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Southlake Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 207 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Valparaiso, Indiana
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 2–6) — 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
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule southlakema.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 219-900-4400
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Both of our kids have learned discipline, hard work, and what having a healthy outlet truly is all while having fun.”
“She could easily beat me at this point and I'm thankful SMA has taught her discipline and self defense.”
“There are some additional costs above the basic membership for belt graduations etcetera so ask questions so you understand what you’re doing and don’t have any issues.”
Other martial arts here
“She could easily beat me at this point and I'm thankful SMA has taught her discipline and self defense.”
What students say
“Carter is an incredible instructor and truly understands how to make the fun connection between discipline, structure, and fun.”
“The instructors are incredibly skilled and the programs are top-notch, creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for all ages and skill levels.”
“Both of our kids have learned discipline, hard work, and what having a healthy outlet truly is all while having fun.”
“We were bummed when the Portage location closed, but it’s so worth the drive.”
“These past two years she has learned self discipline, confidence, and the value of hard work - and she can’t wait to be a “black belt leader” one day.”
From the reviews
We did the free trial class and my son had a blast! Great big smile on his face. Great teaching and very good with the kids. Making learning fun. Just finishing up our first lesson as members. ❤️
My family and I have been a part of this school for over 10 years. Two of my sons achieved their Black Belt and a third is already working hard to get his. The school has grown over the years and only gets better.
Our daughter started martial arts at 4 and quickly became passionate about it! These past two years she has learned self discipline, confidence, and the value of hard work - and she can’t wait to be a “black belt leader” one day. Mr. Carter is an exceptional teacher and genuinely great human.
We have been members here for over 2 years. We signed a contract for the first year and it was fine, we had no issues as we understood the contract and what we were signing.
New to taekwondo? Start at Southlake Martial Arts
Southlake Martial Arts 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 Southlake Martial Arts
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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