BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Black Belt martial arts instructors owner Sung Choi (left), co-owner Joongwoo Kang (center) and manager Carmen Jessup.

Owner(s): Master Sung Choi and Master Joongwoo Kang

Year established: September, 2010

Location: 1116 Main Road, Aquebogue

Phone: 631-722-5554

Number of employees: 3

Owners Master Sung Choi and Master Joongwoo Kang opened Expert Martial Arts in September 2010 to teach the ancient art of Tae Kwon Do, which they’d grown up with in South Korea. Their students range in age from 3-year-olds to adults.

Tae Kwon Do is one of only a few self-defense martial arts that incorporate both soft and hard style, and the only martial art represented in the Olympic games. Masters Choi and Kang are devoted, professional martial artists and certified black belts, with competition, demonstration and teaching experience.

The masters believe that “a family that kicks together sticks together,” and because “a village raises a child,” Expert Martial Arts seeks to help the community by teaching Tae Kwon Do skill and philosophy. The owners believe this martial art is great for children because of its fast pace, powerful spinning kicks and loud shouting, which build confidence and power. “Parents love this art because every class incorporates discipline, respect, integrity and perseverance in the lesson, so kids learn important life skills in a positive and structured environment,” they said. Children work on physical endurance and strength through creative drills and are constantly engaged in activity. “You won’t have to drag your kid off the couch to go to Tae Kwon Do, instead they will be dressed and ready at the door,” the masters said.

Teen classes focus on physical fitness, self-defense and confidence-building drills, along with one-on-one mentoring and follow-up chats with parents. Adult classes provide opportunities to release stress, lose or manage weight, gain strength and flexibility and build confidence while learning about traditional Tae Kwon Do history and culture. Instead of working on only one specific muscle group, each session calls for a full range of motion, giving students a full body workout. “You are motivated to stay on a steady workout path because you are learning something new in each class, and you will see physical and mental results faster because you are not bored,” said Expert Martial Arts owners.

Expert Martial Arts offers a daily after-school program, with transportation provided. Students participate in a daily Tae Kwon Do class, physical drills and games and have quiet time for homework or reading. “This program is unique for working parents looking for a structured and safe environment for their children for a few hours after school,” said the owners. Single day, part-time, and full-time options are also available, as well as free day camp on school holidays.

Expert Martial Arts summer camp is a weekly Tae Kwon Do sports camp for children from 6 to 12. Tiny Tiger students, 5 and 6 years old, may also attend. Activities include a daily Tae Kwon Do class, physical drills and active games, a daily field trip, martial arts education and craft time, basic weapon training class and quiet time for optional reading. Each registered student receives a uniform to wear in class. Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 10 weeks. Kids can attend for one to 10 weeks, and registration is not due until the end of May, although early registration is available until the end of February.

The website Expertma.com provides information about programs, bios of the masters, a class schedule, updates on events and photos from classes. For student videos and additional photos from belt-promotion tests and other events, visit their Facebook page by clicking a link at the bottom of the website home page.

Expert Martial Arts is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon.