Meet Our Instructors!

We are proud of our instructors who know each student by name and their individual abilities. They're able to motivate, lead, and teach our students to be their best, not only in martial arts and fitness but in their personal lives, as well. All of our Ustructors are Black Belts or certified Fitness Instructors. 

Master Mark Malakoff
Master Mark Malakoff has over 38 years’ experience in the Martial Arts and holds the rank of 5th Dan, specializing in the arts of traditional Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. Master Malakoff also holds a 1st Dan blackbelt in TangSooDo and KukSoolWon, both Korean styles, which is a blend of hard and soft styles.

Master Malakoff began his training at the age of 15 in Pittsburgh, PA under the instruction of Master Rick Lengyel and Master Achille “Ike” Aka.  Master Malakoff also attended all Black Belt classes held by Master DiMatteo in the ‘70s and ‘80s before moving to MD in the late ‘80s.  He did this to pursue his love for teaching Tae Kwon Do.

He also trained under Master Al Gauthier in Annapolis, MD in the early 90's at the Korean Martial Arts Academy in order to increase his knowledge of the Martial Arts.

Master Malakoff has been teaching in this area for over 35 years. Master Malakoff is dedicated to creating a positive environment for children and adults alike; helping students to gain self-confidence and develop their self-esteem while having fun learning the martial arts.

Master Malakoff tells all his students that to gain respect from others, you must first respect yourself.  You do this by taking care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising, having good personal hygiene and most importantly, getting the rest your body needs.

Mrs. Mary Ann Malakoff, President and Owner
Mrs. Mary Ann Malakoff is the President and Owner of Kang's Black Belt Academy. She has obtained the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is a Master Instructor of all Lil' Dragon and Kid Tiger classes taught throughout Montgomery County MD.  She is also a licensed Zumba Instructor & Strong by Zumba Instructor.

Mrs. Malakoff's Martial Arts story starts in the late ‘70s when she used to drive 15 year old Master Malakoff to Tae Kwon Do classes in Oakland, PA.  She said, “I never thought much about being a black belt back then.  I was just giving my boyfriend a ride to Karate school!”  Many years later when Master Malakoff and I got married (after not seeing each other for 18 years), everyone asked me when I was going to start training.  My standard answer was, “When I turn 40!”  Then it happened!! 

Now with over 15 years of Martial Arts experience, Mrs. Malakoff is an incredible role model for all the students at Kang’s Black Belt Academy and throughout the Martial Arts Industry.  She, along with her husband, have been featured in numerous articles in National Martial Arts Magazine, along with helping Century Martial Arts to expand their product line to appeal to the female market.  She helped specifically in the fitness market with Cage Fitness, along with Lil’ Dragons apparel.

Ms. Dawn Herold, Program Director
Ms. Dawn Herold is Program Director at Kang's Black Belt Academy, and holds the rank of 1st Degree Black belt.  Ms. Dawn is a key member in the every day running of Kang's.  When you come for your free introductory class, you will be greeted by Ms. Dawn with her big smile and warm heart.

Ms. Dawn is very excited about helping both the youngest student to the oldest Adult reach their Fitness Goals and just feel better about themselves.

Ms. Dawn also has an extensive background in Yoga and personal Training.  She looks forward to meeting you at your first class!

Mr. Daniel Mintz, Instructor
Mr. Mintz has been with Kang's for over 13 years and has obtained the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt with years of Tae Kwon Do instruction under the teaching of Master Malakoff.  Mr. Mintz has been teaching at our Studio as well as the Jewish Community Center in Rockville and is a true asset to us.  He teaches all classes from Lil' Dragons through Adult Tae Kwon Do. He also has been trained in Mixed Martial Arts and has competed in numerous tournaments winning many trophies in all divisions. 

Mr. Griffith "Griff" Page, Instructor

Mr. Page has more than 13 years of experience in the martial arts and is a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is a head instructor at the Sandy Spring Studio and Jewish Community Center locations. He also teaches the Lil' Dragons program at a number of preschools in Montgomery County, MD. Mr. Page strives to be the spirit of fun at the studio, making every workout feel like a game.

Honors and Awards


Master Mark and Mrs. Mary Ann Malakoff are awarded the 2014 Business Persons of the Year by the Olney Chamber of Commerce

Kang's Listed in Top 3 of The Gazette's Best of Montgomery County 2014 in 2 Categories - Fitness (local) and Martial Arts School