kits that are used all over the southeast.  Happily married for 19 years, Mrs. JoAnne enjoys being active in church and singing in the choir.  When she really wants to be lazy, however, you can find her watching her favorite TV show, "The Little Vampire."

Golden Jenkins 

Mr. Golden began his training at Auburn Academy in October of 2007, and recently earned his first degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo.  "This has been an amazing journey of learning and training in the art and skills of TaeKwonDo and HapKiDo."   As an instructor, Mr. Golden looks forward to offering what he has learned to others who aspire for the same knowledge and skills.

Outside the dojang, Mr. Golden is currently the director of LifeCare Counseling Center, Inc. in Auburn. He obtained a Master of Education in Counseling, and he is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Alabama with over 20 years of clinical experience.  Mr. Golden also obtained a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling and has served as pastor as well as youth pastor.

Backpacking is one of Mr. Golden's favorite past times, and his goal is to hike the entire Appalachian Trail.  His favorite role in life, however, is father to his daughter who is also training at Auburn Academy.