Golden Isles Martial Arts Academy

What style of martial arts do you teach?

We teach Tae Kwon Do, specifically the Americanized style called Chung Do Kwon, which originated in Korea in the 1950’s during the Korean War, and became one of the original disciplines that made up the International Tae Kwon Do Federation in 1959. Loosely translated, Tae Kwon Do means “the way of kicking and punching” or “the way of hand and fist”. It is also often referred to as fighting with an “empty fist”. Students learn self-defense and fighting techniques using only their arms, hands, legs, feet and bodies – no weapons. Our teaching not only focuses on the techniques of self-defense, but we also teach fighting forms called kata, which is a series of moves fighting an imaginary opponent.

What is a class like?

A typical class begins with students lining up on the training mat. Together they say our dojo creed, then go through a quick warm up. Depending on the age and belt level, they will go through any number of exercises during class, including a review of learned skills, introduction of new skills, games, drills, and kata (form) practice. Students with yellow belt or higher rank may also participate in some sparring drills. Classes end with a cool down and the creed is said again in unison. Any time a student enters or exits the training area, they must bow. This shows respect and humility to their instructor, their dojo, and their training.

To learn more about our affiliate instructor classes, CLICK HERE.

Where are you located?

Our dojo is located at 251 Redfern Village on St. Simons Island, GA, in the rear of the shopping center, next door to Marsh Point Grill.  For directions, CLICK HERE.

Who is the instructor?

All classes are taught by Owner/Instructor Joey Harrison, a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwon. Joey earned his belt under Pat Duncan, former owner of Pat Duncan’s Karate Studio in Brunswick. During the late 80s and early 90s, Joey was ranked on regional, state, and national levels, both for sparring and for kata (forms).

Do you offer any classes other than Tae Kwon Do?

We are currently in partnership with several affiliate instructors who offer classes in disciplines such as Kung Fu, Yoga, and Tai Chi. Our affiliate instructors are highly trained and certified in their discipline. They set their own pricing, schedule, and requirements, and collect all fees associated with the class. To learn more about our affiliate instruction, CLICK HERE.

How is Golden Isles Martial Arts Academy different from other local martial arts schools?

All of the local martial arts schools offer their own unique type of instruction. Our instruction focuses on the two important parts of Tae Kwon Do: the skill and the art. We wish to honor our discipline’s traditions by teaching it as purely as we are able.

Through instruction, we teach our students discipline, honor, humility, confidence, fellowship, and respect. We have a five-color belt system, and promote student only when they have achieved the skills required for each belt.

We also structure our fees according to the age/skill level of the student and how often they attend. Most importantly, WE DO NOT REQUIRE A CONTRACT. We believe it is our obligation to provide quality instruction to our students. If they are not satisfied for any reason, they are free to leave! No exceptions, no fine print! Martial arts are not for everyone and we understand that.

What if I (or my child) have never done martial arts before?

Anyone can begin martial arts at any time and still enjoy it. Since this is an individualized sport, how well you do depends on the effort you put into it. The basic techniques of martial arts are easy to learn, and everything that comes after is built upon those basics, so it takes no time at all for a new student to feel at ease in class. Everyone advances at their own pace, so no matter how new or how experienced you are, you can find a place in our school.

To help ease new students into classes, we offer Intro Classes throughout the week. New students come to one or two of these sessions, where they get one-on-one instruction from Mr. Harrison to help them quickly catch up with their class so they can begin with confidence. We also offer Open Training each week for students who feel they need extra practice.

What are your rates at Golden Isles Martial Arts Academy?

We work hard to keep our rates affordable for anyone. Our rates are based on the age/skill level and the number of days a student attends, and begin at $55 per month and go up from there. We require a one-time non-refundable registration fee that includes your Gi (uniform). Because our rates are so low, belt testing, logos, and equipment must be paid for separately when needed. The average monthly cost per youth student is less than $100. To see our individual class and fee schedules, CLICK HERE.

Can families workout together?

Yes! Though our classes are designed to make sure our members are grouped together based on age and learning abilities, we do offer “Open Training” sessions and a “Family Training” class, for no additional charge, which will allow families to come in and workout together with help from an instructor or on their own. These sessions will help families bond and spend time together while doing something they all enjoy.

Do you offer any specials or packages?

Because we already offer the lowest prices in the area for martial arts instruction, we don’t regularly offer deep discounts on our rates. However, we are very unique in how we cater to potential students. We offer the opportunity for potential students to visit the classes before they sign up, especially if they haven’t participated in martial arts before. Anyone considering signing up is welcomed to watch a class, try out some techniques, tour our dojo, and ask questions!

We also offer a family plan, which caps the monthly rate for multiple family members at $175 per month. The family plan registration fee also includes up to three Gis (uniforms). This allows two or more members of the same family (living at the same address) to learn martial arts without breaking the bank.