Georgia Elite Taekwondo
Taekwondo in Forest Park – Developing Champions in Life Through Taekwondo
FROM FIRST CLASS TO THE WORLD STAGE
Welcome To
Georgia Elite Taekwondo
Welcome to Georgia Elite Taekwondo in Forest Park – a family-oriented school for the entire community! Our mission has been and will continue to be a cornerstone for everyone in Forest Park. We know what Taekwondo can do for people, and want to change lives for the better, one person at a time. You can walk throughout our doors having never practiced martial arts and develop into who you want to be. Whether you want to get in better shape, build confidence, learn traditional Taekwondo, earn your black belt, or compete at the highest levels, there is something for you! We make sure to individualize each student’s experience, helping kids, adults, beginners, hobbyists, and competitors all work toward their personal goals. With decades of experience, programs for all levels, and a culture second to none, Georgia Elite Taekwondo has everything you need to succeed!
Book a FREE Trial Week!
Start training with us at Georgia Elite Taekwondo through our trial. Get kicking in your first week of Taekwondo classes for FREE!
The Georgia Elite Way
At Georgia Elite Taekwondo, we follow our cultural practice – The Georgia Elite Way. This follows our mission to develop the person just as much as the martial artist or athlete. We ask all our students to take ownership of preparation, attitude, effort, communication, and conduct.
Discipline
Do the work consistently – especially when motivation is low.
Accountability
Own choices, preparation, deadlines, equipment, and behavior.
Coachability
Listen, apply feedback, ask productive questions, and respond without excuses.
Professionalism
Represent GETKD with composure, respect, punctuality, and appropriate appearance.
Team First
Support teammates and understand that individual behavior affects the entire training environment.
Continuous Improvement
Measure progress against yesterday and pursue the next level with patience.
Performance Principle
Talent creates opportunity. Habits determine what an athlete does with it.
Who We Are at
Georgia Elite Taekwondo
Our School
At Georgia Elite Taekwondo, everything we do centers around developing the person while developing the martial artist. We work to help each individual reach their full potential while becoming a great athlete. We do this with high-level Taekwondo techniques while fostering a positive culture. All our classes are upbeat and always encouraging students to have fun during training. At the same time, we make sure every student stays connected to the group while pursuing their own individual goals, giving their best every day. Beginners can embark on their newfound adventure while competitors can become a part of our elite competition team and succeed locally, nationally, or internationally. You can start anywhere and reach the goals you put your mind to! Everyone here is set up to be their best self through Taekwondo!
History
Georgia Elite Taekwondo started with Coach Roland and Coach Makesha wanting to bring their own vision to the local training community. In 2016, they opened our doors, soon bringing on Coach Mookie to the group, rounding out a core who deeply cares for helping others through Taekwondo. Throughout the years, the highly experienced team has transformed the school into a complete student and athlete development center capable of serving anyone. Every student walks in for a different reason, and the team makes sure to find out each student’s why and discover how to help them achieve their goals. We want to build champions in sport, but more importantly, we want to develop confident, disciplined, respectful, and capable people. As we continue into the second decade of our school, we’re determined to help everyone become strong, more complete students who are furthering into our athletic development program.
Home of the Georgia Rumble
We are opening registration early this year to give every school and athlete plenty of time to prepare. The Georgia Rumble continues to grow, and early access ensures teams can plan, train, and secure their place before divisions fill.
The Georgia Rumble has earned its reputation as one of Georgia’s strongest martial arts events. In previous years, we have welcomed well over 200 athletes from more than 30 schools, with teams traveling from across the country to compete. The atmosphere has been intense, focused, and full of real talent.
For 2027, we are building on that momentum.
Athletes of all ages and ranks will compete in Olympic-style sparring, poomsae, board breaking, and demonstration events. The environment is organized, competitive, and designed to highlight preparation and skill.
Schools are not simply attending. They are preparing for this. They are traveling for this. They are arriving ready.
Whether you are competing, coaching, or supporting from the stands, you can expect strong matchups, disciplined athletes, and a tournament experience that reflects the work everyone puts in.
If you are serious about testing your skills, this is the place to do it.
— Head Coach, Roland Thomas, Jr.
Meet The Team
The Georgia Elite Taekwondo Instructors
The team at Georgia Elite Taekwondo is as experienced as it gets. They have trained for decades and have seen the many changes in the art. Each day, students are met by coaches who are invested in their growth and development in and out of the school. Take a look below to meet our leaders!
Coach Roland Thomas Jr.
Head Coach, Hellcats Competition Team
Coach Roland Thomas Jr. is the head coach of the Hellcats Competition Team at Georgia Elite Taekwondo. Under his leadership, he’s guided first-time martial artists into national and international champions.
Hellcats athletes have earned national rankings, competed against the world’s best, and medaled at major international events, including Pan Ams and WT-level competitions.
Coach Thomas’s coaching style is hands-on and uncompromising — built on discipline, mental toughness, and real competitive readiness. As the architect of the Hellcats program, he’s created a culture where serious work, high standards, and long-term development turn potential into results.
Coach Makesha Yarbrough
Head of Traditional Program
Coach Makesha Yarbrough brings over 30 years of taekwondo experience as a competitor, educator, and mentor. She’s a three-time AAU National Champion and two-time National Team member.
She balances the intensity of the Hellcats with a structured, encouraging presence. Her work with kids and families shines through in her patient instruction and emphasis on confidence and respect.
Coach Makesha also serves as vice chair within USA Taekwondo’s referee program, and holds both World Taekwondo International Referee and USAT Referee credentials — insight that strengthens our athletes’ competition IQ.
As head of the traditional program, she anchors the fundamentals and culture of the school.
Coach Mookie
Strength, Conditioning & Mobility Coach
Coach Mookie brings over 25 years of martial arts experience to Georgia Elite Taekwondo. A national and international competitor, he’s developed a deep understanding of high-performance training and the competitive mindset it takes to win.
A former collegiate wrestler, Coach Mookie also brings a strong grappling foundation to GETKD’s program — giving students an edge in balance, body control, and overall athletic development.
As GETKD’s strength, conditioning, and mobility coach, he focuses on movement quality and injury prevention, helping athletes at every level build durable, confident performance. He also teaches traditional classes, blending core martial arts values with a modern sports-performance approach.
Known for his energy, technical knowledge, and athlete-first mindset, Coach Mookie is a key part of the GETKD team — helping students grow stronger on and off the mat.
Our School Schedule!
Go check out our weekly schedule. We have Taekwondo classes every day of the week so everyone can get to work!
Georgia Elite Taekwondo Programs
You don’t have to come to Georgia Taekwondo already knowing Taekwondo or already being a great athlete. We develop you. You can come in as a beginner and your path might be fitness, black belt, traditional martial arts, competition, or even national and international competition. All our programs follow the Georgia Elite Way, placing a heavy emphasis on hard work, community, and being the best person you can be. Check out our different programs to see what is best fit for you!
Traditional Taekwondo
(ages 4+)
Our Traditional Taekwondo classes focus heavily on the basics. Our instructors emphasize poomsae, going over basic kicks and forms for defensive and offensive movements. On top of that, we follow the five tenets of Taekwondo to help children and adults become the best they can be as people. It’s an all-around program where students develop their technical skills, life skills, physical abilities, and so much more!
Adult Taekwondo
(ages 14+)
Students of any age can begin their journey in Taekwondo. Our Adult Taekwondo classes are designed to help students of all skill levels – from beginners to competitors – make the most of their training and continue to develop their game. Students become better martial artists while improving self-defense, fitness, and more!
Sport Taekwondo
Our Sport Taekwondo program helps students take their skills to the next level. Our travel team learns more advanced techniques that can be used against high-level opponents. Alongside their technical growth, we also work with students to improve strength, conditioning, mobility, recovery, and nutrition in a structured system set up for great development. We develop athletes physically while also working on their fighting strategy to become a high-level competitor.
Private Lesson
Are you looking to train one-on-one with one of our coaches? You can sign up for private lessons to reach your goals with personalized instruction.
Words from Our Community
Georgia Elite Taekwondo offers everyone a special experience in Taekwondo. We can help adults with fitness and self-defense while providing children with a great place to develop as athletes and individuals. You can take a look at our student testimonials to see what makes us the perfect place for your journey!
“I love how invested they are in the kids. GETKD provides an environment for personal growth, discipline, health, wellness, and camaraderie! Keep up the good work!”
“This is the perfect place to be pushed. My daughter is a day one student and what she has accomplished in the past 8 years has set the foundation for her taekwondo career.”
“Critical thinking, focusing, confidence, and many more. This can be seen in many of the students. It’s safe to say we’ll be around for a while.”
Book a FREE Trial Week!
Start training with us at Georgia Elite Taekwondo through our trial. Get kicking in your first week of Taekwondo classes for FREE!
Contact Us
Begin training at Georgia Elite Taekwondo in Forest Park! We welcome all those in Morrow, Jonesboro, Riverdale, and Atlanta to join us for a special experience in Taekwondo. You can find us in the retail strip center on Jonesboro Road!