CENTERTON'S MOST TRUSTED TAEKWONDO DOJANG FOR FAMILIES

Taekwondo Classes in Centerton: Olympic-Style Training for All Ages, Grounded in Real Progress

For over 23 years, our Taekwondo classes in Centerton have helped students of all ages gain confidence, improve fitness, and develop the discipline needed to succeed in life. Families choose our dojang because they see real results—not just in martial arts ability, but in character, focus, and leadership.

The moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find a welcoming community committed to helping every student reach their full potential.

Build authentic, lasting confidence

the kind that shows up at home, in the classroom, and everywhere your child goes

A dojang where every student belongs

known by name, welcomed by the community, regardless of experience or skill level

Earn every belt with meaning

a transparent curriculum covering poomsae (patterns), kyorugi (sparring), and kyukpa (breaking) — so your next step is always clear

Black belt instructors who teach because they care

patient with beginners, precise with detail, and fully committed to every student's journey

107+

Five-Star Reviews on Google

23+ Years

Proudly Serving Centerton Since 2003

4.9 ★

Google Rating

Fill out the form below to claim your class pass today!

ab_firstname

ab_lastname

ab_emailaddress

ab_mobile

Program

By opting in, you agree to receive periodic text messages & emails from Martial Arts Advantage. Your information will never be shared. Reply STOP to cancel. Standard rates may apply. View our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.

WARNING: Offer Expires Soon...

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN?

Choose the Program That Fits Your Life

Preschool Taekwondo Classes
Ages 4–7

Kids Taekwondo Classes
Ages 8–12

Teens Taekwondo Classes
Ages 13–17

Adult Taekwondo Classes
Ages 18+

The Challenge

What Brings Centerton Families to Taekwondo in the First Place

The first call we get usually sounds something like this: “I think my child needs something — I’m just not sure what.”

Or from an adult: “I used to feel focused and strong. Something has to shift.”

Different words. Same need.

A need for real structure. For discipline that’s earned, not enforced. For something that builds a person — not just fills a schedule.

That something is Taekwondo.

And our school is where Centerton families come to find it.

For over 23 years, we’ve refined our approach into a dojang that parents describe as the place where their child finally came alive — where adults discover a practice that challenges both body and mind — and where every beginner is welcomed, supported, and shown a clear road from white belt to black belt from day one.

Our curriculum is rooted in the original principles of Taekwondo — tae (foot), kwon (fist), do (way) — and anchored in the Five Tenets: Courtesy. Integrity. Perseverance. Self-Control. Indomitable Spirit.

We don’t lecture about these values. Our students train them, live them, and carry them everywhere they go.

For Adults

You're ready for a real challenge — even if you haven't said it out loud

The gym stopped feeling meaningful. Running got repetitive. Streaming workouts lost their spark. What's missing isn't another routine — it's a discipline. Taekwondo gives you a craft you can refine your entire life, built on technique, timing, and constant growth.

Your mind needs a place where the workday doesn't follow you

Notifications, deadlines, and responsibilities don't get a break — but you can. Inside the dojang, your phone goes away and stays there. After 60 minutes of poomsae (patterns), drills, and sparring, students consistently say the same thing: I forgot what was weighing on me.

You want to be strong, capable, and genuinely confident

Most fitness programs leave you tired without making you capable. Taekwondo builds power, balance, flexibility, and practical self-defense skills as a natural result of training. Earn your first color belt and you'll move differently — and people around you will notice.

You've always respected martial arts but never taken the first step

Maybe you watched the Olympics and felt inspired. Maybe you tried a class once and didn't feel like you belonged. Most adults assume it's too late. It isn't. Martial Arts Advantage is built for adults starting from scratch, with a curriculum paced so you grow steadily without ever feeling behind.

For Parents

You want activities that shape who your child is becoming

Sports build a narrow skill. Screens build nothing. Taekwondo builds character — a child who finishes what they start, handles setbacks without falling apart, and walks into a room with quiet, genuine confidence. Parents tell us it's the most valuable hour of their child's week.

Your child is capable of far more than they've been asked to show

Kids are often told they're amazing. They're rarely given the chance to prove it to themselves. Taekwondo changes that. We give children genuinely hard things to do — a challenging kick, a long form, a board to break — and let them earn the satisfaction of doing it on their own. That's where real confidence comes from.

Focus and self-control aren't being developed anywhere else

Classrooms are stretched. Devices scatter attention. Kids aren't lacking ability — they're missing the experience of sustained, purposeful effort that prepares them for school and life. Every Taekwondo class at Martial Arts Advantage is designed to build focus, patience, and follow-through. Parents see the difference at home faster than they expect.

Confidence is the best defense against bullying

A child who stands tall, makes eye contact, and carries themselves with composure is far less likely to be targeted. Taekwondo builds exactly that. And in the rare situation where something does happen, your child will know how to use voice, posture, and — when truly necessary — physical skill to protect themselves responsibly.

How It Works

Getting Started with Taekwondo Classes in Centerton Is Easier Than You Think

No confusing paperwork. No pressure. Just four simple steps from curiosity to your first class on the mat.

Claim Your Class Pass

Pick a time that works for you. Show up in comfortable clothes you can move in. That's all it takes.

Train in a Real Class

You'll bow in with our regular students, learn foundational stances, and practice core kicks — front kick, roundhouse, side kick — along with basic blocks. You'll experience poomsae (patterns) and get a feel for kyorugi (sparring) in a welcoming, structured environment.

Find Your Perfect Schedule

We'll talk through your goals — fitness, family training, self-defense, or competition — and recommend the program and class times that fit naturally into your week.

Step Onto the Path

White belt, yellow stripe, yellow belt — your journey begins here. Every belt is a milestone with clear criteria. You'll always know exactly what comes next.

Success Stories

Centerton Taekwondo Reviews — Straight from Our Students and Families

From parents whose children transformed in their first 90 days, to adults who finally found a practice that truly stuck.

Great facility, great people. Check it out, you’ll thank me later 👊🏼

We love Martial Arts Advantage. I have been taking my youngest here for almost a year and the changes in his attitude and mindset have been so impressive. It has helped him across the board. The instructors are all wonderful at their job. So glad we chose MAA!

My son has been doing karate with them for a while now he loves it. The instructors are all very respectful and very kind. I would 100% recommend this place for anybody looking to get into Karate.

This has been the best experience for our son. The discipline, the exercise, the structure.. it’s all been great! My son enjoys going to every single class with a smile on his face

My son loves his classes! Very good teachers and students! Good environment

Our kid has just started. They had run a promo, so we signed up. They were very communicative and clear! He enjoyed his introduction lesson. They are teaching discipline and life skills to accompany the class and we truly appreciate their well-rounded approach.

I love their professionalism, and their dedication. My son says he has made friends and he likes going cause he learns new things every week.

We started taking Tai Kwondo as a family last month at MAA. We are all loving our classes. I also love the character emphasis and see a difference in my childrens' respect and responsibility not only at class but at home.

Our daughter has been going to MAA for about a month now. She loves it!! She is motivated at home to get her "homework" done each week. I see her randomly practicing around the house, so I know she is definitely getting something out of this. I really like that we don't have a set schedule. We can take her to class that fits our needs for the week. I feel like things are always changing for us, so not being limited to one specific day a week is really helpful even though we do our best to stay consistent. The instructors are all very nice and welcoming. For her age group, they keep it fun and engaging. I definitely recommend Martial Arts Advantage.

This place is awesome and the folks that run it even more amazing. Great with children and know how to relate to all people. Highly recommend them!

The Solution

Why Martial Arts Advantage Develops Students Who Stay — and Grow Into Better Versions of Themselves

Many schools teach kicks. Very few create an environment where students are still walking through the door five or ten years later. Here’s what makes us different.

A curriculum that maps your entire journey

From the day you tie on your white belt, you can see the road ahead. Our syllabus is built around a structured progression of poomsae (patterns), technique requirements, sparring milestones, and breaking achievements. Students training 3 days a week typically earn their first color belt within 1 month and their black belt within 10. No guessing. No politics. Just a clear path forward.

Instructors who know your name by your second class

Our instructors are full-time educators, not weekend volunteers. They train regularly, pursue continuing education, and bring the same level of preparation a great teacher brings to the classroom. You will never be just a number here. Walk in tomorrow and we'll remember your goals, your last milestone, and what you said you wanted to improve.

Character that becomes instinct

The Five Tenets aren't framed on a wall. They are drilled, spoken aloud, and reinforced in every class. Students bow when they arrive. They show respect to instructors and training partners alike. After a few months, this isn't a performance — it's simply who they are. Parents, teachers, and employers notice.

A community that genuinely shows up for each other

Step into the dojang on any given evening and you'll witness something genuinely rare: students from every age group and background cheering each other on. Our students attend belt tests they aren't even part of. They befriend each other's families. They check in when someone misses a week. The training brings people here — the community keeps them.

Jack DeSousa

Master Instructor

“One of the reasons I’m passionate about martial arts training is because it offers both practical self-defense skills and lifelong fitness benefits. As both an instructor and a student, I continue to learn from the martial arts every day. Through years of training, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for respect, empathy, commitment, and personal growth—values I strive to pass on to every student who walks through our doors.”

Our Programs

Taekwondo Classes in Centerton — For Preschoolers, Kids, Teens, and Adults at Every Stage of Life

Whether you’re a parent searching for the right fit for your child, a teen looking for real direction, or an adult ready to start something meaningful — we have a program designed specifically for you.

Preschool Taekwondo Classes (Ages 4–7)

Where Big Confidence Starts Small

Our Preschool Taekwondo program gives young children a playful, structured environment to develop coordination, focus, and confidence. Through movement-based activities and age-appropriate martial arts fundamentals, little ones discover what their bodies can do — and walk away standing a little taller every week.

Active, imagination-driven classes built for young attention spans
Foundational stances, blocks, and kicks introduced through games and play
Respect, listening, and self-control taught naturally through consistent practice
Real improvements in balance, coordination, and body awareness
Encouragement-based progression where every effort is recognized
A safe, nurturing space where shy and energetic kids both thrive
Classes that build courage and independence one step at a time

Kids Taekwondo Classes (Ages 8–12)

The Program Parents Recommend to Every Friend

Kids Taekwondo at our Centerton dojang goes far beyond kicks and belts. Within weeks, the focus, listening, and self-discipline students develop on the mat begin showing up at school and at home. It’s the activity that builds the whole child — and the one parents keep talking about long after class ends.

High-energy, age-appropriate classes that hold attention from bow-in to bow-out
Foundational kicks, blocks, and stances taught in the right order at the right pace
Anti-bullying awareness and personal safety integrated into the curriculum
Measurable improvements in focus, listening, and emotional regulation
Clear belt progression with achievable technical requirements at every level
Welcoming to outgoing, quiet, athletic, and brand-new students alike
After-school programs, summer camps, and birthday parties also available

Teens Taekwondo Classes (Ages 13–17)

Where Teens Find Real Direction — Without Being Talked Down To

Our Teen Taekwondo program is built for adolescents who need something genuinely challenging to pursue. We take teens seriously, surround them with peers and mentors who hold a high standard, and give them a structured path toward leadership, physical excellence, and personal discipline — without lectures.

High-intensity training that channels real teenage energy productively
A peer environment grounded in mutual respect, not social ranking
Leadership development through assistant instructor and demo team roles
Olympic-style sparring in a structured, age-appropriate format
Practical self-defense skills relevant to everyday teen life
A clear belt path from white belt through junior black belt

Adult Taekwondo Classes (Ages 18+)

A Practice You Can Train for the Next 30 Years

Adults who train with us aren’t chasing another fitness trend — they’re investing in a discipline with real depth. Taekwondo grows more challenging, more rewarding, and more meaningful the longer you practice it. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, stress relief, or personal challenge, this is the practice that delivers.

Complete cardiovascular fitness, strength, mobility, and balance training
Both traditional poomsae and Olympic-style kyorugi (sparring) pathways
Practical, real-world stand-up self-defense skills
Genuine stress relief earned through focused effort
A welcoming environment for absolute beginners and experienced practitioners alike
Class times structured around working adult schedules
Enroll any week of the year — no fixed enrollment cycles

Ready to Join Our Taekwondo Classes?

We offer Taekwondo classes in Centerton for every age group and every starting point. Let us help you find the right program — no pressure, just come try a class and feel the difference for yourself.

Real Results

What Taekwondo Classes in Centerton Have Done for Real Students

These are real students, real families, and real changes. Names have been kept short for privacy, but every story is one we’ve had the privilege of watching unfold inside our dojang.

Maya, 6 Preschool Program

BEFORE

Cried at drop-off and refused to participate in group activities
Struggled to follow multi-step instructions at home and in preschool
Had little body coordination and avoided physical play
Her parents were searching for something that might finally click

AFTER

Runs to class and lines up on her own before the instructor calls attention
Her preschool teacher noticed she now follows directions on the first ask
Demonstrates her kicks for family at home with genuine pride
Just earned her first stripe and has asked to come an extra day each week

Marcus, 10 Kids Program

BEFORE

Struggled to stay on task at school and frequently lost focus mid-lesson
Gave up easily when things were challenging — sports and hobbies rarely lasted a month
Had been singled out for disruptive behavior in class
His parents weren't sure what would actually hold his interest

AFTER

Attends three classes a week and reminds his parents when it's time to go
His teacher reports a clear improvement in classroom focus and listening
Broke his first board at his belt test — and was back asking to try again the next week
Now mentors newer students during warm-ups, showing patience his family never expected

Jordan, 16 Teen Program

BEFORE

Disengaged socially, with no strong interests outside of gaming
Started pulling back from school activities and turning down invitations from friends
His parents noticed his confidence quietly slipping week by week
Had tried two team sports and quit both before finishing a full season

AFTER

Trains five days a week and is on track to earn his black belt before graduating high school
Serves as an assistant in our junior class — a role that demands patience, leadership, and presence
His grade average climbed a full letter within two semesters
Now one of the students the younger kids look up to most

Why Martial Arts Advantage?

What Sets Martial Arts Advantage Apart from Other Taekwondo Schools in Centerton

Any dojang can teach a roundhouse kick. Very few build the kind of environment that becomes a true second home. Here’s what makes us different.

Educators first, performers second

Every black belt on our staff is a dedicated working instructor — not a part-time enthusiast. They've been trained to break down complex techniques into steps that a six-year-old or a sixty-year-old can genuinely absorb and apply.

Our beginner experience is built with intention

Most martial arts schools drop new students straight into the deep end. We take a different approach. Our white belt curriculum is engineered to build confidence and real competence side by side — so you walk out of every class feeling like you made genuine progress, not like you got lost.

Character is lived in every class, not posted on a wall

The Five Tenets aren't decorations — they're drilled into every training session. Your child doesn't just learn about courtesy and perseverance; they practice them until those traits become second nature. By month three, the shift is real and unmistakable: in the classroom, at the dinner table, and in how they treat the people around them.

Belt promotions you can trust

Promotions at Martial Arts Advantage are earned through demonstrated technical skill, consistent attendance, and Five Tenet conduct — not by how long you've been paying tuition. When you earn a belt here, it carries real meaning.

Programs designed for real human ages

Six-year-olds are not small adults. Teenagers don't want to be treated like children. Adults don't want to be sidelined on a kids' floor. Every class is age-specific in content, energy, and delivery — taught by instructors who specialize in that exact age group.

A training environment that reflects what we value

Mats clean. Equipment maintained. Uniforms inspected. Students aligned. The dojang itself communicates our standards — and those standards reflect exactly what we expect of ourselves and every student who trains here.

Traditional roots, Olympic-level edge

Our students train both — the depth of traditional poomsae (patterns), breaking, and self-defense, combined with the speed, footwork, and athleticism of Olympic-style kyorugi (sparring). Together, they develop a truly complete Taekwondo practitioner.

Train as a Family, Grow as a Family

Step onto the mat with your child, sibling, or partner. Build strength, skill, and trust together — and create bonds that reach far beyond the dojang walls.

Meet Your Instructors

Black Belt Instructors Invested in Your Progress

Our instructors have mastered their craft and are deeply invested in every student’s growth. Here’s who will guide your journey.

Jack DeSousa

Master Instructor

Jack DeSousa, who holds a 7th Dan Black Belt and Master Instructor at the school began his Taekwon-Do training in 1983 while serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. During the 1990s, he owned and operated a Taekwon-Do school in Stratham, New Hampshire, while attending the University of New Hampshire. He moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2003 and founded the Centerton school in 2004.

Cheryl Barnes

Full Instructor

Cheryl Barnes is a 4th Dan Black Belt and Full Instructor at the school. She brings dedication, skill, and a genuine passion for helping students of all ages grow through martial arts training.

Savannah Barnes

Lead Instructor

Savannah Barnes holds a 4th Dan Black Belt and serves as Lead Instructor at the school. She is committed to creating an encouraging, high-quality training experience for every student who walks through the door.

Danny Johnson

Full Instructor

Danny Johnson is a 4th Dan Black Belt and Full Instructor at the school. His structured teaching style and focus on practical skills make him a valued part of the instructional team.

Yanni Constantin

Full Instructor

Yanni Constantin holds a 4th Dan Black Belt and is a Full Instructor at the school. He brings energy, expertise, and a team-first mindset to every class he teaches.

Angie Evert

Instructor

Angie Evert is a 2nd Dan Black Belt Instructor who brings warmth and precision to her classes. She is dedicated to helping students build confidence and real skills in a supportive environment.

Maria Saunders

Instructor

Maria Saunders holds a 2nd Dan Black Belt and serves as an Instructor at the school. She is passionate about empowering students through disciplined, encouraging, and practical martial arts training.

Paul Mayer

Instructor

Paul Mayer is a 3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor at the school. He brings consistency, focus, and a genuine commitment to student growth to every session he leads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Want to Know Before Booking Your First Taekwondo Classes in Centerton

The questions we hear most often — answered honestly. Still have something on your mind? Call us at 479-795-2644 and we’ll give you a straight answer.

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning techniques, and fast-paced footwork. The name translates to ‘the way of the foot and fist.’ Beyond the physical techniques, Taekwondo is grounded in five core tenets — Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit — making it as much a character-development practice as it is a martial art. Our Taekwondo lessons cover everything from foundational stances and basic strikes to advanced kicking combinations and sparring strategies, ensuring students of all levels are constantly progressing. Taekwondo Classes in Centerton at our dojang teach both the sport and the discipline, giving students a well-rounded experience that builds confidence, fitness, and lifelong skills.

Is Taekwondo or Karate better?

Neither is objectively better — they serve different goals. Taekwondo is Olympic-recognized and places a strong emphasis on dynamic kicking techniques, footwork, and sport sparring, while Karate tends to focus more on hand strikes and forms rooted in Japanese tradition. If you’re looking for a structured, internationally recognized discipline that builds athleticism, confidence, and character, Taekwondo is an excellent choice. Our Taekwondo lessons in Centerton cover everything from beginner fundamentals to advanced sparring and forms, making them suitable for all ages starting at 4 years old. Whether your child is just getting started or you’re an adult looking to train, our Centerton dojang offers authentic Taekwondo instruction tailored to every skill level.

Is Taekwondo or Jiu-Jitsu better?

They address different aspects of martial arts. Taekwondo is a stand-up striking art focused on kicks, balance, and fast movement, while Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes ground grappling and submissions. For families, children, and teens looking for character development, fitness, and a clear belt progression system, our Taekwondo classes offer a well-rounded and age-appropriate experience. Our Taekwondo classes in Centerton are designed to build real-world confidence, self-defense awareness, and physical skill in a structured and supportive environment.

What is so special about Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is one of the few martial arts that balances sport, tradition, fitness, and personal development in a single practice. It’s the only martial art featured in the Olympic Games as a full medal sport. In our Taekwondo class, students of all ages and skill levels train together in a structured, encouraging environment that builds real results. More importantly, it’s a discipline that grows with you — equally rewarding at age 6 or age 60. The Five Tenets create a framework for how students carry themselves on and off the mat, which is why so many parents describe Taekwondo class as the most impactful activity in their child’s life.

What are the main benefits of practicing Taekwondo Classes in Centerton?

Students of all ages gain improved physical fitness, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Beyond the physical, Taekwondo builds focus, self-discipline, confidence, and emotional regulation — benefits that consistently show up at school, at home, and in professional life. For children and teens, the structured belt progression gives a clear sense of personal achievement. For adults, it provides meaningful challenge, community, and stress relief that most fitness routines simply can’t match.

What skills does Taekwondo focus on?

Taekwondo training develops a broad range of skills: dynamic kicking techniques (front kick, roundhouse, side kick, spinning kicks), hand strikes and blocks, poomsae (patterns and forms), kyorugi (sparring), and kyukpa (breaking). Alongside technical skills, students develop mental discipline, spatial awareness, timing, and practical self-defense capabilities. Every class at our Centerton dojang integrates both physical technique and character development.

What is the difference between Olympic Taekwondo and traditional Taekwondo?

Olympic Taekwondo focuses on sport competition — specifically point-based sparring (kyorugi) with protective gear, quick footwork, and targeted kicking to score points. Traditional Taekwondo includes a broader curriculum: poomsae (patterns), self-defense applications, breaking techniques, and the philosophical Five Tenets. At our Centerton school, students train both — gaining the athleticism of the Olympic sport and the depth of traditional practice.

Does Taekwondo focus more on kicks or punches?

Taekwondo is primarily a kicking art. Approximately 70–80% of techniques focus on leg-based strikes — including high kicks, spinning kicks, and jumping kicks — while hand techniques such as punches and blocks are also part of the complete curriculum. This emphasis on kicking makes Taekwondo unique among martial arts and is a significant reason it translates so effectively into improved balance, flexibility, and overall athleticism.

How long does it take to progress through Taekwondo belts?

Belt progression depends on consistent training and demonstrated skill. For students training 3 days per week, the first color belt typically comes within the first month, and a black belt is achievable within approximately 10 years. Every promotion at our Centerton dojang is based on technical ability, attendance, and conduct — not time alone. You’ll always know exactly what’s required at the next level, so your progress is clear and earned.

What equipment or uniform do you need for Taekwondo Classes in Centerton?

For your first trial class, just wear comfortable athletic clothing you can move in — no special gear required. Once you enroll, you’ll wear a dobok (Taekwondo uniform), which we can help you source. As you advance into sparring, you’ll need protective equipment including a helmet, chest protector, forearm and shin guards, and foot protectors. We’ll guide you through exactly what you need and when, so you’re never purchasing gear before it’s necessary.

Take the First Step — Your Taekwondo Journey Begins with One Class

Whether you’re a parent searching for the program that finally clicks for your child, an adult ready to commit to something with real depth, or a teen looking for direction and a peer group worth belonging to — your first class is where the rest of the journey begins. Train alongside our regular students and experience firsthand why Centerton families have been walking through our front door for over 23 years.

Looking for Taekwondo Classes in Centerton or nearby in Bentonville, Gravette, Bella Vista, Decatur, Cave Springs, or Sulphur Springs? Martial Arts Advantage is Plaza next to McDonalds, or the Baptist Church, with a free parking lot and class times built around real family life.

Class pass spots are limited each week. Secure yours today.

Martial Arts Advantage

Centerton

Serving Centerton, Bentonville, Gravette, Bella Vista, Decatur, Cave Springs, and Sulphur Springs

Fill out the form below to claim your class pass today!

ab_firstname

ab_lastname

ab_emailaddress

ab_mobile

Program

WARNING: Offer Expires Soon...

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds