Classes & Programs
taekwondo
Classes
Immerse yourself in the art of Taekwondo through our comprehensive classes at Leadership Academy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our classes cater to all levels. Learn the fundamental techniques, forms (poomsae), and self-defense applications of Taekwondo in a supportive and engaging environment. Our experienced instructors provide expert guidance, ensuring that each class is dynamic, challenging, and filled with opportunities for growth and achievement.
Philosophy
At Leadership Academy, our Taekwondo classes are infused with a rich philosophical foundation. We emphasize the principles of respect, discipline, perseverance, and self-control. Through the practice of Taekwondo, we aim to cultivate not only physical strength but also mental fortitude and character development. Our philosophy fosters a sense of humility, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to personal growth both on and off the training floor. The tenants of taekwondo include Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
Family Sparring
Experience the thrill and camaraderie of Family Sparring in our specialized Taekwondo classes. Designed for growth, teamwork, and skill development, our sessions provide unique opportunities for students of all ages and skill levels. Emphasizing strategy, speed, agility, and discipline, Family Sparring allows you to apply techniques in a supportive environment. Our expert instructors guide you through drills, offering insights and personalized feedback to enhance your abilities. Discover the joy of sparring as you build confidence, improve coordination, and strengthen bonds within our Taekwondo family.
Private lessons
For personalized instruction and accelerated progress, we offer private lessons with our experienced Taekwondo instructors. Private lessons provide a one-on-one setting where you can focus on specific goals, receive individualized feedback, and tailor your training to your unique needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an advanced practitioner seeking to refine your techniques, our private lessons offer personalized attention and guidance, ensuring that you maximize your learning and progress in Taekwondo.
Family Classes
Get Started: To join Leadership Academy, we require all prospective students to complete a private lesson/assessment/interview with Mr. Engels before joining group classes. This ensures that we understand your goals and can provide personalized guidance right from the start. Contact us to schedule your introductory session and take the first step towards becoming a leader and enhancing your taekwondo and leadership skills.
Visit us today or call to schedule a tour of our facilities. We look forward to welcoming you to Leadership Academy!
Mental Toughness
Our Taekwondo program emphasizes the development of mental toughness, a crucial attribute for success in all areas of life. Through challenging training sessions, students learn to push past their limits, embrace discomfort, and develop mental resilience. Taekwondo instills a never-give-up attitude, teaching students to overcome obstacles, persevere through adversity, and maintain focus even under pressure. The mental toughness cultivated in our program equips students with the mindset and determination needed to tackle challenges, set ambitious goals, and excel in all their endeavors.
Physical Fitness
Our Taekwondo program provides a comprehensive workout that improves overall physical fitness. Through dynamic movements, cardio exercises, and strength training, students develop endurance, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Engaging in regular Taekwondo classes helps build a strong and healthy body, leading to increased energy levels and improved overall well-being.
Character Development
Our Taekwondo program emphasizes the development of important character traits such as discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-control. Students learn to set and achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and maintain a positive attitude both inside and outside the training facility. These qualities instill confidence, improve focus, and help students navigate life’s challenges with resilience and integrity.
Mental Focus and Concentraton
Taekwondo requires mental focus and concentration, which are essential life skills. Through forms (poomsae) practice, meditation, and mindfulness exercises, students cultivate mental clarity, attentiveness, and the ability to stay present in the moment. Improved concentration not only enhances performance in Taekwondo but also carries over to academic and professional pursuits.
Personal Growth and Confidence
Our Taekwondo program provides a platform for personal growth and self-improvement. As students progress through belt ranks and overcome challenges, they build self-confidence, resilience, and a belief in their own capabilities. Taekwondo instills a sense of achievement and fosters personal growth, empowering students to embrace new opportunities and reach their full potential in all aspects of life.
Community and Lifelong Friendships
Taekwondo is a social activity that fosters a sense of community and friendship. Our program creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students of all ages and backgrounds come together to train, learn, and grow. Lifelong friendships are formed as students support and encourage each other, creating a strong bond within the Taekwondo community.
Gary Engels
Founder/Head Instructor
Introducing Gary Engels, the founder and CEO of Leadership Academy. With a lifelong dedication to martial arts and a passion for leadership development, Gary embarked on a mission to use martial arts training as a vehicle to cultivate real-world leadership skills. Since founding Leadership Academy in 2005, he has been committed to empowering individuals to become authentic leaders in today’s world.
Gary’s martial arts journey began at the age of 5 in the art of Kajukenpo Karate. At 14, he put on a white belt again in taekwondo and quickly excelled in the discipline of taekwondo. He competed in state and national tournaments, earning Gold and Silver medals in the Junior Olympics during his teenage years. These early achievements laid the foundation for his understanding of discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Driven by the belief that leadership is the most precious commodity on the planet, Gary established Leadership Academy with the goal of imparting essential leadership skills through martial arts training. Leading by example and caring for others are fundamental concepts that he instills in his students, fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and personal growth.
Gary’s accomplishments in the martial arts realm are notable. He achieved the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, earned through the rigorous Ultimate Black Belt Test under the guidance of Master Tom Callos. Additionally, after 15 years of dedicated training, he was promoted to the rank of Black Belt in Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu by the legendary Royce Gracie himself. Gary’s commitment to leadership extends beyond the mat, as he has completed hundreds of community service projects locally and globally through Projabi, an online leadership program he developed.
As a leader, Gary embraces the philosophy that mastery is derived from operating under correct knowledge consistently over long periods of time. He believes that when individuals make their training about others, tremendous value is found within the class, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Looking ahead, Gary envisions expanding Leadership Academy’s offerings to include additional leadership development material for families, aiming to leave a legacy of confident, disciplined, focused, respectful, participative, and engaged citizens in society.
Recognized for his inspiring work, Gary Engels was awarded the “Out of the Dojo and Into The World Award” for his dedication to documenting and inspiring hundreds of service projects around the world.
With a core focus on self-defense, Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes at Leadership Academy follow the principle of teaching techniques that can be utilized in real fights. This practical approach ensures authenticity and effectiveness in training, empowering students with the skills to protect themselves.
Gary Engels, as the visionary founder and CEO of Leadership Academy, continues to inspire and guide individuals on their journey of leadership and personal growth, making a lasting impact on the lives of his students and the communities they serve.
Local? Your First Class is on Us
We offer flexible membership options with a monthly tuition fee of $125 for either Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu or Taekwondo. If you choose to enroll in both programs, the combined monthly fee is $200. Families can take advantage of our family program, where the rest of the family is included once you are paying for two members. We have a 30-day cancellation policy, allowing you to enjoy our programs without long-term commitments.
Unleash Your Potential with tkd
Embark on a transformative journey with Taekwondo at our academy. Taekwondo is more than just a martial art; it’s a holistic practice that nurtures physical strength, mental discipline, and emotional resilience. Through the practice of forms (poomsae), dynamic training sessions, and the cultivation of mental focus and self-control, you will enhance your coordination, balance, and agility. Taekwondo also provides a supportive community where individuals of all ages and backgrounds come together to train, learn, and grow. Forge lifelong friendships and surround yourself with encouragement and motivation. Our dedicated instructors and comprehensive curriculum will guide you on a path of personal transformation, helping you unleash your full potential both inside and outside the training facility. Embark on this empowering journey and discover the numerous benefits that Taekwondo offers for personal growth and self-improvement.
Discover the Art of Taekwondo
Welcome to our Taekwondo program, where you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Taekwondo is more than just a martial art—it’s a way of life. Through the practice of Taekwondo, you’ll develop physical strength, mental discipline, and emotional resilience. Our experienced instructors will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum that includes forms (poomsae), self-defense techniques, and sparring. Embrace the art of Taekwondo and unlock your full potential, both on and off the training floor.
Foster Community and Lifelong Friendships
At our academy, we believe that community and support are essential to personal growth. When you join our Taekwondo program, you’ll become part of a welcoming and inclusive community. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and range in age and experience, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Through shared training sessions, team activities, and mutual encouragement, you’ll forge lifelong friendships with fellow Taekwondo enthusiasts. Join us and experience the camaraderie and sense of belonging that our Taekwondo community offers.
Cultivate Discipline and Mental Focus
Taekwondo is not just about physical strength; it’s also a discipline that cultivates mental focus and fortitude. Through our Taekwondo program, you will develop discipline, concentration, and mental resilience. The practice of forms (poomsae) and various training drills will enhance your ability to stay focused and present in the moment. Taekwondo teaches you to overcome challenges, set and achieve goals, and maintain a positive mindset. By immersing yourself in the art of Taekwondo, you will acquire valuable life skills that extend beyond the training floor. Join us and harness the power of discipline and mental focus through the practice of Taekwondo.
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Testimonials
Luke has been coming to leadership since he was 4 years old he is now almost 8. He loves going to class and working with his classmates. I have watched his confidence grow over the years. I’m so great full for the whole Engel’s family. His determination to learn new things makes me so happy that we joined the leadership family!! To watch the excitement on his face when he learns something new or gains more confidence in a move or a kick makes me so happy. Thank you for what you all do to make that happen! We are very grateful for Leadership academy.
Our son was able to develop the confidence he needed from the Leadership Academy to enter a new school with a happy and healthy mindset. The instructors and advanced students were supportive, encouraging, and helped my son find his inner and outer strength!
As a family who travel full time, Leadership Academy Martial Arts is our 5th Taekwondo school in the last 2 years. I can honestly say Gary Engels is an amazing teacher, and anyone who trains here is fortunate to have such a wealth of knowledge at their disposal. We we’re welcomed on day 1 like life long friends. My daughter has learned more in our short time here than the last 3 schools combined. If you or your children are interested in martial arts or self defense schedule a class now! You and/or your child will not be sorry!
With the guidance of Mr Gary Engels and three helpful children, our son Alex has shown growth in his abilities and attitude since joining Tae Kwon Do. Mrs Nikki Engels has been so helpful with any questions we have and I really enjoyed taking her yoga class. The whole family works together to make the place feel welcoming and serene.
Leadership Academy is exactly what the name says – a place to grow as leaders through the practice of martial arts. As a new student with experience (black belt, 5 years of taekwondo in college), I felt welcomed and accepted since day one. Mr. and Mrs. Engels foster a wonderful learning environment that focuses on mental strength, physical training, and overall a positive experience that is family-friendly and open to learners of all ages and levels. Students are taught the important of respect, discipline, perseverance, and kindness. Everyone cares for one another while pushing each other to grow through healthy competition.
Q: What age groups do you accept in your Taekwondo program?
A: We welcome students of all ages, from children as young as 5 years old to adults and seniors. Our classes are tailored to suit the unique needs and abilities of each age group.
Q: Do I need any prior experience in martial arts to join?
A: No prior experience is required to join our Taekwondo program. Our classes are designed to accommodate beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Our instructors will guide you through the fundamentals and ensure a positive learning experience.
Q: Is Taekwondo a safe activity for my child?
A: Safety is our utmost priority. Our instructors are highly trained to ensure a safe training environment for all students. We provide proper equipment and closely monitor all activities to minimize the risk of injuries.
Q: Can my family members participate in Taekwondo classes together?
A: Absolutely! We offer family classes where parents, siblings, and children can train together, fostering a sense of unity and shared growth within the family. Taekwondo provides an excellent opportunity for family bonding and mutual support.
Q: What should I expect during a Taekwondo class?
A: In a typical Taekwondo class, you can expect a combination of warm-up exercises, skill training, forms (poomsae) practice, and various drills to enhance your techniques. Our classes are engaging, challenging, and designed to cater to all fitness levels.
Q: Will my child learn discipline and respect through Taekwondo?
A: Absolutely! Discipline and respect are fundamental principles in Taekwondo. Our instructors prioritize instilling these values in our students, teaching them the importance of respecting themselves, their peers, and their instructors.
Q: Will Taekwondo help with my child's focus and concentration?
A: Yes, Taekwondo training is known to improve focus and concentration. Through the practice of forms (poomsae), sparring, and various training drills, students learn to concentrate, stay present in the moment, and develop mental clarity.
Q: Are there opportunities for my child to participate in Taekwondo competitions?
A: While our focus is primarily on personal growth and self-improvement, we do occasionally participate in friendly local events or demonstrations. However, competition is not a mandatory aspect of our program. We prioritize the development of skills, character, and confidence in our students.
Train – Learn- Grow
taekwondo
taekwondo schedule
Monday-Thursday
Taekwondo Basics: 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Taekwondo Intermediate and Advanced: 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM