Ages 7 - 12 | South Toms River, NJ
Juniors Taekwon-Do
Our Juniors program teaches more than kicking and punching —it gives students a foundation of discipline, confidence, resilience, and integrity they can carry with them for life.
"The owners are kind and genuine. My kids love the taekwondo classes. Grand Master Gantner and Mr. Leo are very well versed and excellent instructors. I cannot sing their praises enough! They have students for life with my family!”
— Jess C.
What is Taekwon-Do?
a traditional Korean self-defense martial art that combines powerful techniques with a philosophy of respect and discipline to develop strength, confidence, and character.
Yes, students learn how to kick, punch, block, move, and defend themselves, but the deeper purpose of training is what happens along the way.
The Five Tenets of TaeKwon-Do provide a foundation for how students learn to conduct themselves:
Courtesy
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Integrity
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Perseverance
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Self-Control
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Indomitable Spirit
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Courtesy • Integrity • Perseverance • Self-Control • Indomitable Spirit •
These aren't just words to memorize. They're qualities students practice every time they bow onto the mat, show respect to a training partner, work through a difficult technique, control their reactions, or choose to keep going when something is hard.
6 LIFE-CHANGING BENEFITS
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1. Build Confidence
Students learn to trust themselves by setting goals, learning new skills, and experiencing what it feels like to accomplish something they once found difficult.
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2. Develop Discipline & Responsibility
As training becomes more formal, students learn that progress requires consistency, focus, preparation, and personal responsibility.
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3. Build Strength & Fitness
TaeKwon-Do provides a fun, active way for kids to build strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness, all while developing practical self-defense skills.
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4. Learn Self-Control
Martial arts teaches students that strength isn't simply about physical power. They learn to control their bodies, their reactions, and their choices.
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5. Build Resilience
Not every technique will come easily. Students learn to work through frustration, make adjustments, and keep going when progress takes time, patience, and persistence.
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6. Become a Leader
Martial Arts teaches that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about learning to take responsibility, make good choices, treat others with respect, and lead by example.
is Juniors Taekwon-Do right for your child?
Juniors TaeKwon-Do may be a great fit for a child who...
Could benefit from greater confidence or self-belief
Needs a positive challenge outside of school
Has trouble sticking with things when they become difficult
Is ready to take on more responsibility
Would benefit from structure and clear expectations
Wants to learn a real martial art, not just play martial arts games
Enjoys learning new skills and working toward goals
Would thrive in a community built around mutual respect
They don't need to walk through the door already disciplined, focused, or confident. Those are some of the very things we're here to help them develop!
The Lotus Academy Difference
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Three Generations
The Lotus Academy is a third generation Taekwon-Do academy making traditional martial arts accessible to all ages and ability levels.
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A Foundation for Life
We're not selling belts. We're helping young people become future leaders who move through the world with confidence and integrity.
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Clear Path to Progress
Students follow a structured belt progression system with clear expectations and a documented curriculum for every rank.
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Opportunities for Growth
Students have the opportunity to attend training seminars and test their skills in competition at local, state, and international levels.
Ready to get started?
Begin your journey with a FREE 45-minute Private Introduction to the studio. Ask questions, take a tour, and begin learning—this session is yours to shape!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Juniors Taekwon-Do is designed for children ages 7–12. We understand that every child develops at their own pace, so if you're unsure whether your child is ready for Juniors, we're happy to help you determine the best fit during a Free Intro.
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Not at all. Students can begin Juniors Taekwon-Do with no previous martial arts experience. We'll meet them where they are and help them build from there.
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New students can wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for movement for their first few classes.
As part of our New Member Jumpstart Program, students have the opportunity to earn a free dobok (uniform). Once a student has their dobok, it should be worn to every Taekwon-Do class.
We’ll make sure you know when it’s time to get your uniform and help you with the process!
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Students should aim to train at least twice per week. Although, training three to fours times per week is ideal to get the most out of your training. That said, it’s not just about how often you show up, it’s about staying consistent. Whether it’s two classes a week or four, regular practice is the key to building skills, staying motivated, and making steady progress.
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Yes. Traditional Taekwon-Do is rooted in self-defense, so students learn age-appropriate self-defense skills as part of their training, along with awareness, control, and responsible decision-making.
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Sparring is a fundamental part of Taekwon-Do training for students at the yellow belt level and above. All sparring is conducted under instructor supervision and with appropriate protective gear.
At the Juniors level, sparring is controlled and limited to light contact, with an emphasis on developing technique, control, and confidence—not aggression.
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Our traditional Taekwon-Do program follows a structured progression system with a clear curriculum for each rank. Students advance at their own pace by demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and personal development expected at each level.
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Absolutely! Competition is optional, but we encourage students to participate for the experience. Through affiliation with the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF), students have opportunities to compete at the local, state, and international levels.
Competition is a valuable learning experience that challenges students to test their skills, build confidence, learn how to handle pressure, and grow from both wins and losses. It's not required to progress in Taekwon-Do, but it's an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow.
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That's okay. Your child doesn't need to be athletic or confident to begin. Martial arts gives students a structured and welcoming environment where they can develop those qualities over time.