Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Traditional Taekwondo Training for All Ages in Blaine, MN
American Tae Kwon Do Center has been a cornerstone of traditional Taekwondo instruction in Minnesota since 1971. Founded by Grandmaster Il Keun Kim, a 9th Dan Kukkiwon-certified black belt, we combine decades of expertise with a commitment to fostering physical fitness, mental discipline, and character development. Our instructors, including Master Aaron Kim and a team of certified black belts, have guided thousands of students through personalized training that emphasizes clear thinking, focus, and community.We offer programs for all ages, from Little Tigers (ages 4+) to adult classes, alongside family training and competitive teams. Our philosophy integrates Taekwondo tenets like courtesy, perseverance, and self-control, creating a supportive environment where students transform their mind, body, and self. With a legacy of excellence recognized nationally and internationally, we remain dedicated to empowering individuals through the lifelong journey of martial arts.
Services
Taekwondo Training
Self-Defense Classes
Family Martial Arts
Competition Team
Yong Moo Do
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of traditional Taekwondo expertise with certified black belt instructors.
- Our family-friendly environment accommodates all ages and skill levels.
- We emphasize character development through Taekwondo tenets like self-control and integrity.
- Our competition team ranks nationally with 34 medals at the 2024 AAU Nationals.
- We provide personalized onboarding with private lessons for new students.
Associations and certifications
- Kukkiwon
What people say
Lifelong skills
Supportive community
Expert instructors
Competition success
Services
Taekwondo Training
Our traditional Taekwondo programs develop physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline. Students of all ages learn through structured classes emphasizing clear thinking, focus, and character development. The curriculum follows Kukkiwon-certified techniques and Taekwondo tenets like courtesy and perseverance.
Self-Defense Classes
Self-defense instruction integrates practical techniques with conflict avoidance principles. Students practice real-world scenarios while learning to maintain composure under pressure, aligning with our philosophy of using martial arts for personal empowerment rather than aggression.
Family Martial Arts
Family-friendly sessions allow multiple generations to train together. These classes promote bonding through shared goals while accommodating varying skill levels, with flexible scheduling options for busy households seeking holistic wellness activities.
Competition Team
The competition team prepares students for local, state, and national tournaments in poomse (patterns) and sparring. With consistent top rankings, our program develops elite athletes through specialized coaching and rigorous technical training.
Yong Moo Do
This advanced program combines Taekwondo kicking with grappling techniques from Judo and Hapkido. Students learn dynamic movements, falling theory (nak-bop), and weapon training, offering a comprehensive martial arts experience beyond traditional Taekwondo.
People
Grandmaster Il Keun Kim
Founder
9th Dan Kukkiwon-certified black belt with over 50 years of experience. Founded American Tae Kwon Do Center in 1971 and contributed to establishing Yong-In University's Taekwondo department in South Korea.
Master Aaron Kim
Head Instructor
7th Degree Kukkiwon-certified black belt leading daily operations. Teaches university-level Taekwondo courses and has coached multiple national champions in competitive sparring and poomse.
Master Chad Figg
Instructor
6th Dan Black Belt with expertise in tournament coaching. Medaled in regional and national competitions while developing competitive programs for students at all skill levels.
Master Nikki Tramm
Instructor
5th Dan Black Belt specializing in youth development programs. Focuses on creating engaging environments for younger students to build confidence and foundational martial arts skills.
Master John Willett
Senior Instructor
5th Dan Black Belt with extensive experience in belt promotion testing and curriculum development. Ensures technical proficiency across all student levels while maintaining traditional Taekwondo standards.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for Taekwondo training?
We accept students aged 4 to 74. Our programs include Little Tigers classes for young children, teen/adult sessions, and family-friendly options.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. New students receive private onboarding lessons to learn basic techniques and school expectations before joining group classes.
Are there competitive opportunities available?
Yes, our nationally ranked competition team participates in local, state, and national tournaments for poomse (patterns) and sparring events throughout the year.
What should I wear for my first class?
New students receive a traditional dobok (uniform) and belt. Wear comfortable clothing to the initial meeting and private lessons before receiving your uniform.
How often are belt promotion tests held?
Belt promotions occur regularly at our Blaine headquarters. Students demonstrate technical proficiency, terminology knowledge, and pattern execution in front of senior black belts.
Do you offer family discount rates?
Yes, we provide family rates for households training together. Contact us for specific pricing details about our multi-member discount options.
