Celebrating 20 Years in Mission, Kansas

Over 56 Years of Martial Arts Experience. One 8,000 Sq Ft Training Facility.

For two decades, Shogun Tigers Youth Academy & Martial Fitness has been the trusted home for youth development through martial arts in Mission, KS. Our instructors bring more than half a century of combined experience to every class.

Scroll down to meet our team, tour our facility, and see why thousands of local families have trusted us with their children's growth.

Sensei David Park

5th Degree Black Belt — Head Instructor

With over 25 years of martial arts training and more than two decades of dedicated teaching, Sensei David Park founded Shogun Tigers on a simple belief: every child deserves a mentor who believes in their potential. A practitioner of Taekwondo and Hapkido, he holds multiple black belt certifications and has trained competitive youth athletes as well as students with sensory and developmental needs. His teaching philosophy centers on patience, positive reinforcement, and building genuine confidence from the ground up — making him a trusted figure for hundreds of Mission-area families.

Sensei Maria Cortez

3rd Degree Black Belt — Youth Development Specialist

Sensei Maria Cortez brings 18 years of martial arts experience and a background in childhood education to every class she teaches. A third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, she specializes in age-grouped curriculum design — tailoring instruction to the developmental stage of each child, from tiny tigers to competitive teens. Maria is the lead designer behind the academy's sensory-inclusive programming, bringing calm, structured, and joyful movement to children who benefit from adaptive approaches. Parents consistently note her warmth, attentiveness, and remarkable ability to connect with students who struggle in traditional settings.

Coach James Tran

1st Degree Black Belt — Fitness & Conditioning Coach

Coach James Tran joined the Shogun Tigers team with 13 years of martial arts experience and a passion for youth athletic development. Holding a first-degree black belt and certifications in youth fitness coaching, James leads the academy's martial fitness programming — blending functional movement, coordination drills, and age-appropriate conditioning with traditional martial arts discipline. His high-energy classes are a favorite among older students and teens, and his encouraging coaching style makes even challenging workouts feel achievable. James believes that physical confidence is the foundation for everything else a young person can accomplish.

Our Training Facility

8,000 square feet of dedicated training space designed to inspire, challenge, and develop young athletes. Explore the mat floor, fitness area, and student spaces that make Shogun Tigers a second home for our students.