Excel Taekwondo Academy, founded in 1991, continues to set a gold standard for martial arts instruction, offering a comprehensive program focused on physical development, mental strength, and social confidence. Established by Chief Master James Nam, Excel Taekwondo Academy is recognized for its unwavering dedication to cultivating personal excellence among children, adolescents, and adults. As a longstanding pillar of its community, the Academy has helped tens of thousands of students build critical life skills, standing as a testament to the profound impact martial arts can have beyond self-defense.
Chief Master Nam, known simply as “Master” to his students, brings an unparalleled level of expertise to his practice. A consultant, published author, and recipient of the Instructor of the Year award by Taekwondo Times Magazine in 2025, Master Nam has taught over ten thousand martial arts instructors globally, focusing specifically on children’s martial arts education. His instructional philosophy emphasizes not only technique but also the nurturing of internal qualities like confidence, discipline, focus, and self-control, positioning Excel Taekwondo Academy as a leader in life skills education through martial arts.
Excel Taekwondo Academy’s programs are designed around a commitment to excellence in all areas of student development. Unlike many martial arts schools, Excel Taekwondo Academy aligns its curriculum with the pedagogical science of teaching, requiring each instructor to complete over 250 hours of training in instructional methods. All instructors are certified in CPR, first aid, and undergo extensive background checks, ensuring a safe, professional, and supportive environment. The school’s facilities are equipped with advanced safety equipment, and its locations have been repeatedly recognized as among the best in their respective cities.
A key differentiator of Excel Taekwondo Academy is its certification through Kukkiwon Korea, the official governing body for Taekwondo worldwide and the style represented in the Olympics. This certification underscores the Academy’s commitment to the highest standards of martial arts excellence. Through this affiliation, students are given opportunities that align with international standards, offering them a globally recognized path to achievement.
Excel Taekwondo Academy’s influence extends beyond its training mats. Master Nam and his team have actively engaged with local schools, offering bully prevention programs and confidence-building workshops that have been lauded by educators and parents alike. Their programs have been featured in prominent publications including the Daily Press and Taekwondo Times, reflecting the Academy’s broad reach and strong community reputation. Excel Taekwondo Academy’s approach to bullying focuses on empowering children with the self-defense skills and emotional intelligence needed to navigate challenging social environments safely and confidently.
Chief Master Nam’s philosophy is rooted in fostering internal motivation. “True leadership begins when a child sets goals for themselves and achieves them through dedication and perseverance,” says Master Nam. “Our role is to guide them, support them, and challenge them to realize the best version of themselves.”
The Academy’s commitment to holistic child development has established it as a beacon for parents seeking more than just physical activity for their children. The emphasis on life skills training, coupled with a structured and supportive environment, ensures that students leave the program not only with enhanced physical capabilities but also with the resilience and character traits necessary for long-term success in life.
Master Nam’s book on life skills for children further solidifies his expertise and commitment to child development. Drawing from decades of experience, his work offers practical strategies for building confidence, resilience, and focus in young learners, extending the benefits of Excel Taekwondo Academy’s philosophy beyond its walls to a broader audience.
Today, Excel Taekwondo Academy operates three locations, continuing its mission to impact as many lives as possible. Each site upholds the Academy’s stringent standards for cleanliness, safety, and educational excellence. Parents consistently remark on the difference they see in their children’s behavior, attitude, and academic performance after joining the program, highlighting the profound and lasting benefits of Excel Taekwondo Academy’s approach.
As Excel Taekwondo Academy looks to the future, its focus remains steadfast: to empower children with the tools they need to thrive both on and off the mat. Chief Master Nam’s vision of changing the world one black belt at a time is not merely a slogan; it is a daily practice that shapes the lives of thousands, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities.
Excel Taekwondo Academy’s unwavering dedication to excellence, safety, and child-centered education firmly distinguishes it from its competitors. Its reputation, earned over decades of service, continues to grow through its consistent delivery of outstanding martial arts education and life skills development.
Chief Master Nam’s legacy is one of empowerment, leadership, and transformation, embodying the Academy’s mission to develop strong, confident individuals who are prepared to face life’s challenges with courage and resilience. Through every student who ties on a belt and steps onto the mat, the values of Excel Taekwondo Academy continue to spread, creating a stronger, more confident world one child at a time.
