Building Leaders Through Taekwondo

At Inner Strength Taekwondo, we believe martial arts is more than kicks and punches — it’s about building strong minds, strong bodies, and strong character.

Meet Our Instructor

Cassie Baker is a 4th Degree Black Belt and the Owner and Chief Instructor of Inner Strength Taekwondo (ISTKD). As a certified instructor with the Choong Sil Kwan Taekwondo Federation (CTF), she has dedicated her career to helping students build confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership through the practice of Taekwondo.

Cassie's Taekwondo journey began as a yellow belt. Even then, she knew she wanted to own a school and devote her life to teaching others. That dream became reality when she took ownership of ISTKD and developed it into a thriving community centered on respect, perseverance, and personal growth. Her commitment to excellence earned national recognition when Inner Strength Taekwondo was named CTF School of the Year in 2022.

As an active competitor, Cassie believes instructors should continue learning, growing, and leading by example. She represented Team USA at the 2026 UTTC World Cup in Canada, earning Gold in Point Sparring, Silver in Continuous Sparring, Bronze in Individual Forms, and Bronze in Team Forms. Her Team USA sparring team also earned a fourth-place finish after facing another CTF USA team in the medal rounds. She previously earned Silver in TAGB World Sparring (Middleweight) in 2025 and Bronze in the TAGB World Team Competition in 2023.

For Cassie, Taekwondo is about far more than kicks and punches. It is a path to developing confidence, character, resilience, and integrity. Her mission is to help every student become stronger inside and out while creating a positive environment where children and adults alike gain skills that serve them for life.

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Who We Are

Inner Strength Taekwondo (ISTKD) is a family-focused martial arts academy in Mobile, Alabama, dedicated to helping students of all ages build confidence, discipline, and resilience—on and off the mat.

Founded on the principles of honor, respect, perseverance, and integrity, ISTKD provides a supportive environment where every student is encouraged to discover their full potential. From Little Dragons (ages 4–6) to Kids, Teens, and Adults, our programs are designed to teach more than just self-defense—they teach life skills that last a lifetime.

ISTKD is proudly affiliated with the Choong Sil Kwan Taekwondo Federation (CTF) and follows a structured curriculum that blends traditional Taekwondo values with modern teaching methods. Students learn goal-setting, focus, confidence, and leadership in a safe and motivating atmosphere led by certified instructors.

In 2022, Inner Strength Taekwondo was named “School of the Year” for excellence in instruction, community involvement, and student development. That same commitment to excellence continues to drive everything we do—from after-school and summer programs to leadership training and competition teams.

At ISTKD, we believe true strength comes from within. Our mission is to empower students to face every challenge with confidence, kindness, and courage—because when you build inner strength, you can achieve anything.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple, to help every student become the best version of themselves. Through martial arts, we teach focus, confidence, respect, and resilience that extends beyond the mat into everyday life.

We believe in developing leaders, not just martial artists, but individuals who can inspire others, take initiative, and make a positive impact in their schools, homes, and communities.

Our Programs

  • Little Dragons (Ages 4–6): Fun, focus, and fundamentals.

  • Kids Martial Arts (Ages 7–12): Confidence, discipline, and life skills.

  • Teen & Adult Classes: Strength, fitness, and empowerment.

  • Leadership Program: A multi-level system designed to teach students how to lead themselves and others.

Why Families Choose ISTKD

✔️ Safe, structured, and family-friendly environment
✔️ Certified instructors with years of experience
✔️ Positive, encouraging atmosphere
✔️ Proven life skill curriculum
✔️ Opportunities for competition, leadership, and growth

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 Yuliya CA profile picture 
 
 
 Yuliya CA 
 
September 22, 2025
 
 
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Amazing Taekwondo studio! The instructors are skilled and caring. Cassie Baker has a wonderful way with kids, and my son truly enjoys every class.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Linda Weaver profile picture 
 
 
 Linda Weaver 
 
July 12, 2025
 
 
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I am seeing several negative reviews all within a few minutes of each other . They are all mentioning Master Hoadley. My 6 grandchildren have been taking  Tkd at Inner Strength for 6 years. They started when  Master Hoadley was there and continued after he left . While my grandchildren enjoyed Master Hoadley’s teaching it was not the same level of quality that the current owner ,Cassie Baker, has  exhibited. Under Ms Baker 4 of my grandchildren have achieved their black belts . My oldest granddaughter is the 1st ever National Champion representing Inner Strength . Master Hoadley did not produce National Champions . Also under Ms.Baker that same granddaughter has been chosen to represent  USA at the Taekwondo World Championships twice. In England in 2023 she won 3rd in sparring and 2nd in team sparring. She leaves for her second World Championship in Scotland next week. I really believe the person saying that the school isn’t any good since Master Hoadley left must be a troll .  The success of the students under Ms. Baker has been outstanding and speaks for itself! . We love Inner Strength.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Fidei In time profile picture 
 
 
 Fidei In time 
 
July 12, 2025
 
 
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We don’t recommend this taekwondo studio… For the simple reason that in their after school program, my son was enrolled for three years. Three years is not long enough for them to realize he’s missing.
Recently, he fell asleep in one of their after school care pick up vans as he often did… He woke up an hour later realizing the van was parked and he was alone, no one was there, but he was. He looked around and figured out how to unlock the van himself, at the age of nine, because like our car- there was red on the lock. He went inside and notified staff He just woke up from the van, to which the owner Cassie Baker stated, “well that’s never happened before.“  she stated to us she wouldn’t even be mad if we unenrolled him from the afterschool care program.

He could have died. If it were 10 degrees hotter outside he could have died. It was in the 70’s  that day though. Despite it being, “one mistake in five years”. He could have died. Nolan, who saw all of them as his family, my son, might be dead for the poor hiring and frequent turnover of staff, the inability to even check vehicles once for children.

ITS A SHAME THE RESPONSE TO THIS POST CANT BE RESPONDED TO AS MISLEADING AS IT WILL BE. DONT BE FOOLED. TURNOVER IS HIGH AT THIS PLACE, AND THE LACK OF CARE OVER THE “EXPERIENCE” WE HAD ALMOST RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A CHILD. IT WAS AN 80 DEGREE DAY.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Alan Wade Griffith profile picture 
 
 
 Alan Wade Griffith 
 
July 1, 2025
 
 
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I took tae kwon do here for about 7 years. Learned quite a bit, got a black belt, and gained a lot of confidence. Great people and a great afterschool program as well
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Georgette Riley profile picture 
 
 
 Georgette Riley 
 
June 6, 2025
 
 
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My son earned his Second Degree Black Belt here. Mrs. Baker is a phenomenal teacher who loves everything Taekwondo. You have to earn every step, but it's worth it. I love this school and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone interested in martial arts. You'll learn more than just taekwondo here for less than the tuition of most taekwondo schools in the area.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Myrex Martinez profile picture 
 
 
 Myrex Martinez 
 
March 22, 2025
 
 
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Inner Strength Taekwondo has truly become our second family! My three kids and husband all attend, and we absolutely love the experience. The instructors foster a positive, supportive environment that encourages growth and achievement in Taekwondo. We’re always excited to see the kids progress in their training, and we’re proud of their accomplishments. Their summer camp program offers a wonderful balance of enrichment and fun, making it the perfect mix of learning and enjoyment. I also really appreciate the traditional approach to Taekwondo — if you’re not ready to move up to the next belt, they won’t promote you, which ensures a true mastery of the skills. Another highlight is the unique tradition of memorizing a Bible verse for each color belt. It adds a meaningful spiritual dimension to their training, which I love. Inner Strength is truly a gem!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Morgan Hayes profile picture 
 
 
 Morgan Hayes 
 
August 30, 2024
 
 
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My twins go here for after school care and love it so much!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 E West profile picture 
 
 
 E West 
 
July 19, 2024
 
 
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My son has gained life long friends and skills that have helped him in all areas of his life.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kristi Tanner profile picture 
 
 
 Kristi Tanner 
 
October 18, 2023
 
 
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If you're looking for a top-notch taekwondo studio, look no further than Inner Strength Taekwondo.

The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll find classes that are both challenging and rewarding.

The facilities are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you need to get the most out of your training.

The instructors are patient and supportive, and they work hard to create a safe and supportive environment where you can learn and grow.

Overall, I highly recommend Inner Strength Taekwondo studio to anyone who is looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding way to stay in shape and learn self-defense.