Advantage Martial Arts was opened in March of 2015 by Master Sugar with the goal of having a place where families can come together to train in Tae Kwon Do.
We believe Martial Arts should be a fun experience, and the process should be simple. We offer no games, no hassles, and a no-pressure experience. This is how we conduct business day in and day out. For more information or to start a free one-week trial, stop by the school at 2506 Plantside Drive.
Our hours of operation are:
Monday: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 4:30 pm-9:00 pm
Wednesday: 5:15 pm – 7:45 pm
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 9:40 am – 11:30 am
Sunday: CLOSED
Michael Sugar
Master Instructor/Owner
Michael Sugar is the Owner and Master Instructor of Advantage Martial Arts. He opened Advantage Martial Arts with the Knoop family in the heart of J-Town in March 2015. Michael started his training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 10 and began to assist in classes at the age of 14. It was then he realized helping others, especially children, was his passion. He knew from his own personal experience as a child with attention issues that Tae Kwon Do is a great activity to help children succeed. Tae Kwon Do instills positive character traits like discipline, focus, respect, and a hard work ethic.
Michael’s motivation to break off and start Advantage Martial Arts comes from his desire to have a studio with a family-friendly environment that accepts any child who has the willingness to learn. He doesn’t believe in gimmicks and cheap sales techniques. He believes a great instructor staff, knowledge of the art, and a friendly attitude are enough for a great program.
Michael attended Bellarmine University and graduated from Bellarmine with an MBA in 2021. He’s currently a 5th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Christian Graham
Senior Instructor/Owner
Christian Graham, Co-Owner of Advantage Martial Arts, began practicing Tae Kwon Do at the age of 4. However, financial challenges forced him to step away for a few years. Once his family’s circumstances improved, Christian was able to return to Tae Kwon Do. His passion for the art truly ignited when Michael Sugar noticed him sitting bored at his sister’s swim practice and encouraged him to take a class. The supportive and welcoming atmosphere of Advantage Martial Arts reminds Christian of that pivotal moment. He loves how the dojang feels like a family, embracing both students and instructors with warmth and encouragement. To Christian, Advantage is more than a martial arts school—it’s a community where everyone can grow, connect, and feel at home.
When Michael opened Advantage Martial Arts, Christian was among the first students to follow him to the new dojang. There, he went on to achieve his 3rd-degree black belt and begin his instructing journey at the age of 12. Christian was quiet and reserved as a child, partly due to a speech impediment, but through Tae Kwon Do, he gained confidence and sharpened his public speaking skills. Teaching and mentoring students has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey, and he takes pride in fostering the same personal growth in others that the martial arts gave him.
Master Welsh
Adult Class Instructor
Todd Welsh is a 6th Degree black belt in Taekwondo and a second degree in Gojushorei Weapons Systems. He started Taekwondo in fall of 1989 at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. He started teaching in 2001 at Bellarmine University in Louisville.
Todd believes that when you improve yourself in a safe and controlled place like a martial arts studio you are in fact training yourself to improve in life. Things like working outside your comfort zone, setting goals and working at an individual pace are all excellent life skills regardless of age.
When not teaching Todd is a software developer. He authored the scoring and tournament management software called GUSS which is used at AAU regional and national competitions.
