Welcome to Family Martial Arts Center

Where every student becomes part of the family!

We’re so glad you’re here. At Family Martial Arts Center in Lakeland, FL, our goal has always been simple — to make every student and every family feel at home. From your first visit, you’ll notice the difference: real connections, personal attention, and instructors who care about helping you grow both on and off the mat.

We offer martial arts classes for kids, teens, and adults that are high-quality, affordable, and built around the needs of our local community. Whether you’re enrolling your child in our Little Ninjas program, trying a free intro class, or working toward your own black belt, you’ll find an encouraging space where you’re supported every step of the way.

Building Life Skills Through Martial Arts

Taekwondo isn’t just about kicks and punches. Our classes focus on building discipline, respect, confidence, and integrity — skills that last a lifetime. Our instructors lead by example and create an environment where every student can push themselves, make progress, and feel proud of what they accomplish.

Certified Instruction You Can Trust

We are proud members of the Victory Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan Association. That means your family is learning from instructors who are certified through Korea and the World Taekwondo Federation. Our black belts continue training regularly to make sure we bring the very best to every class.

When you join Family Martial Arts Center, you’re joining a school with deep martial arts roots, proven standards, and instructors who never stop learning.

More Than a School -

It’s Family

Since opening our doors in 2005, we’ve heard the same words from parents and students again and again:
“It feels like family here.”

That’s exactly what we want it to feel like. Every class and every conversation is guided by our goal to make sure each student feels seen, supported, and valued.

Come tour our school or try a class. Ask questions. Share your ideas. We keep an open-door policy because this isn’t just a martial arts program — it’s a community.

Meet the Team

We have an incredible team of instructors ready to assist you in learning at our Alamo Plaza facility.

Our Owners

Family Martial Arts is led by Jennifer, Tim and Master Taylor Welch, a team whose journey in Taekwondo has grown alongside their commitment to education and community impact.

With nearly 25 years of combined Taekwondo experience, their story is rooted in shared discipline, family connection, and a passion for youth development. Jennifer and Tim bring over four decades of classroom teaching experience, blending structure and compassion into every interaction. Taylor holds world credentials from the Kukkiwon and World Chung Do Kwan, representing the next generation of leadership with global perspective and pride.

Taekwondo has brought their family closer over the years, and now, they're passionate about helping other families grow stronger through it too.

Our Masters

Black Belt Master Instructors

Scott Wisneski - 8th Degree Grand Master
Dee Valderrama – 6th Degree Master
Jennifer Canady – 5th Degree Master
Zach Scott – 5th Degree Master
Taylor Welch – 4th Degree Master
Jacob Welch - 4th Degree Master
Rylie Walling – 4th Degree Master

Meet Our Elite Black Belt Instructor Team

Our instructor team is more than accomplished - they’re passionate, professional, and committed to every student’s success. Collectively, this elite group of black belts brings over 75 years of combined martial arts experience to the mat.

Many of our instructors began their own Taekwondo journey right here at Family Martial Arts Center, training directly under Grandmaster Scott. Through years of hands-on practice, personal development, and leadership training, they have grown into the exceptional teachers and role models they are today.

Our Instructors Stand Out

Personally trained and mentored by Eighth Degree Black Belt Grandmaster Scott
Hold international teaching certifications from Korea and the Victory Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan Association (VTCDKA)
Actively coach and lead belt testing, tournaments, demonstrations, and special events
Many serve as full-time martial arts professionals, dedicated daily to empowering students and strengthening our school community

At Family Martial Arts Center, our black belt instructors lead by example — modeling the respect, discipline, and perseverance that we instill in every student. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or working toward your own black belt, you’ll be guided by instructors who are not only highly qualified but also deeply invested in your growth.

Our Instructors

Adult Instructors

Joyce Walling (3rd Degree)
Bambi Eggert (3rd Degree)
Cathy Litscher (3rd Degree)
Amber Thompson (3rd Degree)
Michelle Thompson (3rd Degree)
David Hamilton (2nd Degree)
Mathew Key (2nd Degree)

The Heart of Our School: Teen & Adult Assistant Instructors

At Family Martial Arts Center, we’re proud to have a dedicated team of adult and teen assistant instructors who play a vital role in our school’s daily success from after-school programs to evening classes.

These passionate leaders ensure every student receives personalized support, especially beginners and those preparing for belt tests, tournaments, or special events. Their guidance allows us to maintain the high standard of instruction and care that families have come to expect from our school.

What makes this team truly special is their heart for mentorship. It’s inspiring to see teens step into leadership roles as positive role models for the next generation proving that confidence, respect, and discipline can start at any age.

Dream of Becoming an Instructor?

If your goal is not only to train in martial arts but also to teach, lead, and inspire others, then you’ve found your home at Family Martial Arts Center. We believe in nurturing that dream and helping students grow into future black belts, mentors, and leaders — both on the mat and in life.

OUR FOUNDERS

Family Martial Arts Center was founded in 2005 by Grandmaster Scott and his wife, Master Elizabeth. Their vision was to create a martial arts school that truly lived up to its name — a place where students and families could train, grow, and support each other like family. Although Scott and Elizabeth are no longer the owners, their dedication, hard work, and family-centered philosophy continue to shape the culture of Family Martial Arts Center today. Their legacy lives on in every class, every student, and the community they helped build. Grandmaster Scott still visits to instruct special classes quarterly and currently serves as the Florida Director for the Victory Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan Association, ensuring that students in our school and across the state receive authentic, high-quality Taekwondo training.