Gettysburg's highest-rated martial arts school — where shy kids become confident leaders.
Most karate and Taekwondo schools teach kicks. We teach kids what options they have when they're angry, frustrated, or scared. Here's exactly what makes NEXTStep different.
See If We're a Good FitFree trial · No contracts · No pressureFour Pillars. One Transformation.
Every class at NEXTStep is built around four principles that develop the whole child — not just their kicks.
Structure
Consistent routines that turn scattered kids into focused ones — in class and at home.
Emotion
Most places say "calm down." We teach kids what to actually DO when they're angry — giving them real options instead of just rules.
Knowledge
Belt progressions tied to real life skills: honesty, respect, self-discipline.
Legacy
Over 20 years of dedicated teaching your child benefits from the moment they walk in.
Don't Take Our Word For It
"Next Step has been such a blessing for our family. Since my daughter started last October, I've seen her confidence grow in ways I never imagined."
5-star verified Google review
"Master Jay is the kind of instructor every parent hopes to find for their child. He cares deeply about his students, teaches with energy and patience."
5-star verified Google review
"The instructors care about each student's growth. It's been amazing to watch Ryan's confidence grow over the years!"
5-star verified Google review
We've Seen This Before
Every child who walks in is different. Here's what we see happen — again and again.
The Quiet One
A 7-year-old who wouldn't make eye contact on her first day. Her mom wasn't sure she'd last a month. Eighteen months later, she was standing at the front of the room leading warm-ups while the instructor watched from the back.
The Angry One
A 9-year-old with a temper that worried his parents. They expected us to teach him control. What we actually gave him was options — when you're angry, here's what you can do. The outbursts got fewer. Eventually, so did the calls from school.
The Quitter
A 6-year-old who had tried soccer, gymnastics, and swimming — and quit all three within a month. He earned his first stripe six weeks in. When he held it up to show his parents, his mom cried.
Your Child Doesn't Just Learn Here. They Become a Leader.
Our students don't age out — they level up.
From the Back to the Front
She used to hide in the back row every class. Now she volunteers to lead honesty discussions with younger kids — without being asked.
Started at age 9, now leads at 14
Finding Her Voice
She wouldn't talk to anyone — not even one-on-one. Surrounded by peers her age in our leadership track, she started opening up. Now she holds full conversations and mentors new students.
Started at age 7, now mentors at 12
Three Months Changed Everything
Uncoordinated. Emotional. Stubborn. Once she got stuck, she'd stop. Then something clicked. Three months later, every instructor independently ranked her number one.
Started struggling, now unanimously voted top performer
“Imagine your 13-year-old standing in front of other studio instructors and saying, 'Everybody, groups of three now!' I sure could not do that when I was that age.”
— Master Jay
Not All Martial Arts Are Created Equal
Typical Martial Arts
NEXTStep
20+ Years. One Mission.
Master Jay started martial arts as a shy kid who struggled to make eye contact. That transformation shaped everything he teaches today. For over 20 years, he's trained children in Gettysburg not just to defend themselves — but to lead, communicate, and believe in themselves. He didn't just want his fifth degree. He wanted to earn it. That's the standard every student inherits.
When your child walks in, they inherit that same dedication.
Ready to See the Difference?
Come in for a free karate and Taekwondo trial class in Gettysburg. No contracts, no pressure — just bring your child and see what NEXTStep is all about.
Book Your Free TrialTakes 2 minutes · Completely free