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 New England Academy of Gymnastics (NEAG) is the perfect place for your little gymnast to level up their skills and make new friends this summer! With a 14,000 square foot facility that boasts both men’s and women’s Olympic equipment and plenty of training systems for each event, NEAG has everything your child needs to reach their goals. No matter what level of experience your child has, from beginner to advanced, NEAG has something to offer them.

Enrolling your growing child in martial arts classes is a great way to help them develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, and social skills. The structured classes are designed to help kids reach their full potential through positive reinforcement and guidance. Allowing your kids to learn self-defense, build confidence, and get in shape will give them the tools they need to succeed in life. Sign up for martial arts classes now to give your child the best chance for a successful future!


Is your child eager to try something new and exciting? The Martial Arts Zone in Manchester, NH offers Kids Martial Arts classes for children of all ages. Our classes are designed to strengthen and build your child’s physical and mental capabilities, while having fun with martial arts exercises. Our expert black belt instructors will help your child build self-defense skills and develop character-building exercises like self-respect and respect for others. With our innovative curriculum, your child will learn what it takes to be successful while having a blast in the process.

Leigh Rossi is a highly-qualified martial arts instructor with a wealth of experience. She holds a 7th Degree Black Belt under Dave Castoldi, a 5th Degree in Small Circle Jujitsu from Professor Wally Jay, a 5th Degree Black Belt from Jujitsu America, a 4th Degree Black Belt and life member of the United States Martial Arts Association, a 5th Degree Black Belt with Kitoshakai International, and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo. Leigh has been studying and teaching the martial arts since 1978, and is a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor and Spontaneous Knife Defense Instructor for law enforcement and security professionals through PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics), now known as Human Factors Research Group/Warrior Science Group. With her impressive credentials, Leigh Rossi is an ideal mentor for any aspiring martial artist.