Best of Arlington 2015
Health & Beauty
Best Martial Arts Studio
Jhoon Ree Tae Kwon Do
There is a well-known saying in the martial arts community: The family that kicks together, sticks together. Getting the whole family involved is a driving philosophy for Masters Francis Pineda and Barry Shackelford, co-owners of the Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do studio in the Lee-Harrison Shopping Center.
“We rely on family involvement,” says Pineda. “This means everything from requiring that students bring a note from their parents before they can advance to the next belt level, to encouraging moms and dads to try tae kwon do along with their kids.”
Pineda and Shackelford have both practiced martial arts since childhood. Shackelford is even related by marriage to Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, who is considered the father of American tae kwon do. Shackelford founded the studio in 2005, with Pineda becoming his business partner the following year. The studio now boasts about 630 students, ranging from 4-year-olds to adults.
The co-owners are especially proud of their “adaptive tae kwon do” class for students with special needs. “In addition to our curriculum,” Shackelford says, “we’re really teaching life skills through martial arts.”
–K.O.
2449 North Harrison St., Arlington, 703-532-7433, arlingtonkicks.com
Other top vote-getters:
Evolve All Martial Arts Training Center
U.S. Tae Kwon Do College
