08/31/2026
Dear TKD Family,
It has been both my pleasure and honor to lead this wonderful Taekwondo school since opening its doors in early 2019. Some of my favorite lifelong memories were made here—teaching classes, participating in local community events and demonstrations, and traveling with you all to tournaments as both a competitor and coach. I will cherish these memories forever.
With that said, over the next several weeks, I will be closing this chapter of my life and moving closer to my physical therapy school, where I will also have family nearby for support. This move will give me the time and support I need to successfully complete my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This decision was not made lightly. McMurray’s Family Taekwondo has been the central focus of my life for many years, and saying goodbye to the school is incredibly bittersweet.
Our final Testing for Rank Promotion will take place Monday, August 31 through Saturday, September 5.
The following week, classes will focus on preparing for the Southwest FL Martial Arts Open Tournament. Regular classes will be canceled on Saturday, September 12th in lieu of the tournament.
Our final regular class will be September 14, with a very appropriate theme: FUN DAY!
September 16 will be our Final Awards Ceremony in the gym at 5:30pm. I hope it gives us a special and meaningful opportunity for closure as we all move forward into new endeavors.
It is common in life that when one door closes, others open. A new door that I am happy to announce the opening of is that of TIGERSHARK MARTIAL ARTS.
It’s official!
Ms. Taylor and Whitney are excited to announce the grand opening of Tiger Shark Martial Arts 🐯🦈
There will be the same curriculum, same ranking system, same energy — new name. They are keeping our Taekwondo Family together, and Ms. Taylor looks forward to welcoming all of you into the Tiger Shark Family. Registration and other information is still to come, but they will keep everyone informed as the details come together.
Please feel free to see Ms. Taylor and/or Whitney at the dojang with any questions or ideas.
As for me, martial arts have been—and always will be—an important part of my life. Closing the school does not mean I am retiring from or quitting martial arts. I plan to continue training more casually in this next chapter and finding ways to keep martial arts in my life as a Student Physical Therapist.
More than anything, I hope each of you continues pursuing the things in life that excite and challenge you, whether that includes martial arts or leads you somewhere completely new. Being part of your growth in Mind, Body, and Self through Taekwondo has been a true honor. I hope the Confidence, Integrity, and Indomitable Spirit developed through training stay with you for life.
And please, do not be strangers! I am always just a phone call, text, or social media message away.
Sincerely,
Mr. McMurray 🥋
Fourth Degree Black Belt
Nationally Certified Instructor
