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

Daniel Lee
Daniel Lee

left us a 5 star review

Attending as an adult. The teachers are attentive and patient. They care just as much about learning the art themselves as they do about teaching you. Highly recommended.

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

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.

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.

Excellent people and environment. Everyone is very friendly and are very effective at teaching. My son loves to go to class and learn!

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!

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.

It is amazing there that is whereI go

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!

It’s been a fun experience so far. Able to learn in a supportive environment.

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.

Amazing instructors who truly care about your child. My son loves it here and his self esteem is getting better and better everyday. We have been coming for one month now and what a different. I highly recommend this facility for boys and girls of all ages!!

I can't say enough great things about this place. My 5yr old Daughter, formerly shy, continues to progress in her overall confidence. She loves going to martial arts classes! The Instructors are thorough & attentive with all the Students. The Families are inviting and the atmosphere is supportive of every Kid to excel. I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with Mr. Baxter & his Team to discuss enrollment for You & Your entire Family!!

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

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!

Concord Taekwondo America is bar none the best Dojo. My grandson started classes in late December. His statement to me on February 1, 2016 was how much he enjoyed going to these classes. He stated to me that since he began the classes his temper was not as bad and he did not feel as angry. Taekwondo in itself is excellent. When Taekwondo is married up to a more than superb Dojo Master, Master Baxter, and exceptional Instructor's it is a win/win for any student. My grandson is learning more than martial arts as he is progressively overcoming inward issues. Thank you Master Baxter and your entire staff for pouring yourself into your students. What my grandson is learning he will carry through out his entire life. Anyone considering a Dojo will not make a mistake by enrolling at Concord Taekwondo America!! I salute Concord Taekwondo America!! Elaine M Simpson

It feels like family here.

Super friendly. Works very well with children and special needs. Amazing staff.

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

The teachers at Concord TKD are top-notch. This is a great school for children and adults alike. They nurture confidence in their students while also providing an appropriately challenging curriculum.

I am 48 and just started back after many years off. These sessions are a great workout. Mr Baxter and all of the other instructors take their time to teach you as an individual and not just another student in the class.

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. 👍👍

Best place for youngsters to learn disepline and respect as well as self defense skill.

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.

Great experience

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!

My 6 year old son has been going here for a month and loves it. Something about Taekwondo brings out discipline and coordination from him that I didn't know was there. One thing to note: the level of difficulty on the adult classes is quite a bit higher (I don't know why that surprised me), so if you go to those, be ready for a more demanding experience. Still very enjoyable, but prepare to sweat.

Mr. Baxter and his team of instructors are the best! Their teaching style helps to challenge students of all ages mentally as well as physically, all while letting them advance at their own pace and have fun! Their facility is always clean and the staff are always friendly. I would highly recommend to anyone who would like to learn self defense, or anyone just looking for a fun way to get some exercise.

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

We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience with all of the teachers at Concord Taekwondo. Mr Baxter presented Jacob with his yellow strip after less than 10 lessons! We look forward to classes three nights a week.

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.

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!

My daughter has been here for 3 years and has grown so much. She was very shy and timid and Mr. Baxter’s school , instructors and students have all helped her become a confident young woman!

This is a great place where children can learn Taekwando and good life skills. The instructors have infinite patience and are so good with the children.

My son signed up 4 months ago and absolutely loves it! Mr. B and staff are phenomenal!

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!

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

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

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 .

Awesome staff and atmosphere, instructors are great with the kids. My baby looks forward to coming to class.The location is always neat and clean. Mr. Baxter is a great 👍 👌 person to do business with.

I love Concord Taekwondo America! All the instructors have the patience of a saint working with young kids! I’m thankful for this program!

We love everything about Concord Taekwondo! All of the instructors are patient and work with our son to meet the expectations so he can be successful.

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.

I go here! I've been here for 7 years, the instructors are amazing with everyone. They even stay back to help whoever wants and needs it.

Great people, truly care about the students and take pride in what they do.

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

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.

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.

Our son is 6 and all of the instructors take a lot of patience and time to ensure the little ones have a good class each week. I've recommended Concord Taekwando to several other parents. Classes for the beginners are every night so chosing one easily fits into your schedule. All staff is helpful and approachable and it has been an overall excellent experince.

Sabom Baxter has to be one of the most engaging and encouraging teacher I have met, more encouraging than some parents than I know. I am thankful for his heart, and passion he gives the kids at Concord Taekwondo.