Inspiring the Champions of Tomorrow
Voted BEST Martial Arts School in Western NC
Welcome to SafeKids USA/Blue Dragon Taekwondo School in Clyde, NC – a beacon of excellence in martial arts education, a proud member of the World Taekwondo family, and the best martial arts school in Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, a competitive spirit or a fitness enthusiast, seeking self-defense skills or a disciplined environment, Taekwondo has something unique to offer.
It’s more than a martial art; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. And for families, it’s a wonderful group activity that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. At our school, everyone is welcome.
Our school serves residents throughout Western North Carolina, including Asheville, Waynesville, Clyde, Maggie Valley, Junaluska, Canton, Candler, and the surrounding communities
Our doors are open to everyone – from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners – willing to embark on a journey of personal and physical growth.
With us, you’re not just learning a sport; you’re embracing a journey towards self-discovery, discipline, and confidence. Through the powerful practice of Taekwondo, we inspire our students to become the champions of tomorrow, leading with self-confidence, integrity, strength, and a profound respect for the martial arts.
So why not start your Taekwondo journey today?
Taekwondo for all: Quality, fair and affordable pricing
Considering martial arts classes and unsure which school is the best fit for you? Come visit us.
Beyond our outstanding Taekwondo program, we stand apart from most martial arts schools by not requiring our students to sign an annual financial contract. We strive to make our Taekwondo classes affordable for everyone.
No contract is required here. All we ask for is your personal commitment to be the best you can be – for yourself, for your school, and for your country.
Our TKD Classes
Empowering every age, every level
We welcome individuals of all ages, genders, experiences, and ability levels to join us on the exciting journey of Taekwondo. With our flexible schedules, we strive to accommodate the needs of all our students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to partake in this transformative experience.
Children’s Classes (5-15 years)
We nurture the young minds with a carefully designed curriculum that balances physical development, discipline, and fun. These classes instill confidence and resilience in our young students, setting them up for success in all facets of life.
Adult Classes (16 years and above)
Whether you’re a beginner discovering the martial art for the first time or an experienced practitioner, our adult classes offer a challenging and rewarding experience. These classes focus on enhancing strength, agility, and self-defense techniques while promoting discipline and self-confidence.
Self-Defense Classes
Our practical self-defense classes are designed for individuals seeking to equip themselves with essential defense skills. These classes cater to students of all ages and ability levels.
Black Belt Class
An exclusive class for the students who have achieved the prestigious Black Belt. This class delves into advanced techniques, strategies, and the philosophies that lie at the heart of Taekwondo.
Try a FREE Kids Karate Class
We offer a free introductory karate class for children. This trial class allows your kids to experience taekwondo firsthand and gives parents an opportunity to observe our teaching methods. Join us for a session and see why we are the best martial arts school in Western North Carolina.
Locations and facilities where champion train
Step into our Do Jang, located in Clyde, NC. This spacious facility is equipped with everything needed for your strength and flexibility training. We’ve carefully considered every aspect to ensure it supports the journey of our students – from beginners to black belts.
Able to comfortably accommodate 15-20 students per class, our Do Jang is the ideal setting to learn, practice, and excel in Taekwondo. With safety as a priority, we maintain a clean and secure environment, ensuring peace of mind while you focus on your training.
Meet Your Head Instructor: Sabamnim Marshall Hale
At the heart of our Taekwondo school is Sa Bum Nim Marshall Hale, our Headmaster. With over four decades of experience practicing and teaching Taekwondo, he is the life force that drives our school’s unwavering commitment to martial arts education.
Marshall, a 5th degree Black Belt, embarked on this journey back in August of 2008, holding our first color belt testing that same year and witnessing our first Black Belt class graduation in 2011.
His passion, perseverance, and commitment to the discipline have played an integral part in the development of our World Taekwondo-affiliated school.
Our school is not only a testament to his extraordinary expertise but also a continuous tribute to his dedication towards creating future leaders armed with confidence, focus, discipline, and self-esteem.
School Mission
To provide the highest quality traditional Taekwondo and martial arts instruction in Western North Carolina.
To promote personal excellence, empowering our students with positive life skills, confidence and self reliance.
To uphold the teachings of Jidokwan:
For myself, for my school (Kwan), for my country
Honoring Grand Master Young Soo Do
We would like to respectfully dedicate this website to the memory of Grand Master Young Soo Do, for his commitment, teaching excellence and great contributions to the art of Taekwondo.
His commitment, teaching excellence, and vast contributions have greatly shaped our teachings, and his legacy lives on within our Do Jang.
Hear from our community
“You don’t see the phenomenal character, discipline, and goodness that exists in Mr. Marshall, his team, and school just anywhere these days. We have tried a few martial arts programs. Each individual child is valued, respected, and inspired to do their personal best. The spirit and values here exceed the others. This is the difference between just being a program and being a true service to each child, family, and our community. We are so thankful for this program!”
Bridget Gossett
“For ourselves and our young son, we went through a few karate schools in WNC. We checked out TKD schools in Asheville, Canton, Candler, and Waynesville. The best martial art school for children and adults, in our opinion, is here in Clyde. I believe Marshall is one of the best Taekwondo teachers in our WNC community. He’s very positive, encouraging, and just really great with kids.”
Parichatra T.
Owner, Maxfilings, Inc“We love the 12 classes and six days a week that are available to children at the SafeKids USA Blue Dragon. Marshall’s training complements the music lessons and multiple team sports our son plays. We never feel pressured to do more or less. Depending on the season, our sons involvement fluctuates, but we love the way this individual sport a year round back bone to his other competitive team sports. Regardless of the schedule changes throughout the year, the multiple class times and camp, makes taekwondo a year round reality for us.”
Dionne G.
Clyde, NC“My son started Tae Kwon Do when he was about 5 years old in Mr. Marshall’s Tiny Tigers Class. He continued his martial arts training with the school until he completed his first level black belt. The years both my son and I spent at Mr.Marshall’s school were just great! Mr. Marshall is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher of his arts. He has a big sense of humor, is always very encouraging and honest. I have trained in many schools since the 80s and can say with no reservation that this is one of the best karate (tae kwon do) schools I’ve seen.”
