Cho's Martial Arts, a community institution in downtown West Bend, Wisconsin for over three decades, has announced it will be moving to a new, larger facility. The family-run school, which has been at its Main Street location for 35 years, is relocating to a modern space to better accommodate its students and allow for future growth.
The decision was shared with students and their families during a belt promotion ceremony on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The move marks a significant transition for the business, founded by Grandmaster Won Cho and now co-managed by his daughter, Kaylyn Cho.
Key Takeaways
- After 35 years, Cho's Martial Arts is leaving its downtown West Bend location.
- The school is moving to a larger, more modern facility off Highway 33 and 15th Avenue.
- Reasons for the move include changing downtown dynamics, parking challenges, and the need for a more family-friendly environment.
- The school serves between 150 and 200 active members and plans to introduce new programs at the new location.
A Downtown Landmark for Generations
For 35 years, the wide front windows of Cho's Martial Arts have been a familiar sight on Main Street in West Bend. The school has become an integral part of the downtown landscape, serving multiple generations of families in the community.
Established by Grandmaster Won Cho, the martial arts studio has built a legacy based on discipline, respect, and community involvement. His daughter, Kaylyn Cho, who grew up with the school as a central part of her life, helps manage its daily operations.
"We’ve been downtown for over 35 years—my father started that location before I was even born," Kaylyn Cho stated. "It’s been such a big part of our lives and of the community. We’ve watched generations of students come through our doors."
By the Numbers
- 35+ years: The duration Cho's Martial Arts has operated from its downtown West Bend location.
- 150-200: The approximate number of active members currently training at the school.
- 2 generations: The Cho family has led the school since its inception.
Evolving Needs Prompt a Strategic Move
While the downtown location holds significant sentimental value, the decision to relocate was driven by practical considerations and a vision for the school's future. According to the management, the changing environment of the downtown area played a key role in the decision.
"Over the years, the downtown atmosphere has changed," Kaylyn Cho explained. "It doesn’t feel quite as family oriented as it used to be, and parking has always been a challenge."
The search for a new home focused on finding a space that addressed these concerns while providing new opportunities. The primary goals were to secure a location that offered improved safety for children, easier access and parking for parents, and sufficient space to expand the school's offerings.
"We wanted a space that’s safer for children, easier for parents, and gives us room to grow."
Addressing Community Concerns
The Cho family acknowledges that change can be difficult, especially for an institution with such deep roots in one location. They are focused on ensuring a smooth and positive transition for their large student base, which includes children, teens, and adults.
"We know not everyone loves change," Kaylyn said. "But we’re doing everything we can to make this a positive, exciting experience for everyone. This isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning."
Official communication detailing the move is scheduled to be sent to all students and families on Monday, with ongoing updates planned for the school's website and social media channels.
A New Chapter for Cho's Martial Arts
The school's new home will be located off Highway 33 and 15th Avenue in West Bend. The new facility represents a significant upgrade in both size and amenities, paving the way for the next phase of the school's evolution.
About the New Location
The new facility is situated in a more accessible area of West Bend, away from the increasing congestion and parking limitations of the downtown core. This strategic placement is intended to better serve families traveling from different parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The larger space will not only provide a better training environment for existing classes but also allow for the introduction of new programs that were not possible in the previous location. This expansion is a key part of the school's strategy to enhance its value to the community.
"It’s going to be a lot bigger and more modern," Kaylyn Cho noted. "We’ll be able to offer some exciting new programs we haven’t offered before. It’s really an opportunity to take what we’ve built and expand on it."
Looking to the Future with Gratitude
As they prepare for the move, the Cho family has expressed gratitude for the decades of support from the West Bend community. The downtown studio will always be a foundational part of their history, but the focus is now firmly on the future.
The core principles of the martial arts program—discipline, respect, and family—will remain the same. The new location is seen as a new platform to continue this mission for decades to come.
"Downtown will always be a part of our story," Kaylyn concluded. "But we’re looking forward to this next chapter—and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new home." The school anticipates a seamless transition and looks forward to beginning classes in the new, state-of-the-art facility soon.
