Our Story
Building Confidence & Character Through Martial Arts
Since 2009, Pandas Karate has been more than just a martial arts school—we're a family-run community dedicated to empowering students of all ages. Founded by husband-and-wife duo, Master Daniel & Susan Amaguaña, we started in a modest warehouse in Gaithersburg, MD, with zero students and a dream. Today, we’ve grown into a thriving martial arts studio serving families in Derwood, Olney, Rockville, and beyond..
Our Mission: More Than Kicks & Punches
At Pandas Karate, we believe that martial arts training goes beyond physical skills—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and resilience for life. Our students don’t just learn self-defense; they gain life-changing skills to navigate challenges at school, work, and beyond.
Why Families Choose Pandas Karate
✅ Family-Owned & Community-Focused – We treat every student like family.
✅ Inclusive Training for All Ages – Programs for kids, teens, and adults, from beginners to competitors.
✅ Competition-Ready Training – Our students excel in local and nationally ranked tournaments.
✅ Nationally Recognized Anti-Bullying Program – Our exclusive "Sticks & Stones" program, featured on NBC4, equips students with the tools to handle bullying without violence.
✅ Official Girl Scouts Partner – As an official partner of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, we offer exclusive self-defense and confidence-building workshops for Girl Scout troops.
Meet the Founders
Master Daniel Amaguaña, a 5th-degree black belt with 30+ years of martial arts experience, has trained over 400 black belts and competed at the highest levels. His diverse background includes Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Boxing, and Krav Maga, and he has choreographed martial arts performances for theater productions. He’s also the creator of "Sticks & Stones", bringing his passion for anti-bullying advocacy to schools nationwide.
Susan Amaguaña, co-founder and 1st-degree black belt, runs the operations behind Pandas Karate. With a strong background in business management and customer experience, she ensures that every student and family receives top-tier support. She also leads our AM Kickboxing classes, helping adults build strength and confidence.
Together, we are committed to helping students reach their full potential—inside and outside the dojo.
Join Our Martial Arts Family
Pandas Karate is more than a studio—it’s a supportive community where students grow, build friendships, and become stronger, both physically and mentally. Whether you're looking for traditional martial arts training, self-defense skills, or competition coaching, we have a program for you.
📅 Schedule Your Trial Class Today!
