Mrs. Jenny Lacy, Chief Instructor & Owner, 7th Degree Black Belt

After sitting and watching her husband for countless classes, Mrs. Lacy, currently the chief instructor at the Valley Ranch location, attended her first class in 1985.  Within the first month of her training she won her first (of many) gold medals.  Later, she went on to receive her instructor certification in 1989.  Now an eighth degree black belt, she shares her love of Taekwondo and how it has helped her children grow.

From my point of view

 As a mother I can assure you that there is an actual physical pain you feel in the moment when you watch your child work so very hard for something and not succeed.  I know this more than most parents – I’ve watched my three children not pass their testing over 15 times between them.  In that moment what you feel as a parent has absolutely nothing to do with how your child performed – it’s based purely on all of those years you spent child-proofing cabinet doors, covering up outlets, and trying to figure out how to work those child doorknob covers.  For so long your main job in life has been to make sure nothing bad could possibly happen to your kids, and now all of a sudden someone expects you to stop?

I am in a very unique position when it comes to watching my kids no change.  Most parents have two options – to encourage their kids to keep going or to allow them to quit.  After the first or second no change I could have asked all of the school owners to sit down and have a conversation about removing the obstacles in the way – making board breaking easier or removing it altogether, or relaxing the standards for forms or sparring.  I can honestly say that I didn’t even consider it.  See, I would never dream of limiting my children in that way. 

A famous American inventor once said, “High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation”.  You are not a famous inventor though.  You are a parent whose child is most likely looking to you to see how they should handle this set-back.  Where are you going to set your expectations?

Think back to when your son or daughter first learned to walk.  How many times did they fall down?  You could have decided that walking was too hard, or that they weren’t ready yet, but you wanted them to reach their full potential, so you let them keep falling down and keep getting back up.  Wasn’t it worth it the first time they teetered across the room and looked back at you over their shoulder with a giant grin on their face?

Now that my children are older I realize that I cannot protect them from anything bad ever happening.  Eventually they will fail a test, struggle in school, or have a hard time at work.  As it turns out, my children all needed a no change to help prepare them to face life, and I needed to let it happen.

You will have a hard time finding a place where other people are almost as upset when your child doesn’t succeed as you are, but you’ve found that in our school.  When my son Bobby tested for his black belt I was so proud that I wrote an article about it to submit to the local paper as soon as testing was over.  He didn’t pass that time.  In the car on the way to lunch afterwards he said, “Well, it’s official – I’m a Lacy.  I didn’t pass my testing”. 

Now that you are a part of our family too, so I’ll share a family secret.  At the end of each testing I remind all of the students how hard Taekwondo is, but the hardest part sometimes falls on the parents.  See, you have to watch your child fall down and do nothing but sit and wait for them to get back up.

Jenny Lacy
Owner and Master Instructor
Valley Ranch Taekwondo

soma k
soma k

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Amazing place with great instructors. I recommend this place

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My daughter has been coming to this school for years. This is her favorite sport. She likes the challenge that is given to her, and your school can provide that.

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My family started at this school in 2005. My wife and all 4 kids have learned and enjoyed the Tae Kwon Do program! Now I am taking my grand kids and we drive 45 miles to get here. What a great school!

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I've been going to classes at Concord Taekwondo America for almost 2 years now. They are professional and strive for excellence. The instructors are always encouraging and helpful. I recommend them to anyone I know who might want to improve their physical activity level and do something rewarding and fun!

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Amazing, patient, and knowledgeable instructors. They are passionate about teaching and helping kids learn all their techniques to succeed with every color belt their earn. But it isn’t just about learning techniques...kids also learn confidence, disciple, focus and so much more! The classes are engaging and fun. It has been great for my son to be able to participate and continue learning with their online class options this year. I highly recommend this school for all ages!

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It’s a nice environment. Clean and they have a really good teaching method with the kids.

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Choosing the “right” school for studies in the martial arts can be challenging. There are hundreds of schools all seeming to offer quality instruction. Your search ends at Concord Taekwondo….The instruction, discipline, dedication and family environment is second to none. As a result, my son has received his first degree Black belt and 14 gold medals in tournament competitions. Truly a place dedicated to the art.

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We love Taekwondo America! My kids young and older and my husband are all very engaged and learning a lot. The teachers are very kind but thorough and I really love the positive environment they have created. I am really thankful we have joined and am excited to see how far they will go with it.

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Concord TKD is a first rate Martial Arts school. Of you are willing to work for each belt you will have earned it with a sense of pride. The instructors teach serious martial arts, but still manage to make it very fun! Mr. Baxter has devoted himself to being the best Master instructor he can be. High standards and integrity are the norm. I earned my black belt there and made the school an integral part of raising my kids and it has carried them well into adulthood.

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What an awesome experience!! Top shelf instructors with the skills and knowledge to take your body to the next level. It’s a beneficial and educational environment for men and women and children to grow mentally and physically!! Highly recommended.

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We love Concord TKD! My son’s instructor is so wonderful with the kids and he has learned a lot and really enjoys it.

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Amazing teachers and sweet staff! My son has thoroughly enjoyed his time here.

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Wonderful instructors and great lessons for life!

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This place is amazing so is the teachers it has helped my daughter and my son so much and has me and my husband as we do it as a family we highly recommend this place to any one .

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This Taekwondo school is awesome in many ways let me start by saying the instructors are friendly, patient and professional in there teaching. My little girl who has excelled tremendously in the art has metals to show her tought skills, the school is a clean environment, there teaching are explained, the office staff are just as awesome. They are always open to hear your concerns and work with you, they are LGBTQ friendly. There is not enough praise that I can give this school. kudos to Mr. Baxter the owner

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Love Concord Taekwondo. I've been a student here for over a decade from my adolescence to adulthood. Mr. Baxter has taught me lessons that has gone beyond the workout floor. A great place for children and adults as well. Recommend anyone to go.

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Great place, I highly recommend!! Staff are friendly, and always there if you need help. People of all ages and exspirience are welcome; they are patient, and kind if you make a mistake. The facility is clean, and everything is kept in order. I've really enjoyed my time here. 👍👍

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I take my sister here and they are always super friendly and she has a great time 🙂

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The school is always buzzing with positivity. From the moment you're greeted at the door to the moment you leave. You can hold your head up high when you tell others you go here. You learn something new about yourself and what you're capable of every day.

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This Taekwondo school is really great! My son is growing at his own pace and the instructors are very helpful and great with the students.

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The entire staff, students and parents have made our transition from Chicago a very welcoming experience. We are glad to be a part of the family!

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Concord Taekwondo América tiene unos excelentes instructores Mr. Baxter , Mr. Rivas , Mr Dolan and Ms Chitty ,mis hijos están muy felices de tomar estas clases con ellos pues son muy amables y se toman el tiempo para cada alumno . Les encantan sus clases . Muchas gracias por su dedicación.

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Great place, all the instructors have done really well with our kids

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Great instructors and a great environment to learn.

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My son has thrived at Mr.Baxter’s school! He started at 6 year old. He will soon be achieving his first degree black belt as a disciplined, fit, and dedicated nine year old. Wonderful facility, caring and well trained staff, no contracts, flexible class schedules, and optional National and Regional tournaments.

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Amazing dojo. Incredibly competent, knowledgeable, and talented instructors. Life-changing experiences for our son!

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Very knowledgeable instructors. And very patient. I would highly recommend.

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If you are looking for a martial arts school with instructors that care about you and your progress, I highly recommend Concord Taekwondo! I started Taekwondo here in the summer of 2018 and I have shown so much personal growth since then. I've become happier, and my social skills have improved. The instructors are so friendly and supportive of everyone who walks through the door. I feel like I'm part of a big family! I am really enjoying my time here at Concord Taekwondo.

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Amazing place. Mr. Baxter and his team care about what they do and it shows how much they care about the kids. My kids are happy coming here and so am I.

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Great team of instructors, really care about the students no matter of age, or gender. They definitely respect the traditions of taekwondo.

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My daughter has learned so much here. She enjoys taekwondo and looks forward to going to learn. She has made wonderful friends too. And the instructors work hard with the students to make sure they learn their forms the correct way. Everyone is really friendly.

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Concord TKD isn't only for children, but for adults too! That’s just one of the many things I love about this school. They have caring instructors, respectful students. They have fun activity’s that also help you improve.

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Awesome Instructors!! The whole family attends CTA and we have learned so much.

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I am blessed to be a part of Concord Taekwondo! The atmosphere for training and the quality of instructors here are top notch. The school is accommodating for all age groups as well as experience levels, so there is something for everybody here. Mr. Baxter is a phenomenal instructor and he is very knowledgeable both inside and outside the classroom. He is an excellent role model and really knows how to use Taekwondo to build character and inspire others. The same can be said for all of the other instructors as well. This place feels like a second home to me, and I am grateful to know all of the wonderful people in the community that exists here. Come train with us! You won't regret it.

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My daughter and I totally enjoy Taekwondo classes! The trainers, front desk and Mr.Baxter are all amazing! In addition to the classes this feels more like family. My daughter is learning so many defense mechanism and discipline as well. I am truly thankful to have found Concord Taekwondo America! My daughter looks forward to being an instructor some day! How exciting!

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It feels like family here.

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I am a student at Concord Taekwondo, and have been enjoying every minute of it. Nice atmosphere, kind and disciplined environment. Detailed and thorough guidance. Works well for kids and for older folks like myself. What I like the most is that it is not a "mac-dojo". Also, you can try a free practice before you commit.

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We started our 5, almost 6, year old son at Concord Taekwondo about 3 months ago and can’t say enough good things about it. We wanted him in an environment where he could have fun, but also and most importantly, we wanted a boost in his self-confidence. In just 3 short months, he is now bursting with pride and self-confidence! That’s just the top of the iceberg, though, as we’ve also noticed a positive change in behavior and increased attention span! All of these things make for one happy mom! Definitely money well spent! Thank you, Concord Taekwondo!

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Love Concord Taekwondo family! Both my daughter and son love it. We just did our first tournament and it was awesome!! I love the principles, discipline and determination being instilled into my kiddos.

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GrandMaster Baxter is the best, all of the instructors are passionate and have such a gift with teaching! My child was bored with all sports and just didn’t seem to enjoy any of them until we found Concord Taekwondo America. He literally begs to go every single day. His physical health and overall wellbeing has drastically improved over the last several months. If I could give this dojo 10 stars I would!

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Since starting this class, I have loss 60 pounds and all levels of my life has improved. I once thanked Mr. Baxter for all the improvements and his response more or less was "your improvements comes from the effort you put in but if you want to thank me continue to show up and improve yourself". This place also has amazing instructors.

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I love everything about this facility...we recently relocated from another state and finding my son an after school activity was key...we shopped around, but Concord Taekwondo America was the best fit...all of the staff are super nice and all of the students are very respectful...my son absolutely LOVES it...and the price is VERY reasonable...couldn't ask for anything more!!!!!

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We could not be any happier with our experience here. Great people, great atmosphere.

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They are terrific! THE most dedicated instructors. So happy my kids are here!

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Our daughter recently joined and I'm so impressed with their courteous staff, knowledgeable instructors, clean facility, and willingness to pivot with students when extra support is necessary. Don't hesitate to join here!!

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Great experience

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What a great place to learn martial arts. Perfect for kids or adults. Sean Baxter is a real gentleman and an excellent teacher.

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Just as magnificent as I remember... My brother was a member of Concord TKD many years ago, and I only just recently joined myself. Engaging training sessions throughout the week are taught by well-versed and friendly instructors. There is always a goal to improve, no matter where you are physically, with consideration given by the instructors to never work you beyond your limits. The facility is clean and the sign-up process is hassle-free. I highly recommend Concord TKD for the excellent martial arts education it offers in a welcoming community anyone can find their place in!

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My daughter started there first a little over 3 years ago, she has been very successful in her journey thanks to great instructors who take the time with kids to help them get over hurdles they may face on their journey. The classes at Concord TKD helped her improve her fitness level and it has also helped her in other activities as well. She is more focused due to TKD. My husband and I started attended class as well after a free trial class. It is something we can all do together and helps our family remain active. Concord TKD students are successful at regional and national tournaments due to the high level instruction we receive in class.

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Great way to get fit and learn new skills! Also builds confidence and character.