About Us
Building champions in life and in martial arts
A Christian-based martial arts academy in San Antonio, Texas: professional, established, active, and family-oriented.
Who We Are
Different from the average martial arts school
At Christian Taekwondo League (CTL), we don't sell belts. We build warriors. We stand for discipline, faith, respect, and real growth, and we develop the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Our students train in traditional Taekwondo and American Tang Soo Do, Filipino martial arts, and practical self-defense. Every class includes warm-ups, skill drills, sparring or self-defense practice, and a moment of reflection where instructors share biblical insights on perseverance, humility, and courage.
- Hall of Fame School
- Headquarters of The Karate Association
- Headquarters of the U.S. Martial Arts Team – South Texas Region
- Rated 5.0 on Google by our families
The CTL Promise
Train with confidence. Guaranteed.
If you or your child don't feel stronger, more confident, and more focused after 30 days of consistent training, we will personally sit down with you and make it right.
No contracts
Month to month. We earn your family's trust every class, not with a signature.
No pressure
Your first class is free. Meet the instructors, feel the culture, then decide.
No shortcuts
Just real training, real accountability, and real results. Belts are earned here.
Our Founder
Master Jose "Ram" Ramirez
Founder, Owner & Chief Instructor. Head Coach of the U.S. Martial Arts Team – South Texas Region.
Master Ram has more than 34 years in martial arts, beginning at age 17 in American Tang Soo Do. He holds a 5th Dan in Taekwondo and a 4th Dan in American Tang Soo Do, and he is a retired United States Navy Petty Officer First Class with 20 years of service.
He leads CTL with the conviction that martial arts should build people, not just athletes. Under his leadership CTL became a Hall of Fame school, the headquarters of The Karate Association, and the home of the U.S. Martial Arts Team's South Texas Region.
Awards & Recognition
Marquis Who's Who Honored Listee, 2026. Among many honors, including induction into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Master of the Year.
Our Values
What we stand for
Respect & Discipline
Students learn to honor their instructors, their training partners, and their parents. Discipline is practiced until it becomes character.
Focus & Confidence
Every technique earned through repetition builds the confidence that shows up in the classroom, at work, and at home.
Safety & Leadership
Real self-defense taught in a safe, controlled environment, and the heart to lead and serve others.
Affiliations
Proudly connected
The Karate Association
CTL is the headquarters of The Karate Association (TKA), led by President GM Johnny Thompson.
Visit TKAU.S. Martial Arts Team
Our competitive team trains athletes to represent the United States at national and international championships.
USMAT South Texas