Welcome To Lima Taekwondo

For The Whole Family

With nearly 50 years of experience, LIMA TAEKWONDO & MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, located in Culver City and Torrance, has established itself as one of California’s premier martial arts studios. LIMA TKD is renowned for its high-quality instruction, attracting students from nearby communities and the greater Los Angeles area. Participants travel from areas such as the San Fernando Valley, Malibu, Long Beach, and the South Bay to train at the Academy. This strong tradition of excellence has fostered a loyal student base, with many returning year after year to continue their martial arts journey.

Upon entering the Academy, you are welcomed by an energetic and enthusiastic environment. The Academy offers a highly flexible class schedule, ensuring that at least three instructors are present in every session to provide personalized assistance and guidance. Classes are available seven days a week, making LIMA TKD one of the few martial arts schools in California to offer such comprehensive, “round the clock” instruction. For those with busy schedules who cannot attend regular one-hour classes, the Academy also provides PRIVATE one-on-one instruction at any time, including weekends. To arrange a personal lesson, simply call the Academy.

Training at the studio offers more than just physical conditioning, discipline, and self-defense skills. It is also an opportunity to build new friendships among a diverse student body. Business professionals, educators, students, parents, and families all come together in a supportive and positive atmosphere. Many adult classes feature an equal mix of women and men. Notably, several parents who initially attended to observe their children’s lessons have chosen to join in themselves, inspired by other parents who were already students and motivated by the excitement on the training floor.

Programs For Every Student

LIMA TKD offers two main programs to suit different training aspirations. The BASIC program is ideal for those looking to participate in two or three classes per week. For students who wish to deepen their commitment, the UNLIMITED program—also referred to as the BLACK BELT CLUB—provides access to unlimited weekly classes. Most students attend two or three classes each week, which is sufficient to enhance physical fitness and, with consistent practice over three to four years, to earn a prestigious black belt. With a martial arts curriculum that is authentic, enjoyable, safe, and educational, LIMA TKD stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking a rewarding martial arts experience. Learn More

Our History

Grandmaster Andre Lima is the “founder” of Lima Academy. He’s officially certified by the World Tae kwon do Federation (WTF) as a 8th Degree Black Belt and one of few worldwide to obtain the internationally recognized diploma of the Kukkiwon. He began studying Taekwondo in his hometown of Brasilia, Brazil, 30 years ago when his father signed him up for lessons as a present for his birthday.........Learn More

Black Belt Corner

After you reach the Black Belt level you can reevaluate your goals and follow different directions such as: become an Assistant Instructor, Instructor or a High Level competitor in Sparring or Forms, since TKD is an Olympic Sport. The Black Belt is divided in 10 Degrees (Dans). Achieving the 4th Degree you receive the title of Master and by the 8th Degree you become a Grandmaster.........Learn More

The Academies

LIMA TKD has two locations in California and both are equally situated in first-class spots providing their members with easy access and high-quality environment. The Culver City location is a 3.500 sq. /f facility across the street from the Westfield Mall. The premises are surrounded by three parking lots. The Torrance location is a 6.000 s/f facility. LIMA TKD has a very professional staff of instructors; including National Champions and former students from the Academy....Learn More

Competition Team

At LIMA TKD, you will not be asked to take part in any competition. That’s your decision. But, if you decide you do want to compete, you will be joining “Competition Classes” and the training will become a lot more demanding than regular classes. Competing is one way to evaluate your developing skills as a martial artist, by facing an opponent of similar ability, age and weight...Learn More

Children's Classes

Children classes make up about two-thirds of LIMA TKD. We offer two age groups of instruction, NINJAS (ages 3-5) and JUNIORS (ages 6-12). Each class is subdivided into smaller groups according to belt color, or level (beginner, intermediate and advanced) so each group gets instruction tailored to their specific needs. With a multicultural and fairly even mix of boys and girls at all levels, your child will find it easy to fit right in....Learn More

What is Taekwondo

Introduction to Taekwondo

Origins and Evolution

Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea during the 1950s. Its development was influenced by Japanese Karate, especially the Shotokan style, as well as by Taekyon, a traditional Korean folk game. The term "Taekwondo" translates to “The way of kicking and punching,” which highlights the fundamental techniques of the discipline.

Modern Status and Popularity

Over the years, Taekwondo has evolved into a contemporary and widely recognized Olympic sport. It stands as the most practiced martial art in the world today. In the United States, approximately 60% of children studying martial arts are enrolled in Taekwondo, while the remaining 40% participate in other disciplines such as Karate, Judo, or Kung Fu.

Educational Focus at LIMA TKD

At LIMA TKD, the primary emphasis in teaching Taekwondo is on education. This focus on educational principles has contributed significantly to the program's success.

Color Belt System

LIMA TKD course has 3 levels of instruction: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level is divided and represented by color belts in a total of 10 belts. Beginner’s belt colors are: White, Yellow, Orange; Intermediate belt colors are: Green, Purple, Blue and Red. Advanced colors are: Red w/ a stripe, Brown and Brown w/ a stripe. Each one of the 10 belts has a distinctive curriculum and in order to move up from one belt to another the student has to take part in a Belt Test. Generally there are 6 Belt Tests a year and the approximate time expended in each belt depends of how fast the student improves. The evaluation in a Belt Test is done according with each individual potential. The “minimum” time spends in each belt is: Beginners (2 to 4 months), Intermediate (4 to 6 months) and Advanced (6 months). For toddlers (Ninjas) extra time is usually necessary. For some people Martial Arts became a lifetime discipline. After you reach the Black Belt level you can reevaluate your goals and follow different directions such as: become an Assistant Instructor, Instructor or a High Level competitor in Sparring or Forms, since TKD is an Olympic Sport. The Black Belt is divided in 10 Degrees (Dans). Achieving the 4th Degree you receive the title of Master and by the 7th Degree you become a Grandmaster.