Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo

Started coming here because my 7 year old son had focus and behavior issues at home and school. During class Master Craig and Master Cindy really work on these skills and teach to think before reacting. My son loves coming to class and aspires to become a black belt. The class availability is very flexible which has been a bonus to our busy schedule!

January 2023

We relocated from New York almost a year ago February 2022, and before we moved, we promised our youngest daughter, who is now almost eleven and half years old, that once we became settled we would find her a place to begin her journey in MMA. With her previous ballet and gymnastics training, we knew finding the right place for her may be a challenge. That journey began during the summer of 2022, and ended after trialling about seven places. Early during this search, we found Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy, and she completed two half hour, one on one introductory sessions with the owner and Grand Master, Craig Balliette. We were quite impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication to the art and philosophy of TaeKwonDo of Grand Master Balliette. Still, after the introductory classes, and after almost three months, three types of MMA, and seven martial arts locations later, our daughter realized that most of the other places were more like play time, fitness classes, or very disorganized.

After this experience, we knew there was only one place that would meet the expectation of serious training, dedicated instruction, and provide a challenge that most young children deserve and need to instill self confidence, discipline, and self respect. What is most impressive about Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy is Grand Master Craig Balliette’s focus on respect. In a world where self respect and respect for parents, guardians and elders is extremely lacking, Grand Master Craig teaches each one of his students the importance of this basic principle and incorporates it into every class, making it essential to the advancement within every level of TaeKwonDo practice and ensures that each student continue this behavior at home with family and within the community.

Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy is more than a martial arts studio, it offers a place where children can come together and run their own race. Every student learns the value of hard work and that only he or she is truly responsible for his or her success. Practicing the art and philosophy of TaeKwonDo has never been more rewarding unless you have had the honor and privilege of having Grandmaster Craig Balliette (and Master Cindy) work with your child or family member. You don’t see this type of dedication in teaching martial arts often and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn TaeKwonDo in this Dojang.

The first week of February will be three months that our daughter has begun her journey at Lakewood Ranch TaeKwonDo Academy, and she’s excited to go to every time and meets every class with great enthusiasm because of the passion, dedication and experience of Grandmaster Craig Balliette. We thank him for the opportunity for our daughter to fulfill her ambition to be a Master one day too…

Master Craig, Sin-ui chug bog
The Tommasino-Storz Family

My son has been thoroughly enjoying his time training under Master Craig and Master Cindy. He is eager to attend class and wants to practice at home to improve his skills. The students are not just taught Taekwondo, but they are learning the philosophy behind it. They are taught honor and respect for their instructors and each other. Classes are very structured and the instructors hold the students to a higher standard. Belts are not just handed out, the students work hard to truly earn them. They take pride in themselves and it is wonderful to see the class clapping for a student who has earned their next belt. I highly recommend Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo!

My daughter has been a member of Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo for over a year and has flourished under the instruction of Master Craig and Master Cindy. The Master instructors are extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in their craft. They bring out each student’s personal best and work hard to help them continuously improve.
One of the things I love most about this program is that students must learn philosophies along with their techniques. It gives the students an understanding of the importance of each belt and what it signifies.
I am so grateful for all of the time Master Craig and Master Cindy have spent helping my daughter refine her craft. I have watched my daughter learn skills and discipline that have helped her grow as a young person. She has definitely benefitted from this well-rounded program.

This is the best coaching and instruction that you will find in the area! Our experience finding an after school sport or activity for our son was a frustrating one. With over two decade of experience in teaching and coaching myself, my standards were very high. "Daddy Ball" wasn't going to cut it. Master Craig's program is the gold standard. He provides the students here with confident and firm leadership and holds his students to very high standards, which they subsequently meet. Nothing is being given away in this gym. These kids are asked to work hard and be respectful of others and they rise to the occasion! The instructors provide clear and consistent instruction that allows the students to be confident and trust themselves. The study of traditional Taekwondo has been so impressive because the students are organically taught self-control and moderation along the way. It's been a great experience that I would recommend to any parent! The world needs more people like Master Craig teaching kids!