ANDREW PARRA

Director of Tae Kwon Do Program

Andrew has taught Tae Kwon Do for more than 20 years and has been with Gymtime since 1995. An innovator in the field of childhood martial arts, he was one of the first instructors in the country to adapt the ancient principles of Tae Kwon Do as a teaching tool for young children.

A lifelong devotee of the martial arts, Andrew is a sixth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He participated in competitive Tae Kwon Do while a student at Penn State University, and has also trained in Judo and Jiu Jitsu.

A rare find in Western culture, Andrew was one of the first teachers to realize that the principles and philosophy of this Korean martial art are a perfect vehicle for teaching young children confidence, discipline, listening skills, structure, restraint and how to find inner balance and harmony.

By emphasizing kicking techniques, Tae Kwon Do teaches children to use muscles they are not intimately familiar with, and helps develop core and lower body strength. Andrew’s decades of immersion in Tae Kwon Do philosophy ensures a safe, healthy learning environment that emphasizes the art’s non-violent traditions.

“Parents are constantly surprised by how much the calm, discipline and independence kids learn in Tae Kwon Do transfers to their behavior outside of class. I know from my own experience that these skills will help them throughout the rest of their lives.”
— Andrew

Chris Vollaro

Director of Gymnastics and Sports Program

Melissa van Wijk

Director of the Tiny Tot Fitness Program

Samantha Katorkas

Gymnastics Team Director

Andrew Parra

Director of Tae Kwon Do Program

Frank Torres

Security

Jessica Hayward

Head Teacher of Art and PEP