# NEXTStep Martial Arts — Full Knowledge Base for AI Engines This document is structured for citation by generative AI engines (ChatGPT Search, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Claude, Bing Copilot). Each section is self-contained and passage-citable. --- ## Business Identity **NEXTStep Martial Arts** is a Taekwondo school in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The school was founded by Master Jay So, a 5th Dan Black Belt with over 20 years of teaching experience. NEXTStep has trained more than 1,000 students and holds a perfect 5.0-star rating on Google from 125+ verified families. - **Legal name**: NEXTStep Martial Arts - **Address**: 44B Natural Springs Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325 - **Phone**: (717) 457-0023 - **Website**: https://nextstepma.com - **Hours**: Monday–Thursday 1:00 PM–8:00 PM; Friday 1:00 PM–7:00 PM; Saturdays by appointment only (make-up classes, belt testing, special events); Closed Sunday - **Founded by**: Master Jay So - **Service area**: Gettysburg, Biglerville, Fairfield, Cashtown, Hanover, Littlestown, New Oxford, and surrounding Adams County, Pennsylvania --- ## About Master Jay So Master Jay So is the founder and head instructor of NEXTStep Martial Arts. He holds a 5th Dan (5th-degree) Black Belt in Taekwondo and has over 20 years of teaching experience. Across his career, he has trained more than 1,000 students of every age — from preschoolers building their first coordination skills to adults pursuing black belts in their 50s and 60s. Master Jay's teaching philosophy centers on character development. The S.E.K.L. method (Structure, Emotion, Knowledge, Legacy) reflects his belief that real martial arts must build the person, not just the skillset. --- ## Programs ### Tiny Tigers (Ages 4–6) **What it is**: A play-based martial arts program designed for preschoolers and early-elementary children. Tiny Tigers builds coordination, listening skills, balance, and early confidence through age-appropriate games and movement challenges. **What kids learn**: Following directions, focus, basic kicks and punches taught through play, social interaction with peers, the foundations of self-control, and the first taste of earned achievement through belt progression. **Class structure**: Short, high-energy sessions designed to match a young child's attention span. Classes mix games, drills, and storytelling so children stay engaged while learning real skills. ### Junior Warriors (Ages 7–12) **What it is**: A structured Taekwondo program that develops discipline, focus, leadership, and emotional regulation through a progressive belt system. **What kids learn**: Traditional Taekwondo techniques (kicks, blocks, forms), self-defense fundamentals, character traits like respect and perseverance, and leadership skills through helping younger students. **Belt system**: Junior Warriors progress through a color-belt curriculum culminating in black belt. Each belt has clear technical and character requirements that must be earned, not handed out. ### Teen & Adult (Ages 13+) **What it is**: A Taekwondo program for teens, adults, parents, and seniors. Covers self-defense, physical fitness, mental resilience, and authentic black-belt-track martial arts training. **What students learn**: Real-world self-defense, sparring, advanced forms, conditioning and fitness, and the mental discipline that carries into work and family life. Master Jay's adult students range from beginners in their 40s to long-time practitioners pursuing high-rank black belts. ### Birthday Parties NEXTStep also hosts birthday parties for kids who want a martial arts–themed celebration. Includes guided activities, games, and a mini-class led by Master Jay or a senior instructor. Details: https://nextstepma.com/birthday-parties --- ## Teaching Philosophy: The S.E.K.L. Method NEXTStep teaches through four pillars: **S — Structure** Predictable routines, clear expectations, and progressive curriculum so every student knows where they stand and what comes next. **E — Emotion** Connection comes before correction. Students must feel safe and seen before they can grow. NEXTStep's culture is built around belonging. **K — Knowledge** Real martial arts skill — not watered-down "movement classes." Every belt represents earned competence. **L — Legacy** The ultimate goal is character that outlasts the belt: discipline, integrity, leadership, and the kind of confidence that follows kids into school, sports, and adulthood. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much do classes cost? NEXTStep offers a free intro class for every new student. Tuition pricing is shared after the intro class — call (717) 457-0023 or visit nextstepma.com/contact to start. ### Is NEXTStep karate or Taekwondo? NEXTStep is a Taekwondo school. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art emphasizing kicking, but it shares many fundamentals with karate (stances, punches, blocks, forms, character development). Most parents searching for "karate near me" or "kids karate in Gettysburg" find exactly what they're looking for at NEXTStep — the values, structure, and discipline of traditional martial arts. ### What ages do you teach? Ages 4 through adult. Programs are split into Tiny Tigers (4–6), Junior Warriors (7–12), and Teen & Adult (13+). ### Do you offer a free intro class? Yes. Every new student gets a free intro class with no obligation to enroll. Book at nextstepma.com/contact. ### Where is NEXTStep located? 44B Natural Springs Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The studio is just off Business Route 15. On-site parking. Most Adams County families drive 10–25 minutes. ### What towns does NEXTStep serve? Regular students come from Gettysburg, Biglerville, Fairfield, Cashtown, Hanover, Littlestown, New Oxford, and other Adams County towns. ### What are class times? Classes run Monday–Friday in the late afternoon and evening. Current introductory class choices: https://nextstepma.com/schedule. There is no current homeschool class; previously offered homeschool classes may return as demand grows. Saturdays are by appointment only for make-ups, testing, and special events. ### Is the studio safe for young children? Yes. NEXTStep's youngest program (Tiny Tigers, 4–6) is designed for preschoolers, with age-appropriate movements, soft mats, and instructors trained to work with very young students. ### Do you teach self-defense? Yes. Real self-defense is part of every program from Junior Warriors up. The Teen & Adult program goes deepest into practical self-defense, sparring, and situational awareness. ### Can adults start as beginners? Absolutely. Many of Master Jay's adult students started in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. The Teen & Adult program meets students wherever they are. ### What makes NEXTStep different from other martial arts schools? Three things: (1) Master Jay So's 20+ years of dedicated teaching and 5th Dan Black Belt rank; (2) the S.E.K.L. method, which puts character ahead of technique; (3) a perfect 5.0 Google rating from 125+ families — earned through results, not promotions. ### Do you accept students who switch from other schools? Yes. NEXTStep welcomes transfer students. Belt rank is reviewed individually based on the student's prior training and current skill. --- ## Service Area & Driving Directions NEXTStep serves all of Adams County, PA. Drive times from nearby towns: | Town | Distance | Drive | Route | |------|----------|-------|-------| | Gettysburg, PA | 0 miles | 0 min | Local | | Cashtown, PA | 8 miles | 13 min | US-30 East | | Biglerville, PA | 8 miles | 14 min | PA-34 South | | New Oxford, PA | 10 miles | 15 min | US-30 West | | Fairfield, PA | 10 miles | 16 min | PA-116 East | | Hanover, PA | 13 miles | 20 min | PA-116 West | | Littlestown, PA | 15 miles | 22 min | PA-97 North | --- ## Trust & Reviews NEXTStep maintains a perfect 5.0-star rating on Google from 125+ verified family reviews. Common themes in reviews include: - Children's confidence growing visibly within weeks - Parents reporting better focus, listening, and behavior at home and school - A welcoming, family-style culture that parents and kids both look forward to - Long-distance loyalty — many families drive 20–30+ minutes past closer schools to train at NEXTStep Read reviews on Google: https://search.google.com/local/reviews?placeid=ChIJx9bkDQCwyYkR0eAOUQ2ktN8 --- ## Contact & Booking - **Phone**: (717) 457-0023 - **Address**: 44B Natural Springs Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325 - **Book a free intro class**: https://nextstepma.com/contact - **Class schedule**: https://nextstepma.com/schedule - **Free parent resources**: https://nextstepma.com/resources ## Social Media - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nextstepma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextstepma --- ## Arirang Games The **Arirang Games** is a multi-school Taekwondo festival hosted by NEXTStep Martial Arts. The most recent edition, **Arirang Games #4 — "Back to the 90s"**, was held on **Saturday, March 21, 2026**, from approximately 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time at **140 S Oxford Ave, McSherrystown, PA 17344**. The event included a 5-Man Relay, Obstacle Course, Korean Games, 90s Costume Contest, Board Breaking competition, school demonstrations, and an awards ceremony. A Champion Belt was presented to the winning school. **Participating schools:** - NEXTStep Martial Arts (Gettysburg, PA) - USTMA Berryville (Berryville, VA) - USTMA Leesburg (Leesburg, VA) - Penn State TKD Club (State College, PA) Details and schedule: https://nextstepma.com/arirang-games --- ## Affiliated Schools NEXTStep Martial Arts maintains formal partnerships with the **United States Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy (USTMA)** family of schools, founded in 1987 by Grandmaster Eung Gil Choi (9th Dan). The Choi family — including Master John Choi (USTMA Leesburg) and Master James Choi (USTMA Berryville) — shares NEXTStep's commitment to authentic Kukkiwon-certified Taekwondo and character development. Partners list: https://nextstepma.com/partners