Joong Do Ryu NOLA
Martial Arts in Kenner | The Path to Righteousness
Join Us For
Taekwondo & Hapkido
Welcome to Joong Do Ryu, a family-oriented martial arts school in Kenner! Our mission is to provide everyone in the community a fun place to work on themselves. As one of the oldest running schools in the area, students learn Taekwondo, Hapkido, and weapons as they improve their self-defense, fitness, and personal development. We’ve built a home where students have trained for decades and have brought in their families to join our community. Come join us for a special experience!
Join With Our Summer Special!
Enroll today with our summer special and receive a FREE martial arts class plus a FREE uniform after signing up for the first month.
Who We Are at
Joong Do Ryu NOLA
Our School
Following our namesake Joong Do Ryu – translating to “The Path to Righteousness” in Korean – we strive to set up our students to grow on and off the mat. We do this with energetic martial arts classes that prioritize all aspects of life. Our team makes sure to keep track of students’ development in martial arts while also paying attention to our students’ behavior at home and school. Our traditional Korean martial arts philosophy – including speaking some Korean in class – creates an environment that maximizes the learning experience. The work on the mat, personalized instruction, special events, and strong culture make Joong Do Ryu NOLA a home for all!
History
Ever since 2018, Joong Do Ryu NOLA has been a special place for students to learn weapons, Hapkido, and Taekwondo in Kenner! Master Candace leads the way with 40+ years of martial arts experience. Her passion for martial arts, training, and teaching led her to build a home for everyone from beginners, children, and high-level athletes. As we’ve grown, we strived to always adapt, make upgrades, and add new resources – including a gym space with weights! We’re always working to be the best we can be!
Meet Our
Martial Arts Instructors
Our team is full of energetic, passionate coaches who have made martial arts a major part of their life. With multiple black belts in Taekwondo and Hapkido, they are equipped with everything you need to succeed. To learn more, take a look below!
Candace Frisard
Senior Master
Senior Master Candace Frisard: Pioneering Leader in Martial Arts and Community Advocate
Senior Master Candace Frisard is the owner and Senior Master Instructor of Joong Do Ryu NOLA, a renowned martial arts school located in Kenner, Louisiana. With a lifelong dedication to martial arts, she has made a significant impact on the martial arts community both locally and internationally.
Candace began her training at the age of 6 in 1985, sparking a passion that would shape her entire life. Her journey in martial arts has been marked by rigorous discipline, outstanding achievements, and a commitment to passing on her knowledge to others. In 1995, she earned her Instructor certification, a recognition of her expertise and teaching ability.
Throughout her career, Senior Master Frisard has honed her skills in multiple disciplines, earning her 7th Degree Black Belts in both Taekwondo and Hapkido under the guidance of Grandmaster Young Seok Kim. Her skills extend beyond the dojang, as she also contributed as a Fight Choreographer for the 2008 film The Waters, showcasing her versatility and creativity in martial arts.
Her dedication to martial arts excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades. In 2014, she was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Leading Female Korean Martial Artist, honoring her contributions to the field. That same year, she was named one of Gambit’s Top 40 Under 40 Professionals in New Orleans, cementing her as a leader not only in martial arts but also in the local professional community.
Candace’s competitive spirit has led her to success on the world stage. She earned 3rd place in the 2015 World Championships and secured 2nd place at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships in Korea, solidifying her reputation as one of the top martial artists in the world.
As the owner of Joong Do Ryu NOLA, Senior Master Frisard continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of martial artists, combining her exceptional technical knowledge with her passion for teaching and empowering others.
Daniel Truxillo
Senior Master Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt TKD & HKD
Matthew Hinkamp
Master Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt TKD & HKD
Louisiana State Champion 2016
Zac Lusk
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt TKD & HKD
Amanda Downing
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt TKD & HKD
Joshua Missios
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt TKD & HKD
Landon Norton
Junior Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Ye’Lyna Ortiz
Junior Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt
Our School Schedule
Explore our schedule to get started today—check it out and find the best time for your martial arts training!
Explore Our
Martial Arts Programs
Are you ready for your Hapkido and Taekwondo training in Kenner? If so, then check out all our programs. There are different martial arts classes for students as young as 4 years old to adult black belt students. Check it out and join us today!
Little Dragons
(4-6 years)
We are mainly focusing on coordination skills in Little Dragons. Students are learning how to not fall over with basic tumbling skills. Everything is built to help them develop as martial artists, athletes, students in school, sons and daughters, siblings, and as people.
Kids Martial Arts
(7-12 years)
This is a great way for children to begin their martial arts journey. Students begin different tumbling, Hapkido, and Taekwondo lessons while gaining discipline, respect, confidence, and more off the mat. We have different training for all levels of Kids Martial Arts so everyone can learn at their own pace.
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Teens & Adults Martial Arts –All Ranks
(13+)
Our Teens & Adults martial arts program is for everyone. Students are provided a beginner-friendly experience where they steadily improve their tumbling and martial arts skills. All of our training is designed to help students grow on and off the mat.
Black Belt
Our Black Belt program continues Hapkido and Taekwondo training at a high-level. In addition to that, we dive deeper into the background in the arts. Students learn more about the history, meanings, representations, and the ‘whys’ in martial arts.
Words from Our Community
Joong Do Ryu NOLA is not just a martial arts school, but a place for your personal growth. We have worked with students for nearly a decade to help them be the best version of themselves on and off the mat. And don’t just listen to us. Take a look at our student testimonials to see firsthand experiences of how we’ve helped the community!
“Master Candace is an amazing teacher and mentor! My boys have learned so much and truly love tae kwon do. Very supportive and inclusive family environment.”
“Great school. Great instructors who have been training for many years. The instructors are great with the kids…”
Join With Our Summer Special!
Enroll today with our summer special and receive a FREE martial arts class plus a FREE uniform after signing up for the first month.
Contact Us Today!
Start your martial arts journey with us for Hapkido and Taekwondo in Kenner! Everyone in Kenner, Metairie, St. Rose, Destrehan, and everyone else nearby is welcomed. We are located right off the I-10!