About Us

DENDA Academy of Martial Arts is the premier martial arts school in Utah.
Formally  Kim’s Academy of Taekwondo of  Sandy which was voted “Best Martial Arts School in Utah” for 2009, 2010 & 2011. With a recent name change from Kim’s Academy of Taekwondo in Sandy to DENDA Academy of Martial Arts, we are more committed than ever to teach kids and adults to better themselves. We are bringing our expertise of true self growth and self development through the practice of Martial Arts. Our school was established 17 years ago in Sandy in the same location as it exists today.

The meaning of the name: DENDA is a Korean word meaning, “to become.” Our
award winning program is based on strategies and curriculum that inspires and challenges students to “BECOME.”

“BECOME” ASSERTIVE..

Students learn to project their voice and stand up for themselves and develop MIGHT FOR RIGHT!

“BECOME” A LEADER..

We teach and encourage students to LOOK like a leader and SOUND like a leader so that people see you as a leader.

“BECOME” CONFIDENT..

Students learn to challenge themselves to be the best they can be in all they do. To gain true confidence through knowledge in the mind, strength in the body, and honesty in the heart.  A confident child will become an unstoppable adult! Will you rise to the challenge?

“BECOME” FOCUSED..

At Denda Academy of Martial Arts we help students learn to listen to instructions and concentrate on the task at hand. This type of training helps students  study harder and stay focused on their path to excellence!

“BECOME” RESPECTFUL..

Showing respect to others, especially parent and those that are raising us is a great attribute of a martial artist. Students learn to say, “Yes Sir/Ma’am” to adults and make good eye contact with those speaking to them.

“BECOME” OBEDIENT..

One of the best life skills students learn at DENDA Academy of Martial Arts is the skill of listening the first time one is asked to do a task. Whether it’s being asked to clean your room, do your homework, turn off the T.V., or come to dinner, students are required to be obedient at home and at school.

“BECOME” AWARE..

One of the best ways for students to stay safe is to develop a keen sense of awareness. As we always say, “If you don’t pay attention, you’ll never see it coming!”  Students learn to  be alert and know surroundings…where they are and who is around them. It is an essential part of our bully prevention program as well.

“BECOME” BULLY PROOF..

DENDA Academy of Martial Arts students have a unique opportunity to learn a verbal self defense program called Verbal Judo. Verbal Judo has been taught to over 1 million police officers world wide on how to deal with verbal conflict resolution. We were the first martial arts school in Utah to be licensed to teach this cutting edge program for kids.