Martial arts studio teaches self-defense, life lessons
When Do Hyun Park decided to open his own Taekwondo studio in 2019, he wanted to do more than just teach people how do defend themselves against bullies. He wanted to teach the soft skills people need to learn to be successful in life.
That is what makes Soft & Strong Taekwondo such an appropriate name. Park teaches people of all ages and abilities, from beginners to black belts.
Park graduated from the University in Seoul Korea as Taekwondo master (with a fifth-degree black belt). After teaching in Houston, Atlanta and Miami for nearly a decade, Park came to North Fort Myers and started Soft & Strong with the intent to teach martial arts to help balance people in today’s modern, competitive life.
“I looked on the internet for a good location for a school. I had come here a few times when I lived in Miami and the people here are very friendly,” Park said.
As with many businesses, COVID had a big impact, with Park basically having to start over in bringing on new clients.
Park said his classes help kids learn how to play with friends, learn manners and respect towards those who are older and parents, and for adults to cope with stress, interact with people, and respect each other.
“I teach the children martial arts but also how to socialize with other people, make friends,” Park said. “Soft and strong is my philosophy for life.”
The strong part is the taekwondo, where you can punch and kick and become fit to make you strong. The soft part is making sure people aren’t so tense and also fighting with each other.
“My goal is to make everybody who comes here happy to be in taekwondo,” Park said.
Classes are available for anyone 3-1/2 years old and up. The Little Angels, age 4 through 6, meet three days a week, as do children 7 through 12. Families attend on Mondays and Saturdays, while teens and adults (13 and up) are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, all four days the studio is open.
Those interested can participate in a free trial class to see if this is right for them before signing up.
All classes except families offer sparring classes, where protective gear is mandatory.
The studio also offers birthday parties and demonstrations are available upon request for special events, church or anything else.
Soft & Strong, at 3443 Hancock Bridge Parkway, is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information and schedules, call Park at 333-8854 or visit www.softandstrongtaekwondo.com.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com