태권도 — The Way of the Foot and Fist
Build
Confidence.
Build Character.
Authentic Korean Taekwondo for kids, families, and adults. Discipline, encouragement, and individual attention — every single class.
137 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, NC 28314 
Mon–Fri 3:30–8:30 PM
E-mail UsWhy Ryu's Taekwondo
More Than
A Martial Art
Master Ryu doesn't just teach techniques, he sees every student as individuals and finds what helps them grow.
Authentic Korean Instruction
Master Ryu trained in Busan, South Korea. Real technique, real philosophy, not a franchise curriculum.
Exceptional Patience & Nurturing
From shy 3-year-olds to neurodivergent students Master Ryu meets every child where they are.
Whole Families Train Together
Parents, siblings, and grandparents all earn belts here. We're a family.
Some students Drive 30–60 Min to Get Here
The results speak for themselves. Ryu's is worth the drive.
Years of Experience
Master Ryu has trained and taught Taekwondo for over two decades.
Years in Fayetteville
Established 2017 — a trusted part of the community.
Starting Age
Programs designed for children as young as 3 and as mature as 77.
Google Reviews
Consistently rated 5 stars by students and parents.
Our Programs
A Class For Every LEVEL
From tiny first-timers to competition-ready athletes
and everyone in between.
Kids Classes — Ages 3–15
Our flagship program. Structured belt progression, individual attention, and a nurturing environment that builds confidence, focus, and discipline. Master Ryu knows every child by name and their learning style.
Mon - Fri🏅 Belt Testing Included
Adult Classes
Traditional Taekwondo for teens and adults. Self-defense, fitness, and real discipline. Many parents train alongside their kids.
After School Care
School pickup + supervised training. Open til 6pm and beyond, built around working parents' schedules.
Summer Camp
Full-day programming all summer. Daily training, field trips, and activities. Flexible hours for working parents.
Competition Team
For students ready to take training to tournament level. Focused intensity, regional competition.
Demo Team
Perform at community events and showcases. Stage presence, team pride, and incredible skills on display.
Self-Defense
Practical, real-world self-defense for all ages. Available as a standalone focus or alongside regular class.
Birthday Parties
"Become a Martial Arts Hero." Host your child's birthday at the dojang with supervised TKD fun.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction for belt test prep, catch-up, or accelerated skill development. Flexible scheduling.
The Journey
BELT PROGRESSION
Each belt is earned, tested and approved by Master Ryu. Each belt introducing a new level of challenge. Experience the unique sense of pride that comes from earning each one.
Understanding Taekwondo
The Language of the Dojang
Literally: "the way of the foot and fist." Tae (kick), Kwon (punch/fist), Do (way of life). More than a sport, a philosophy of discipline and continuous growth.
The training hall. Not just a gym. A dojang is a space built on respect, focus, and the pursuit of personal excellence, where every student is seen and challenged.
The title of a certified instructor and master. At Ryu's, we call him Master Ryu, pronounced "You" (류).
Your Instructors
Master Ryu
Trained in Korea.
Teaching in Fayetteville.
"Every child that walks through that door has the ability. My job is to figure out how they learn and bring it out."
Master Ryu grew up in Busan, South Korea, on the southern coast, where he trained in authentic Korean Taekwondo from a young age. After more than two decades in martial arts, he brought his teaching to Fayetteville, NC, founding Ryu's Taekwondo in 2017.
What sets Master Ryu apart isn't just technical mastery, it's patience. He works with students of all abilities, including those with neurodivergent and behavioral challenges, finding what works for each child. Whole families train here because he builds real relationships, not just athletes.
Master Ryu is an internationally accomplished Taekwondo master with extensive competitive achievements across Korea, the United States, Canada, and Brazil. With over two decades of teaching experience, he has dedicated his career to developing students through traditional martial arts values, leadership training, and elite-level competition coaching. As a four-time consecutive US Open G2 Champion and certified Kukkiwon International Master, Master Ryu combines world-class competitive expertise with a strong commitment to student growth, discipline, and character development.
Certifications & Qualifications
US Open G2 Ranking Championship – 1st Place
(4 Consecutive Titles, 2017–2023)
Canada Open G2 – 1st Place (2 Times)
Brazil Open G1 – 1st Place
1st Online World Championship – 1st Place
Florida State Championship – 1st Place
AAU Florida & North Carolina State Championships – 1st Place
Multiple medalist at the AAU National Championships
6th Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt Certification
3rd Class International Master Certification
3rd Class Kyorugi Referee Certification
Kukkiwon KMS Processing Certification
Overseas Taekwondo Instructor Experience (Singapore – 1 Year)
Over 20 Years of Taekwondo Teaching Experience
Meet the TEAM
Mr. Patrick
Hi, I'm Instructor Patrick. I began my martial arts journey in 1987 studying Tang Soo Do and Hapkido before continuing with Taekwondo in 1993. I served in the U.S. Army from 1989 until retiring in 2015, training with the Army Martial Arts Team in Germany and completing five tours in South Korea. I earned my 1st Degree Black Belt at Camp Carroll in 2003, my 2nd Degree at Camp Casey in 2013 — where I was a two-time Area 1 Champion and Combat Taekwondo Instructor — and my 3rd Degree here at Ryu's in 2023. I look forward to helping you build confidence, discipline, and skill both on and off the mat.
Lillian
Hi! I’m Instructor Lilyn. I am 15 years old and began my taekwondo journey in 2024. I love teaching kids and bringing a fun, encouraging “mother hen” teaching style to class to help students feel supported while they learn and grow. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy crafting — especially crocheting — and I’m currently working on building my own small business around it. I look forward to helping students build confidence, have fun, and enjoy their taekwondo journey. Come join me in class!
Chanjun
Hi! I am Instructor Chan Jun. I was born in Korea and moved to the United States when I was around 12 years old. I have been at Ryu's Taekwondo since 2022 and had already obtained my first-degree black belt while in Korea. I am currently a third-degree black belt working towards earning my fourth-degree. As an instructor, I enjoy teaching my students a strong foundation in proper technique, respect, and discipline. When I am not at Taekwondo, I focus my time on my schoolwork and future goal of joining the military. I aim to be a good role model for all the students. I hope to see you in class soon!
Pete
Hello, my name is Elias “Pete” James and I was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC. I've been doing taekwondo since 2021. Teaching kids has become my passion. I enjoy helping students learn new skills, not just in taekwondo, but also life skills that will help them be better people throughout their lives. I hope my kindness will always bring kindness to children and parents so everyone can smile.
Constance
Hi! I’m Mrs. Constance. I’ve been the front desk manager at Ryu’s Taekwondo since 2024, and I’ve also been a TKD parent here since 2022. I am a married mother of five, an Army veteran, and I homeschool my three daughters, who are also students and/or instructors here at Ryu’s TKD. As part of the TKD team, I help families with membership questions, registration, and general support needs. I also handle many of the front desk and clerical responsibilities while assisting the other TKD staff however I can. I look forward to getting to know your family and serving our Ryu’s Taekwondo community!
Mrs. Rachel
Hi! I'm Mrs. Rachel, the after school teacher since 2024. I am married with 2 kids, 2 dogs and a cat. When I'm not homeschooling my daughter or at taekwondo, you will find me crafting and traveling. I love working within the afterschool program and helping the kids with their homework. I believe in giving them the tools to find the answers and being there to explain when needed. I also love celebrating their accomplishments whether in school or taekwondo. I also help with summer camp and plan all the crafts.
What Parents Say
Families love Ryu's
The BEST Taekwondo dojo in Fayetteville. We moved from a different state. Our son had previously done Karate for two years. We tried three different dojos before we found Master Ryu. Their practices are well thought out, and they control young kids very well. Our son enjoys going to practices as well!
World class training! Master Ryu is very patient and wonderful with the kids, gives out lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement. Our child progressed from white belt all the way to black belt. Amazing experience!
I am both a grandmother of a 5 year old student and a student myself. Master RYU and all the instructors are amazing with all ages! They make it fun and educational.
Community Events
More Than Just Classes, We're a community
Every year, Ryu's Taekwondo gives back with free community events, open to members and non-members alike. Join the fun and bring a friend!
Easter Event
Family-friendly Easter celebration with games, activities, and a Taekwondo demonstration open to the whole Fayetteville community.
Halloween Bash
Costumes, fun, and a community showcase. One of the most anticipated events of the year for families in the area.
Christmas Party
A celebration for students, families, and the community, Master Ryu's way of honoring the people who make this dojang what it is.
Demo Team
A showcase of our top black belt talent and a fun event for the whole family. Witness choreographed sequences and impressive board-breaking skills.
Members Only
Practice at Home.
Progress Faster.
When you join Ryu's, you unlock an exclusive video library organized by your belt rank, so you can practice the techniques you learn in the studio at home. No more guessing whether you're doing it right, or having to record the practice.
Get Started
Your First
Class Is Free.
No commitment. No pressure. Just come in, try a class, and see if it's the right fit. We know you'll love it.
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