Ages 13 & Up | South Toms River, NJ

Teen + Adult Taekwon-Do

Train under world-class instructors to develop strength, focus, and practical martial arts skills—all while becoming part of a community that supports you every step of the way.

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"The instructors are top notch. They are very relatable and have an abundance of knowledge and experience. The class sizes are perfect for getting a more personalized learning experience and the atmosphere is very welcoming.”

— Brian 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

  • 1. Get Stronger and Fitter

    Taekwon-Do is a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance while keeping you engaged and moving.

  • 2. Sharpen Your Focus

    Learning something new requires concentration, memory, precision, and presence. Over time, that ability to focus doesn't just stay on the mat—it becomes a skill you can use everywhere.

  • 3. Learn Self-Defense

    Develop real martial arts technique and practical self-defense skills while learning how to move with greater awareness, confidence, and control.

  • 4. Challenge Your Mind

    Taekwon-Do continually gives you something new to learn and master. It challenges you to think, adapt, solve problems, and stay engaged.

  • 5. Build Confidence

    There's something powerful about learning a skill you once thought you’d never get. With every new technique and every challenge you overcome, you build greater trust in yourself.

  • 6. Find Community

    Train alongside people who are working toward their own goals while encouraging you to pursue yours. The relationships built on the mat are one of the things that make people keep coming back.

who is Taekwon-Do for?

Our Teen + Adult program is for anyone who wants to challenge themselves, learn a traditional martial art, get stronger, and become part of a community.

It might be for you if you're looking to:

  • Get back into a regular fitness routine

  • Try something more engaging than a traditional gym workout

  • Improve your focus and concentration

  • Learn practical self-defense

  • Challenge yourself physically and mentally

  • Meet new people and find a community

  • Learn a skill you've always wanted to try

  • Continue developing your practice if you already have martial arts experience

You don't have to be "good at martial arts" to start. You just have to be willing to learn.

WHY TRAIN HERE

A LEGACY ROOTED IN TRADITION.

At The Lotus Academy, you have the opportunity to learn traditional Taekwon-Do directly from Grand Master Chris Gantner—a 9th Degree Black Belt and one of the most respected figures in the global Taekwon-Do community. With more than five decades of experience, GM Gantner has competed internationally, taught seminars around the world, and dedicated his career to preserving and advancing the technical standards of traditional Taekwon-Do.

We believe Taekwon-Do is more than a sport. It is an art and a discipline that develops the whole person. We are committed to teaching authentic, traditional Taekwon-Do, which honors the connection between the mind, body, and the Spirit. Physical training builds strength and skill. Mental training develops focus, discipline, and resilience. And through the deeper philosophy of Taekwon-Do, students learn to carry what they practice on the mat into every part of their lives.

  • World-class instruction

  • International Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame honoree (GM Gantner)

  • Authentic Taekwon-Do training

  • Structured curriculum and belt progression system

  • Opportunities for local, national, and international competition

  • Small class sizes for personalized instruction

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

  • Our Teen + Adult classes are designed for students ages 13 and up. We welcome teens, young adults, and adults of all ages and experience levels.

  • Not at all. Beginners are always welcome. You'll learn the fundamentals step by step, and our instructors will help you progress at your own pace.

  • Absolutely not. TaeKwon-Do will help you develop your fitness over time. The best way to get in shape for martial arts is just to start training. Your strength, flexibility, and athleticism will come in time through putting in hours on the mat.

  • Yes! TaeKwon-Do provides a full-body workout that develops strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. And because you're learning skills and challenging your mind at the same time, it never feels boring.

  • Yes. Traditional Taekwon-Do is rooted in self-defense, so you'll learn practical techniques while developing awareness, control, and confidence.

  • Sparring is a fundamental part of Taekwon-Do training for students at the yellow belt level and above. Students progress into it as they develop the necessary skills and control. All sparring is conducted under instructor supervision and with appropriate protective gear.

  • For your first few classes, you can wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for full range of movement.

    As part of our New Member Jumpstart Program, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a free dobok (uniform). Once you have your 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!

  • Consistency is the key to progress. We recommend training at least twice a week, with three to four classes per week being ideal for maximizing your physical, mental, and technical development.

  • Absolutely. We believe there's something special about sharing the mat with people you care about. Our One Taekwon-Do classes are open to students ages 7+ and provide an opportunity for families to train together.

  • 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.

  • No. Competition is optional, but we encourage students to participate for the experience. Through our affiliation with the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF), students have opportunities to compete at local, national, 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.