Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do Introduce
In Fairfax, Virginia, finding a martial arts school that offers more than just physical training is a desire of many parents. Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do (LBE) has distinguished itself as a beacon of positive growth and character development for the past 25 years. This isn't just a place for learning Taekwondo kicks and punches; it's a second home where children and adults are nurtured to become their best selves. Founded by the dynamic team of Master Tommy Lightfoot Jr. and Master Janet Nguyen Lightfoot, the school operates on a philosophy that centers around its name: leading by example. The instructors are not only highly skilled in martial arts but are also exceptional mentors who deeply care about each student's journey. LBE has become a trusted partner for parents, known for its ability to help children with a wide range of abilities and needs, effectively addressing behavioral challenges and fostering an environment of respect and confidence. The school's commitment to community is palpable, with events like Parent Nights Out and holiday celebrations that strengthen the bonds between families and instructors. For a high-energy child or one needing a structured program, LBE offers a transformative experience that builds discipline, focus, and a sense of belonging. The growth students show is remarkable, not just physically, but emotionally and socially, as they are equipped with skills that extend far beyond the dojo and prepare them to be leaders in their own lives.
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do is conveniently situated at 11226 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. This central location makes it easily accessible for families throughout the Fairfax community and surrounding areas. The school prioritizes convenience and inclusivity, offering a free parking lot that simplifies drop-offs and pickups. For individuals with mobility challenges, the facility is well-equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all community members can comfortably access the building. In addition to a standard restroom, LBE also offers a gender-neutral restroom, further showcasing its commitment to a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. These amenities and thoughtful considerations make it a practical and stress-free choice for Virginia families.
Comprehensive Martial Arts Training: LBE provides a diverse range of martial arts programs, including Tae Kwon Do, Grappling, and Karate. The curriculum is designed for students of all ages and skill levels, from the "Little Dragons Program" and "Little Ninja" for young children to "Warrior Programs" and adult classes for teens and adults.
Adapted Taekwondo and Special Education Programs: A unique and highly valuable service is the Adapted Taekwondo program, which is specifically designed for students with special needs and different abilities. This class is tailored to help children develop skills, confidence, and flexibility in a supportive and understanding environment.
After-School Programs: The school offers a comprehensive after-school program, including a pick-up service from local schools. This service provides a safe, structured, and enriching environment for children after their school day, incorporating homework time and martial arts training.
Summer Camps: LBE organizes exciting and fun summer camps, often called "TKD Camp," that provide a great way for kids to stay active and engaged during their summer break. The camps feature a mix of martial arts training, games, and an obstacle course.
Birthday Parties: The school offers a unique and memorable birthday party experience for children, where they can celebrate with friends in a fun, martial arts-themed setting.
Community Events: LBE regularly hosts events such as "Parent Nights Out" and holiday celebrations. These events help to build a strong sense of community and provide opportunities for families to connect and socialize.
Dedicated and Caring Instructors: The instructors at LBE are not only highly skilled martial artists but are also exceptional in their ability to nurture and mentor children. They are praised for their respectful and caring approach, and their commitment to addressing behavioral challenges is a significant highlight.
Focus on Life Skills: Beyond the physical aspects of Taekwondo, the school has a strong emphasis on teaching vital life skills such as discipline, respect, confidence, and accountability. This is reinforced through structured learning, "mat chats," and leadership classes for older students.
Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: LBE prides itself on being an inclusive school. Its identity as a business owned by members of both the Asian and Black communities and as a women-owned business, along with its specialized programs for children with special needs, creates a truly welcoming atmosphere for all.
Strong Sense of Community: The school fosters a close-knit community that many students consider a "second home." Regular community events and a supportive atmosphere help families feel connected and proud to be part of the LBE team.
Clear and Structured Curriculum: LBE has an outstanding and well-defined system for learning, promotions, and belt testing. This structure helps students stay motivated and gives them clear goals to work towards, providing a sense of accomplishment.
Variety of Programs: The wide range of programs available, from adapted Taekwondo to after-school care and summer camps, ensures that the school can meet the diverse needs of families in the Fairfax area.
For more information or to enroll in a program, you can contact Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do using the following details:
Address: 11226 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Phone: (703) 273-1100
Mobile Phone: +1 703-273-1100
For parents in Virginia, especially in the Fairfax area, choosing a martial arts school is a significant decision that impacts a child's development. Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do is an exceptional choice that is worth every consideration for a multitude of reasons. What sets LBE apart is its genuine and profound commitment to a child's holistic growth. The instructors are not just teachers; they are mentors who build trust and provide a meaningful source of discipline and accountability. This is a school that sees the whole child and is equipped to work with students across a wide range of needs and abilities, as demonstrated by their exemplary special education and adapted Taekwondo programs. The transformation that students undergo—from improved behavior and discipline to increased confidence and social skills—is remarkable and a testament to the effectiveness of the program. The curriculum is both physically challenging and mentally engaging, with "mat chats" and fun games that subtly reinforce critical life skills. The sense of community is also a major draw; this is a place where families feel a true sense of belonging and where children can proudly call their "second home." The leadership classes, which allow older students to become role models, further exemplify the school's dedication to creating future leaders. When a parent chooses LBE, they are not just signing up for a Taekwondo class; they are investing in a structured, safe, and supportive environment that will positively shape their child's character for years to come. This is an enriching experience that extends far beyond the studio, providing invaluable life lessons and a foundation for future success. The trust parents have in this school, as shown by those who have been enrolled for years, makes it a highly recommended and truly exceptional choice in the Virginia region.
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do Martial arts
Martial Arts School
- Adapted Taekwondo
- Adult Program
- After School Pick Up Programs
- Afterschool Programs
- Before And After School Programs
- Birthday Parties
- Fundamental Martial
- Grappling Class
- Group Training
- Karate Program
- Little Dragons Program
- Little Ninja
- Martial Arts Training In
- Ninja Program
- Obstacle Course
- Special Education
- Summer Camp
- Tae Kwon Do Lesson
- Taekwondo Program
- Tkd Camp
- Tkd Class
- Tkd Program
- Training Programs
- Warrior Programs
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Identifies as Black-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Family discount
Parking
- Free parking lot
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do Photos
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do Location
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do
11226 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Lead By Example Tae Kwon Do Reviews
disciplineconfidenceparentsskillssonteamleadershipblack beltlearnrespect
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I highly recommend Lead by Example Taekwondo (LBE). My son has been enrolled in their after-school program for nearly three years, and I have complete trust in their team. They are incredibly thorough, especially during school pickups, and always communicate promptly and clearly whenever issues arise. Their commitment to addressing behavioral challenges is impressive, and they effectively work with children across a wide range of abilities and needs.Since joining LBE, my son's growth and transformation have been remarkable. He has significantly improved his behavior, discipline, and confidence, thanks to the dedicated instructors and the well-structured program they provide. The instructors are not only skilled in Taekwondo but also excellent in nurturing important life skills like respect and confidence. I feel entirely safe and assured when my son is in their care.The structure at LBE is outstanding—they have a clear system for learning, promotions, and testing. The engaging "mat chats" and fun games integrated into each class help reinforce essential skills subtly and effectively. At a certain age and belt level, students can participate in leadership classes, where they learn teaching skills and become role models for younger children.In addition to the excellent Taekwondo instruction, LBE creates a true sense of community through events like Parent Nights Out and special holiday celebrations such as Halloween. These community activities help foster an environment my son proudly calls his "second home."My son has been part of the Black Belt Club for some time now, a decision he actively sought, inspired by his admiration for Master Lightfoot. When joining the club, he promised Master Lightfoot that one day he too would achieve a blackbelt like him. My son is thriving, not only physically but also emotionally and socially, gaining skills that extend far beyond martial arts.I apologize for the length of this review, but there is just so much positivity and growth that I have witnessed over the past three years at LBE. For any parent seeking a positive and enriching martial arts experience for their child, Lead by Example Taekwondo is an exceptional choice. Highly recommended!
May 12 · Laith AtoumMy daughter has been doing taekwondo for 3 years and she loves LBE! It’s a reputable school with more than 25 years teaching taekwondo. All the instructors are very respectful and caring. My daughter has improved her flexibility, sense of community, discipline, respect towards others. We love Lead by Example and absolutely recommend it.
May 09 · M. B.We absolutely love Lead by Example! We have a very active 5 yr old that struggles with focus and self control at times. Our son has been taking classes at Lead by Example for about 2 years. Master Lightfoot and his staff are wonderful with our son.We had a situation this past week that displayed a culmination of all of our work to help our son deal with a situation that in the past would have easily derailed him. We work really hard to help him understand that he can only control his own behavior and keep his own emotions in check. Leave the rest to the adults. He had a fellow classmate that could not control his body and kept bumping into our son and kicking him when he thought the adults were not looking. Finally our son stayed the course and kept his cool. Master Lightfoot immediately addressed the situation. A few minutes later the two boys were back together and the same behavior ensued. Master J jumped in and addressed the situation to ensure that all of the kids were set up for success in the class. The beauty of Lead by Example is whether you are 4 or 40, you will listen, follow directions, and show respect. We absolutely love this philosophy! While our son doesn’t always appreciate the consequences for his behavior we feel like it is exactly what he needs.Thank you Lead by Example!
March 31 · Shannon RoddyWhat started out as a Fairfax County Parks and Rec sign up back in 2023 has turned into a weekly staple in our lives. Both of my girls are currently enrolled in the programs that LBETKD offer. They started when my oldest was 3 and the other "started" when she was 2.5, but then really started when she turned 3. The girls have learned so much over our time here and we definitely plan on continuing. From learning Kumsah and all their punches to more importantly how to listen and follow directions (the main reason we originally signed up), to learning to show respect by saying "Yes, ma'am/sir and no ma'am/sir." They've already learned so much and there is still so much more to learn. We love it here!!The instructors are all fabulous and have so much patience and love for their students. They make the students and their family feel like we are part of the Lightfoot family, they always proud of the students accomplishments and always push them to do better.My daughers' highlights this past year was more than likely the fabulous tournament LBETKD puts on between their two locations, Fairfax and Springfield. Both of the girls brought home some serious hardware in their first tournaments, and that definitely boosted their confidence. It didn't hurt that their home studio in Fairfax took home the flag and has bragging rights for now.If you're looking for a new challenge whether it be for the young or old you can't go wrong with taking a class and joining the LBETKD family!!
May 09 · Nicole RoethelHi,I accidentally stumbled upon their van and I'm so glad I did. I took my 6 yo son here for 2 classes per week. Their program is so efficient, professional and fine tuned for kids all age groups and by progression. Each one of the instructor there is excellent. While the session was run by the master, other instructors would make rounds correcting/helping kids and also appreciating kids who are doing well. I'm impressed with the program and felt very sad that I couldn't continue longer. They were very accommodating as I was only visiting USA and couldn't continue for more than 3 months. Excellent program run by excellent teachers!!
November 04 · asmitha reddy
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