U.S. Taekwondo Academy — Local services in Bel Air

We first learned about USTA by attending a friend’s birthday party. My daughter Libby was so timid at the party that she cried the whole time, refused to go on the mat, and wouldn’t leave my side. Despite her reaction, we stayed for the entire party. I was so impressed with the party and the rapport that Master Chang and Master Jennifer developed with the children in a two-hour period that I was convinced this was something my daughter should get involved in. I met with Master Jennifer at her Churchville school a couple weeks later and discussed Libby’s personality with her and my desire to get her involved, but shared my reservations given her reaction at the party. Master Jennifer offered for Libby to have a 15-minute one-on-one session, for free, with her to see if she could get her excited about Taekwondo. It worked and we immediately signed up for a 6-month contract.

Now, almost two and a half years later, Libby is 8 years old and one belt away from earning her black belt! She also now attends the USTA After-School Program at Master Chang’s Main Street school and is on Team Chang, where she attends special training on Fridays and Saturdays and competes in tournaments for forms, board breaking and sparring.

Master Jennifer has been instrumental in transforming Libby from an extremely reserved and timid child into someone with confidence, discipline, motivation, and commitment. Prior to TKD, Libby tried gymnastics, soccer, horseback riding, and piano, but nothing ever clicked. We can definitely say now that TKD is her sport and she feels so proud of her successes! We are so thankful to Master Jennifer for being Libby’s mentor, supporter, and motivator – what a difference she has made in Libby’s life!

We can’t say enough great things about USTA and Master Jennifer – you won’t be disappointed if you...

I highly recommend USTA to anyone who is considering Taekwondo.

Much like a few others have expressed, my daughter Aurora's first encounter with Taekwondo was via a friend's birthday party. During the short duration of the party Aurora lit up like the New York skyline at night. After the party was over she BEGGED to be allowed to take lessons.

I signed her up for a one-month trial, and she loved it! To date we have only been part of the USTA family for about six months, but Aurora is always eager to go to her TKD classes and puts forth all her effort while in class.

All of the masters and leaders in training are wonderful. They are patient yet firm. They do an amazing job of keeping things positive for the kids. The whole team of Masters and leaders in training do an outstanding job of keeping the students engaged and interested. They strive to always challenge the students, but never push them beyond their capability. This is wonderful for confidence building.

I have watched the USTA team work with special needs children and what a tremendous job they do building confidence in them as well.

This has been my first experience with any martial arts academy, but in my opinion USTA sets the standard exceedingly high for other schools to match.

Not only is Aurora learning Taekwondo, she is building her self-confidence, she is learning the meaning and behaviors of being respectful to others, and she is being taught all around good values through the non-physical aspects of the classes at USTA.

No matter your age or your ability, I cannot say enough positive things about USTA and their team of instructors. Whether you are interested in Taekwondo for yourself or your child(ren), I strongly feel you can't go wrong by...

We have been part of the U.S. Taekwondo Academy family for almost 11 years. Our son started when he was a very shy 6 year old. He is now a confident, outgoing 16 year old and a 3rd degree Kukkiwon black belt. Master Jennifer and Grand Master Chang are beyond excellent working with students from age 2 up to 60+. There is an equal balance between patience and encouragement in instructing kicks, forms, and self defense. Taekwondo becomes more than just a sport. It is a lifestyle that Master Jennifer and Grand Master Chang instill in the athlete. This is based on perseverance, integrity, courtesy, self-control, and indomitable spirit, which are the 5 tenets of Taekwondo. Master Jennifer and Grand Master Chang make classes fun and challenge students to give it their all. There are opportunities to compete in tournaments, join the Team Chang competition team, be part of the demo team, and test for the Kukkiwon black belt, where you are recognized anywhere in the world as a black belt. If you are looking for a sport for your child or yourself, look no further than the U. S. Taekwondo Academy where you become part of a family not just...