When Phil Mageau started Paladin Taekwon-Do it was for the true love of the martial art. He had tired of other clubs that cut corners or overcharged students so he and his wife started their own club with the simple goal to make it about Taekwon-Do and not about the money. “We wanted people just to show up, train and go home and not have to worry about working a bingo to pay your dues.”
They came up with the motto "family, fitness and fun" and set out to teach both kids and adults all aspects of Taekwon-Do. “We’re not a sport, we’re a martial art,” says Phil. “It touches on balance, flexibility and strength. But it’s also a way of conducting yourself in daily life. Incorporating that non-physical side into your life is more important than how good your kicks are.”
A member of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), the Paladin school’s motto is “Family, Fitness and Fun.” Opened in 2006 by a married couple, the school has since grown to include a number of locations as enrollment increases. Students can begin classes at the age of five but four-year-olds may also be considered.