Olympic-style Taekwondo for toddlers, kids, and adults — at Sarasota's only nonprofit martial arts studio, where every belt is earned and no child is turned away for financial reasons.
We use Taekwondo as a vehicle for something bigger: kindness, confidence, respect, and the kind of self-discipline that follows a kid well past the dojang doors. Nothing here is handed out — every stripe and every belt is earned through real work and real perseverance.
"A four-year-old's restless energy, redirected, looks a lot like focus."
Ninja Squad Athletics is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, built around one belief: every child deserves a shot at martial arts, regardless of what their family can afford. We want to help every student find their inner warrior — and have a genuinely good time doing it.
A 4th-degree black belt and certified personal trainer who has trained with respected instructors around the world. He's here to push students toward their limits — and past them.
Financial assistance is available. Reach out directly at info@ninjasquadathletics.com or (941) 402-8833.
Founder Denise Nerland-Shinsato enrolled her son Cooper in Taekwondo as a rambunctious four-year-old. Within two years, she watched him earn his black belt — and more importantly, find a sense of purpose. The energy that once sparked sibling squabbles got channeled into training instead.
She and Master Rutland saw the same need everywhere: families who wanted this for their kids but couldn't afford it. So they built a school around earning, not paying, your way forward — and Ninja Squad Athletics grew from that one garage into a full nonprofit studio serving Sarasota.
From a toddler's first bow to an adult's first sparring match, every program follows the same Olympic-style Taekwondo curriculum.
An introductory program for toddlers, built around coordination, listening skills, and short bursts of focused movement.
White Belt StartOur core youth program — sparring, forms, and belt promotions that build confidence one earned rank at a time.
Most PopularMonday and Wednesday evening classes for adults who want real fitness, real technique, and a real challenge.
Mon & WedA 10–11am session on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, designed to fit a homeschool family's daytime schedule.
Mon / Wed / FriClasses run for toddlers, kids, and adults throughout the week. Check the full board for exact class-by-class times, or use the highlights below to get oriented.
New students get a full week of beginner classes, on us — as many as you can fit in. It's the easiest way to see if Taekwondo clicks, and to talk through next steps with our instructors face to face.
Ask us about available scholarships — for new students only.
Competition team members take the mat at least once a year. Perfect practice is the whole point — here's where this year's team is headed.
Every Taegeuk form sits at a specific point on the journey to black belt, with each new pattern layering on harder stances, strikes, and combinations.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar you give goes straight toward training, competition fees, and safety gear for athletes who couldn't otherwise afford to step on the mat. Donations are tax-deductible.
Thank you, from our whole staff and every kid in a dobok.
