Tennessee Taekwondo was founded with one simple mission: help people become stronger—physically, mentally, and personally.

We believe martial arts should be more than learning kicks and earning belts. Every class is designed to build confidence, discipline, resilience, and athletic ability through structured coaching, clear expectations, and real accountability.

Whether you're a parent looking for an activity that challenges your child, a teenager striving to reach your potential, or an adult ready to begin your own journey, you'll find a positive community committed to helping you grow.

Our goal isn't simply to create better martial artists.

It's to help develop stronger athletes, stronger leaders, and stronger people.

Kids Martial Arts (5-12)

Teen Martial Arts (13-17)

Adult Martial Arts

Meet Your Instructor

Master Dustin Sands - Owner/Head Instructor

In 1991, Dusty's parents brought him to his first Taekwondo class. He was a hyper kid, and they wanted a positive place to focus his energy—an individual sport that would challenge him and help him grow. What started as an after-school activity became a lifelong journey that has shaped who he is today.

Dusty wasn't the most naturally athletic kid when he started. Taekwondo taught him to set goals, embrace challenges, and keep showing up. Over time, he grew into a successful athlete, developed a love for competition, and discovered what he was truly capable of. Those lessons became the foundation of the way he coaches today.

He began coaching at 16 and teaching classes at 18. Today, as a 7th Degree Black Belt, certified personal trainer, and certified youth personal trainer, Dusty has coached students at every level—from beginners stepping onto the mat for the first time to athletes competing on the national stage. He has helped develop district, regional, and national champions, but the moments he's most proud of can't be measured by medals. They're the student who was too shy to make eye contact on day one, standing confidently on the mat months later—focused, composed, and believing in themselves.

After decades of teaching, Dusty founded Tennessee Taekwondo to create the kind of school he always believed in—a place where hard work matters, character comes first, and every student is challenged to become the best version of themselves. Every class is built around purposeful instruction, positive accountability, and the five tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.

Whether your goal is confidence, fitness, competition, or personal growth, the mission is the same: help every student leave stronger, more confident, and better prepared for whatever comes next. Because the lessons learned on the mat are the ones that matter most off of it.

Why Training Here Feels Different

Most martial arts schools teach techniques.

At Tennessee Taekwondo, we teach students how to think, how to respond, and how to keep improving—long after class is over.

Every lesson is designed with a purpose. Students learn discipline through consistency, confidence through achievement, and resilience by working through challenges instead of avoiding them.

Whether your goal is helping your child build confidence, preparing for competition, or simply finding a positive environment to grow, you'll find instructors who genuinely invest in every student's success.

Because our goal isn't simply to create better martial artists.

It's to help build stronger people.

The Next Step Is Simple.

We'll answer your questions, explain how classes work, and help you decide if Tennessee Taekwondo is the right fit for your child, teen, or family.