Learn from the best.Learn from the heart.
Taekwondo, Hapkido and family martial arts in Candler, just west of Asheville, taught by 9th-Dan Grandmaster Kevin “Tiger” Bang and his team of black belts.
Martial arts for the whole person
Training here builds the best physical and mental condition of your life and teaches you how to protect yourself and the people you love. Self-control, confidence and self-achievement are the real goals from your very first class.
Students come first
We care about fighting skills, but we care more about the overall growth of each person. In our children’s classes we teach the same values you are working to build at home.
Modern self-defense
Our techniques rest on centuries-old knowledge. Once you have strong basics, your training is tailored to your size, strength and natural ability.
Programs for every goal
Traditional Korean arts at the core, with specialty classes in healing arts, weapons and self-defense.
Taekwondo
“The way of the hand and the foot.” Olympic-style kicking, forms, sparring and breaking, plus the tenets that make a black belt.
Hapkido
Joint locks, throws and practical street self-defense.
TaeMooDo healing arts
Breathing, meditation and slow-motion technique for health and recovery.
Women’s self-defense
Practical tactics, cardio kickboxing, strength and confidence.
Weapons & Hwa Rang Kum Sool
Korean sword arts, forms, cutting and moving meditation.
After school program
Homework time, a snack and Taekwondo class, every school day.
Classes for every age
Families often train side by side. Many of our parents started after watching their kids.
Little Tigers
Listening, balance, coordination and confidence through games and basic technique.
Juniors
Forms, kicking, sparring and board breaking, with focus and respect at home and school.
Teens & adults
Fitness, stress relief and real-world self-defense at your own pace.
Family classes
Parents and kids training together toward the same belt goals.
“These are the tools of everyday life. What you learn in here you can apply elsewhere.”
Grandmaster Bang has taught in the Korean tradition for more than four decades. He holds a Ph.D. in Fitness Science and was named Korean Martial Arts Grandmaster of the Year in the 2015 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
- President, World Black Belt Association
- 9th Dan, World Black Belt Association, World Tang Soo Do Federation & World Hap Ki Do Association
- 8th Dan, Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Federation)
- Certified International Referee, World Taekwondo Federation
The path to black belt
Each belt color marks a stage of growth, from the blank page of white to the mastery and calm of black.
- 01White
- 02Yellow
- 03Orange
- 04Green
- 05Purple
- 06Blue
- 07Brown
- 08Red
- 09Red / Black
- 10Deputy Black
- 11Black
What families say
“After years of back pain from injury I was concerned coming back. Master Bang and his staff worked with me at my own pace. At 65 years old I am elated to be back.”
Linda R.Google review“My son and I are both students here, and it’s awesome! If you want to learn real Tae Kwon Do and have fun, come see Master Sumi and Grandmaster Bang.”
Melissa G. M.Facebook review“He’s learned so much, not just about Taekwondo, but also about discipline, respect, and confidence.”
Melody G.Google review“My daughter loves it and it is teaching her important life skills.”
Rachel M. L.Facebook review“Highly recommend! Excellent for adults and children.”
Robert W.Facebook reviewInside the dojang
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Visit the academy
- 1249 Smokey Park Hwy
Candler, NC 28715
West of Asheville, in the same shopping center as NAPA Auto Parts - (828) 667-4090
- tigerbang@live.com
Class hours
| Monday | 3:30 – 8:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30 – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30 – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30 – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | 3:30 – 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am – 2:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Your first class is on us
Come train with us for one class, no cost and no commitment. Wear comfortable clothes; we’ll take care of the rest.