Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy: A Premier Destination for Martial Arts in Bradenton

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Introduce

For families and individuals in the Florida region looking for a top-tier martial arts school, Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy in Bradenton is a name that consistently comes to the forefront. This is a sports activity location that is much more than a place to learn kicks and punches; it’s a community dedicated to personal development, family bonding, and instilling vital life skills. Master Craig and Master Cindy have created an environment where students of all ages—from young children to adults—can embark on a journey of self-improvement in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Their commitment to teaching traditional martial arts, combined with a modern, flexible approach to scheduling, makes this academy a perfect fit for busy Florida families.

The core philosophy at Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo is built on the principles of traditional martial arts, with a strong emphasis on discipline, respect, and perseverance. As one parent noted, they enrolled their son to give him a sense of empowerment and learn self-defense, but were pleasantly surprised to find that he "would love it as much as he does." The instructors, Master Craig and Master Cindy, are a major part of this success. They are described as not only amazing teachers but also as individuals who "treat the kids like family" and correct them "appropriately when they're wrong." This balanced teaching style, blending discipline with encouragement, creates an ideal setting for physical and mental growth.

What truly sets this academy apart is the personal and professional experience of its leadership. Grandmaster Craig Balliette is one of only five non-Korean certified Grandmasters of Taekwondo in the world. He has 44 years of teaching experience and continues to personally instruct students of all levels, which is a rare and valuable asset. His extensive background, which includes instructing the US Secret Service for President George W. Bush and FBI agents, brings a world-class level of expertise to a local Florida school. Master Cindy, a 5th-degree black belt herself, also receives high praise for her amazing teaching style and guidance. Their combined dedication ensures that every student receives a high-quality, authentic martial arts experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo is conveniently located at 9664 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212, USA. This prime location places it in a well-traveled area that is easily accessible for residents of Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, and beyond. The academy is situated on a major road, making it simple to find for those traveling from different parts of the region. A key feature of this location is its commitment to accessibility. The facility provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the benefits of martial arts training are available to everyone in the community, regardless of their mobility.

The academy is designed with students and families in mind. Inside, you will find a clean and professional space perfect for training. A restroom is available for the convenience of all students and visitors. The environment is one of camaraderie and mutual support, which fosters strong bonds among students. The flexible class attendance policy is a huge plus for parents with busy schedules, allowing them to "pick and choose when you want to go and work it around busy schedules." This understanding of modern family life makes the academy a practical and stress-free choice.

Services Offered

Traditional Taekwondo: A comprehensive program rooted in the traditional aspects of this Korean martial art, focusing on physical techniques, mental discipline, and character development.
Hapkido: The academy also teaches Hapkido, the Korean art of self-defense, which includes joint-locks, grappling, and throwing techniques, providing students with a well-rounded skill set.
Kids Martial Arts: Programs tailored specifically for children to teach them self-defense, respect, and confidence in a fun, structured, and family-friendly environment.
Adults Martial Arts: Classes for adults that offer a fantastic workout, teach practical self-defense, and provide a path to improved physical and mental well-being.
Family Martial Arts: A wonderful way for families to train together, promoting bonding and shared accomplishment in a supportive atmosphere.
Introductory Program: A special course designed for new students to get a feel for the academy and its teaching style before committing to a full program.

Features and Highlights

World-Class Instructors: Led by Grandmaster Craig Balliette, one of only five non-Korean certified Grandmasters in the world, and Master Cindy, both of whom provide expert and personal instruction to all students.
Balanced Teaching Style: Instructors combine discipline with encouragement, fostering an environment where students feel a strong sense of accomplishment and personal development.
Flexible Scheduling: The academy understands busy family life and provides flexible class attendance, making it easy to fit training into any schedule.
Family-Friendly Environment: The instructors treat students like family and have created a strong sense of camaraderie within the academy.
Accessibility: The facility is fully wheelchair-accessible, including the entrance and parking lot, ensuring it can accommodate all members of the community.
Payments: Accepts both credit and debit cards, making it easy to manage enrollment and class fees.

Contact Information

Address: 9664 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212, USA

Phone: (941) 744-9767

For anyone in the Florida area considering a martial arts school, the reviews for Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy are a powerful testament to its quality. One parent gave the school a "more than 5 stars" recommendation, highlighting the positive transformation in their son, who has developed improved confidence and discipline. Another reviewer, who has been a student for over three years, shared how the academy has been a "great experience" for both herself and her daughter, leading to improved physical and mental development. They also appreciate that the academy teaches not just the physical aspects of Taekwondo but also its philosophy, which creates a truly balanced and positive experience.

What is worth choosing about Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy is the rare combination of a world-class training curriculum and a deeply personal, family-oriented community. It is a place where you are not just a student; you are a valued member of a supportive family. The dedication of Master Craig and Master Cindy to the growth of every individual is evident in every class. For those in Bradenton and surrounding areas seeking an activity that will benefit the whole family, build character, and improve physical well-being, this academy is the premier choice. It offers more than just classes; it offers a path to personal excellence and a place to truly belong.

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Uniform

Martial Arts School
Adults Martial Arts
Family Martial Arts
Introductory Course
Introductory Program
Kids Martial Arts
Taekwondo And Hapkido
Taekwondo Martial
Taekwondo Taekwondo
Traditional Martial Arts
Traditional Taekwondo

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities
Restroom

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Photos

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Location

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo

Florida Manatee County Bradenton Florida 64

9664 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212, USA

Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 51 user reviews.

learnrespectconfidenceblack beltskillsclassessondaycarephilosophyhome

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

If I could give more than 5 stars, I definitely would! I highly recommend Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy!We had my son enrolled a little more than a year ago, to get him involved in an extracurricular activity. We thought taekwondo would be best for him because it would teach him how to protect himself and also give him a sense of empowerment. We didn’t know that he would love it as much as he does, but Master Craig and Master Cindy both make it very easy to enjoy. Not only do they treat the kids like family, but they also correct them appropriately when they’re wrong. For the parents, class attendance is very flexible, so it is very easy to pick and choose when you want to go and work it around busy schedules.
May 13 · Shannon Holl
My daughter and I have been students at Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy for over 3 years now. Being a part of the academy has been a great experience. Master Craig has created an environment where students feel a strong sense of comradery. He is a dedicated teacher who personally instructs students of all levels.I have seen my daughter develop physically and mentally over our time at the academy, giving her improved confidence and discipline. Master Cindy is also an amazing teacher whose guidance has been very much appreciated. Master Craig and Master Cindy both provide a teaching style where discipline and encouragement are well balanced. This style has resulted in us both feeling a strong sense of accomplishment and personal development.I also appreciate that the academy not only teaches the physical aspects of Taekwondo, but also teaches the philosophy of Taekwondo. This balanced teaching style has made our time at the academy positive in many ways. Looking forward to continuing our time there and highly recommend the academy.
May 20 · Christopher McCurry
I can't say enough good things about this Taekwondo studio! Master Craig and Master Cindy are incredibly skilled and encouraging. The classes are well-structured, providing a perfect balance of discipline and fun. My son’s confidence has skyrocketed since joining. It's a fantastic environment for both beginners and advanced students. Highly recommend
June 07 · Trista Slowik
Master Craig and Master Cindy are truly dedicated in making a positive impact in their students’ lives. My son has been attending Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo for over a year and continues to devote his time and interest into building his craft. The Academy not only provides instruction in Taekwondo forms, weapons training, and sparring but it also helps in building character traits and respect for others. The tenets that my son has learned while attending the academy extends into his everyday interactions with others in the community and in school. In addition to increasing my son’s knowledge of Taekwondo, Master Craig is very personable and takes an interest in his students’ families. The Academy is very welcoming and creates a positive Taekwondo family environment. I highly recommend Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy to others that want to build a strong and resilient child through learning the art of Taekwondo.
May 14 · Donna Moore
January 2023We relocated from New York almost a year ago February 2022, and before we moved, we promised our youngest daughter, who is now almost eleven and half years old, that once we became settled we would find her a place to begin her journey in MMA. With her previous ballet and gymnastics training, we knew finding the right place for her may be a challenge. That journey began during the summer of 2022, and ended after trialling about seven places. Early during this search, we found Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy, and she completed two half hour, one on one introductory sessions with the owner and Grand Master, Craig Balliette. We were quite impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication to the art and philosophy of TaeKwonDo of Grand Master Balliette. Still, after the introductory classes, and after almost three months, three types of MMA, and seven martial arts locations later, our daughter realized that most of the other places were more like play time, fitness classes, or very disorganized.After this experience, we knew there was only one place that would meet the expectation of serious training, dedicated instruction, and provide a challenge that most young children deserve and need to instill self confidence, discipline, and self respect. What is most impressive about Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy is Grand Master Craig Balliette’s focus on respect. In a world where self respect and respect for parents, guardians and elders is extremely lacking, Grand Master Craig teaches each one of his students the importance of this basic principle and incorporates it into every class, making it essential to the advancement within every level of TaeKwonDo practice and ensures that each student continue this behavior at home with family and within the community.Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy is more than a martial arts studio, it offers a place where children can come together and run their own race. Every student learns the value of hard work and that only he or she is truly responsible for his or her success. Practicing the art and philosophy of TaeKwonDo has never been more rewarding unless you have had the honor and privilege of having Grandmaster Craig Balliette (and Master Cindy) work with your child or family member. You don’t see this type of dedication in teaching martial arts often and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn TaeKwonDo in this Dojang.The first week of February will be three months that our daughter has begun her journey at Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy, and she’s excited to go to every time and meets every class with great enthusiasm because of the passion, dedication and experience of Grandmaster Craig Balliette. We thank him for the opportunity for our daughter to fulfill her ambition to be a Master one day too…Master Craig, Sin-ui chug bogThe Tommasino-Storz Family
January 18 · Dr. Melissa Tommasino-Storz