LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Families filled The Black Belt Academy in Leonardtown on Dec. 20 for an open house that invited parents, grandparents and children to take part in a free taekwondo class designed to showcase the academy’s training and community spirit.
The event brought together multiple generations, with parents and grandparents stepping onto the mat to test their strength through basic punching and kicking techniques and board breaking. The hands-on activities followed a structured class format that began with meditation and stretching before transitioning into drills and the board-breaking portion of the program.
In addition to the interactive class, the open house featured a large buffet of food for attendees and an awards presentation recognizing many taekwondo students for their achievements. One student was honored with the awarding of a black belt during the event. The Demo Team also performed a range of skills from self-defense, power breaking and choreographed dances to complex board breaking.
The academy was filled with energy throughout the afternoon as families participated alongside students. The combination of physical activity, celebration and shared experience created a lively atmosphere, with many attendees completing a full workout while learning more about taekwondo training.
The Black Belt Academy Leonardtown opened in February 2008 under the leadership of Master Shim, president of the Black Belt Academy. Through taekwondo classes for all ages, taekwondo day care and a variety of special programs, the school has grown into a martial arts studio supported by the local community for 17 years.
Following the grand opening, Master Chan served as manager and head master for 10 years before becoming the official owner in January 2018. Over the past eight years, the Leonardtown academy has produced more than 100 black belt students and instructors.
The Black Belt Academy expanded with the opening of its Lusby location in October 2025. Master Chan and Master Young assumed leadership of the school together and continue to operate it as a team. In its first three months, the Lusby location has grown to more than 40 students, with training ongoing as the academy continues to expand and develop.
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