Most people don’t know to ask this question. But it is important to know that the people teaching you or your children are certified, and where their curriculum is recognized outside of that location. Sometimes it is just their school, or their franchise. A student who dedicates several years toward training and earns a Black Belt wants to know that their investment in time and money will be recognized. Lupo Taekwondo is an official USA Taekwondo Club and its Black Belts are certified by the Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Our curriculum is taught worldwide in more than 170 countries. Our Black Belts are recognized globally for life.

Confirm that there is a senior instructor teaching every class. Find out that person’s credentials. How many instructors are there? Have the adult instructors have passed background checks? At Lupo Taekwondo, there is always a 2nd Degree Black Belt or higher leading every class, and most often, 4th Degree or higher. Typically, they have several 1st Degree Black Belts assisting them.

Unless you walk into a school like Cobra Kai from "The Karate Kid", this should not happen. Ask the school about their philosophy on using martial arts outside of the training gym. Our students take an oath to never misuse Taekwondo, to be champions of freedom and justice, and to build a more peaceful world. We don't start fights, ever. We instill confidence to walk away whenever possible. We teach skills to defend ourselves if we must. And should that time come, we do so with restraint. So no, your child will not be more aggressive, but they will learn to be assertive in communicating how they expect to be treated.

Taekwondo is an Olympic sport, but not everyone is an athlete and not everyone is competitive. That's okay. Tae Kwon Do is about learning new skills and integrating mind and body for improved focus, control, and fitness. Many students who did not find success in stick and ball sports fall in love with martial arts. Ask a school you are considering if they are experienced and comfortable working with non-athletes, or if applicable, children with ADD / ADHD, or who are on the Autism Spectrum. These children benefit from martial arts training and we have seen the results. You will see significant improvement in their focus, control, and confidence. They just need the right teacher. At Lupo Taekwondo, our team members have personal and professional experience in working with kids who learn differently.