A Healthier, Stronger You — Right Here in Juniata County
Discover martial arts as a path to health, vitality, and inner strength. ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do classes for ages 7–70, all experience levels welcome. Train body and mind in the peaceful surroundings of Gita Valley.
Choose Your Training Path
Schedule Your First Class
Cultivate Discipline Daily
Our Training Program
Expert Instruction for Every Level
Explore the art of ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do — a Korean martial art rooted in courtesy, discipline, and indomitable spirit. Whether you are a beginner or a returning practitioner, our classes build real skills and lasting character.
Strength, Balance & Flexibility
Build a stronger, more agile body through progressive techniques that improve fitness at any age.
Discipline, Focus & Mental Clarity
Sharpen your concentration and develop the mental toughness that carries over into every area of life.
Character, Confidence & Leadership
Martial arts training builds integrity and self-control — qualities that make great practitioners and great people.
Our Story, Your Journey
Martial Arts that Transform Body, Mind & Character
Bala-ram School of Self-Defense brings the teachings of Grand Master Young's ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do to Juniata County. We offer structured classes rooted in timeless values — courtesy, integrity, perseverance, and self-control — in the peaceful, nature-filled setting of Gita Valley. Open to all ages and all experience levels.
A Welcoming Community for All Ages
From curious beginners to dedicated practitioners, ages 7 to 70 are welcome. Train alongside a supportive community that lifts each other up and grows together.
Traditional Training, Real Results
ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do builds genuine strength, flexibility, and self-defense skills through consistent, progressive practice — rooted in a proud martial arts lineage.
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Experience
Why Train With Us
Experience Excellence in Martial Arts
Train with a certified ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do instructor affiliated with the CTF (ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do Federation). Our classes blend authentic martial arts training with a nurturing atmosphere set amid the natural beauty of Gita Valley — classes for ages 7–70, all levels welcome.
Tae Kwon Do for Every Body
From kids building foundational skills to adults rediscovering fitness, our classes meet you where you are and grow with you — physically, mentally, and in character.
Character & Self-Defense Training
We develop not just physical skills but the values and discipline that make our students exemplary members of their families and communities — the hallmark of true martial arts.
About Us
Head Instructor
Surapal Krysiak
In the mid-1970s, as a teenager, he established his own Shotokan Karate school in his hometown in Poland, teaching more than 100 students over a few years. He later switched to Kyokushinkai Karate, a full-contact style that had become available in his city.
After graduating from Mining Engineering College, he left his parental home and joined the Hare Krishna monastery in 1980. For many years, he did not practice martial arts, being absorbed in spiritual practice and missionary work — until 2002, when he resumed training in Las Vegas. There, he achieved a Brown Belt in Aiki-Jitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate under the expert guidance of a 7th Dan master from Okinawa. The demands of his federal job eventually prevented him from continuing.
In 2018, inspired again to care for his aging body, he began training in ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art. Under the excellent guidance of Grand Master Young — a 9th Dan Black Belt and Hall of Fame teacher — he regained his skills and had his previous rank recognized. In 2019 he was awarded a Red Belt (equivalent to his Brown Belt in Japanese school). In 2023 he achieved 2nd Dan Black Belt in ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do and is preparing for his 3rd Dan test this year.
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Experience
His aspiration is to extend Grand Master Young’s teachings through the Bala-Ram School of Self-Defense, making it an official affiliate of the ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do Federation. Through regular attendance and dedicated practice, students may become eligible for official examinations before the authorized Board of Masters of the ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do Federation (CTF).
“The instructor's patience and depth of knowledge make every class both challenging and rewarding. My nephew and niece love it too!” - Chris (Student, 32)
Testimonials
What Students Say
"I never thought I would practice martial arts at my age, but this community made it feel completely natural. I am so glad I started." - Krishna-Mayi (Student, 57)
"Each session deepens my connection to mind and body. It’s more than just Tae Kwon Do—it’s a lifestyle that supports well-being and balance. " - Aghari (Student, 36)
“The instructor's patience and depth of knowledge make every class both challenging and rewarding. My nephew and niece love it too!” - Chris (Student, 32)
Martial Arts Insights
The Way of ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do
What Is ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do?
Discover the history, philosophy, and unique qualities of the martial art practiced at Bala-ram School of Self-Defense in Juniata County.
Tae Kwon Do for Mental Clarity
Learn how structured martial arts training sharpens focus, reduces stress, and improves overall mental well-being at any age.
The Meaning Behind Belt Progression
Each rank in Tae Kwon Do reflects real growth in skill, character, and discipline — not just physical ability. Here is what each belt represents.
Building a Daily Practice at Home
Simple drills and habits you can do between classes to accelerate your progress and reinforce the muscle memory you build in the dojo.
Martial Arts Values That Shape Great Leaders
Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control — explore how the universal tenets of Tae Kwon Do translate into everyday life and leadership.
Tae Kwon Do for Stress Relief
Physical training combined with mindful discipline creates a powerful natural remedy for modern stress, anxiety, and restlessness.
Our Partner
In Collaboration With
Bala-ram School of Self-Defense is proudly hosted at Gita Valley — a peaceful, nature-filled retreat center in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. The serene environment deepens focus and provides an ideal setting for authentic martial arts training. Visit gitavalley.org to learn more.
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Experience
Class Schedule
Classes start August 22!
Kids (7-12)
Fridays 5:30pm
Saturdays 10:30am
Sundays 10:30am
Mondays 5:30pm
Adults (+13)
Fridays 6:35pm
Saturdays 11:35am
Sundays 11:35am
Mondays 6:35pm
Enrollment & Pricing
Affordable Training for Every Family
Explore flexible pricing options that fit your schedule and fitness goals.
$50
/mo
Special
Pre-Opening Discount*
$40
/mo
* Enroll by July 31 to lock in your discount through July 2027. Pricing will return to the regular rate starting August 2027.
Fri & Mon — 5:30 PM
Sat & Sun — 10:30 AM
$70
/mo
Special
Pre-Opening Discount*
$60
/mo
* Enroll by July 31 to lock in your discount through July 2027. Pricing will return to the regular rate starting August 2027.
Fri & Mon — 6:35 PM
Sat & Sun — 11:35 AM
10% off
per family member
Special
Pre-Opening Discount*
15% off
per family member
* Enroll by July 31 to lock in your discount through July 2027. Pricing will return to the regular rate starting August 2027.
Two or more family members enrolled
READY TO SAVE EVEN MORE?
🥋Free Uniform with +3 Month Plan
💰Multi-Month Discounts Available
1 Month
Adults: $60
Kids: $40
3 Months
Adults:
$171
Kids: $124
5% Savings
POPULAR
6 Months
Adults:
$324
Kids: $216
10% Savings
1 Year
Adults:
$612
Kids: $408
15% Savings
* Enroll by July 31 to lock in your discount through July 2027. Pricing will return to the regular rate starting August 2027.
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FAQs
Answers to some TaeKwonDo Questions
How do I get started with Tae Kwon Do?
You're welcome to purchase a drop-in class and join us on the mat, or come observe a class for free to see what it's all about. No experience is necessary. Sign up before July 31st to secure our special introductory pricing.
What equipment do I need for class?
Beginners only need comfortable workout clothes to start. When you enroll for 3 months or more, you will receive a free dobok (uniform). As you progress, sparring gear may be recommended
How old do students need to be?
We welcome students from age 7 to 70. Kids ages 7–12 train in dedicated age-appropriate sessions, while youth and adults ages 13 and up have their own classes tailored to their development level and goals
What if I have no martial arts experience?
No experience is needed at all. Our classes are designed to welcome complete beginners and guide them step by step. Every black belt in history started exactly where you are right now.
Can students earn official belt rankings?
Yes. With regular attendance and dedicated practice, students become eligible for official belt examinations before the authorized Board of Masters of the ChinMuKwan Tae Kwon Do Federation (CTF).
What are the benefits of regular Tae Kwon Do training?
Regular practice builds strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness while developing discipline, focus, confidence, and stress resilience. Students also gain real self-defense skills and a deeper sense of purpose and community.
Train with purpose. Grow in character.
Join us at Bala-ram School of Self-Defense — where martial arts meets personal transformation in the heart of Juniata County.
Address
534 Gita Nagari Road, Port Royal Pennsylvania 17082
Call Us
(814) 810-7768
© 2026 Balaram School of Defense - All Rights Reserved.