About Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo
Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo, led by Grandmaster Craig Balliette, is a Martial Arts facility serving Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, and surrounding areas. Grandmaster Balliette is one of only five non-Korean certified Grandmasters of Taekwondo in the world, bringing over 42 years of teaching experience to the academy. The academy is a World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) School and includes Hapkido, the Korean art of self-defense. Many parents praise Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo for positively impacting their children. Students learn self-defense while gaining confidence, respect, and a willingness to try new things. The instructors, Master Craig and Master Cindy, are known for creating a welcoming and supportive environment where children feel like family. The academy offers flexible class schedules, making it easy for parents to fit classes into their busy lives. Recent reviews highlight the academy’s welcoming atmosphere, where every student feels valued and motivated, regardless of their skill level. The instructors are passionate and deliver lessons with precision, ensuring techniques are understood and mastered. Classes are balanced with discipline and encouragement, providing both challenge and support. Parents appreciate the personal attention, with Master Craig taking time to greet every parent, which reflects their dedication. Students, including young children, are excited to learn and grow, often eager to show what they’ve learned in class. The facility is clean, and the vibe is warm and friendly, making it a great environment for children to develop self-confidence and discipline.
I was a student of Master Craig’s 25 years ago. My brother and I enjoyed the program learning so much about self control and perseverance, eventually earning our black belts. Imagine my excitement when I saw Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo studio down the road from my home. Now, I’ve enrolled my two children in the program and they LOVE it! It’s so amazing to see how much they’ve learned in just under a year. The program is more than kicks and punches. It teaches so much character as well. I highly recommend this school both from a student’s perspective as well as a parent’s.
We moved to Lakewood Ranch 4 years ago and my daughter 5 yrs old at the time has been going to Lakewood Rand Taekwon-Do since! We looked into several places to send her and chose Master Craig and he has delivered the best out come for her. She loves it! 💯 it has taught her discipline, consistency, confidence, humbleness and all around kindness in everything she does! Master Craig and Master Cindy have been an integral part of the young lady she is growing up to be! Lakewood Ranch Taekwondo is the best!!!💯
We were looking for an activity for our son to help boost his confidence and effort. He was a little apprehensive at first but after 2 sessions he was hooked. I can honestly say this has changed him in so many positive ways. Not only is he learning self defense he is showing more confidence in everything he does he has more respect and it has made him want to try more new things and give 110% into whatever hes doing. Master Craig and Master Cindy are really shaping these kids lives for the better and we can not recommend this establishment more.