EAST ROCK WORLD CHAMPION TAEKWONDO

Children can start Taekwondo at World Champion Taekwondo East Rock as young as 3 years old! Our Little Tigers program (ages 3–4) focuses on coordination, listening skills, confidence, and social development through fun, age-appropriate activities. Children ages 5–12 join our All Belt classes, where they build discipline, focus, and Taekwondo skills while progressing at their own pace. For families with multiple children, our Masters are happy to help find a class schedule that works best for everyone.

We are in East Rock Center, the same building as mActivity! Email us at eastrocktkd@gmail.com or call (203) 745-3366.

At World Champion Taekwondo, we believe Taekwondo is a tool for developing the whole child—not just martial arts skills, but confidence, character, physical strength, and emotional resilience. Our school is led by Head Master Sangpil Kim, a 6th Degree Black Belt, former Korean National Taekwondo Team member, certified Kukkiwon examiner, and Yale University Taekwondo Head Coach, alongside Master Greg annd Master Park, both specializing in olympic-style sparring. With their experience and our whole-child approach, we focus on each student's individual growth through meaningful challenges, positive encouragement, and leadership opportunities. Our goal is not simply to develop skilled martial artists, but to help children become confident, respectful, and capable individuals who carry these values into everyday life. We proudly serve families from East Rock and surrounding New Haven and CT communities!

Our Taekwondo classes help children develop focus, discipline, and respect through structured activities, goal-setting, and positive reinforcement. Students learn to listen carefully, follow instructions, and practice self-control—skills they can apply beyond the classroom. We also reinforce these values at home and school through our promotion testing program. Each testing cycle, students work with their parents to improve two specific behaviors and earn a Red Respect Tape from their parents by demonstrating responsibility and respect.

Yes! Taekwondo can be a great activity for children who struggle with focus or have lots of energy. Our classes combine physical movement, clear instructions, and achievable goals to help students practice concentration, patience, and self-control in a fun and encouraging environment.

Absolutely! At World Champion Taekwondo Southbury, we understand that every child grows at their own pace. Our instructors create a safe, supportive environment where shy children can gradually step outside their comfort zones through encouragement, small achievements, and positive experiences. We've seen extremely shy students grow into confident leaders—first by participating in class, then helping younger students, earning their black belts, and even becoming instructors or captains of collegiate Taekwondo teams. We believe confidence is built one step at a time, and every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential.

Not at all! Most children start with no martial arts experience. Our beginner-friendly classes introduce basic movements and Taekwondo skills step by step in a supportive, encouraging environment. Along the way, students naturally develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination while building confidence, focus, and discipline. Our instructors ensure every child feels comfortable and progresses at their own pace.