We are passionate about providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students to train; focusing on under-represented communities (neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+) and making martial arts available to those who might not otherwise find mainstream schools a good option.
Traditional Martial Arts
Develop respect, a commitment to self-improvement, perseverance to face challenges and success through strength of mind, body and character.
Practical Self-Defense
Grow your knowledge in the principles, legalities & morality of self-defense, and learn effective practical techniques to stay safe.
Diversity & Inclusion
Develop a fearless existence in a welcoming and safe environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. ALL are welcome!
Community Programs
Low cost programs through our partnership with the city of Gaithersburg & local schools. Build comradery with your community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help students build unshakable confidence, strengthen belief in oneself, and develop a fearless existence in a space where they can feel safe.
Our goal is to make martial arts accessible to EVERYONE and to train students to develop the control and discipline needed to protect themselves in a peaceful yet confident manner.
We will bring martial arts and self-defense training to you. We want students to learn in a setting that’s convenient and best suited to their needs.
Everyone Is Welcome!
We recognize each human is different and strive to build a safe training environment. Our programs help you to realize your significance and give you the confidence to lead an inclusive and fearless existence.
Traditional Martial Arts
Our martial arts curriculum practices a traditional Korean style interleaved with Japanese styles to form a comprehensive experience with a balance of traditional martial arts and practical self-defense.
Schools & Youth Centers
Our school & youth center programs offer after-school opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to at their home school, youth center or student union.
Class Size Matters
We keep class sizes small (10 or fewer) with a high instructor-to-student ratio. Students will receive focused instruction. There’s nothing more to know, it’s that simple!
Cardio Kickboxing
This program brings student-controlled fitness intensity to deliver a full-body workout at your pace. Watch your performance, strength and endurance improve.
Practical Self-Defense
Our training includes “classroom style” learning on best practices self-defense principles with a comprehensive curriculum of practical and easy-to-implement techniques.
College Bound?
Have solace in knowing your college student can be prepared with our introduction to self-defense program. We focus on the most common assaults seen on and near college campuses.
Traveling?
Understand ways you can prepare before your trip and how to stay safe while traveling, beyond just self-defense techniques. We focus on common vulnerabilities seen while traveling.
The Traveling Dojo Overview
We are a unique martial arts school with a flexible, travel-based model. In addition to training at our fixed locations in Gaithersburg and Damascus, MD, we also bring instruction directly to students at their homes, workplaces, and schools.
Watch our video to learn more about who we are and our unique approach.
The Traveling Dojo Difference
What separates us from other programs?
We are genuinely invested in providing both support and training to members of typically under-represented or marginalized communities. Each year we identify a charitable organization that aligns with our core values and donate a percentage of our net income. Our selected charitable organization this year is the Alliance Against Seclusion & Restraint (AASR). Please consider joining us in supporting AASR by clicking the image below to make a donation.
Jake Hersom
17:50 12 Mar 26
Traveling Dojo ran a clinic at our youth center and it was a big hit! Mark is an outstanding instructor and our kids loved every session. Highly recommend for anyone!
Jake Hersom
17:50 12 Mar 26
Traveling Dojo ran a clinic at our youth center and it was a big hit! Mark is an outstanding instructor and our kids loved every session. Highly recommend for anyone!
Yvette Leopardi
17:34 24 Feb 26
Master Mark is a phenomenal instructor. His martial arts background and teachings are impressive and this encourages all of his students to grasp better concepts of their forms and skills being learned. My children enjoy his class very much!
Yvette Leopardi
17:34 24 Feb 26
Master Mark is a phenomenal instructor. His martial arts background and teachings are impressive and this encourages all of his students to grasp better concepts of their forms and skills being learned. My children enjoy his class very much!
Molly Koehn
00:18 24 Feb 26
The place is overall neat and tidy, the workers are so incredibly understanding to the smaller kids, and I just love the atmosphere with master Mark and Miss Greta. The inclusiveness really makes the students feel safe and secure. Love it!
Molly Koehn
00:18 24 Feb 26
The place is overall neat and tidy, the workers are so incredibly understanding to the smaller kids, and I just love the atmosphere with master Mark and Miss Greta. The inclusiveness really makes the students feel safe and secure. Love it!
LORRAINE MOORE
20:15 15 Feb 26
Master Mark has made such a positive impact on my daughter. She told me she wishes karate was every day and that says it all!
He is patient, kind, and fantastic with kids, yet still brings energy, discipline, and passion to every class. We couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Highly recommend The Traveling Dojo to any parent starting their child’s karate journey!
He is patient, kind, and fantastic with kids, yet still brings energy, discipline, and passion to every class. We couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Highly recommend The Traveling Dojo to any parent starting their child’s karate journey!
LORRAINE MOORE
20:15 15 Feb 26
Master Mark has made such a positive impact on my daughter. She told me she wishes karate was every day and that says it all!
He is patient, kind, and fantastic with kids, yet still brings energy, discipline, and passion to every class. We couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Highly recommend The Traveling Dojo to any parent starting their child’s karate journey!
He is patient, kind, and fantastic with kids, yet still brings energy, discipline, and passion to every class. We couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Highly recommend The Traveling Dojo to any parent starting their child’s karate journey!
Irene Abdou
21:17 13 Feb 26
My boyfriend and I started 2-person private lessons with Mark for martial arts. He is a great instructor! He is skilled at breaking down steps and tailoring our classes to our level and goals. The lessons are fun! He also really cares about his students, and it’s obvious that he’s passionate about martial arts, teaching, and introducing newcomers to the craft. Thank you, Mark!!!
Irene Abdou
21:17 13 Feb 26
My boyfriend and I started 2-person private lessons with Mark for martial arts. He is a great instructor! He is skilled at breaking down steps and tailoring our classes to our level and goals. The lessons are fun! He also really cares about his students, and it’s obvious that he’s passionate about martial arts, teaching, and introducing newcomers to the craft. Thank you, Mark!!!
M&D Simantiras
13:54 13 Feb 26
I can’t say enough good things about the Traveling Dojo and Master Mark. His superb martial arts skills, deep knowledge, and ability to teach with clarity and patience have helped me tremendously. Master Mark goes beyond just technique—he focuses on discipline, confidence, and personal growth, which has made a real difference for me both on and off the mat.
The school’s format is incredibly convenient, and the instruction is consistently top-tier. If you’re looking for authentic martial arts training from a highly skilled and dedicated instructor, I highly recommend the Traveling Dojo.
The school’s format is incredibly convenient, and the instruction is consistently top-tier. If you’re looking for authentic martial arts training from a highly skilled and dedicated instructor, I highly recommend the Traveling Dojo.
M&D Simantiras
13:54 13 Feb 26
I can’t say enough good things about the Traveling Dojo and Master Mark. His superb martial arts skills, deep knowledge, and ability to teach with clarity and patience have helped me tremendously. Master Mark goes beyond just technique—he focuses on discipline, confidence, and personal growth, which has made a real difference for me both on and off the mat.
The school’s format is incredibly convenient, and the instruction is consistently top-tier. If you’re looking for authentic martial arts training from a highly skilled and dedicated instructor, I highly recommend the Traveling Dojo.
The school’s format is incredibly convenient, and the instruction is consistently top-tier. If you’re looking for authentic martial arts training from a highly skilled and dedicated instructor, I highly recommend the Traveling Dojo.
Iridium77
20:34 12 Feb 26
I am extremely happy with the Traveling Dojo. Master Mark is highly proficient in the Martial Arts and a great teacher! In just a short while, I have learned so much, including the importance of discipline and having a dedicated drive to take on the journey of bettering your martial arts skills and yourself as a person. I would highly recommend that if you are looking to learn the marital arts and build confidence as well as gain practical self-defense skills, the Traveling Dojo is the place to go. I’m very excited about the journey ahead. Thank you Master Mark.
Iridium77
20:34 12 Feb 26
I am extremely happy with the Traveling Dojo. Master Mark is highly proficient in the Martial Arts and a great teacher! In just a short while, I have learned so much, including the importance of discipline and having a dedicated drive to take on the journey of bettering your martial arts skills and yourself as a person. I would highly recommend that if you are looking to learn the marital arts and build confidence as well as gain practical self-defense skills, the Traveling Dojo is the place to go. I’m very excited about the journey ahead. Thank you Master Mark.