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About Us

Lee's Summit Martial Arts for the Whole Family

Mr. Catana, owner and head instructor
Meet Mr. Catana

Changing Lives in Long-Lasting Ways

Mr. Catana holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo and has been a martial arts instructor for nearly 20 years. Taekwondo shaped his own discipline, manners, and confidence growing up, and he has since guided countless students — from kids who struggle to focus, to teens who need an outlet, to adults who want fitness they'll actually stick with — through that same growth.

Taekwondo gave me discipline, manners, and confidence. Passing that on is the whole job.
Mr. Catana · 3rd-Degree Black Belt
Onward and Upward

What We Stand For

Taekwondo transforms your child through personal excellence, character-building, and community-driven accountability — all inside fun, challenging, friendship-building classes.

Vertical Taekwondo is committed to providing excellent instruction to students and real support for the parents behind them. Led by Mr. Catana, the school teaches Taekwondo as a way of life that pushes students of every age toward excellence.

Portrait of Mr. Catana

The four things every class comes back to

Discipline

Showing up and doing the work, especially on the hard days.

Respect

For instructors, for training partners, and for yourself.

Perseverance

Skills are earned through repetition, not talent.

Community

A floor full of people who notice when you're not there.

Why Families Stay

What makes this dojang different

Safe, engaging, challenging — in that order
01

Safe, engaging, challenging — in that order

Safety is our number one priority, and it never competes with how much fun a class is.

Individual progress, not bench time
02

Individual progress, not bench time

Students improve at their own pace. Nobody waits on the sidelines for the group.

Experienced instruction
03

Experienced instruction

A 3rd-degree black belt with nearly 20 years of teaching leads every program.

First class free, 30-day guarantee
04

First class free, 30-day guarantee

Try a real class at no cost, and new memberships are backed for 30 days.

Limited Time Availability

Online Exclusive Offer — View Our Schedule & Pricing Options

Tell us a little about your family and we'll get your free first class on the calendar.

Or call 816-500-1197