My son attended Seattle Taekwondo Academy for over a year. We decided to unenroll him when we saw Scott Craig kick him in the groin for punishment. Keep an eye out because this was in front of me and I am unsure if anything happened while I was not with my son. My son felt embarrassed and hurt by Scott's actions, and I am angered by what I saw. We went to the police and nothing was done. read more

Seattle Taekwondo Academy changed my life! I started when I was four years old because I was obsessed with the Power Rangers, and have never really been able to give it up since. Mr. Craig and Ms. McCall are amazing instructors who work so well with adults as well as children, teaching them respect and responsibility from the start. I honestly don't think there are better instructors out there. While they know how to maintain a serious environment, I chose their academy over many others because they were fun. They keep the class exciting and new, doing extra activities like potlucks and holiday parties to keep a "family-like" atmosphere. Taekwondo is much more than many might think. I am a junior in the business school at the UW, and I honestly can give a lot of credit to where I am today because of STKDA. It taught me how to stick with something and never give up- to respect those around me as well as authority (teachers, coaches, etc.). I also encourage those who want to exceed in sports (I played varsity basketball, soccer, softball in high school) to take taekwondo, it will get you in the best shape of your life, while giving you the best balance you could ever imagine. All in all, I have loved every experience and moment that I have gained from the Seattle Taekwondo Academy, and I seriously encourage everyone to try it. read more

We have two boys (ages 4 & 7) at STKDA. We have been attending for over 3 years. My oldest used to have a hard time starting class, but Mr Craig & Ms McCall were always so wonderful in helping him with the transition. He now attends class 3x/ week without any hesitation. He is now a proud green belt! Kids enjoy class, get good exercise and are learning the value of hard work ethic, respect & physical fitness. We have become friends with other Tkd parents, and consider it a great addition to our community. read more

Seattle Taekwondo Academy - Taekwondo Near Me - Normandy Park, Washington

I had my two children enrolled for about 6 months at STA. I have positive things to say about Scott's partner (don't remember her name, but she's nice and attentive). Can't say the same about Scott. I'm the type of parent who sat at practice and watched all interactions, so my account is in the first person. At first my kid's experience was ok, but in time, Scott Craig started to show his favoritism towards my daughter who is 8 years old, and frustration with my son who is 6. Now, in all honesty, my son has a lot of energy and needs some extra attention to keep him corralled. This was understood and I would expect that my son would get disciplined from time to time. However, when Scott started telling me and my son's mother about how we need to discipline our son more at home and gave us parenting tips that we didn't ask for, that's where I draw the line. Excuse me Scott, but you should stick to Taekwondo and keep your unsolicited parenting tips to yourself! You have no idea what we do to teach our kids life lessons at home and you shouldn't assume that we run our household like the wild west! After about a month into enrollment, my son hated going to class as he was getting nothing but negative feedback from Scott. When my son did things well, he wouldn't give positive feedback at all. As a tip to Scott, that's how you teach if you want positive behavior (give encouragement when a child does something right). Additionally, he would have the other older students who were no older than 12 years old provide discipline to the younger students. Once, while watching practice, I heard Scott tell and older student that if he couldn't control the younger students, that he'd make them do push ups! What kind of peer teaching is this? This kind of teaching will only create animosity among the students. When my wife spoke to Scott about his favoritism towards other students, particularly girls, he didn't like it. My wife even pointed out two girl students who were playing around and not paying attention, he didn't do anything to discipline them. It was just another example of his lack of patience in teaching younger boys. When my wife and I decided to have our kids stop attending, I informed Scott about our decision which was a couple days after he had auto-drafted our monthly tuition payment. I had let him know that we were pulling our kids and would like our tuition payment refunded since our kids wouldn't be going to class any longer. He said he wouldn't honor a refund because that's their policy to not refund. His texts back to me were snarky and unprofessional. I guess he really wanted to keep his $280 despite our kids no longer going to class and giving him 30 days notice, My fault for telling him two days too late. Regarding Taekwondo... I'm a bit hesitant to say anything bad about a martial art of any sort. I too as a child took Kung-Fu and Karate, both are martial arts that teach self defense first (blocking). I don't know if Taekwondo is just this way or if Scott teaches this martial art differently, but I don't like a martial art that teaches kids how to take a kick to the chest before teaching them how to block it first. My point is that there are way other martial arts out there in the Burien area that will teach your children a better way to protect themselves. Before enrolling at Seattle Taekwondo Academy, I visited Seattle ATA Martial Arts Academy on 153rd in Burien and walked away impressed, but didn't join because they are pricier. I made a mistake as they seem to be way better equipped to teach and develop their students. read more

Our boys have been enrolled in STKDA for six years now, since 1st grade. We think that they have become toned and stayed fit with the structured nature of the classes - Poomsae on Mondays, with running exercises and forms; Forms on Tuesdays (although they can't usually make it due to a Scout conflict); Sparring on Wednesdays to develop offensive skills; and Hol Shin Sul on Thursday, for self-defense. Mr. Craig and Ms. McCall are extremely devoted and expert at their profession. Now working on Black Belts. read more

Seattle Taekwondo Academy - Ms. McCall and Mr. Craig - Taekwondo Near Me - Normandy Park, Washington

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My two sons have been taking Taekwondo here for a couple of years now. The instructors are professional, caring and very patient with children. My boys are learning important lessons: not only the martial arts but also discipline, respect, confidence through achievements and the value of hard work. I love that they stay active and physically fit through this well structured TKD school. I also love seeing former students, now young adults, come back to visit from time to time. This is a wonderful community we are proud to be a part of. read more

Love this place! Our two daughters have been enrolled with them for a couple years now. The instructors are loving but also very disciplined. They teach a good mix of self-defense, judo, and martial arts. Our girls are getting stronger and more confident with each class. The prices are incredibly reasonable too, especially in comparison to other choices in the area. Our daughters love this class. The instructors do a great job with the kids. They are not afraid to make them behave and do push-ups if they step out of line, but are also quick to praise when your child excels. I could not recommend this place enough. read more

We have been going to this community oriented dojo for many years. I love the fact that as the kids age they then get to help lead the class, giving the kids a motivation to work hard so they can have their chance at leadership. It has helped my children gain confidence through accomplishment and again through teaching smaller children. I appreciate the fact that they concentrate not just on TKD and other martial art techniques but also physical fitness and self defense. This is not a quick fly through the ranks type of school, each level is earned making this program an authentic asset in our community. read more