Korean Karate
Cultivating Strength, Resilience, and Mental Clarity in Old Town Alexandria
Traditional Korean karate for adults and teens in Old Town Alexandria. A disciplined, non-competitive home for serious practitioners — rooted in post-war Korea, taught for the modern body.
The Soo Do Kwan Approach
Our traditional program is rooted in post-war Korea, offering a blend of history, philosophy, and rigorous physical training. We bear the name Soo Do Kwan — "hall for cultivating the way" — because it is intentionally general, indicating our inclusivity and our refusal to fixate on any one traditional path.
That open-mindedness lets us carry forward a unique blend of art, sport, history, philosophy, and self-defense, in a curriculum designed for the modern practitioner. Whether you're looking for a rigorous physical outlet, practical self-defense, or a deeper connection to martial arts history — this is a student-centric home for your training.
built for adults who take it seriously.
We move away from the trophy-chasing mentality and focus on the four things that actually matter — tailored instruction, a non-competitive room, the mind-body connection, and a commitment to making karate accessible for everyone.
Our program fosters self-discipline, resilience, and a deeper understanding of martial philosophy, along with these four major elements:
tailored instruction
Each student's journey is unique. Training is tailored to fit individual needs so you can move in ways that are healthy and natural for your body — not someone else's.
mind-body connection
Through holistic practice you'll develop effective technique while cultivating physical strength and the mental clarity needed to navigate life off the mat.
non-competitive atmosphere
A safe, ego-free space. Small group and one-on-one instruction means you get the individual attention required to actually grow.
genuinely inclusive
Our mission is to make karate accessible — regardless of physical limitations, age, gender, or background. Everyone trains, everyone progresses.
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What You Will Practice
01
basics & drills
Strikes, blocks, clinches, footwork — solo and with a partner.
02
forms
Linked movement sequences to build body awareness, coordination, strength, and stamina.
03
free sparring
Controlled, unscripted exchange of attacks and defenses — the sport side, kept honest.
04
self-defense
Applying the techniques to escape harmful situations — including being pinned to the ground.
step on the floor.
The first class is free. Show up in something you can move in — we provide the rest. Reserve a spot for Monday, Thursday, or Saturday and we'll greet you at the door.
Lead Instructor · Karate
todd tupper.
Todd Tupper is a 5th-dan black belt with a teaching lineage that traces directly back to Anko Itosu — the Okinawan master whose work shaped nearly every major karate system practiced today. He brings decades of practice to a room that values craft over collection of belts, and meets each student where they actually are.
Rank
5th Dan, Black Belt
Lineage
Anko Itosu → modern Soo Do Kwan
Specialty
Forms, application, self-defense
Teaches
Mon · Thu · Sat
