Buckingham’s ATA Black Belt Academy has been teaching Taekwondo since 1989 coaching students of all ages achieve their goals of discipline, focus and leadership.
Mr. and Mrs. Buckingham are both certified by the American Taekwondo Association and teach pressure points, knife defense, as well as single, double and combat Bahng Mahng Ee, Ssahng Jeol Bong, Ssahng Nat, Jahng Bong, Traditional Korean Sword, and SHARP (Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention). They use this training to empower their students and offer self-defense seminars that target specific needs to colleges, businesses, sport teams or women’s groups when asked.
The Karate for Kids and Tiny Tigers programs are the instructional programs for teaching children Martial Arts. By using these programs, we can allow a variety of class times for all students ranging in ages from 4 to 60+. This also means that by being a full time school with a flexible program we can separate ages and ranks allowing for each individual to learn at his or her own pace while also offering weapons and sparring, or self-defense training at the advanced levels of training.
Our unique punch card system includes the Foundation Program with 45 classes, or upgrade to the Leadership Program with 145 classes or Instructor Program with 300 classes. The punch card program and flexibility of schedule encourages students to attend classes as their schedule allows (most come to class 2 times a week). No worries about vacation, illness, or South Dakota weather as its easy and convenient to make up classes. Any classes not used during the time of the membership still belong to the student and can still be used.
If this is what you are looking for yourself or your child, please contact us to let us know how we can help you by calling and leaving a message or emailing us.
Monday and Wednesday @ 4:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday @ 5:30 PM
Monday and Wednesday @ 4:30 PM
Tuesday and Thursday @ 6:00 PM
Monday and Wednesday @ 5:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:15 PM
Monday and Wednesday @ 5:45 PM
Tuesday and Thursday @ 6:30 PM
Monday and Wednesday starting @ 6:30 PM
Tuesday and Thursday starting @ 4:45 PM
Monday and Wednesday @ 7:30 PM
Tuesday and Thursday @ 4:00 PM
Mrs. B is Certified by the American Taekwondo Association and annually attends certification camps to stay current. Mrs. B truly enjoys being able to make a difference in people’s lives. "Martial Arts is my job and my students are not a hobby.”
Prior to owning the Taekwondo School Mrs. B ran a day care business which was city and state licensed. She has always been interested in the needs and lives of children and the day care business allowed her to be a stay at home mom.
Currently Mrs. Buckingham serves on the board for South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures, in cooperation with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. This is a program to assist youth and families to achieve their outdoor goals of hunting, fishing, and archery. She was recently on the board for Passages for Women a faith-based program to assist women with the transition of prison to home.
In the past Mrs. Buckingham was in Rotary and Story Book Island was a main part of her volunteer work. Serving as a program chair for 3 years. She served on the following committees: The Sister City Exchange committee, the 9th Grade Academy committee and, a Story Book Island Board Member.
Mrs. B likes to camp, hunt, fish, and thanks the LORD every day for the opportunity to do so with friends and family!
Mr. Buckingham became interested in the Martial Arts while working in Law Enforcement during and after graduating from college. He joined the American Taekwondo Association in 1984 after trying several other styles and organizations and is a Certified Instructor and International Judge. He has a BS in Criminal Justice, an MBA and has a Master of Corporate Real Estate with an emphasis in Work Place Design.
In the past he has served on the Rapid City School Board and was a State Legislator in Pierre. Currently he serves on the Board for the South Dakota Children’s Home Foundation. He has also taught Business Finance at a local University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time out of doors.
I have been thoroughly impressed with the instruction that our two kids have received at Buckingham’s. Our kids love the classes and Mrs. B has does a great job of coaching them as they have worked up through various belts. Cannot recommend them highly enough!
Lyn W.