Business Details
47 Years
experience
World-Class Traditional Taekwondo in Bradenton, FL
Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo is a world-class traditional martial arts school founded on decades of disciplined practice and authentic instruction. Our academy, established in 1979, specializes in Taekwondo and Hapkido, emphasizing physical mastery, mental fortitude, and philosophical integrity. Under the guidance of Grandmaster Craig Balliette, one of only five non-Korean certified Grandmasters globally, we provide structured training for students aged 5 through adulthood. Our programs prioritize proper technique, self-defense, and character development, ensuring each student progresses only when genuinely prepared for the next belt level.With over 44 years of teaching experience, we uphold traditional standards without compromise, rejecting the 'belt factory' model to deliver meaningful martial arts education. Our affiliation with the World Taekwondo Federation underscores our commitment to excellence, while our month-to-month payment structure reflects transparency and respect for our students' needs. We welcome transfer students and families seeking serious, results-driven martial arts training.
Services
Taekwondo
Hapkido
Kids Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts
Family Martial Arts
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Grandmaster Craig Balliette has 44 years of teaching experience.
- No contractspay month-to-month with complete transparency.
- Structured, disciplined classes for serious martial arts students.
- Affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation for global standards.
- Family programs that strengthen bonds through traditional training.
Associations and certifications
- World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) School
What people say
Authentic traditional training
Incredible teacher
Serious about martial arts
No contracts
Structured classes
Services
Taekwondo
Our Taekwondo program emphasizes powerful kicking techniques, forms (poomse), and mental discipline. Students develop physical coordination, self-defense skills, and philosophical understanding of respect and perseverance. Training prepares individuals for belt advancements and lifelong character growth.
Hapkido
Hapkido teaches joint locks, throws, and grappling techniques for practical self-defense. This Korean martial art focuses on using an opponent's energy against them, combining strikes and pressure points to neutralize threats effectively and efficiently.
Kids Martial Arts
Children aged 5+ learn discipline, respect, and physical coordination through age-appropriate Taekwondo instruction. Our program builds confidence, focus, and teamwork while establishing strong martial arts foundations in a structured, supportive environment.
Adult Martial Arts
Adults of all skill levels train in traditional Taekwondo and Hapkido to improve fitness, stress relief, and self-defense capabilities. Classes emphasize practical application, technical precision, and personal growth through disciplined practice.
Family Martial Arts
Families train together through synchronized Taekwondo programs that strengthen relationships and shared values. These classes promote mutual support, collective achievement recognition, and intergenerational skill development in a structured martial arts framework.
People
Grandmaster Craig Balliette
Head Instructor
With 44 years of teaching experience and 9th Degree Black Belt certification, Grandmaster Balliette provides expert instruction rooted in traditional Taekwondo principles. A globally recognized leader, he personally oversees all student training and advancement.
Cindy Rhategan
Instructor
Certified black belt instructor with extensive experience in youth martial arts education, focusing on character development and technical mastery for young students.
Joey Sites
Instructor
Dedicated martial arts instructor specializing in Hapkido techniques and practical self-defense training for students of all experience levels.
Mark Winstead
Instructor
Experienced Taekwondo instructor emphasizing proper form, discipline, and belt progression standards through personalized student mentorship.
Roni O'Connor
Instructor
Certified martial arts instructor supporting structured class environments and philosophical understanding of Taekwondo principles for beginner to advanced students.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Taekwondo and Hapkido, maintaining original forms and techniques developed by Korean masters.
What age groups do you accept?
Our programs start at age 5 through adulthood, with specialized instruction tailored to different developmental stages.
Are there contract requirements?
We operate on month-to-month payments with no long-term contracts or hidden fees for belt testing.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
Traditional black belt certification typically takes 4+ years of consistent training and skill demonstration.
Can parents observe classes?
All classes are open for observation, though we ask spectators to minimize distractions during training sessions.
Do you offer family training?
Yes, we provide structured family martial arts programs that strengthen bonds through shared learning experiences.
Reviews (6)
Declan Keenan
Jun 02, 2021
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This is a top notch and excellent Tae Kwon Do Academy. Physically it is in a great location, easily accessible and provides plenty of parking.
Inside, the facility is comfortable and extremely well equipped. The Do Jang is very well run and managed by Grand Master Craig who is a staggering, Ninth Degree Black Belt. The other instructors, Masters Cindy and Joe are also extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful. I joined LWR Tae Kwon Do Academy some months ago at the age of 60. It has proven to be an excellent decision as I have benefitted in many ways, both physically and mentally. I enjoy
Inside, the facility is comfortable and extremely well equipped. The Do Jang is very well run and managed by Grand Master Craig who is a staggering, Ninth Degree Black Belt. The other instructors, Masters Cindy and Joe are also extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful. I joined LWR Tae Kwon Do Academy some months ago at the age of 60. It has proven to be an excellent decision as I have benefitted in many ways, both physically and mentally. I enjoy
Jessica Murphy
Jan 29, 2021
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Master Craig is wonderful! I wanted to find something to do with my four year old daughter and to learn more about self defense. I decided to enroll us into Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo and have currently been there for 2 months. It has been a great experience! Not only have I enjoyed it, but my daughter is learning so much. Highly recommend!
Ace Maintenance
Jan 07, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Best taekwondo school around! In our experience with taekwondo there is no one more knowledgable than Master Craig! Highly recommend for kids of all ages. My 4 year old if enjoying it and learning SO much!
Best taekwondo school around! In our experience with taekwondo there is no one more knowledgable than Master Craig! Highly recommend for kids of all ages. My 4 year old if enjoying it and learning SO much!
Pau Torruella
Jan 01, 2021
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Best decision I've made from my son yet! The values of the lessons he learns at LWR Taekwondo will last him for many years into the future. Master Craig is the real deal, traditionally trained and focused on the quality of the artform. He instills the traditions of TWD in all his students along with respect, obedience, self esteem, and pride.
Brandon
Oct 03, 2020
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Terrible instruction in my opinion. My daughter who is 5 went there for instruction. The introduction class gives off the impression that the lessons will be in group but very hands on. They are not at all. Its simply watch everyone do this move and then you do it. There is no guidance to the parents on what they should be practicing and the automatically test after a certain number of classes. Oh yes lets not forget testing a reason to make you pay more as the testing is required and comes with a fee. The owner of the establishment is not very forthcoming with that information either when
Keith W.
Oct 02, 2020
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My son (6 years old) has been attending Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo for a little over a month now. I can say that I have been very pleased with the instruction he has received and how the instructors interact with the students. Make no mistake, the students are there to learn and the instructors are there to teach. There is no room for goofing off and I appreciate the tone the instructors set in order to ensure all students receive the full benefit of each class. As for my son, he absolutely loves it. He says it is the best part of his day. I'd have to agree with him since watching him learn is the
