Core Taekwondo: San Mateo Martial Arts School

Core Taekwondo was founded in 2012 by Meggie Presti. Core Taekwondo emphasizes traditional, time-tested, techniques and teaches them through a variety of innovative and modern instructional practices. Core Taekwondo is a certified WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) Taekwondo school.


Founded by a former elementary school teacher and certified black belt instructor, the backbone of Core Taekwondo is it’s step by step curriculum. Core Taekwondo uses a mastery approach to it’s instruction. Students gain confidence as they master their level based techniques and move on to the next belt.


Core Taekwondo is centered around the philosophy that the brain is the strongest “muscle” in the body, and that a martial artist should think before they act. This concept is reflected in teaching and testing practices. Everything taught at Core has been carefully thought out to provide students with benefits beyond the obvious.

Examples include:


Forms (poomsae) – A traditional pattern of movements that simulate one half of a fight. Forms build muscle memory for blocking and striking sequencing as well as cognitive memory, and sequencing.


Stretching – Students are tested over the proper way to stretch and warm up. By placing emphasis on this skill, students learn the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and have a foundation that transcends Taekwondo.


One-Step-Sparring – A system of self defense that helps students understand the application for blocking and striking techniques as well as the application of Forms.


Core Taekwondo also offers specialized classes in Self Defense for adults. These classes focus on equipping students with real and useful techniques as well as the street smarts needed to avoid conflict situations.