Netflix’s animated movie K-pop Demon Hunters has taken families around the world by storm with its colorful visuals, high-energy beats, and over-the-top action. It’s a film where Korean idols by day secretly battle demons by night using martial arts and enchanted traditional korean weapons. It’s fun, fast-paced, and it pays clear homage to real-world martial arts traditions and Asian culture.
One exciting tidbit for martial arts fans: a member of the world-renowned Taekwondo group K-Tigers served as the martial arts director for the movie. That’s right, behind the flashing kicks and whirlwind spins is someone who truly understands the discipline and artistry of martial arts.
While the fight scenes in K-pop Demon Hunters are magical (literally), some of the movement and rhythm of the characters are grounded in real martial arts principles making it not just fun to watch, but inspiring too. Especially for kids.
Let’s be real: nobody’s doing backflips off demon skulls or summoning mystical weapons in our classes at Innovative Martial Arts Academy (IMAA). But there’s still a lot to appreciate in how K-pop Demon Hunters portrays martial arts.
Yes, it includes some fantasy elements, flying kicks that defy gravity and glowing swords with magical power, but there’s also evidence of good stances, proper timing, and even traditional forms hidden in the choreography. The characters are rooted in discipline and training. And that’s the bridge to IMAA.
While we don’t teach Taekwondo at IMAA, we offer a dynamic and diverse lineup of martial arts programs that emphasize respect, confidence, coordination, and fun.
Aikido focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them. It teaches redirection, balance, and calm under pressure, perfect for kids who want to feel strong without being aggressive.
Kenpo Karate builds quick reflexes and self-defense skills. It’s great for kids with high energy who enjoy structure and learning combinations.
Filipino Kali emphasizes coordination, weapon awareness (safely, of course), and flow. It’s ideal for kids who love patterns and games that test their agility.
If your child is just getting started, we have foundational classes as well. Lil’ Ninjas (for ages 3 to 5) introduces martial arts through fun, age-appropriate activities that develop motor skills, listening, and focus. Karate Kids (for ages 5 to 7) builds on those basics with real techniques and belt progression that encourages effort, not just results.
If your kids were wide-eyed during the action scenes in K-pop Demon Hunters, this could be the perfect time to channel that excitement into something real.
One of the reasons K-pop Demon Hunters resonates is because it portrays martial artists as heroes who protect others, work as a team, and rise to challenges with discipline and heart. That’s not just movie magic, it’s what martial arts is really all about.
At IMAA, we see firsthand how martial arts helps kids grow. They build confidence as they earn new skills and belts. They develop focus that carries over into schoolwork. They learn respect and self-discipline through consistent training. They make new friends in a supportive, encouraging environment. And they learn to handle both success and setbacks with maturity.
For many of our students, martial arts becomes more than an extracurricular, it becomes a personal journey.
Shows like K-pop Demon Hunters open the door to new cultural experiences and spark curiosity, not just about martial arts, but about Asian culture, music, and values like teamwork and perseverance.
We love that media like this is helping reshape how martial arts and Asian culture is viewed, not just as something serious or rigid, but as something creative, expressive, and cool. And we’re here for the parents who want to harness that enthusiasm for something positive and practical.
Let’s turn movie moments into real-life milestones. At IMAA, we’re not just teaching punches and kicks, we’re helping kids discover their potential. Contact us today to find the right class for your child. And who knows? The next martial arts role model might just be growing up in your living room.
At Innovative Martial Arts Academy, our Martial Arts training offers men, women, and children the opportunity to challenge their bodies and minds without the threat of injury and intimidation. Take on the best training in disciplines like Aikido, Kenpo Karate, and Kali, and build your skills one day at a time with the help of our dedicated instructors. Children ages 5-7 are encouraged to join our Young Dragons, and ages 3-5 are welcome in our Lil Ninjas program.
We are proud to serve families across Wake Forest, Wakefield and the surrounding area with a rewarding experience that can set you or your child up for success in all aspects of life. If you’re interested in learning about our martial arts program, contact us at 919.562.4663, or visit our website.
*Follow us on Instagram | Facebook
Take a look at some of our other articles about martial arts and IMAA’s course offerings? Check out the following related blog articles:
