Tradition teaches that a Sahbumnim is one out of ten thousand who began the journey in Tae Kwon Do. Simply putting on a black belt does not make someone a Sahbumnim. Making the Martial Arts a part of his life and being willing to share that life and experience with others is the essence of a Sahbumnim. American Self-Defense and Fitness Center has such an individual-- Sahbumnim Fred Bargiacchi.

Sahbumnim Bargiacchi is the president and founder of American Self Defense and Fitness Center. He is a fourth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do with over Thirty years of experience. Sahbumnim Bargiacchi came through the ranks with a strong traditional foundation in Tae Kwon Do. As his journey evolved so did his methods of teaching the art. The traditional aspect of the art at times appeared very rigid, but Sahbumnim Bargiacchi has developed a curriculum at the center that has the flexibility of a strong tree with firm roots.

Encouraging students to grow and appreciate the art and their own accomplishments is a key element to his success. Another aspect of his successful teaching methods is the ability he has in duplicating himself. From his advanced students to the new students he has taught them how to learn from one another. This ability comes from his own experience. He received his black belt at a young age and was placed in a position where he had to teach others who were older than he. He overcame that barrier by simply demonstrating his abilities to the students. He exemplifies a show, don't tell attitude. A major part of his teaching philosophy is helping the student to understand the martial arts concept of the mind and body working together. If one understands the concepts in self development than one can adapt to many different situations.

Not Your Typical Martial Arts Instructor

• President & Founder American Self-Defense & Fitness Center.
• Teenage assault prevention Instructor for the Maywood School, Moonachie School, & River Vale School in New Jersey.
• Bergen County Girls Scouts Personal Protection Instructor.
• Director of Tutor Time child care Personal Protection program.
• Director of Nursery Rhymes Personal Protection program.
• Director of Visitation Academy Character Enrichment Programs and After School Martial Arts & Fitness Programs.
• Lodi Boys & Girls Club "Unleash the Potential Within" program Instructor.
• Director of Garfield Recreational Center "Karate for Kids" program.
• Director of Saddle Brook Community School "Karate for Kids & Fitness Kickboxing" programs.
• Director of Paramus Community School Fitness Kickboxing Program.
• Member of The National Association of Professional Martial Artists.
• Member Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame, for outstanding achievement.
• Member of the Garden State Games Hall of Fame for outstanding achievement.
• Founder of ASDFC TV "Show Believe & Succeed the Martial Way".
• Member of the special event security team at the 40th annual Grammy Awards.
• Silver medallist at the 2001 New Jersey USTU Tae Kwon Do Championship.
• Over 10,000 students have gone through his Stranger/Danger conflict resolution program.
• Special guest on the TV show Body Slam Against Drugs.
• Certified Rape Prevention & Fitness Kickboxing Instructor.
• Participated in the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute workshop on American School Violence, a partnership prevention program to help make our schools safer.
• St. Joseph’s School Character Enrichment Instructor.