Grandmaster Craig Balliette invites you and your family to join one of the most complete and professional Martial Arts Facilities in the country! Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo proudly serves Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota and beyond.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
Signed both of my daughters up last July. I can’t say enough about Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo. Master Craig is one of 5 Grandmasters and a 9th Degree Black Belt. He teaches by the book - very disciplined. If you are looking for someone to teach your son or daughter self-defense, discipline and respect - this is the place for you!
My 5 yr old daughter recently began a program at LWR Taekwondo and loves it! Master Craig takes Taekwondo seriously. This isn't day care - but a class for students dedicated to learning martial arts. There are NO contracts. You pay month by month. He teaches every class himself whether you're a white belt or black belt.
My 2 kids are homeschooled, so when it came time to choosing Martial Arts school, I needed the best! We looked around for months until we found Master Craig. His classes are for kids that WANT to learn. They are serious, structured, disciplined and respectful. My kids are rapidly learning their forms.
My two children, ages 8 and 9 now, have been attending LWR Taekwondo with Master Craig for over two years now and love it. The students in this academy work very hard to earn their belts. It is not a "belt factory" nor is it a day care. If you're looking for the real deal, this is it!
Grandmaster Craig is only one of five non-Korean certified Grandmasters of Taekwondo in the world. Children 5 years through adult can benefit from his 44 years of teaching experience. Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo Academy is a World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) School and includes Hapkido, the Korean art of self-defense. At Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo, our mission to provide you with an authentic, traditional taekwondo martial arts experience that will be of benefit to your life for many years to come.
Grandmaster, 9th Degree Black Belt
Founder of the Global TaeKwonDo Association and Master Instructor of numerous martial art academies, Grandmaster Craig Balliette is fiercely dedicated to his students around the world. Grandmaster Craig is one of five non-Korean certified Grandmasters of TaeKwonDo in the world, with 44 years teaching experience. Grand Master Craig opened his first TaeKwonDo Academy in the Washington D.C. area in 1980. He was selected to instruct the US Secret Service for President George W. Bush, the DEA and FBI agents from 1990-1998, before moving to Florida. He opened Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy in 1998. Grandmaster Craig continues to personally teach every class offered regardless of age or belt level.
We don't just teach Taekwondo — we build better people.
Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With 28 years in Bradenton, our standards speak for themselves.
From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo. This is a family, not just a gym.
Parents and students report improvements in focus, confidence, and discipline within the first 30–60 days. Our structured curriculum ensures every student progresses at every level.
Something for everyone — from toddlers to adults, beginners to competitors.
Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo is honored to train children as young as 5 years old all the way into adulthood. Kids classes are split by rank: White Belt, and Yellow through Blue Belt.
We welcome all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, our training will help reach new heights. Practicing martial arts as a family is a wonderful way to connect with your loved ones and grow together! Classes are split by rank: White through Green Belt, and Blue & Red Belt.
Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.
Click the button below or call us at (941) 744-9767 to reserve your free intro session at a time that works for you.
Arrive in comfortable workout clothes. We'll give you a tour, introduce you to the team, and guide you through your first class.
If you love it — and you will — we'll find the perfect program and membership that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
No commitment. No experience needed. Just show up.
Take the first step toward the best version of yourself. Book your free trial or get our full pricing and schedule sent directly to you.