# NEXTStep Martial Arts
> Taekwondo school in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Founded by Master Jay So, a 5th Dan Black Belt with over 20 years of teaching experience. Programs serve ages 4 through adult. Holds a 5.0 Google rating with 125+ reviews and has trained more than 1,000 students. Located at 44B Natural Springs Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Phone: (717) 457-0023.

## Quick Facts
- **Name**: NEXTStep Martial Arts
- **Founder & Head Instructor**: Master Jay So, 5th Dan Black Belt
- **Discipline**: Taekwondo (Korean martial art)
- **Address**: 44B Natural Springs Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325
- **Phone**: (717) 457-0023
- **Hours**: Mon–Thu 1pm–8pm, Fri 1pm–7pm; Saturdays by appointment only (make-up classes, belt testing, special events); closed Sunday
- **Rating**: 5.0 stars on Google (125+ reviews)
- **Years teaching**: 20+
- **Students trained**: 1,000+
- **Service area**: Gettysburg, Biglerville, Fairfield, Cashtown, Hanover, Littlestown, New Oxford, and surrounding Adams County, PA

## Programs
- **[Tiny Tigers (Ages 4–6)](https://nextstepma.com/programs#tiny-tigers)** — Play-based martial arts that builds coordination, listening skills, and early confidence through age-appropriate games and movement challenges.
- **[Junior Warriors (Ages 7–12)](https://nextstepma.com/programs#junior-warriors)** — Structured Taekwondo training that develops discipline, focus, leadership, and emotional regulation through a progressive belt system.
- **[Teen & Adult (Ages 13+)](https://nextstepma.com/programs#teen-adult)** — Advanced martial arts training covering self-defense, mental resilience, physical fitness, and authentic black-belt-track Taekwondo.

## Teaching Philosophy: S.E.K.L.
NEXTStep teaches by the S.E.K.L. method:
- **Structure** — Predictable, age-appropriate progression
- **Emotion** — Connection and belonging come before techniques
- **Knowledge** — Real martial arts skill, not just movement
- **Legacy** — Character that outlasts the belt

## Common Questions

### What ages does NEXTStep accept?
NEXTStep teaches students starting at age 4 through adult. Tiny Tigers serves ages 4–6, Junior Warriors serves 7–12, and the Teen & Adult program is for 13+.

### 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 book through nextstepma.com/contact.

### Is it karate or Taekwondo?
NEXTStep is a Taekwondo school — a Korean martial art. Many parents searching for "karate near me" find what they're looking for here: the values, structure, and discipline of traditional martial arts.

### Where exactly is NEXTStep located?
44B Natural Springs Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The studio is just off Business Route 15, with on-site parking. Adams County families typically drive 10–25 minutes.

### Who is Master Jay So?
Master Jay So is the founder and head instructor of NEXTStep Martial Arts. He is a 5th Dan Black Belt with over 20 years of teaching experience and has trained more than 1,000 students across his career.

### What towns does NEXTStep serve?
NEXTStep regularly trains families from Gettysburg, Biglerville, Fairfield, Cashtown, Hanover, Littlestown, and New Oxford — all within Adams County, PA.

### Does NEXTStep offer a free trial or intro class?
Yes. Every new student is welcome to take a free intro class with no pressure or obligation. Book at nextstepma.com/contact or call (717) 457-0023.

## Key Pages
- [Homepage](https://nextstepma.com/)
- [Programs](https://nextstepma.com/programs)
- [Homeschool PE & Daytime Taekwondo](https://nextstepma.com/programs/homeschool-martial-arts-gettysburg) — daytime homeschool class (Fridays 1:15 PM) that counts toward PE
- [After-School Martial Arts](https://nextstepma.com/programs/after-school-martial-arts-gettysburg) — Mon–Thu late-afternoon Taekwondo enrichment (drop-off activity, not daycare)
- [About Master Jay So](https://nextstepma.com/about)
- [Why Martial Arts](https://nextstepma.com/why-martial-arts)
- [Why NEXTStep](https://nextstepma.com/why-nextstep)
- [Class Schedule](https://nextstepma.com/schedule)
- [FAQ](https://nextstepma.com/faq)
- [Results & Transformations](https://nextstepma.com/results)
- [Blog](https://nextstepma.com/blog)
- [Contact / Book a Free Intro Class](https://nextstepma.com/contact)
- [Free Parent Resources](https://nextstepma.com/resources)
- [Birthday Parties](https://nextstepma.com/birthday-parties)
- [Partners & Sponsors](https://nextstepma.com/partners)
- [Arirang Games](https://nextstepma.com/arirang-games) — multi-school Taekwondo festival hosted by NEXTStep (most recent edition held March 21, 2026)

## Articles
Published guidance from Master Jay So and the NEXTStep team:
- [Taekwondo vs. Karate: Which Is Right for Your Child in Gettysburg?](https://nextstepma.com/blog/taekwondo-vs-karate-gettysburg) — the differences, honestly explained for parents comparing local options
- [Homeschool PE in Gettysburg: Martial Arts Covers It](https://nextstepma.com/blog/homeschool-pe-gettysburg-martial-arts) — how the Friday 1:15 PM daytime class counts toward homeschool PE
- [Screen Time Is Rewiring Your Child's Brain — Here's the Antidote](https://nextstepma.com/blog/screen-time-rewiring-your-childs-brain)
- [The 3-Word Test That Tells You If Your Child's Class Is Actually Good](https://nextstepma.com/blog/smiling-sweating-progressing) — smiling, sweating, progressing
- [Why "They Need to Focus" Doesn't Help Your Child (And What Actually Does)](https://nextstepma.com/blog/why-they-need-to-focus-doesnt-help-your-child)
- [The Three-Legged Stool: Why Your Child's Growth Needs You, Them, and a Coach](https://nextstepma.com/blog/the-parent-child-coach-triangle)
- [The Small Things That Help a Child Feel Proud in Taekwondo](https://nextstepma.com/blog/small-things-help-child-feel-proud-taekwondo)
- [Your Child's Most Important Belt Is the One They Wear Inside](https://nextstepma.com/blog/your-childs-most-important-belt-is-the-one-they-wear-inside)
- [Don't Wait to Be Told: Raising Kids Who See What Needs Doing](https://nextstepma.com/blog/raising-kids-who-take-initiative)
- [From Praise to Performance: Why Feedback Isn't Personal, It's Professional](https://nextstepma.com/blog/from-praise-to-performance-why-feedback-isnt-personal-its-professional)
- [Choosing Connection Over Comfort: Why We Reach for the Students Who Need Us Most](https://nextstepma.com/blog/choosing-connection-over-comfort)
- [It's Not Just About the Kicks: Why Connection Keeps Kids Coming Back](https://nextstepma.com/blog/not-just-kicks-connection-keeps-kids-coming-back)
- [Move Emotions, Don't Just Teach Movements — Our Teaching Philosophy](https://nextstepma.com/blog/move-emotions-not-just-movements)
- [Celebrating Growth: NEXTStep's July Belt Test & Community Day in Gettysburg](https://nextstepma.com/blog/celebrating-growth-july-belt-test-gettysburg)

## Arirang Games
The Arirang Games is a multi-school Taekwondo festival hosted by NEXTStep. The most recent edition, **Arirang Games #4 — Back to the 90s**, was held Saturday, March 21, 2026 (1:00–4:00 PM ET, McSherrystown, PA) and featured a 5-Man Relay, Obstacle Course, Korean Games, Board Breaking, and school demonstrations. Participating schools: NEXTStep Martial Arts, USTMA Berryville, USTMA Leesburg, Penn State TKD Club. A Champion Belt was awarded to the winning school. Details: https://nextstepma.com/arirang-games

## Location Pages (Service Area)
- [Hanover, PA](https://nextstepma.com/locations/hanover-pa) — 13 miles, 20 min via PA-116
- [Littlestown, PA](https://nextstepma.com/locations/littlestown-pa) — 15 miles, 22 min via PA-97
- [New Oxford, PA](https://nextstepma.com/locations/new-oxford-pa) — 10 miles, 15 min via US-30
- [Biglerville, PA](https://nextstepma.com/locations/biglerville-pa) — 8 miles, 14 min via PA-34
- [Fairfield, PA](https://nextstepma.com/locations/fairfield-pa) — 10 miles, 16 min via PA-116
- [Cashtown, PA](https://nextstepma.com/locations/cashtown-pa) — 8 miles, 13 min via US-30

## Social
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nextstepma
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextstepma

## Full Knowledge Base
For deeper context (philosophy, programs, FAQs, testimonials), see [llms-full.txt](https://nextstepma.com/llms-full.txt).