SHEROAN'S TAE KWON DO ACADEMY
Build unshakeable confidence, discipline, and physical fitness in a traditional, family-friendly environment.
Led by 9th Degree Grandmaster Sheroan
Traditional Legacy
Grandmaster Sheroan & Black Belt Instructors Team
About Our School & Philosophy
Sheroan's Tae Kwon Do Academy is Elizabethtown and Hardin County's oldest and largest martial arts school. Founded in 1975, our academy is focused on teaching the authentic art of Tae Kwon Do while instilling traditional values of personal responsibility, courtesy, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit.
Our dojang is strictly family-oriented with many parents enrolling alongside their children. Anyone thinking about starting Tae Kwon Do at Sheroan's is warmheartedly welcome to participate in a free introductory class.
How Tae Kwon Do Transforms Kids
Beyond the high kicks and white doboks, clinical research and 50 years of teaching in Elizabethtown prove that traditional Tae Kwon Do builds the habits children carry for life: laser focus, genuine respect, physical agility, and quiet confidence.
Sharper Focus & Classroom Attention
"Proven to help kids filter distractions, listen on the first call, and focus longer."
Medical research confirms that martial arts training significantly boosts executive function and attention control in young children. The structured cadence of forms (Poomsae), partner drills, and respect for instructor commands trains kids to tune out distractions—paying off directly in grades and teacher feedback at school.
Respect & Good Habits at Home
"Bowing on the mat turns into 'Yes, ma'am' and 'Yes, sir' at the dinner table."
Every single class starts and finishes with bows of respect to instructors, parents in the viewing area, and fellow classmates. We teach our students that martial arts is about self-control, courteous language, and taking responsibility for their own gear—habits parents quickly notice carrying over into home routines.
Whole-Body Fitness & Coordination
"Screen-free exercise that builds balance, flexibility, posture, and agility."
Tae Kwon Do engages both sides of the body with bilateral kicking, jumping, core stabilization, and dynamic stretching. Studies show structured training dramatically improves motor coordination, strength, and balance in developing youth, establishing healthy lifestyle habits early in life.
Anti-Bully Awareness & Real Self-Defense
"Confident kids who stand tall are rarely targeted by bullies in the first place."
True self-defense begins with confident body language, eye contact, and vocal boundary-setting. Children learn practical defensive blocks, distance management, and escapes from grabs—giving them the composure to walk away peacefully, alongside the skills to protect themselves if left with no alternative.
Unshakeable Confidence & Goal-Setting
"Step-by-step belt promotions teach children that hard work always pays off."
Nothing builds authentic self-esteem quite like earning something tangible. From White Belt to Black Belt, children set short-term rank goals, overcome plateaus, break their first wooden board, and discover that they are far stronger and more capable than they ever imagined.
Healthy Emotional Outlet & Stress Relief
"A positive, controlled environment to release pent-up energy and frustration."
Kids carry stress too—from tests, peer pressure, and busy schedules. Punching pads and kicking shields provides a healthy, cathartic release. Clinical studies show 16 weeks of structured martial arts reduces anxiety, lifts positive mood, and leaves children calm and refreshed.
Give Your Child The Gift of Focus & Confidence
Come see why parents in Hardin County have trusted Sheroan's Tae Kwon Do Academy for over 50 years. Try an introductory class at no cost—no uniforms to buy, no contracts, and no pressure.
Is Tae Kwon Do Right For My Child?
Answer three quick questions and we'll instantly recommend the best-fit program — no pressure, no sign-up required.
How old is your child?
We tailor every program to the right developmental stage.
The 5 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
The ethical foundation guided by Grandmaster Sheroan for all students in everyday life.
Courtesy
Politeness, mutual respect, humility, and consideration towards parents, teachers, seniors, and classmates.
Integrity
Knowing right from wrong, honesty in actions and words, and taking accountability for one's choices.
Perseverance
Overcoming challenges through continuous patience and effort. Never quitting when training or life gets difficult.
Self-Control
Mastery of one's physical actions, emotional impulses, and words both on the dojang mat and in everyday life.
Indomitable Spirit
Courage to stand up for justice and truth without fear, upholding honor no matter the adversity.
More Than Kicks — A Better You
Tae Kwon Do isn't just about the techniques you learn on the mat — it's about the person you become off it. Here's what really changes when you train with us.
Confidence That Lasts
Shy kids become kids who raise their hand, stand tall, and lead. Belt-by-belt progress and steady encouragement build the kind of self-belief that follows your child from the dojang into the classroom and beyond.
Real Self-Defense
Practical, instinctive skills you can actually use — awareness, distance, blocking, escaping, and countering. Adults and kids alike walk through the world feeling capable instead of vulnerable.
Discipline & Respect
Following directions, controlling impulses, and treating instructors and classmates with respect are built into every class. Structure and courtesy become habits students carry home with them.
Stress Relief & Fitness
An hour on the mat melts away the day's pressure, builds real strength and flexibility, and leaves you calmer, sharper, and more energized — the best therapy you'll ever break a sweat for.
A Community That's Family
You're not joining a gym — you're joining a dojang. Training partners become friends, families grow together on the mat, and a supportive community keeps you coming back year after year.
Feel It For Yourself
Don't take our word for it. Try a free class and experience the difference training makes — no commitment required.
Traditional Tae Kwon Do vs. Other Arts
Every martial art is valuable — they just solve different problems. Here's an honest, side-by-side look at how Traditional Tae Kwon Do compares to the other popular styles you may be considering, so you can choose what fits your goals.
| How They Compare | Tae Kwon Do What We Teach | Karate | Jiu Jitsu | Judo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Korea | Okinawa / Japan | Japan / Brazil | Japan |
| Primary Focus | Kicking & striking | Hand strikes & power | Ground grappling & submissions | Throws & takedowns |
| Where It's Fought | Standing, long range | Standing, close range | On the ground | Standing into ground |
| Signature Techniques | Dynamic high & spinning kicks | Punches, blocks, knee strikes | Chokes, joint locks, control holds | Sweeps, throws, pins |
| Self-Defense Style | Create distance, strike & counter | Block hard, strike close | Control & submit a larger attacker | Off-balance & throw to the ground |
| Fitness Emphasis | Flexibility, legs & cardio | Power, core & conditioning | Strength endurance & grip | Explosive power & balance |
| Competitive Sport | Olympic sparring (WT) | Point sparring & kata | Submission grappling | Olympic throws & ippon |
| Philosophy | Courtesy, integrity, perseverance | Character & self-mastery | Efficiency & adaptability | Maximum efficiency, mutual welfare |
- Origin
- Korea
- Primary Focus
- Kicking & striking
- Where It's Fought
- Standing, long range
- Signature Techniques
- Dynamic high & spinning kicks
- Self-Defense Style
- Create distance, strike & counter
- Fitness Emphasis
- Flexibility, legs & cardio
- Competitive Sport
- Olympic sparring (WT)
- Philosophy
- Courtesy, integrity, perseverance
- Origin
- Okinawa / Japan
- Primary Focus
- Hand strikes & power
- Where It's Fought
- Standing, close range
- Signature Techniques
- Punches, blocks, knee strikes
- Self-Defense Style
- Block hard, strike close
- Fitness Emphasis
- Power, core & conditioning
- Competitive Sport
- Point sparring & kata
- Philosophy
- Character & self-mastery
- Origin
- Japan / Brazil
- Primary Focus
- Ground grappling & submissions
- Where It's Fought
- On the ground
- Signature Techniques
- Chokes, joint locks, control holds
- Self-Defense Style
- Control & submit a larger attacker
- Fitness Emphasis
- Strength endurance & grip
- Competitive Sport
- Submission grappling
- Philosophy
- Efficiency & adaptability
- Origin
- Japan
- Primary Focus
- Throws & takedowns
- Where It's Fought
- Standing into ground
- Signature Techniques
- Sweeps, throws, pins
- Self-Defense Style
- Off-balance & throw to the ground
- Fitness Emphasis
- Explosive power & balance
- Competitive Sport
- Olympic throws & ippon
- Philosophy
- Maximum efficiency, mutual welfare
Great For Striking & Kicks
Tae Kwon Do and Karate are both standing striking arts. Tae Kwon Do emphasizes dynamic, long-range kicking; Karate leans toward hand strikes and close power.
Ground vs. Standing
Jiu Jitsu and Judo are grappling arts — they win on the ground through holds and throws. Tae Kwon Do keeps you on your feet, defending and countering from a distance.
No Single "Best" Art
The right art depends on your goals — fitness, self-defense, discipline, or sport. We're proud of what Traditional Tae Kwon Do offers, and we'll always be honest about where another art may suit you better.
Your Questions, Answered
Thinking about starting but have doubts? That's completely normal. Here are the questions we hear most — answered straight, the way we'd tell a friend.
Still Have Questions?
Call us at (270) 737-2927 or stop by any evening class to watch and ask in person.
What Our Families & Students Say
Read real Google reviews from families, kids, and adult students who train at our Elizabethtown dojang.
"Sheroan's has been life-changing for both of my boys. The level of discipline, respect, and confidence they've gained here is remarkable. Grandmaster Sheroan and all the master instructors take genuine personal interest in each student. Clean, safe, and family-first dojang!"
"I joined at age 42 thinking I was 'too old' to start martial arts. Couldn't have been more wrong. The instructors welcomed me with open arms, paced the training responsibly, and now my daughter and I train together every week. Best workout and stress relief in Elizabethtown."
"My son struggled with attention and focus in elementary school. After just six months with Sheroan's Tae Kwon Do, his teachers noticed a night-and-day difference in his posture, attentiveness, and courtesy. Traditional values that are rare to find today."
"This is genuine traditional Korean Tae Kwon Do — not a McDojo. Grandmaster Sheroan has 50+ years of legitimate credentials. You earn every single stripe and belt with sweat, respect, and true technique. Proud to represent this school."
"Took their women's self-defense workshop and immediately enrolled in the regular adult program. Mrs. Bennett and the instructors teach real-world situational awareness and practical release techniques that give you genuine peace of mind."
"Three generations of our family have trained under Grandmaster Sheroan since the late 1980s. 50 years of uninterrupted dedication to the Elizabethtown community says it all. There is simply no better martial arts academy in Hardin County."
Grandmaster Sheroan
Grandmaster Sheroan began his martial arts journey in 1970 in the discipline of Tae Kwon Do. In 1975, he founded Sheroan's Tae Kwon Do Academy in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, teaching traditional Korean martial arts. He has achieved the rank of 9th Degree Grandmaster from Martial Arts USA and is registered in Korea with the SimMuDo Association. He is also ranked with the United States Tae Kwon Do Won (USTW), The World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF), and the International Martial Arts Federation (IMF).
Our Instructors
Master Skeeters
Dedicated senior instructor with over four decades of traditional Tae Kwon Do mastery, leading advanced poomsae and black belt guidance.
Master Johnson
Over three decades of dedication to traditional martial arts training, sparring techniques, and student discipline.
Master Sheroan
Carrying on the family legacy with 35 years of high-level martial arts instruction, curriculum development, and youth mentoring.
Master Jiranek
30 years of martial arts excellence focusing on form precision, self-defense mechanics, and student perseverance.
Master House
Passionate about traditional martial arts fundamentals, student fitness, and core defensive counter-striking.
Master Hagerdash
More than two decades of training and coaching students from beginner white belt to advanced black belt rankings.
Master Hart
Specializing in children's coordination, focus, energetic drills, and positive reinforcement.