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Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Chesterfield, MO
At Y.S. Rho Martial Arts, we believe in cultivating both physical strength and mental resilience through traditional Korean martial arts. Founded by Grandmaster Bruce Rho, an 8th Degree Black Belt with decades of expertise, our academy emphasizes the core tenets of Tae Kwon Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit. We offer personalized instruction tailored to individual learning styles, ensuring students of all agesfrom children as young as 2 to adultstrain at their own pace without undue pressure. Our family-oriented environment fosters intergenerational bonds, allowing parents and children to train side by side, building mutual respect and shared accomplishments. With programs in Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, and Kum Do, we provide comprehensive training in self-defense, discipline, and spiritual growth.

Our certified instructors, including multiple 6th Dan Masters, bring global recognition through affiliations with organizations like the Kukkiwon and World Kido Federation. We prioritize holistic development, combining physical conditioning with mental clarity to empower students in overcoming modern challenges. Located in Chesterfield, Missouri, our state-of-the-art facility welcomes newcomers to start their martial arts journey with a free trial class. Through rigorous yet accessible training, we aim to instill confidence, health, and lifelong values in every student.
Services
Tae Kwon Do Hap Ki Do Kum Do Sparring Self Defense Conditioning Discipline Training Dedication Programs
Highlights and features
  • We offer personalized instruction tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Our family-oriented environment fosters intergenerational bonds through shared training.
  • Certified instructors include multiple 6th Dan Masters with global recognition.
  • We emphasize holistic development combining physical conditioning with mental clarity.
  • Our Chesterfield facility provides a state-of-the-art space for all martial arts disciplines.
Associations and certifications
  • Kukkiwon
  • World Kido Federation
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do combines ancient Korean tradition with Olympic sport techniques to develop physical fitness and mental discipline. Our program emphasizes self-defense, confidence building, and mastery of forms through structured belt progression. Students learn kicking techniques, forms (poomsae), and sparring while internalizing core values like perseverance and self-control.
Hap Ki Do
Hap Ki Do teaches practical self-defense through joint locks and pressure point manipulation. This 'soft' martial art focuses on redirecting attackers' energy rather than opposing force directly. Classes develop situational awareness, defensive techniques, and fluid movement patterns applicable to real-world scenarios.
Kum Do
Kum Do, or Korean swordsmanship, trains practitioners in weapon-based self-defense using sticks or everyday objects. Beyond physical techniques, this 3,000-year-old practice cultivates spiritual discipline and mental focus through precise, meditative movements that mirror life's challenges.
Family Classes
All Belt Family classes create shared learning experiences for parents and children. These sessions strengthen familial bonds through collaborative training while developing mutual respect, physical health, and age-appropriate martial arts skills for participants aged 3 to 80+.
Conditioning
Specialized conditioning programs enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance through martial arts-specific exercises. Sessions incorporate traditional drills, partner work, and equipment training to improve physical capabilities while reinforcing technical martial arts fundamentals.
People
Grandmaster Bruce Rho
Director
8th Degree Black Belt certified by Kukkiwon and World Kido Federation. President of ATU Taekwondo Missouri with over 40 years of teaching experience. Specializes in traditional Korean martial arts instruction for all ages.
Master Dennis Klemp
6th Dan Instructor
Certified 6th Dan Master with expertise in tournament sparring and belt testing. Trains students in advanced Tae Kwon Do techniques and competition preparation through structured, progressive instruction.
Master James Howard
6th Dan Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt specializing in Hap Ki Do joint techniques and self-defense applications. Focuses on practical defense scenarios and pressure point manipulation for real-world effectiveness.
Master Joseph Howard
6th Dan Instructor
Experienced 6th Dan Master teaching Kum Do swordsmanship and traditional forms. Emphasizes precision, discipline, and historical context in weapon-based martial arts training.
Master George Gokel
5th Dan Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt with specialization in children's martial arts programs. Develops age-appropriate curricula that build coordination, focus, and foundational martial arts skills for young students.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, and Kum Do programs for all skill levels.
What age groups can participate?
Classes start at age 2 with family-friendly options for all generations.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes to experience our training environment.
Are there competitive opportunities?
We prepare students for tournaments while emphasizing personal growth over competition.
How do you approach safety?
Our structured curriculum prioritizes gradual skill development with proper protective gear.
Can I train with my child?
Yes, our family classes allow parents and children to train together.