Korean Academy of Taekwondo

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Train the hand, the foot, and the way of life.

A young student in a white dobok practicing a front kick

Ages 3–5

Tigers

Obstacle courses, games, and first kicks. Little ones build balance, focus, and listening skills in a class made for the youngest students.

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A student in a KAT dobok holding a side kick on outdoor steps

Ages 6–15

Kids and teens

Kicks, forms, sparring, self-defense, and board breaking, with the friends who make the school feel like a second home.

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Master Christopher Ballard in a white dobok and black belt

All experience levels

Adult Taekwondo

Traditional Taekwondo for fitness and practical self-defense. Warm-up, forms, partner work, and conditioning in the same class.

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Instructors in Korean Academy gis on the mat

Self-defense first

Jiu-jitsu

Ground grappling for a smaller person against a larger one. At KAT the emphasis is self-defense, not a trophy case.

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Weapons → · Self-defense →

Five goals of Taekwondo

What a black belt is asked to practice off the mat.

Respect

This is one of the most important aspects of Taekwondo. It is also the most noticeable. You show respect for others by treating them as you would like to be treated yourself. The most obvious manner in which we show our respect in Taekwondo is by bowing and addressing people as “Sir” or “Ma’am.”

Humility

While we should all be proud of ourselves, having too much pride is inappropriate. You should not boast too much about your talents and accomplishments. Whether you are a Black Belt or a new white belt, a national champion or a last-place competitor, a high paid executive or a first time employee, you should treat all people fairly.

Perseverance

Perseverance is “sticking with it” and not giving up even when it would be easier to quit.

Self-control

Being a good Taekwondo student and becoming a Black Belt is not easy. You are the only one who can make yourself do the things necessary to be successful. Through concentration and effort, you will accomplish your goals.

Honesty

You should not only be honest to others by telling the truth, but you should be honest with yourself as well. You will find that if you are honest with yourself, being honest to others comes naturally. The dedicated Taekwondo practitioner makes these goals a part of their life. Even if someone’s martial arts skills are very good, if they do not practice and strive for these goals, they will never be a true Black Belt.

The floor