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LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Scotts Valley, California
Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.
Plan your first class
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 5–14) — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
- Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Women's classes dedicated women's taekwondo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lightspeedtkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (831) 438-6068
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9–10 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has attended this school for 3 years, he has learned control, confidence and respect for his fellow athletes, instructors and friends.”
“They offer classes from age 3 to adult.”
“They also learn about respect, anti bullying, self-defense and programs to help them get back into school after summer break.”
Other martial arts here
“They also learn about respect, anti bullying, self-defense and programs to help them get back into school after summer break.”
What students say
“I highly recommend Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy to any family looking for a program that builds character, confidence, and lifelong skills in a fun, welcoming environment.”
“Friendships grow and this little community makes our kids’ lives better; I recommend this studio and this life experience to all!”
“They also learn about respect, anti bullying, self-defense and programs to help them get back into school after summer break.”
“Light Speed Martial Arts, led by 5th Degree Black belt "Master Matt Salisbury", is a gem in our community!”
From the reviews
Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy in Scotts Valley has been an incredible place for my son. He has been training here for about 2 ½ years, and during that time he has not only learned Taekwondo skills but also patience, respect, and discipline—all while having fun.
My son has attended this school for 3 years, he has learned control, confidence and respect for his fellow athletes, instructors and friends. He has become more confident and secure in all aspects of his life. I love the transformation this school provided him! The instructors are first class!
Lightspeed has helped my son with his confidence, attention and over all improvement in school. This is great exercise and has taught dedication and perseverance.
There is something really, reallllly special about Lightspeed Martial Arts... My 8 year old son has been training Taekwondo there for 4 years now, and I have been training for 3 years. In that time, we have become so much more than part of an excellent martial arts training program (which it most certainly is!!
New to taekwondo? Start at LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy
LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first taekwondo class at LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy
Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site