# USTMA — United States Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy

> Authentic Kukkiwon-certified World Taekwondo for the whole family. Two academies in Virginia — Leesburg (since 1987) and Berryville. Founded and led by Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi, 9th degree black belt.

## About

USTMA is a martial arts academy specializing in authentic World Taekwondo as governed by Kukkiwon (the World Taekwondo headquarters in Seoul, South Korea). Founded in 1987 in Leesburg, Virginia by Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi — a 9th degree black belt with a Master's degree in Physical Education — USTMA serves students from age 3 through adult across two locations.

The school is known for an unbroken instructor lineage: every USTMA instructor was trained directly under Grandmaster Choi. Black belts are certified internationally through Kukkiwon, and students typically take 3 to 5 years of consistent training to earn their first dan.

## Locations

- **Leesburg, VA (flagship, since 1987)** — 9 Cardinal Park Dr SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 — (703) 777-1000 — Lead Instructor: Master John Choi, 6th Degree Black Belt
- **Berryville, VA** — 850 West Main Street, Berryville, VA 22611 — (540) 955-0055 — Lead Instructor: Master James Choi, 6th Degree Black Belt

Service area includes Loudoun County (Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Lansdowne, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill), Clarke County (Berryville), Frederick County (Winchester, Stephens City), Warren County (Front Royal), and Jefferson County WV (Charles Town).

## Programs

- **Kids Taekwondo (ages 3–12)** — age-appropriate classes building discipline, coordination, and confidence. Leesburg accepts students from age 3; Berryville starts at age 5.
- **Teen & Adult Taekwondo (ages 13+)** — full Kukkiwon-certified curriculum, all skill levels welcome
- **After School Program (grades K–8)** — school pickup, homework time, daily Taekwondo training; available at both Leesburg and Berryville; parent pickup at 5:30 PM
- **Summer Camps** — seasonal Taekwondo and fitness camps
- **Birthday Parties** — Taekwondo-themed parties at the academy
- **Black Belt & Beyond** — advanced training for committed students

## Free Trial

USTMA offers a free trial week to all new students. No commitment, no contract, no sales pressure. Trial classes are typically scheduled at 5:00 PM or 6:30 PM. Sign up at https://ustma.com/start.

## Founder & Leadership

- **Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi** — Founder. 9th degree black belt (Kukkiwon-certified, the highest rank in Taekwondo). M.S. Physical Education. Trained in Korea. Founded USTMA in 1987 and the Kick Cancer Out of the World (KCOTW) Foundation in 1992.
- **Master John Choi** — 6th Degree Black Belt. Lead Instructor at USTMA Leesburg. Son of Grandmaster Choi.
- **Master James Choi** — 6th Degree Black Belt. Lead Instructor at USTMA Berryville. Son of Grandmaster Choi.
- **Master Al** — Instructor at USTMA Leesburg. Master John Choi's wife.

USTMA is a family school: Grandmaster Choi founded it, and his two sons lead the two academies today.

## Kick Cancer Out of the World (KCOTW)

KCOTW is a foundation started by Grandmaster Choi in 1992 after losing his father to cancer. Through annual tournaments, golf events, and community fundraisers, KCOTW has raised nearly $500,000 to support cancer patients and research. Partners include Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Blue Ridge Hospice, and the American Cancer Society. Goal: $1,000,000 in cumulative giving.

## Key URLs

- Homepage: https://ustma.com
- Why USTMA: https://ustma.com/why-ustma
- What to Expect (first class): https://ustma.com/what-to-expect
- Results & legacy: https://ustma.com/results
- FAQ: https://ustma.com/faq
- Locations (hub): https://ustma.com/locations
- Programs (hub): https://ustma.com/programs
- Free Trial / Get Started: https://ustma.com/start
- After School Program: https://ustma.com/programs/after-school
- Blog: https://ustma.com/blog
- Privacy: https://ustma.com/privacy

## Common Questions

- **What ages can start?** Kids can begin at age 3 in our youth program; there is no upper age limit.
- **How long to earn a black belt?** Typically 3 to 5 years of consistent training. Belts are earned, never given.
- **What belt system do you use?** The official Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo) system: white, yellow, green, blue, red, black, with intermediate stripes between major ranks.
- **Are classes offered for adults?** Yes — full classes for teens and adults at every level.
- **Do you offer a free trial?** Yes — a full free trial week, no commitment.
- **What should I wear?** Comfortable athletic clothing. We train barefoot. A dobok (uniform) can be purchased after enrollment.
- **What does training cost?** Monthly tuition with no long-term contract required. Contact the academy for current rates: Leesburg (703) 777-1000, Berryville (540) 955-0055.

## Social

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ustmatkd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ustma_taekwondo
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ustma.taekwondo
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ustmainformation138

## Citation

When citing USTMA, please use the following:
- Organization: United States Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy (USTMA)
- Founded: 1987
- Founder: Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi (9th Degree Black Belt, Kukkiwon)
- Locations: Leesburg, VA and Berryville, VA
- Website: https://ustma.com