In the wild and wonderful world of New Hampshire, a land of endless forests, majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, and frosty winters, a group of extraordinary kids known as the "Taekwondo Tornadoes" train in the ancient martial art of Taekwondo. These kids are as diverse as New Hampshire's seasons, each one unique, yet united by their shared passion. The leader of this karate-chopping, high-kicking crew is none other than Tommy 'Twister' Thompson. With a mop of curly hair as wild as the White Mountain National Forest and a spirit as fiery as the sunsets over Lake Winnipesaukee, Twister is as New Hampshire as maple syrup and moose sightings. He can split a stack of boards as easily as splitting logs for a winter fire. He's so quick on his feet, he could outrun a racing chipmunk on Mt. Washington. And when he belts out a 'Kihap!' (that's a Taekwondo yell), even the Old Man of the Mountain would have clapped his rocky hands in approval... if he still had hands, of course. Yet, the Taekwondo Tornadoes aren't just about flying fists and twirling kicks. Oh no, these Granite State kids know that Taekwondo is about discipline, respect, and helping others. They shovel snow for elderly neighbors, they pick up litter in the forests, and they even host an annual pancake flip-off to raise money for local charities. So, if you ever find yourself in New Hampshire, listen for the sound of a 'Kihap!' echoing through the trees. It just might be the Taekwondo Tornadoes, showing that the spirit of New Hampshire is not just in the landscape, but in the hearts of its kids too.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Central Tae Kwon Do offers classes for both youths and adults, so no matter your age, you can explore the potential of this martial arts system. If you're curious, why not come down and check out a class to see if it's the right fit for you? You can even give it a try for free! And if you need a helping hand, an experienced student can show you the ropes. At Central Tae Kwon Do, we believe that Tae Kwon Do is an effective and energizing system that can help you learn valuable self-defense skills and provide a great way to get in shape. With classes available for all ages, it's easy to see why so many are taking the plunge and joining us. So why not take the plunge and see what Tae Kwon Do can do for you? Once you do, you're sure to be hooked!
Nick Savery opened the Meikyo Dojo in January of 2013, to share his passion for Kyokushin Karate with the community of Hudson, NH. Kyokushin is a traditional form of karate that originated in Japan and emphasizes full-contact sparring and self-development. At Meikyo Dojo, we strive to build a strong sense of community around the discipline and self-improvement that comes with traditional karate. The name Meikyo means “a brightly polished mirror,” or “mirror of the soul.” It is believed that karate is a way to continuously polish our techniques and ourselves, gradually improving both body and mind. The word Dojo translates to “training hall” – at Meikyo Dojo, we are committed to providing a supportive and safe environment to train in traditional karate.