Lead by Example Tae Kwon Do

The Bellinos are hard working, small business owners who go above and beyond to keep their staff, students, AND parents happy.

My son has gone here for almost 4 years. The program is outstanding and teaches the kids much more than TKD. The coaches are not easy and don’t «give anything away». They expect the kids to earn it. However, they are extremely supportive in a way that let’s kids earn self confidence and self respect.
In addition to TKD, they have self defense and full contact MMA for the kids that want to do something «extra». The coaches also take physical fitness seriously. In my opinion this program is what other «TKD» programs should aspire to.
I’m a little suspect of the commenter below talking about bullying because all I have seen there is a HUGE emphasis on the opposite including rewarding kids for standing by (not physically), kids that were being teased etc. I am confident to say that if the owners/​coachs ever heard about such a thing they would expel any participant from the school immediately. In fact, the coaches don’t even allow the kids to critique each other in class.

I’ve studied and taught (children) martial arts for 25 years in Los Angeles. While visiting Great Falls, I decided to visit Lead by Example to watch my niece and nephew during class. I’ve witnessed my fair share of «martial arts» studios so I’m always skeptical but, to my surprise, I was more than impressed by the lead instructor, Mr. Andrew. He was incredible and I loved his teaching style. He had expectations of his students and not only cares about their becoming good athletes but clearly wants them to be good people. I can’t recommend this school enough.

The other reviews are dead wrong. Kids in Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do are taught to do exactly that — lead by example. They are taught to NEVER bully, but be the kids to defend those being bullied. They are taught to be respectful and responsible. The focus here is NOT just on Tae Kwon Do, but on being the best person you can be in your community.
Andrew and the other instructors are great. They don’t coddle, that’s for sure. If you want a school where kids can run around and play during class, this is not the place. They teach discipline and control. They truly care about the kids, but won’t hesitate to park them on the sideline or get in their faces to send a message. If you don’t want that, go to Gymboree.
Earlina is super nice. The comments about caring only about money and nickel and diming are way off base. They charge for attending their school. They charge for any additional optional equipment you might buy. That’s it.
I highly recommend this school, but only if you want a true martial art experience, with focus, discipline, and respect being taught to your children.

Husband (Andrew) is main teacher. He is a New York Italian type so that comes through in training. The other post commenting on bullying is not fair. My son spent years there. Andrew teaches never throw first but finish if you can’t walk away. Basically Brooklyn. He panders to parents a little (he is always glancing over to see their reactions instead of being 100% focused on kids) but seems to actually care about training the kids and teaching them. His wife is business manager and her concern is only money. She attempts to conceal it but it’s obvious. She comes across as fake to me but was always professional. Basically if you live in area and money is not an issue it’s fine. Just prepare to be nickel and dimed.

I’ve seen examples of kids attending coming out with attitudes of bullying. What is unfortunate is that parents of these kids condone this behavior.