About us

About Our Studio

Learn more about our mission, journey, values, and the team

Our Mission

Martial arts training is about more than physical skills—it’s about becoming a better version of yourself. We encourage personal growth through discipline, perseverance, leadership, and service to others. Students are guided to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically as they progress.

Our Values

Our values guide everything we do at Choi Kwang Do of North Florida. They shape how we teach, how students train, and how we serve our community. Through respect, confidence, health and safety, and personal growth, we create a positive environment where students of all ages can develop strong character, lifelong fitness, and the skills needed to succeed both inside and outside the dojo.

Respect

Respect is the foundation of our training and our culture. Students learn to respect themselves, their instructors, their classmates, and their community through positive behavior, self-control, and accountability. This value carries beyond the dojo and helps students build strong character and healthy relationships in everyday life.

Health & Safety

Optimum health and safety are central to everything we teach. Choi Kwang Do emphasizes low-impact, joint-safe movements that support lifelong fitness while minimizing the risk of injury. This approach allows students of all ages to train consistently, safely, and with confidence.

Confidence

Confidence is developed through progress, not intimidation. Our programs are designed to help students build confidence by setting achievable goals, overcoming challenges, and recognizing personal improvement. As confidence grows, students develop stronger self-belief and carry themselves with greater assurance on and off the mat.

Personal Growth

Martial arts training is about becoming a better version of yourself. We emphasize personal growth through discipline, perseverance, leadership, and service to others. Students are encouraged to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally as they progress through their training.

Our team

Meet The Team
Behind Choi Kwang Do of North Florida

We’re a small team that loves to create great experiences for our community.

Master James Taylor
Owner/ Chief Instructor

Master Taylor has been training in Martial Arts for over 30 years and has his Music Education Degree from the University of Florida.

Master Julie Taylor
Owner/ Chief Instructor

Master Taylor has studied martial arts for over 30 years. She earned her Music Education Degree from the University of Florida and is currently the Elementary Music Teacher at High Springs Community School.

Deputy Master Juliet Taylor
Marketing Director

DM Taylor earned her 4th Degree Black Belt in 2025. She graduated from the University of Florida with her Business Degree.

Master Kelley Smith
Head Instructor

Master Kelley started his Choi Kwang Do journey at the age of 12. He now holds the rank of 5th Degree Master and has been training for 20 years.

Master Justin Rix
Head Instructor

Dr Rix earned his Master in Choi Kwnag do in 2025 and has been studying CKD since 2005. Dr Rix earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Florida.

Deputy Master Riley Smith
Head Instructor

Deputy Master Smith started his journey at age 10! He earned his 4th Degree in 2020 and is currently training for Master Level.

Deputy Master Tobin Shorey
Head Instructor

Master Shorey has dedicated his life to Education and Martial Arts. He holds multiple black belts and started his Choi Kwang Do career in 2002.

Deputy Master Joseph Smith
Head Instructor

Deputy Master Joey has been triningn ince age 8. He has traveled extensively to Choi Kwang Do schools around the country! DM Smith earned his 4th Degree Black Belt in 2025.

Our Story

Why I started Martial Arts

My journey in martial arts began out of necessity. After being robbed at both knife point and gun point, I realized how vulnerable I felt and how unprepared I was to protect myself. Those experiences were a turning point, pushing me to seek not just self-defense skills, but confidence, awareness, and personal strength.

Through martial arts training, I discovered a path that went far beyond physical techniques—it provided structure, discipline, resilience, and a sense of control that changed how I carried myself in everyday life. That transformation shaped my belief that martial arts should empower people, not intimidate them, and should build confidence while prioritizing safety and long-term health.

Choi Kwang Do of North Florida Support
Our team will get in touch with you through text
Beginner Program
Women's Self Defense
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