Whitby Taekwondo Academy

09/17/2026

National Coaches Week — Thank You, Jacob!

Now it’s time to give a huge THANK YOU to Master Jacob for the amazing job he does coaching our up and coming athletes at recreational tournaments!

Whether it’s tournament day, training, or simply being there when he’s needed, our athletes and Master Ron can always count on Master Jacob to show up, support the team and give his best. Your dedication does not go unnoticed!

And then there’s our next generation of coaches:

Wyatt, Laila and Dylan…our Coaches in Training!

They love this sport so much that they want to give back to the newer athletes. They’re learning to teach, encourage, lead by example and help the next generation find the same love for Taekwondo that they have.

Watching our athletes grow from students into leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Taekwondo family.

Whitby Taekwondo, Master Ron and all of our students are incredibly lucky to have you!

09/16/2026

Happy National Coaches Week, Master Ron!

19 years of coaching, teaching, pushing us when we needed it, believing in us when we doubted ourselves, and being there through all the wins, losses, tears, laughs and everything in between.

You’ve made Whitby Taekwondo more than just a place to train. You’ve created a family, built friendships and given so many of us memories we’ll carry forever.

Thank you for believing in us, for never giving up on us, and for everything you’ve poured into this club and the people in it.

We appreciate you more than you know.

09/13/2026

Real parent worry, honest instructor answer: will martial arts be too much for a shy kid?

The short version - no, a good program doesn't overwhelm a shy child. It gives them a place to come out of their shell one small win at a time. No being yelled at from the front. No pressure to be the loudest in the room. Just steady progress that turns quiet kids into confident ones.

Parents, we'd love to hear yours: how did your shy kid surprise you after starting at the academy? Drop their story

09/10/2026

When the kids started training, we started seeing changes that had nothing to do with the kicks. More focus on homework. More respect at home. More confidence in everyday life. Martial arts builds character - and it shows up long after class ends.

Know a Durham parent whose kid could use more focus, confidence, and respect? Tag them below. 👇 Your family's transformation starts at Whitby Taekwondo Academy. Let's go! 🥋

09/08/2026

After the school bell, real growth happens on our mats. Warm-ups, target drills, and bow-to-bow respect - all built into one fun after-school session designed for kids ages 5-17 in Durham.

Watch them trade screen time for focus, discipline, and friends who cheer them on. That's the confidence your kid carries everywhere, not just in class.

Spots in our after-school program fill fast. Comment below to book a free trial and see your child in action. Let's grow their confidence together!

09/06/2026

Mateo Marin Hurtado and Jack Kageyama, the newest members of the Whitby Taekwondo Competition Team (HPTAD)!

Their trip to Peru marked their first-ever international tournaments, competing at both the President’s Cup and Pan Am Series PATU12!

There were plenty of firsts along the way — first international competition, first time experiencing the intensity of major overseas events, and a whole new level of competition.

And as if that wasn’t enough… BONUS FIRST!
They both had the opportunity to meet CJ Nickolas, one of the world’s top-ranked Olympic-level taekwondo athletes!

They may not have brought home medals this time, but both boys fought strong, and gained incredible experience that they’ll carry into the next tournament.

And most importantly… they officially caught the Taekwondo fever!

This is just the beginning for these two, we are so proud of how they fought while representing Whitby and we can’t wait to see where their journey takes them!

09/05/2026

Dylan Weatherdon brings home SILVER from the Pan Am Series!

What a tournament! A tough loss in the final few seconds, but that’s the nature of this sport — infuriating and exhilarating all at once!

Every match, every point, every second is part of the journey. Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep chasing those goals!

09/04/2026

Think martial arts is just for kids? Think again. 👊

Our adult classes pair quick, full-body fitness with practical self-defense you can actually use - all in a friendly, no-ego community. No prior experience needed. Just show up ready to move.

Drop a 🙌 if you've been meaning to give your routine a real boost!

09/03/2026