Desert Taekwondo
Desert Taekwondo is a taekwondo school serving Tucson, AZ.
About Desert Taekwondo
Desert Taekwondo is a taekwondo school serving Tucson, with a curriculum centered on technique, self-defense, discipline, and control. The school describes its work as developing martial artists who demonstrate both skill and character. Its website presents Desert Taekwondo as a family-owned and operated business with a long history in Tucson, along with programs and information for children, adults, new students, and members progressing through the belt system.
The school offers children's programming identified for ages 5 through 12, as well as an adult program. Its website also says that Grand Master Brian R. Malm has spent his life teaching self-defense and Taekwondo to men, women, and children ages 3 and up. The school's curriculum places importance on controlled movement, technical development, and personal discipline. Information on the site covers the class schedule, frequently asked questions, testing requirements, and recommended material for students working toward higher ranks.
Desert Taekwondo teaches the ITF Chang Hon style of Taekwon-Do, including the style's distinctive sine wave motion. The school explains that this movement uses an up-and-down motion of the body during a technique, with the intent of generating maximum power. The website also provides instructional videos for students at several stages, including white, yellow, green, blue, and red belt levels. A member area includes belt information, video resources, testing requirements, and information about black belt promotions, giving students material to review beyond their regular training.
Instruction is led by Grand Master Brian R. Malm, identified on the website as a 9th Dan. His biography states that he began martial arts training at age 5 and received his black belt in 1988, after which he began teaching Taekwondo. The site also recognizes Grand Master Gary L. Smith, who was promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt. Desert Taekwondo maintains a Masters Council and Testing Board, reflecting the school's structured approach to instruction and rank advancement.
The school's website records several milestones from its history. In 2016, Desert Taekwondo described itself as being in business for more than 37 years and highlighted family ownership, quality instruction, a premium training facility, low rates, and family discounts. In 2019, it marked a 30th anniversary with a student video and a lifetime progression video featuring Grand Master Malm's training history. The anniversary material also thanked students whose participation helped shape the school's atmosphere and legacy. In 2024, six Desert Taekwondo students earned first-place World Champion titles in their respective black belt divisions at the United Taekwondo Alliance Online World Championship.
Desert Taekwondo is located in Tucson and provides several ways for prospective and current students to learn more before beginning or continuing training. The website includes a new student section, program information, a schedule, an FAQ, instructor biographies, and contact information. Visitors can expect an organized taekwondo program with age-specific offerings, belt-level resources, technical instruction, and an emphasis on self-defense, discipline, and control.