History

Our Story: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Together

 

        Forest City Taekwondo (FCTKD) was founded in 1992 by a group of passionate martial artists with a simple but powerful goal: to make quality martial arts accessible to everyone.

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        At the heart of our approach is Seikido — a uniquely Canadian martial art that blends the striking power of Taekwondo with the fluid, circular movements of Aikido. More than just a combination of techniques, Seikido emphasizes adaptability, inclusivity, and personal growth — values that continue to guide our schools today.

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        “In Korea, I trained in multiple arts including Taekwondo and Hapkido, and never felt lost — Seikido prepared me for all of them.” -Patrick Benitez, FCTKD Instructor.

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        FCTKD was also built to support instructors — giving them a way to open schools and share their passion without the heavy financial barriers often involved in opening a martial arts program. By keeping costs low and removing unnecessary overhead, we’ve helped expand martial arts access across Southwestern Ontario.

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        This model also allows us to offer affordable, community-driven self-defense training for families — creating a welcoming space for students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

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        Over the years, we’ve grown from a single class into a network of schools rooted in mutual respect, personal development, and shared purpose. Whether it’s your first day on the mat or your hundredth, there’s a place for you here.

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