Welcome to United Martial Arts Center (UMACUS)

About Master David Torres
Owner and Head Instructor, United Martial Arts (UMAC), Fort Myers, Florida

At the heart of United Martial Arts is a man whose leadership, compassion, and dedication have shaped the lives of hundreds of students and families across Fort Myers and beyond. Master David Torres isn’t just a martial arts instructor—he’s a mentor, a caregiver, and a lifelong student of service.

With a background in emergency medicine and military service, David brings structure, discipline, and integrity to everything he does. But what sets him apart is the way he leads—with patience, humility, and an open heart. “I’ve always just wanted to help people,” he says. “This school gives me the chance to do that every day.”

David’s martial arts journey began as a young child with boxing and continued through his adult life with deep training in traditional Korean disciplines. Today, he teaches Ko Am Mu Do—a comprehensive martial art founded by four 9th Dan Grand Masters—as well as Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do. Under his instruction, students learn not only physical technique but also self-control, empathy, and personal responsibility.

Over the past 15 years, David has worked with thousands of children and adults, earning a reputation for meeting each student where they are. From children with ADHD or autism to teens navigating peer pressure to adults working toward long-overdue fitness goals—David helps each person discover their individual path to success.

“I know every kid by name and I do my best to learn their personality,” he says. “Because that’s how I teach. Everyone is different. That’s something to celebrate, not hide.”

As the head of UMAC, David sees his mission as far more than teaching martial arts. He serves as a parent-figure for many children, a sounding board for families, and a consistent presence in an often chaotic world. Whether he’s helping a student with homework, guiding a parent through a tough discipline moment, or planning a summer field trip that builds confidence, David is always working toward one thing: stronger kids, stronger families, and a stronger community.

He leads by example—never raising his voice, never giving up on a student, and never compromising on values. In his own words: “Honesty builds trust. Trust builds relationships. That’s how we grow.”

Under David’s leadership, UMAC has become known not only for its rigorous martial arts training but for its inclusive and nurturing environment. He’s helped children go from being too shy to enter the classroom to earning their black belts with pride. He’s seen parents take their first martial arts class alongside their kids and watched them both grow stronger—together.

Master David’s approach is as unique as it is effective. He doesn’t seek recognition; he seeks results—measured in self-confidence, respect, and character development. Former students return from college and military service to thank him. Local schools partner with him to lead mentorship programs. And countless families stay with UMAC year after year because of the trust he’s earned.
“I’m not in this for trophies,” he says. “I’m here to build people.”

Come meet the man behind UMAC—and see how one person’s heart, discipline, and vision can change lives.
📍 Located in Fort Myers, FL
📞 Call Us: (239) 433-2299
🌐 https://umacus.com

About Grand Master Noah Geun Guak
Founder and Head Grand Master, United Martial Arts Center (UMAC), Fort Myers, Florida

With more than five decades of experience and a 9th Degree Black Belt, Grand Master Guak has built a legacy that reaches far beyond trophies and titles. He is a mentor to his students, a leader in the global martial arts community, and a living example of the discipline, humility, and perseverance that define the Korean martial arts.

Grand Master Guak’s martial arts journey began in his native South Korea. As a young boy, he immersed himself in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do, dedicating countless hours to training and honing his skills. By the 1970s, his hard work and natural talent propelled him onto the competitive stage, where he earned multiple Korean national championships and gained extensive tournament experience. But for Grand Master Guak, martial arts was never just about competition—it was about personal growth, respect for tradition, and the pursuit of excellence.

His first major step as a teacher came when he opened his own martial arts school, Chung Moo, in Seoul, South Korea. There, he trained students in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do, instilling in them not only the technical skills of the arts but also the deeper principles of honor, discipline, and perseverance. His work caught the attention of local communities and organizations, setting the stage for his next chapter.

In 1983, Grand Master Guak moved to Tijuana, Mexico, where his teaching expanded beyond the dojang. He trained the local police department in Hap Ki Do, equipping them with practical defensive skills, and worked with children and adults at the YMCA, bringing the benefits of martial arts to people from all walks of life. His ability to connect with students—regardless of their age, language, or background—made his programs thrive and built his reputation as a world-class instructor.

Soon after, Grand Master Guak immigrated to the United States and settled in Florida. In 1988, he opened United Martial Arts Center (UMAC) in Lee County, a school that would grow to become one of the most respected martial arts academies in the region. Nearly a decade later, in 1994, Grand Master Guak joined forces with three other 9th Degree Grand Masters to create Ko Am Mu Do, a comprehensive martial arts system that combines the best elements of Korean martial traditions. In 1997, they introduced this system to masters, instructors, and practitioners across South Korea, setting a new standard for well-rounded, accessible martial arts training.

In 2007, UMAC moved into its current home—a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility in South Fort Myers. Today, it stands as the largest and most modern martial arts training center in Florida, reflecting Grand Master Guak’s vision for a space where students of all ages can grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit.

Grand Master Guak’s accomplishments are as extensive as they are impressive. He holds Grand Master-level ranks in Ko Am Mu Do, Tae Kwon Do, and Hap Ki Do, making him one of the most highly ranked and experienced instructors in the tri-county area. He has been featured on the cover of Tae Kwon Do Times, an international martial arts magazine, three times—a testament to his influence and respect in the global martial arts community. Over the years, he has traveled across Korea, Mexico, and the United States, leading seminars, demonstrations, and mentorship programs that inspire practitioners worldwide. Fluent in Korean, English, and Spanish, he continues to bridge cultures and connect people through the universal language of martial arts.

But ask Grand Master Guak what drives him, and he won’t list the awards, the publications, or even his 9th Dan rank. He’ll simply say this: “Martial arts is about building people. Stronger in their character, their confidence, and their compassion. That’s my mission.”

Through his decades of teaching, Grand Master Guak has transformed UMAC into far more than a martial arts school—it’s a community, a family, and a place where students learn lessons that last a lifetime.