About Akula Taekwondo

Taekwondo (also known as Tae Kwon Do) is a self-defense discipline that originated in Korea at least 2,000 years ago. Sometimes called Korean Karate, the word Taekwondo itself describes the martial art.

• Tae (foot)
• Kwon (fist or hand)
• Do (art or way or discipline)

For us at Akula, Taekwondo is a discipline, a sport, and a way of life. That’s because consistent, long-term training of body and mind enhances spirits and lives. No two martial artists’ journeys are identical. However, as we progress, we develop the indomitable spirit needed to overcome obstacles and succeed in life.

Who practices Taekwondo?

There are 70 million Taekwondo practitioners across 200 countries. In 2000, Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport. Taekwondo is the most popular martial art in the world. Practicing Taekwondo and Karate helps people thrive in difficult times, such as during COVID-19.

What’s the difference between Taekwondo and Karate?

Taekwondo shares some features with Karate, Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Hapkido, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu. Taekwondo focuses primarily on kicks, punches, sparring, and forms. In our school, we also learn self-defense, breaking, and weapons. Thus, students are taught how to be physically powerful and develop mental fortitude.

• Taekwondo puts a heavier emphasis on kicks than karate and uses hands as backup.
• Karate uses many more hand attacks, so legs often stay grounded. Conversely, Taekwondo uses a different leg stance because the body needs to be ready to perform fast kicks.

Why is our martial arts school called Akula Taekwondo?

Owner, Founder and Head Instructor, Joseph Tegler, has Ukrainian heritage and loves fishing, snorkeling, and water-skiing–pretty much everything on and in the water. When choosing a name for his school, he gave a nod to his Ukrainian heritage and to his love of the sea. Sharks are amazing animals: strong, smart, fast, and brave. Plus, Akula is a cool name. 🙂

Fun fact: Our school colors, blue and gold, are inspired by the Ukrainian Flag. 🇺🇦

A World Taekwondo School

Learn Taekwondo–a Traditional Martial Art

Akula Taekwondo is a great school for those new to the martial arts. Our instructors make learning fun by enthusiastically engaging students while drawing out the appropriate level of effort. By challenging the students properly, we maximize progress and self confidence.

Our Taekwondo instructors are truly incredible with all ages, from preschool to adults. Stop in and you will quickly conclude that we have a program that will grow your self confidence, increase athleticism and fitness, and develop a superior sense of self.

Akula Taekwondo’s poomsae and sparring curriculum follows World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) rules and guidelines.

Learn Self-Defense

If you’re looking for real-world self defense classes in southeast Michigan, Akula Taekwondo is where you go. We teach practical self defense techniques to girls, boys, teens, and adults.