Traditional Taekwon-do

Specialties

Taekwon-​do is fun, but it’s not just fun and games. Taekwon-​do helps you deal with whatever life throws at you – or at your children. Martial arts builds body, mind and spirit, creating confidence and resilience.

This is achieved through the practice of powerful kicks, strikes and throwing techniques, as well as through the perfection of artistic forms and effective self-​defense tactics. One need not be an athlete, or even particularly in good shape, to start. We break down the components of every skill and work the fundamentals. Each student progresses at his or her own pace.

Every new student at Traditional Taekwon-​do receives a one-​on-​one lesson to get started, then moves into beginners classes to work on the basics until they can move comfortably in a regular group class – typically about 12 beginners lessons. After that, students can take their pick from 21 classes held each week.

This is a great activity for parents to do with their children and there are family discounts.

History

Established in 1993.

From its humble beginnings in a building that burned down to its current spacious location on Belmont St. Traditional Taekwon-​do has grown and improved in each of its 20 years in business. Head instructor Gil Johnson earned his 6^th degree black belt in September, 2012. and the schools boasts seven other experienced black belt instructors.

Taekwon-​do itself is a relatively recent martial art from Korea that evolved out of shotokan karate as well as older Korean fighting arts. It is famous for its powerful and vigorous kicking, but also employs hand strikes and grappling moves.

Meet the Business Owner

Gil J.

Business Owner

Head Instructor Gil Johnson is a 6^th Dan (6^th degree black belt). He has been teaching for 23 years and opened Traditional Taekwon-​do in 1993. A former Pacific Northwest grand champion, he has a great deal of experience teaching special needs children and «at-​risk» youth, as well as adults needing self-​defense training.