Founded in 1976 by Sensei Carol Middleton, DC Self Defense Karate Association (DCSDKA) offers classes for students of all ages in the Korean style of Karate known as Tae Kwon Do. The school also sponsors numerous outreach programs to teach practical self-defense skills to members of the local Washington, DC community. Check out our FAQs, then contact us today to sign up!

Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do literally means “Foot and Hand Way” or “The Art of Kicking and Punching.”  A modern Korean style of Karate, Tae Kwon Do is known for its emphasis on kicks. The earliest beginnings of Karate, most agree, can be traced to India.  The nascent art was brought to China in the 6th century A.D., where it evolved and later spread to Okinawa and then Japan.  While other styles of martial arts existed in ancient Korea, what is known as Tae Kwon Do was largely derived from these Japanese and Okinawan styles.  The name was chosen in 1955 to define the unique Korean style that continues to evolve today.

About Sensei Carol Middleton
Sensei Middleton began training in martial arts and self defense in 1968.  Her most influential instructors were Grandmasters Jack Hwang, Sang Kee Paik, and Ki Whang Kim.  She holds a seventh degree black belt and continues to train actively.  She has also studied Aikido, Kung Fu, Judo, Tai Chi, and Krav Maga.  An expert in self defense, Sensei Middleton has worked with hundreds of area organizations, such as the DC Rape Crisis Center, and has trained self-defense instructors for various national and international programs.  She founded IMPACT International and DC IMPACT, a full force self-defense program. She also founded Krav Maga DC in 2001, offering yet another option for defensive tactics training.