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U.S. Taekwondo Academy
5 ★★★★★ 75 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Bel Air, Maryland
Style / system: Olympic / World Taekwondo — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
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
- 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 — 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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Poomsae & forms forms (poomsae) practice — the patterns at the heart of taekwondo and your belt testing
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ustachang.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 410-397-7118
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–8 pm |
| Friday | 12–8 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter was first exposed to US Taekwondo Academy through a Girl Scout self defense workshop there, and had so much fun that she immediately wanted to join their classes.”
“Master Chang has been a tremendous positive influence in his life from age 5 to now 18.”
“Carson certainly sees Master CJ Chang as his Master, Mentor and most importantly his Hyung.”
“During the board breaking competition, he failed to break the second to last board due to landing his kick wrong, and ended up hurting his foot in the process.”
“😅* Now that I’m a high yellow belt and have taken private classes, I can honestly say they are worth it.”
“My daughter was first exposed to US Taekwondo Academy through a Girl Scout self defense workshop there, and had so much fun that she immediately wanted to join their classes.”
“Our new black belt surprised himself in how well he did at his black belt test.”
Other martial arts here
“My daughter was first exposed to US Taekwondo Academy through a Girl Scout self defense workshop there, and had so much fun that she immediately wanted to join their classes.”
What students say
“I not only found a Good School but a GREAT SCHOOL in USTA Chang and a GREAT MASTER & MENTOR in Master CJ Chang.”
“I didn’t know what to expect my first day coming in, but he has created such a great learning environment, teaches discipline, constantly challenges me as an athlete.”
“During a transitional year for my family, I desired my daughter to be in a Taekwondo program to promote activity outside of the home and a place to provide positive focus.”
“Master CJ, along with his team, are fantastic in their interactions with the children, teaching them both technique as well as mental focus and determination.”
“Master Chang is a wonderful role model and, almost a year later, my son is more disciplined and focused than ever before as he actively works toward his black belt with confidence.”
“She just recently did her first competition, which was hosted by USTA but had schools from all over the region competing.”
From the reviews
We LOVE LOVE U.S. Taekwondo Academy! Master CJ Chang is the best! He is very caring, kind, and compassionate towards his students. He is very passionate about Taekwondo and ensuring that his students learn to the best of their ability each class.
Both of my sons had an incredible experience at the U.S. Taekwondo Academy under the instruction of Master Chang when they were in grade school. One of my sons is now entering college and has just returned as a student again due to his wonderful experience when he was younger.
I have twins girls, 8 years old. They couldn’t be more different. One is completely extroverted with tons of energy and the other is super shy and easily embarrassed by attention.
I have been doing Taekwondo at the U.S. Taekwondo Academy for about 11 years now. I started at this school when I was 6 years old. As a now 17 year old, I found that Master Chang and Master Jennifer are some of the most professional, caring, and supportive teachers.
New to taekwondo? Start at U.S. Taekwondo Academy
U.S. Taekwondo 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 U.S. Taekwondo 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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