Middleburg Martial Arts
School Instructors
Here at Middleburg, our staff is the secret to our student success. We are proud to have a team of highly experienced and dedicated school instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping our students grow. Each instructor has a rich background in the Martial Arts industry and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Our impressive group of instructors are dedicated to setting a good example for athletes, putting them on a path towards a black belt, and changing their lives for the better. Meet the team below!
Training Philosophies
Owner/ Master Instructor Rachael Macy
Head Instructor Master Rachael Macy, a 4th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, started her martial arts training, alongside her parents and siblings, at the tender age of 4 years old. Her original instructor was Master Jim DeBacca, a legendary competitor, trainer and martial arts instructor in Santa Rosa, California.
From a young age, Master Macy cultivated a passion for the art of Tang Soo Do, as well as a love for teaching and helping other students in their black belt journey. In 2001, her family moved to Middleburg, Florida and her mother, Master Jan Lappin, opened Middleburg Martial Arts. Master Macy spent her high school years working as lead instructor at Middleburg Martial Arts and continued to train and compete while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and graduating in the top 10% of her class.
Master Macy earned her 4th degree Masters belt in March 2018 within the World Tang Soo Do Association. She continues to follow her passion for helping kids, adults and families better themselves through the martial arts and forging a black belt team with a strong focus on life-skill and leadership development.
Instructor Jan Lappin
Master Jan Lappin started training in martial arts in the 70’s. She is an accomplished tournament champion and holds a 5th degree master black belt in Tang Soo Do, a black belt in Judo, and she is a level 4 instructor in Ki Gong.
Master Lappin graduated from the University of Florida with honor and a degree in Psychology. Her passion has always been helping children. In addition to being a foster parent, teaching parenting seminars, and volunteering in local elementary schools, Master Lappin thrives off of helping Clay County families to develop successful young adults through martial arts and life skill development.
She has been featured in Martial Arts Success Magazine for her unique life skill development program. She leads the instructors of Middleburg Martial Arts in teaching everything from Goal setting to confidence and from focus to self-discipline.
Master Lappin is a certified verbal judo instructor (this is a program originally created for Police officers in Chicago) and teaching this to individuals of all ages as it pertains to bully-prevention at all stages of life. In addition to helping children grow, Master Lappin has created an environment that encourages adults and individuals of all ages to be the best version of themselves.
What Our Students Are Saying
MMA has been an absolute game changer for our family. Our son has gone from a shy 5yr old to a strong, confident 12yr old black belt. If you are looking for something to increase your child's confidence, self esteem, and overall behavior, Middleburg Martial Arts is your place to train.
Jay H
Parent
I have been training here for 11 years now. I have found a second home and family within the studio. They take care of their students and they teach the life skills needed to progress forward throughout their lives. Instructors such as Ms. Maya Walton have had such an impact on my life and I thank her so much for it. She makes sure you leave class with a smile and learned something new. All the instructors at Middleburg Martial Arts are great at what they do and will improve the character of your child or yourself.
Marshall W
Student
I knew about Middleburg Martial Arts during the orientation day at school. Kids signed for the 2 weeks offer and loved it. I am so glad that I took the opportunity for them. The environment is awesome and the way they teach and talk about discipline and respect is amazing! Thank you very much to each and all instructors and students. You're so welcoming!!!
Claudia D
Student
Our daughter started taking classes here in August and she absolutely loves it! We have already noticed a difference in her. She is becoming more responsible and disciplined. She is also learning to count in Korean! If you've ever been curious about taking classes for yourself or enrolling your kids please come check it out!
Shiloh W
Parent
Amazing instructors for your children. Who speak and treat them like grown ups instead of babies. Our son loves to come, and they also have a trial period to see if it will be something that you and they will be interested in. They definitely instill discipline and confidence in all the children here. I would highly recommend this for anyone with children or even anyone looking to take classes themselves.
David H
Parent