Questions Parents Actually Ask
Everything you need to know about training at USTMA — from your first class to earning a black belt.
Your First Steps
Leesburg takes students from age 3 and up; Berryville starts at age 5. From there we have age-appropriate classes for every level — kids, teens, and adults — grouped by age and experience. There is no upper age limit.
Yes. Your Free Evaluation Class begins a full free week of Taekwondo, with no commitment. Sign up or call the academy to confirm your first lesson. After-school care, camps, and birthday parties have separate enrollment and fees.
Comfortable athletic clothing like a t-shirt and sweatpants is perfect for the first class. We train barefoot — no shoes needed on the mat. A uniform (dobok) can be purchased after enrollment.
Pricing varies based on the program and schedule you choose. We offer monthly tuition with no long-term contracts required. Contact us at (703) 777-1000 for Leesburg or (540) 955-0055 for Berryville to ask about tuition, uniform and testing fees, and cancellation terms before enrolling.
Absolutely not. We have students who start as teens and adults with zero experience. Taekwondo is for every age and fitness level. Many of our adult students say they wish they had started sooner.
Safety is our top priority. Our instructors are trained to teach age-appropriate techniques in a controlled environment. Students learn at their own pace, and sparring is optional and closely supervised with full protective gear.
Classes, Belts & Competition
The journey to black belt typically takes 3 to 5 years of consistent training, depending on the student's dedication, age, and progress. At USTMA, belts are earned — never given on a schedule.
USTMA students progress through white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black belts, with intermediate levels in between. Each rank has requirements in technique, form, and character. Black belt ranks are certified through Kukkiwon.
We offer classes Monday through Saturday with multiple time slots for different age groups. Schedules vary by location. Contact Leesburg at (703) 777-1000 or Berryville at (540) 955-0055 for current class times, class length, and the right age or experience group. Trial lessons are offered at 5:00 PM or 6:30 PM Eastern; the academy confirms your time after you inquire.
Yes. USTMA students regularly compete in regional and national Taekwondo tournaments. Competition is optional but encouraged for students who want to test their skills. Our instructors provide dedicated tournament preparation.
USTMA is led by Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi, a 9th degree black belt with a Master's degree in Physical Education. We teach authentic Kukkiwon-certified World Taekwondo with a focus on character development, not just kicks. His sons, Master John Choi and Master James Choi, lead the Leesburg and Berryville academies.
After School, Camps & More
Yes. Our Leesburg and Berryville locations offer after school programs for grades K-8. We provide pickup from local schools, homework time, free play, and daily Taekwondo training. Parents provide their own snack. Leesburg parent pickup is at 5:30 PM Eastern; confirm Berryville pickup schools and hours directly with that academy.
Yes. We run summer camp programs with a mix of Taekwondo training, fitness activities, and fun. Contact us for upcoming camp dates and registration details.
Yes. We host Taekwondo-themed birthday parties at our academy. It's a unique, active experience that kids love — they get a real martial arts class as part of the celebration. Contact us to book.
Yes. We offer classes specifically for teens and adults at all experience levels. Whether you're a complete beginner or a returning martial artist, you're welcome. Many adults train alongside their children at different class times.
Our School, Our Team
Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi is the founder of USTMA and holds a Kukkiwon-certified 9th degree black belt. He trained in Korea, holds a Master's degree in Physical Education, and has been teaching in Virginia since 1987.
USTMA is a family school. Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi founded it, and his two sons lead the academies today — Master John Choi (6th degree) at Leesburg and Master James Choi (6th degree) at Berryville. Master Al, Master John's wife, also teaches at Leesburg, alongside a dedicated team of certified instructors.
Kick Cancer Out of the World (KCOTW) is a foundation started by Grandmaster Choi in 1992 after losing his father to cancer. His goal is to donate $1,000,000 to cancer research and aid cancer patients in our community. Through annual tournaments and golf events, KCOTW has raised nearly $500,000 and partners with Inova Schar Cancer, Blue Ridge Hospice, and the American Cancer Society.
Yes. Our flagship academy is in Leesburg at 9 Cardinal Park Dr, SE (est. 1987), led by Master John Choi. Our Berryville academy is at 850 West Main Street, led by Master James Choi. Both locations offer the full USTMA curriculum.
Kukkiwon is the World Taekwondo headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. It is the governing body for dan (black belt) certification worldwide. USTMA's black belt ranks are certified through Kukkiwon, meaning they are internationally recognized and legitimate.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer anything. Call us, visit the academy, or sign up for a free trial week and see for yourself.