Former International Taekwondo Coach Instills Wisdom In Ellisville

Are you looking for an activity that will keep your children fit, while building their character? If the qualities of discipline, politeness and positive self-esteem are important to your family, Park’s Martial Arts Academies in Manchester and Ellisville provides quality instruction in Taekwondo to people of all ages.

According to the www.parksma.net website, “Grand Master T.H. Park approaches the sport and discipline of Taekwondo with passion and excellence ... The school is dedicated to the instruction of not only the kicks, punches and blocks in a safe environment, but also to the philosophies of taekwondo. The five tenets of Taekwondo are incorporated into every lesson: courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit.”

The Grand Master holds a 7th degree black belt in Taekwondo and has taught for 32 years. He is an international referee in Han Ma Dang, a three-time Korean National Champion and previous coach of the Mexican International Taekwondo Team.

As a student of the martial arts, I’d tried different schools at various times in my adult life. I knew I’d found a home the first time I tested for a new belt at Park’s Martial Arts Academy. When it was time to leave, I had my hands full and was having a hard time getting out the door. Immediately, I was greeted by two teenage black belt instructors asking if I needed help. Children younger than my own son had taught this “mom” a valuable lesson in courtesy.

What I like best about Park’s Martial Arts Academy is that these little life lessons are continually a part of the curriculum.  Each student is treated with courtesy, no matter what their rank or ability. We bow and refer to each other as “sir” and “ma’am” to show respect.  Children are taught “home rules” in behavior that they must practice at home. Part of achieving a black belt is showing you understand this simple code of ethics. The internal spirit is just as important as the physical self to Grand Master Park.

For children that love activity, there is plenty of physical exercise and fun as well.  If a student is unable to do a movement, they are given extra guidance with a smiling dose of self-esteem building encouragement.  The emphasis is on helping each person achieve their own personal level of success. Games at the end of class are often used to entice students to work together, while building strong bodies.

Visitors are warmly welcomed at either location: 

Clarkson Clayton
1334 Clarkson Clayton Center
Ellisville, MO 63011
636-227-3332

Big Bend
677 Big Bend Rd.
Manchester, MO 63021
636-230-5667

If you contact the school through the www.parksma.net website, you can sign up for two weeks of free Taekwondo classes.