- 114 Valley Street
- South Orange, NJ 07079
- (973) 821-5338
New Jersey Tae Kwon Do emphasizes tradition and respect, with a focus on practical self defense.
tae kwon do chung do kwan
As an exercise, Tae Kwon Do strengthens and stretches almost every muscle of the body. Beginners start slowly with a thorough stretching warm-up and a gradual increase in the intensity of exercise. On the advanced level, each practice inherently has an aerobic effect. We teach age-appropriate self-defense techniques while providing a traditional and respectful martial arts program.
For practical use in self-defense, Tae Kwon Do is the most effective of all martial arts in the world.
Members (adults, college students, teens, tweens, and children, regardless of gender and sex) of our studio learn how to use techniques for blocking or breaking an attacker's grip, and how to place forceful kicks and punches that can disable an assailant.
In addition to hand techniques, kicks and punches, members practice traditional combinations of movements, or forms, that teach balance and coordination. At the advanced level, they learn free-form sparring, which reveals the artful beauty, the intellectual challenge and the thrill of Tae Kwon Do.
A side benefit of the practice of Tae Kwon Do is the lesson of self-discipline, self-control, and self-respect that each participant also eventually realizes.
For those who would like to take part in tournament competition, members of our studio do participate in tournaments.
Through our teacher's teacher, our studio is a direct descendant of the original Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan studio in Seoul, Korea. This was the first martial arts studio in Korea, founded by Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee over 70 years ago.
our location
New Jersey Tae Kwon Do is located within blocks of downtown South Orange, with plenty of free street parking adjacent to the studio. It is also within safe and easy walking distance of both South Orange Middle School and Columbia High School.
The studio features two changing rooms and a spacious practice space totaling more than 2000 square feet. A separate reception area ensures easy drop-off and pick-up in inclement weather.
head instructor
Steven Safran has been teaching Tae Kwon Do for almost thirty years. He has run studios in New Jersey and the Boston area as well as overseas. Additionally, Steve is an experienced schoolteacher with a Master's of Arts in Teaching and has taught kindergarten through 12th grade in public schools and at the college level. Many of Steve’s students have literally grown up in the studio and his own children have been active participants in his classes for over ten years.
Steve believes that Tae Kwon Do is like a friendship—the more you put into it the more you will get out of it. EVERY student is capable of earning a black belt, and entering the studio creates a promise between teacher and student in which the teacher will work to help that student earn a black belt.
“New Jersey Tae Kwon Do realizes my dream of creating a place where people will want to come—for the practice and for the strength of the community.”
—Steven Safran, Head Instructor
frequently asked questions
What is Tae Kwon Do?
Tae Kwon Do ("way of the hand and foot") is a Korean martial art. Loosely speaking, it is Korean karate.
What does Chung Do Kwan mean?
Chung Do Kwan means "blue way school" or "house of the blue water".
Who can participate in Tae Kwon Do?
Any adult or child (age 5 1/2 and up), boy or girl, man or woman, can participate in Tae Kwon Do. Flexibility, balance and coordination will all develop over time through practice. One is never too old to start.
How much do classes cost?
We offer a variety of tuition payment schedules. Please contact us directly for detailed pricing information.
When and where are classes held?
Classes are held at our studio at 114 Valley Street as well as through the Baird Center in South Orange. To accommodate busy schedules, classes for all levels are held multiple times each week. A schedule of classes can be found here.
What is worn during practice?
For a free class, relaxed-fitting clothing is all that one needs. Part of regular practice includes wearing a traditional, all-white uniform.
links & downloads
Links
The articles listed below speak to some of the interests and needs of the New Jersey Tae Kwon Do community. Please check back as this list is always being updated.
- How Tae Kwon Do Saved My Daughter
- Game On: Picking Sports for ADHD Children
- At 49, Jamie Moyer’s Pitching Career Goes Into Extra Innings
- Procrastination Solutions
- Learning a New Sport May Be Good for the Brain
- Why You Can (And Should) Start Learning Martial Arts Later in Life
PDF Downloads
Click on the link to download studio information and forms.