Excel Taekwondo Academy, a long-standing martial arts institution, continues to serve as a cornerstone for youth character development and community enrichment through the discipline of Taekwondo. Founded in 1991, the academy operates with a mission centered on building stronger, more disciplined, and confident individuals by integrating physical training with essential life skills. Over the years, Excel Taekwondo Academy has expanded its presence across three locations and remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in martial arts instruction.
The academy’s approach is rooted in a holistic philosophy that extends beyond physical conditioning. Its instructors are dedicated to fostering growth in the mental and social spheres of their students’ lives. With an emphasis on self-confidence, discipline, leadership, and goal-setting, the institution positions itself as more than a training facility—it is a developmental community for young individuals aiming to reach their highest potential.
Chief Master James Nam, the academy’s founder, has played a critical role in shaping the institution’s methodology and expanding its influence. Named Instructor of the Year by Taekwondo Times Magazine in 2025, Master Nam is widely recognized for his contributions to youth education through martial arts. He is a published author on the topic of life skills for children and has trained over 10,000 instructors worldwide on the science of teaching children effectively. His leadership has earned the academy features in numerous publications including Daily Press and Taekwondo Times.
“Helping children become confident, disciplined, and focused individuals has always been our priority,” said Master Nam. “We’re not just teaching them to kick and punch—we’re equipping them with the internal tools they need to navigate life successfully.”
Excel Taekwondo Academy distinguishes itself through several critical elements. All instructors are certified through Kukkiwon, the world Taekwondo headquarters based in South Korea and the official body for the Olympic style of Taekwondo. In addition to their martial arts credentials, instructors undergo over 250 hours of specialized training in pedagogy—the science of teaching. They are CPR and first-aid certified, background-checked, and trained to maintain an environment of safety and integrity.
With a curriculum designed to address real-world challenges such as bullying, the academy provides structured programs in bully management and self-defense. These programs have been recognized by surrounding school districts, where Master Nam and his team have served as guest instructors, extending their reach beyond the walls of the academy into the broader educational community.
The facilities themselves also reflect the academy’s emphasis on safety, professionalism, and community. Equipped with safety gear and maintained with a high standard of cleanliness, each location provides a welcoming and secure environment for students to train and grow. The academy has received multiple honors including being named “Best in City” several times, which speaks to its consistent impact and community support.
Students at Excel Taekwondo Academy are encouraged to set personal goals, creating an intrinsic drive for improvement. This goal-setting philosophy aligns with the academy’s belief that the best form of leadership is self-motivation. The program not only trains students physically but cultivates resilience, decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility from an early age.
The academy’s curriculum has helped tens of thousands of children develop key qualities including self-confidence, self-discipline, self-focus, self-control, and self-defense. These values serve as foundational pillars for personal growth and are central to Excel Taekwondo Academy’s teaching philosophy.
Over the decades, Excel Taekwondo Academy has established itself as more than a martial arts school. It is a community of individuals dedicated to constant improvement and mutual support. Its vision of empowering children to become strong from the inside out continues to resonate with families and educators alike.
With a legacy built on discipline and care, the academy continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. As it looks to the future, Excel Taekwondo Academy remains committed to transforming lives—one black belt at a time.
https://www.exceltaekwondoacademy.com