We Build Leaders, Not Just Kickers.
Meet the team dedicated to teaching authentic Korean Martial Arts in Draper & Lehi.
More Than a Dojo. A School of Character.
At U.S. Taekwondo, we believe that martial arts is about more than just punching and kicking. It is a vehicle for human potential.
In a world filled with "participation trophies" and "daycare dojos," we stand apart. We are an institution of higher learning for the body and mind. Our mission is simple but profound: to preserve the authentic lineage of traditional Taekwondo while empowering the next generation with the grit, respect, and resilience they need to succeed in the modern world.
We don't sell belts. We teach students how to earn them.
Deep Roots in the Utah Community
We are not a franchise or a chain. U.S. Taekwondo is a locally owned, family-operated school that has been a fixture in the Utah community for over 30 years.
Grandmaster Kim didn't just open a business; he built a community. For three decades, he has partnered with Utah schools, local businesses, and families to help raise hundreds of children into confident adults. When you support U.S. Taekwondo, you are supporting a local Utah business that is invested in the future of our neighborhoods.
Led by Grandmaster
Soung Sik Kim
When you choose a martial arts school, you are choosing a mentor. Lineage matters.
Grandmaster Soung Sik Kim is a 7th Degree Black Belt and a certified Master Instructor through the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea).
With decades of experience competing and teaching at the highest levels, Grandmaster Kim brings a level of martial arts credentials that is rare in the United States. He has dedicated his life to the "Do" (the Way) of Taekwondo, balancing strict traditional standards with a kind, mentorship-driven teaching style.
7th Degree Black Belt:
A rank achieved by less than 1% of practitioners worldwide.Bullet LKukkiwon Certified:
Recognized by the official governing body of Taekwondo in Korea.World Class Competitor:
A history of excellence in sparring and forms.
"My goal is not just to produce black belts, but to produce black belt people. Students who carry the values of respect and discipline into their homes, schools, and future careers."
- Grandmaster Kim
The Meaning Behind TaeKwonDo
Many people hear the word "Taekwondo" but don't understand its true meaning. It is not just a sport; it is a discipline.
Tae (태)
Meaning "Foot" or "to kick" or "jump." It represents the powerful physical leg techniques that Taekwondo is famous for.
Kwon (권)
Meaning "Fist" or "hand." It represents the hand techniques used for blocking, striking, and self-defense.
Do (도)
Meaning "The Way" or "Path." This is the most important part. It represents the mental journey, the discipline, the philosophy, and the character development that guides a student's life.
At U.S. Taekwondo, we place equal weight on all three. The foot and fist build the body, but the "Way" builds the person.
Why "Lineage" Matters in Martial Arts
You may notice that U.S. Taekwondo looks and feels different from other local schools. That is because we teach authentic World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) standards.
Taekwondo is an official Olympic sport, and we adhere to the global curriculum set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Kukkiwon.
What This Means for Your Child:
Global Recognition: Our rank certificates are recognized in over 200 countries. A black belt earned here is legitimate worldwide, not just in Utah.
Safety & Science: We use modern, sports-science-backed training methods to ensure safety while maximizing athleticism.
No "Watered Down" Training: We teach the full art, including the philosophy, the terminology, and the respect, preserving the rich history of Korean martial arts.
Mentors Who Care
Grandmaster Kim is supported by a team of certified black belt instructors who are passionate about youth development.
Our instructors are not just students who stayed after class; they are trained educators. Every instructor at U.S. Taekwondo goes through rigorous training to ensure they can connect with students of all ages, from our 4-year-old "Little Tigers" to our adult competitors.
Certified & Background Checked:
Safety is our priority.
Role Models:
Our team lives the values we teach: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Patient & Encouraging:
We know how to push students to their best while keeping the environment positive and supportive.
Serving South Salt Lake & Utah County
We are proud to serve families across the Wasatch Front with two state-of-the-art facilities.
Draper Location
Our flagship school serving the Draper, Sandy, and Riverton communities.
Focus: Kids, Teens, Families, and High-Performance Sparring.
Service Areas: Draper, Sandy, Riverton, South Jordan.
Lehi Location
Serving the growing families of Lehi, Alpine, Highland, and Eagle Mountain.
Focus: Little Tigers, Youth Leadership, and Adult Fitness.
Service Areas: Lehi, Alpine, Highland, Eagle Mountain.
What Parents Are Saying
Experience the Difference for Yourself
We invite you to step onto the mat and meet Grandmaster Kim and our team. See why families in Draper and Lehi trust us with their martial arts education.
Start Your Taekwondo Journey Today
Send us a message to learn more about our class schedules, training programs, and special offers.
We are not a franchise or a chain. U.S. Taekwondo is a locally owned, family-operated school that has been a fixture in the Utah community for over 30 years.
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