START AT THE BEGINNING.

Taekwondo has a pattern named Chon-Ji which is learned by all new white belt students. The movements of the pattern are diagrammed as a cross. Chon-Ji translates as "heaven - light", which is interpreted as the creation of the world. It's literally marking the beginning of human history.

As a new beginner in Taekwondo, it's appropriate that creation would be the starting point. You see, we all have to acknowledge something. We're all new here, and we all need direction. No one was born a black belt! We don't just wake up one morning suddenly doing spinning tornado kicks and breaking bricks. So where do we start? We start at creation.

I often get asked by prospective students whether they would be able to do Taekwondo. My answer is always an immediate "yes". I've learned to watch for their reaction. Some light up right away while others begin to give all the reasons they can't, shouldn't, or a list of disclaimers that sound like a legal document. Then there are those that pause, contemplating how I could possibly answer so quickly without first asking them any questions. I understand. That was me years ago. I had no intention of starting Taekwondo until my family talked (i.e. - forced) me into it. I did it for my kids. I was terrified.  

One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 139:14. It's a reminder of who we are and where we came from. Does it mention skills? Nope. Anything about abilities or prior knowledge? No. Background, pedigree, or certification? Absolutely not. It just points us back to creation and the Creator. All of those other things that we consider to be important are actually irrelevant. Think you can't do something? Think again. Maybe a little over confident? Remember where you came from.

So yes, anyone can do Taekwondo. Just start at creation.

Mr. Kevin Manwell
Owner, Head Instructor
Mission Martial Arts

lake chon-ji, Korea

Lake Chon-Ji in Korea

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
— Psalm 139:14

Meet Your Instructors

After relocating from Iowa to Louisville, KY, Kevin and Stephanie Manwell launched Mission Martial Arts to share their love of martial arts with the local community. The Manwell family and Mission Martial Arts continue to train with the support of Grandmaster Robert Sledge of Martial Arts America, Ankeny IA, a partner school with Grandmaster Woo Jin Jung of Jung's Tae Kwon Do Academy in Cedar Rapids IA.

Mission Martial Arts has many internationally certified black belt instructors directing all aspects of class instruction, as well as a strong team of student leaders serving as classroom assistants.

Master Manwell, Head Instructor

MASTER KEVIN MANWELL

Head Instructor, Master Kevin Manwell has training in and teaching traditional Taekwondo since 2006. He oversees all instructional programs, and teaches the TU/TH 5:00 and 6:40 classes, advanced classes, and special events.

Mrs. Manwell, Program Director

STEPHANIE MANWELL

Program Director, Stephanie brings her business talent and child development expertise to help create outstanding experiences for our students. She also leads our weekly Tiny Tigers classes.

Master H. Manwell, Master Instructor

master H. MANWELL

Miss Haley Manwell is a Master Instructor, leading the M/W 5:40 class and assists in weekly Advanced classes

Master T. Manwell, Master Instructor

master T. MANWELL

Mr. Thomas Manwell is a Master Instructor, assisting in the TU/TH 5:00 and 6:40 classes

Master H. Ellis, Master Instructor

master ellis

Mr. Herbert Ellis is a Master Instructor leading the M/W 6:40 class

Mrs. V. Amin, Instructor

mrs. AMIN

Mrs. Vibha Amin is a black belt instructor co-leading the TU/W 7:40 class

Mr. K. Gardner, Instructor

mr. GARDNER

Mr. Kris Gardner is a black belt instructor co-leading the TU/W 7:40 class and leading the Saturday 10:00 AM class

Mr. Moorthy, Instructor

mr. MOORTHY

Mr. Moorthy is a black belt instructor leading the Hurstbourne Branch which meets TU/TH at 6:30

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Class sessions run on two month cycles, with belt testing offered at the end of each session. Not only will students develop physical strength and healthy habits, but through this program they will gain confidence, develop leadership, and begin to exercise stewardship of their talents.

There are no expensive long-term contracts required here. We want you to get the most out of your experience, without having to break the bank in the process. To that end, we want to be very clear about what you will pay and what you will get.

Typical per session fees include:

  • Training: training fees start at just $160-170 for 2 months of training

  • Testing: rank testing fees are between $50-60 per test for Taekwondo students depending on rank, and tests (optional) take place at the end of each 2 month training session. There are no rank testing fees for Tiny Tigers.


There will be some additional one-time costs for uniforms and equipment. Uniforms can be purchased during your first week of training, and basic sparring equipment is not needed until orange belt.

Belt progression is as follows:

  • White

  • Yellow

  • Orange

  • Green (2 levels)

  • Blue (2 levels)

  • Brown (6 levels)

  • Red Belt

  • Temporary Black Belt

  • Black Belt (multiple levels)


Minimum requirements for color belt testing:

  • Actively participate in the minimum required hours of training

  • Successfully perform all rank appropriate movements, forms, self defense, and sparring techniques

  • Able to recite rank appropriate terms and definitions

  • Demonstration of age and rank appropriate leadership and service